Nink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,955
Location: North Idaho
Jul 1, 2014 23:30:44 GMT
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Post by Nink on Jun 7, 2016 12:16:07 GMT
For that amount of time I'd take the train. I've taken Amtrak from Los Angeles to Eugene, OR many times. It's at least 24 hr trip. I thoroughly enjoyed it. So relaxing and the scenery is really amazing. I love riding the train.
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jun 7, 2016 12:52:00 GMT
Depends on how long the trip would be. DH and I were planning on taking the train from London to Edinburgh this summer. We like the train and would have appreciated the experience. As it turns out, we're flying because the flight was so much cheaper.
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imsirius
Prolific Pea
Call it as I see it.
Posts: 7,661
Location: Floating in the black veil.
Jul 12, 2014 19:59:28 GMT
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Post by imsirius on Jun 7, 2016 12:55:07 GMT
When my DS was 3, we travelled on the train from Toronto to NYC (we met friends who then took us to PA to their house)
It was a great trip but long. If you do train, take a movie player and a laptop or kindle etc. The train ride for us was over 12 hours and my son did really well, but if I had to do it again, I'd definitely drive or fly.
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,750
Jun 25, 2014 19:55:12 GMT
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Jun 7, 2016 13:28:30 GMT
The plane. Always the plane. Unless it is the Hogwarts Express.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,280
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Jun 7, 2016 14:26:58 GMT
Greensboro, NC to PHiladelphia. $98, round trip, 9 hour trip. Not sure of airline prices, but at least double that. My sister is putting this together, and loves to save money. I have never traveled by train. Have her go back and re-figure this. $98 is ONE WAY price. She didn't complete the process on Amtrak. Even though you initially click "Round Trip" - when it shows you that ticket price - it is showing only the DEPARTURE ticket price. Then you need to add that ticket to your cart, and complete the "RETURN" portion of the ticket... Then go through the rest of the process to finally figure out what your real Round Trip ticket price will be. Do note - Amtrak uses the "bucket" pricing system. As the train fills up - the ticket prices go higher. So if the trains starts to fill, and you have not purchased the tickets yet - the price will increase. I actually like riding the train. The seats are large and comfy. Anything overnight - and I book a roomette - which does include the price of meals.
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basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,649
Member is Online
Jun 26, 2014 11:45:09 GMT
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Post by basketdiva on Jun 7, 2016 14:35:41 GMT
Keep in mind it isn't a 2-hour plane ride (for example) that you're comparing it to. You need to be at the airport 1.5-2 hours early so factor that in. Also-how far away are you from the airports- Greensboro and Philadelphia.
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Post by fredfreddy on Jun 7, 2016 14:37:15 GMT
This summer we are taking a train from the bay area to salt lake city and a plane home (and renting a car to and from to get to Yellowstone). I'll let you know later!
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Post by buddysmom on Jun 7, 2016 14:43:59 GMT
I had THE WORST experience on a train about ten years ago, Florida to New York. The prices were the same and we went as an "adventure."
It sure was.
First the train left late, then had some type of problems about 1/2 way through. We were supposed to get in around 2 pm and got in at 11 PM.
Oh, and there were toilet issues, the train was FREEZING--I mean everyone was freezing not just me.
People brought crock pots on the train, it was summer and the smell of those for many hours made me almost puke.
Oh, and we had bought tickets for a show that evening around 7-8 pm. Missed that and was out the $$ for the tickets.
NEVER AGAIN!!!!
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scrappinghappy
Pearl Clutcher
“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
Posts: 4,307
Jun 26, 2014 19:30:06 GMT
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Post by scrappinghappy on Jun 7, 2016 14:49:47 GMT
The plane. Always the plane. Unless it is the Hogwarts Express. DD and I rode the Hogwarts Express when we were in Scotland last year. It's actually the Jacobite Train but they used it and the rail line it runs along in the movies. We've taken lots of trains all over Europe, both overnight and day trips, Express from Paris to London and short trips as well. I think it's a great way to see the country and some of the trains are superfast and with the amount of trains and the run-like-clockwork schedules, it's a cheap and efficient way to get around. Here in the US, I think the distances are too long and the scenery not as interesting. We took an overnight train from D.C. to Boston. It was horrible! Noisy, no sleepers, awful food. I'd make sure if we did it again that is was sleeper compartments or day travel and I'd bring my own food.
