Amtrak California Zephyr! 52 hours from Chicago to San Francisco!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- Today, we take a look at what I think is America's greatest and most scenic train, the mighty California Zephyr, on the full length of its 52 hour long route from Chicago to Emeryville in the San Francisco Bay Area!
Date of Travel: March 2022
Class of Travel: Roomette
Rolling Stock: P42DC with Superliner I and II and VIewliner Baggage Car
Operator: Amtrak
Service type: Long Distance Train
Train Number: 5 California Zephyr
Origin: Chicago Union Station, Illinois, United States of America
Destination: Emeryville, California, United States of America
Cost of Ticket: $1,219 (£977, €1,153; for 2 people, New York to Emeryville)
Dining car menu: www.amtrak.com...
Café menu: www.amtrak.com...
Have a question? Please comment and I will try to provide you with an answer.
A massive thanks to my $5+ Patrons and Channel Members:
Grinchy
Stephen N Taksler
Andrew Morgan
Steve Ignots
Thomas Alfred Roell
Stephen Kelly
Jean Buckley
Rob Cross
William Malecki
Robert Deuel
Christopher Tilley
Robert Vandiver
John Michael Dornoff
Johannes Urbanski
Gerry Cavanaugh
Wayne Kline
Linda Vainomae-Hoffmann
Dave Manning
Douglas White
Simon Ellison
Josh Powell
Larryvilledude
Mika Hellbach
Brian rosson
John
Chappers Photography
Wasim Reza
Simon Boendermaker
Peter Harrison
David F. Bird
Steve Brittain
Dr Buckton
Adam Evans
Martin Cox
Albert Alcoceba
Kyle Bullen
Jonathan Brooks
Peter John Robert Tuck
Ross Johnston
Chris Priddey
Jeff Wonsetler
Tomasz Traczyk
Mr. Donovan Recommends
oschicus
Kevin Peace
Mark Sharp
Ian Whitcomb
Paul Newton
charles Leggatt
Randle Draffen
Daniel Shurz
Jeff Soule
Richard Shields
Julie Behlmann
jeff soule
Simon Pearce
Ewan Ritchie
BriizzyBoi28
Pete Denton
Matt Farr
James Marshall
CarolG-
Steven Olsen
Melvyn Buckton
Anonymous Donor
Link to Patreon: / dylanstravelreports
Join them on Patreon and get AD-FREE early access to all of my content for as little as $1 per month!
Link to channel member's page: / @dylanstravelreports
Want to tip me? www.paypal.me/... (100% of all tips goes towards creating new videos!)
Follow me on Instagram(@dylanstravelreports): / dylanstravelreports
Twitter (@DylanReports): Dy...
Facebook (Dylan's Travel Reports): / dylanstravelreports
#Amtrak #CaliforniaZephyr #trains
---------------------------------------
Credits
[1] www.openstreetmap.org under Open Data Commons Open Database License (ODbL) opendatacommon... opendatacommon... opendatacommon...
Last September, I was coming to the last weeks of my job and was feeling pretty miserable with where I was living, so I decided to take the Zephyr west out to the end of Colorado to go see what was out there. I'm telling you, it was one of the most riveting and soothing trips I have ever been on. Not only was the Zephyr clean, comfortable, and absolutely stunning with its outside views, I also met some wonderful people similar to me just trying to unwind. I didn't take the Zephyr all the way out to California so I'll have to go back and do that, but even going half way was just one of the best trips I've ever been on. Get a roomette and take the trip. Unwind, enjoy the views, the outstanding food, the lovely people, and just watch America go by.
Especially in September...the cornfields are mesmerising and the picturesque little towns that are off the Interstates... glad it was therapeutical for you.
The best way to get rest and relaxation is is to ride Amtrak overnight, even in coach. You don't fly over America seeing the top of clouds, you actually do see America including the front yards and back yards... The good and the ugly...
Yes, the Roomettes are *chill.*
Last year, Coast Starlight. Portland to LA and back.
@@ronclark9724 No, not in coach, unless you are planning to make multiple stops along the way. On my eastbound journey on this route, I stopped over in Reno and Denver on the way to Chicago. Even with breaking up the trip, traveling in coach was a tiresome slog.
Excellent advice and im definitely considering it
We rode the California Zephyr May 12-13, 2022 from Denver to Sacramento. The train was five hours late arriving in Denver so we missed some of the scenery you saw but we were still satisfied with our trip. Our bedroom was comfortable, the food was excellent, and the scenery spectacular. Thanks for your outstanding video. It reminded us of so many wonderful things we saw.
An epic video befitting an epic journey. You simply couldn't appreciate the scope of a transcontinental trip in a fifteen minute presentation. The editing was very smooth with dissolves that didn't call attention to themselves. The food looked great and needs to be, as it's a major thing to look forward to on a long train journey. It was so wintery for March, but it reminded me of spring breaks when it would be all flowers and sunshine in the Ohio Valley where I lived but snowy and cold in Chicago where I went to school. The scenery was staggering in the Rocky Mountains.
