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Post by Basket1lady on May 9, 2023 20:36:15 GMT
Stateside, we’ve taken the train from DC to NYC. It took about 5-6 hours, so less time than driving. The seats weren’t very comfortable and the train was “rockier” than I had anticipated, but it was a good trip and DH didn’t have to stress out driving in NYC. We didn’t have first class tickets, which may be more comfortable.
I’ve taken several trains around Europe and they are exponentially more comfortable with a smoother ride. But train travel is more comfortable in Europe. I love being able to get up and move around. As another person mentioned, luggage is more flexible and you don’t have to deal with TSA.
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Post by refugeepea on May 10, 2023 1:46:32 GMT
I've done AMTRAK trips many times! East coast trains are WAY different than the ones that go west. On the east coast, AMTRAK is generally very 'on time' and efficient.On the rest of the system, you are are the mercy of freight train traffic. They own the track, and AMTRAK goes when they say it can go, so you can run in to a lot of lateness. Crews can only work so many hours, so if a crew 'times out', then the train waits again for a new crew to be delivered to it. Do you know which train your riding? I think you have 2 or 3 options on that route. Lincoln Service, Texas Eagle, and maybe Missouri Runner? I hope it is a fun experience!! That's good to know because I heard a horror story from my friend that went from Salt Lake to California! I was wondering if she was exaggerating after reading all these good stories on this thread.
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used2scrap
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,083
Jan 29, 2016 3:02:55 GMT
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Post by used2scrap on May 10, 2023 2:53:54 GMT
Took three as a child which were very memorable; Denver to Chicago, Colorado to Pacific Northwest (very memorable the car being switched to another train at Salt Lake City in the middle of the night), and a very scenic weekend trip in Glenwood Canyon (Colorado). I also took a trip with my kids a few years back from NC to Washington DC and back. They preferred it to plane seats and we had cush accommodations the return trip they loved. I loved not driving the 95! But I think we lucked out with schedules and cleanliness etc.
When I think of train travel in the US now I kind of worry like the Sex and the City scene where they have an image of luxury train travel in their head and the reality is…less.
But I’d try train travel again.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,276
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on May 10, 2023 14:14:52 GMT
When I think of train travel in the US now I kind of worry like the Sex and the City scene where they have an image of luxury train travel in their head and the reality is…less. I think sometimes people have an image of the Orient Express with white tablecloths and crystal, plush seats, etc. The AMTRAK reality is a bit different! LOL I have mostly ridden the Superliners Southwest Chief and California Zephyr. The coach seats are very roomy, compared to a plane or bus. If the train is not full, it can be really awesome if the seat next to you is unoccupied. But even if it is, it's not crowded together like a plane. The food is .... sometimes great, sometimes not. Before Covid, a coach passenger could make a reservation in the dining car for a meal. During Covid, and until very recently, no coach pax could enter the dining car. There is a 'cafe car' that has snacks and microwave food like hot dogs. But recently they again started allowing coach pax to make reservations in the dining car. The Dining Car food has somewhat declined in quality. But it is still not too bad, and sometimes quite good. If you are Sleeper class - your meals are included in the ticket price, and you can get an alcoholic beverage with your meal. I aways say Hope for the best, expect the worst, and you won't be disappointed. LOL
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Tearisci
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,886
Nov 6, 2018 16:34:30 GMT
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Post by Tearisci on May 10, 2023 14:21:37 GMT
I frequently took the train to Philly and NYC when I lived in DC. if you can afford it and it's offered, take the train with limited stops like the Acela on the east coast. It makes for a much more enjoyable ride if you're not stopping at every little stop.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,276
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on May 10, 2023 14:31:18 GMT
I frequently took the train to Philly and NYC when I lived in DC. if you can afford it and it's offered, take the train with limited stops like the Acela on the east coast. It makes for a much more enjoyable ride if you're not stopping at every little stop. I love that ride! We almost took the Acela once, but the time difference was minimal and the cost difference wasn't. LOL Still wish we had done that though. We haven't been back east in a long time! The east coast train travel is SO different that going west! HA!
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twinsmomfla99
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,086
Jun 26, 2014 13:42:47 GMT
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Post by twinsmomfla99 on May 10, 2023 17:59:49 GMT
When we moved from Orlando to Leesburg VA, I took the car train after the movers picked up our household stuff. DH was already working in VA, and I had a 6 yo and 9-month-old twins. Originally, DH was going to fly to Orlando and drive back with me (because I was NOT making the drive alone LOL and no way was I tackling the airport!). However, the Amtrak station for the car train was only about 40 minutes from our FL house, and the VA stop was less than an hour from our new home. I booked the car train for about a $1200 IIRC, which wasn't much more than the cost of airline tickets if I had flown with them since the babies would have needed their own seats.