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blue tulip
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,006
Jun 25, 2014 20:53:57 GMT
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Post by blue tulip on Jun 7, 2016 14:51:03 GMT
lol..so many people hate the train! if you have more time than money, then do the train. we're travelling to New Orleans next march for a cruise. we were able to cash in some ecertificates for most of the flight down, but we are taking amtrack back up to Chicago. DH, me, and our 2 boys who will be 12 and 9. call me crazy, but I'm really looking forward to it after watching youtube videos and reading blogs about it. we will have 2 roomettes, basically a closet with beds. it will be like driving in that you get to see the landscape, except no one has to pay attention to the road, stop to eat or for bathroom breaks. and it takes about 2 hours longer than if we were to drive straight thru, but again, that doesn't include the time we'd spend in construction, and meals etc if driving so I think we're coming out about even. when we broke down gas and meal charges (meals included on train), the train was cheaper by about $200. and almost half the cost of flying, like you said. we realized that gives us pretty much all modes of transport for the vacation- driving, plane, boat, train, and possibly subway/el to get to airport from train station.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,280
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Jun 7, 2016 15:01:44 GMT
This summer we are taking a train from the bay area to salt lake city and a plane home (and renting a car to and from to get to Yellowstone). I'll let you know later! That sounds fun. My advice with Amtrak - especially anything out of the eastern corridor.. is to plan on it being late. Never have anything book that relies on the train being on time. It can be on time - but it can be HOURS late. Before boarding - check the "on time status" - and since you are probably leaving from the original station - it should be on-time, but if there are any mechanical issues - it can be late. Call the 1-800 Amtrak number and "Julie" will tell you the status of your train. You can also go to a website called AmSnag (not affiliated with Amtrak) to get a 30 day range of ticket prices. This is handy to find the best price if you do not have a firm date set. biketrain.x10.mx/amsnag/amSnag.php Do note: If you are buying sleeper tickets - you also buy the "coach" ticket and a sleeper ticket. For example - if there were two of you, and the ticket price was still in the low bucket range of $79 (EMY to SLC) and you wanted a roomette (sleeps 2 @ $120 for EMY to SLC). YOu would pay for 2 coach tickets and 1 roomette. So you would pay $278 (one way). The sleeper price does include meals (no alcohol). If you went EMY to SLC (Emeryville to Salt Lake City) it departs at 9:10 am and arrives at 3:05 am. I am not sure if breakfast would be served when you got on - but you would get lunch and supper. For the most part, the food is OK. I have had some great steaks on the train. If you have a larger party - you can't put some in coach and expect them to be able to come up to the sleepers, if they don't have a sleeper pax ticket. They will NOT be allowed in the sleeper car. The Sightseer lounge car is open to all and is a very nice place to hang out and enjoy the scenery.
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Post by melanell on Jun 7, 2016 15:21:47 GMT
I think it all boils down to your opinion of/feelings towards a train ride.
If you see it as a fun thing to do, or if you are the type to love a long drive, watching the scenery go by, then save yourself some money and have a nice ride.
BUT, if you're more the type to feel that your trip has not begun until you reach your destination, then the plane may be the better option for you.
Also keep in mind the length of the train ride. Will you need to sleep on the train? Will you be able to do that in a standard seat? If not, how much will you still be saving if you upgrade to a sleeper car and have a room/roomette? Is that savings still worth it to you in regards to how long of a ride you'll be facing?
And check out stats on how often Amtrak is actually on time. Yes, planes can be delayed, too, but if your already long ride becomes longer, will that aggravate you?
Personally, my family & I already know that for our next trip to WDW we'll likely take the train from PA to FL. We're fans of train rides, and we're not big fans of the circus that airports can be these days. Plus, the savings is currently considerable, even with us booking 2 rooms.
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Post by fredfreddy on Jun 7, 2016 15:38:39 GMT
This summer we are taking a train from the bay area to salt lake city and a plane home (and renting a car to and from to get to Yellowstone). I'll let you know later! That sounds fun. My advice with Amtrak - especially anything out of the eastern corridor.. is to plan on it being late. Never have anything book that relies on the train being on time. It can be on time - but it can be HOURS late. Before boarding - check the "on time status" - and since you are probably leaving from the original station - it should be on-time, but if there are any mechanical issues - it can be late. Call the 1-800 Amtrak number and "Julie" will tell you the status of your train. You can also go to a website called AmSnag (not affiliated with Amtrak) to get a 30 day range of ticket prices. This is handy to find the best price if you do not have a firm date set. biketrain.x10.mx/amsnag/amSnag.php Do note: If you are buying sleeper tickets - you also buy the "coach" ticket and a sleeper ticket. For example - if there were two of you, and the ticket price was still in the low bucket range of $79 (EMY to SLC) and you wanted a roomette (sleeps 2 @ $120 for EMY to SLC). YOu would pay for 2 coach tickets and 1 roomette. So you would pay $278 (one way). The sleeper price does include meals (no alcohol). If you went EMY to SLC (Emeryville to Salt Lake City) it departs at 9:10 am and arrives at 3:05 am. I am not sure if breakfast would be served when you got on - but you would get lunch and supper. For the most part, the food is OK. I have had some great steaks on the train. If you have a larger party - you can't put some in coach and expect them to be able to come up to the sleepers, if they don't have a sleeper pax ticket. They will NOT be allowed in the sleeper car. The Sightseer lounge car is open to all and is a very nice place to hang out and enjoy the scenery. Thanks! We did get two "closet sleepers" for the 4 of us - that was a requirement and we know we get to SLC at 3am! Ah well.
One of my fondest childhood memories is taking the train from San Jose to San Luis Obispo with my brother (we were only 10 and 12) to visit my oldest brother at college. It was very exciting to be on a train and w/o parents. I met a nice girl from N. CA and we became penpals for the next 5 years.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,280
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Jun 7, 2016 16:06:12 GMT
Thanks! We did get two "closet sleepers" for the 4 of us - that was a requirement and we know we get to SLC at 3am! Ah well. As far as Amtrak long distance trains - I always tell people to expect the worst and hope for the best! LOL I think a lot of people are expecting something a lot nicer or a lot more romantic. I have, for the most part, had great experiences on Amtrak. It is slow. It is usually late. You often can get a very surly bunch of employees on the train. But sometimes it is on-time and the people working on the train are a delight! LOL I have found that the condition of the trains is a little worn at best. You are not getting the Ritz! LOL But the scenery from the Sightseer lounge is stunning. It is fun to sit and chat with new friends!
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likescarrots
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,879
Aug 16, 2014 17:52:53 GMT
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Post by likescarrots on Jun 7, 2016 17:26:32 GMT
We were going to attempt the train from Los Angeles to Sacramento only to arrive at the train station and find the train going that way was cancelled due to a fire north of Sacramento. There were no alternates. We could rent a car or wait until the next day when they thought the tracks would be clear. I say plane or drive. this isn't exclusive to trains, it can and does easily happen on planes as well, sometimes seemingly for no reason (i once had a flight cancelled until the next day on a major airline for lack of pilot )
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Post by papersilly on Jun 7, 2016 17:45:22 GMT
plane every time. unless your time is worth absolutely nothing, I would rather get there faster so I can do more interesting things than sit on a train. especially if it's a long haul.
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edie3
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,631
Jun 26, 2014 1:03:18 GMT
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Post by edie3 on Jun 7, 2016 22:33:06 GMT
thanks for al the info, she did figure wrong on Amtrak, so we are flying the friendly skies!
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Post by snowsilver on Jun 7, 2016 22:40:27 GMT
A year ago we took trains across Europe and I absolutely loved riding them. So much more room than on the plane, so much more relaxing. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Train all the way!
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Post by 950nancy on Jun 7, 2016 23:04:12 GMT
The plane. Always the plane. Unless it is the Hogwarts Express. DD and I rode the Hogwarts Express when we were in Scotland last year. It's actually the Jacobite Train but they used it and the rail line it runs along in the movies. We've taken lots of trains all over Europe, both overnight and day trips, Express from Paris to London and short trips as well. I think it's a great way to see the country and some of the trains are superfast and with the amount of trains and the run-like-clockwork schedules, it's a cheap and efficient way to get around. Here in the US, I think the distances are too long and the scenery not as interesting. We took an overnight train from D.C. to Boston. It was horrible! Noisy, no sleepers, awful food. I'd make sure if we did it again that is was sleeper compartments or day travel and I'd bring my own food. We did the Express train from Paris to London and that was really cool. High speed was awesome and my boys were the perfect age to appreciate the speed. I think the trains in Europe are just cooler than our trains.
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Post by 2peaornot2pea on Jun 7, 2016 23:12:52 GMT
I love to travel by rail. If you are in a hurry and need to reach your destination on time, taking the train may not be your best option. I enjoy watching the scenery as we roll on by and the freedom to get up and move around.
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