I got a sleeper car so I could close the door. They were able to check my stroller when we boarded so I could keep the girls contained at the station but not have it take up all of the room in our cabin. I had extra blankets that I put on the floor so they could play and move around before bedtime. Oldest DD was just excited to watch out the window until it was time to go to sleep, although I had other entertainment for her. The beds were comfy, and there was plenty of room for all four of us. It would have been very tight if DH had been there, but it worked for me and the girls.
I couldn't go up the stairs with the babies because the steps were too narrow and steep for 3 LOL, and the dining car was upstairs. Amtrak was so great, though, and they worked everything out about meals with me when I booked the trip. They brought us dinner that night and breakfast the next morning. After dinner, they came to check on me to make sure everything was okay, and they brought snacks/water to get us through the night.
I don't recall what time we left the station, but we woke up the next morning not far from our final destination. It was awesome, and sleeping on the train was very relaxing.
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PLurker
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,794
Location: Behind the Cheddar Curtain
Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on May 10, 2023 19:08:35 GMT
Have family in Missouri so I've taken that trip quite a few times. Chicago to st Louis and more often Chicago to Kansas City.
As mentioned, the train isn't best for tight schedules, as late is common. I liked it when kids were small we could take the train and it avoided all the driving as well as potty stops and general antsy boredom of car travel.
They usually made friends with other kids in board and played together. Lot less stress if under no time restraints.
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Post by chedanemi on May 10, 2023 20:00:44 GMT
We took the Amtrak from Wisconsin to Seattle about five years ago. NEVER AGAIN WILL I GET ON AN AMTRAK! We hadn't even made it 20 miles when we had to stop for mechanical issues. The delays along the route just kept accumulating until we were about seven hours late to finally getting to Seattle. The train was very dirty, and the foam padding in the seats was completely worn through to the board underneath. The bathrooms were disgusting, and they crew on board said they only clean them at the end of each trip; not during. I'm not kidding when I say there was urine and feces all over the bathrooms. One of the sinks had an entire bowl of ramen noodles dumped in it, and still they wouldn't do any type of cleaning. The dinner was rubbery chicken with instant mashed potatoes and cost $25.00. Fortunately we had enough snacks to get us through. It was more expensive than flying, and took us 2+ days to get there. Never again.
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Just T
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,812
Jun 26, 2014 1:20:09 GMT
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Post by Just T on May 11, 2023 2:51:29 GMT
Well I think all your stories jinxed me! Lol
My day and trip totally went to shit.
I woke up yesterday morning to a text from Amtrak saying my train was delayed. At 6 am I got another text saying it was delayed approximately 6 1/2 hours due to the train being stuck in Little Rock to get a new engine. At that point I decided to just drive because I could get there in less than 6 1/2 hours.
I was literally walking out the door to leave when my sister called to tell me my dad had a stroke and was on the way to the hospital by ambulance.
I didn’t go to Chicago and headed to the hospital, a couple of hours from where I live.
I guess I was too excited about this trip and jinxed myself.
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Post by MadamG2U on May 11, 2023 3:56:24 GMT
Sending prayers your way. Hope your father pulls thru.
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,716
Jun 26, 2014 14:12:17 GMT
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Post by anniebeth24 on May 11, 2023 11:52:49 GMT
Sorry things went sideways. Hope your dad is OK.
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Post by birukitty on May 11, 2023 20:32:48 GMT
I've never ridden the train (Amtrak) in the USA only subways.
In Europe though I got a German rail pass on my last trip to Germany (5 years ago) and had a complete and utter blast riding the train around Germany to various towns/cities switching locations every 2 days for 2 weeks on a solo trip. I had so much fun that I'm currently planning a trip for DH and myself for May of 2024. We will both be getting German rail passes and doing the same type of trip. Riding the rails in Germany is a wonderful way to explore the country and I much prefer it to renting a car. Lots of Americans seem to prefer renting a car (at least that's what I gather from reading the travel planning groups on Facebook, and I get that if you are a family of 4 or more), but then you have to pay for gas-not cheap in Europe and it's a lot more expensive plus you have to concentrate on your driving.
The trains in Europe are sleek, fast and smooth. I wish we had the same system in the USA.
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Post by Linda on May 11, 2023 21:16:01 GMT
Just T - I'm so sorry. Prayers for your dad
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kate
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,583
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on May 11, 2023 21:30:14 GMT
Oh, no - I hope your dad pulls through quickly and fully.
My experience with Amtrak is limited to the Northeast Corridor (Boston to DC), and though I've experienced a few delays, it's hands down my preferred mode of travel. Greyhound, though, is a fraction of the cost, so that's often how I end up going.
Having to fight traffic to get to the airport + plan for security lines + fight traffic from the airport at my destination = Amtrak (even Greyhound, sometimes!) is actually faster than flying.
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Post by chaosisapony on May 11, 2023 23:13:44 GMT
I have not but I've often thought it would be the best, least stressful way to travel.
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