This train has to be at the very top of my ever growing bucket list. I’m not jealous at all honestly. Thanks for another fantastic video 👍🏻
just do it. find the time and go. It was on my list and Covid delayed it. I just went last week. FABULOUS.
@@sandieinatlanta9587 I wish it that simple but certain circumstances with my health and personal life means it’s just not possible to do any travelling in my own country of the UK let alone further afield. Unfortunately I’ll just have to make do with watching videos of other people doing all the amazing things I would love to do. I’m glad you enjoyed your trip on this amazing train👍🏻
I love hearing a British person narrate their American train adventures, it's a good way to see my favorite parts of my home country as experienced from an outside perspective.
We took our first long distance Amtrak trip in May of 2022. Our journey started in New Orleans Louisiana on Amtrak's City of New Orleans to Chicago. The service we received exceeded all of our expectations. We made a connection in Chicago to the California Zephyr to Emeryville California. We arrived in Chicago thirty minutes early. We had five hours to enjoy Chicago's Union Station the Metropolitan Lounge, Downtown Chicago and the Chicago River. We boarded the Zephyr on time and made an on time departure out of Chicago. From the time we boarded the Zephyr through the entire journey the service we received was absolutely fantastic. Amtrak's Traditional Dinning was comparable to fine dining you would received at a fine restaurant. With one exception the views from the dinning car are just unbelievable that you only get to see while riding on the Amtrak. I had the opportunity to talk the Dinning Car Staff and the two Chefs. They prepared three meals a day for 90 sleeping car passengers. This staff does an awesome job all done with smiles on there faces. In summary would recommend Amtrak absolutely. Go west from Chicago and enjoy the Superliner Cars and the Traditional Amtrak Menu. See America as time slows down. The scenery abounds. You will become a rail fan and wanting to travel more of Amtrak's Routes.
My first trip is in late Sept Emeryville Denver r/t to check it out. I'm so excited😃
Even though I was not on this route, but the Southwest Chief, I noticed how clean and nice every little Amtrak station is along the way. You can see how much pride all the little towns take in having a station in their municipality.
For most cities and towns these depots are wonderful, but alas there are a few that really need a refurbishment. The depot in Texarkana could use some paint...
I have taken many long amtrak trains but will take this one for the first time at the beginning of December, so it was nice to watch this video as a preview. BTW, I think the roomettes are fantastic for one person but I cannot imagine two people traveling in that space for more than a few hours. Thanks for your video!
Don't forget that here is Red Cap service offered in Chicago if you have difficulty walking, like on a cane, they will take you from the lounge to trackside by your coach, have used this for a number of years and saves a lot of walking. While free, tipping is very welcome. Ridden the Southwest Chief for seven years and the service is great!
Very helpful to know. I have acquaintances who were asking about this.
DownieLive just posted a Zephyr video a few hours ago, this is just awesome content all around
Love your videos,I think it’s much better when your actually talking,rather than having to read your views.Keep the videos coming
Great video Dylan . It amazes me how the US train's keep running through all that snow , we get half a mm here in the UK and the network shuts down lol 👍
Divine vlogs man. Speechless, I'm literally out of words. Your vlogs are always at the peak & very best be it places to places or countries to countries. Keep up the good work like this bro!!
Thank you so much 😁
Wow great views of country side and very understandable conv
Excellent video, Dylan. Thanks! ❤
I live in Minnesota, way north by the Canadian border. Yes, we had a long winter this year. There are a couple people in my family who don't like to fly and are always taking Amtrak here and there. 😊😊👍👍👍
Love the Empire Builder whose name reflects JJ Hill from St. Paul...
Another great review. Thank you!
Wow, what a fantastic trip. The scenery is breathtaking one day.👍🏻👍🏻
I've watched numerous videos of the Zepher. Your's, hands down is the best. You capture the experience to the extent that I feel I'm traveling with both of you. Enjoy what America has to offer.
Well said
Thank you 😁
Youtuuba's is better.
I rode this back in 2016 and it was awesome. Great job! I really want to do the SW Chief soon.
That was awesome you got a heritage unit pulling your train!
Super video, nice train ride! Great places and landscapes! Thumbs Up
Greetings from Romania
Andrew
I used to work on the 60th floor of the Sears tower. On a really windy day, the doors to the conference room would swing a good 2 feet.
Great video..see you and Miss Dylan found that other great American tradition Target :)
Wonderful trip. Thanks for sharing!
That made me want to do the trip. Stunning views.
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, I am fond of desert landscapes seen on the Sunset Limited and Southwest Chief. The Coast Starlight has wonderful forest views as does the Empire Builder... Frankly riding Amtrak one sees America's front yards and back yards, the good and the ugly...
I have yet to ride the California Zephyr but it's definitely on my to do list, seems like a once in a lifetime experience to me
Great video. I don't think much of the Metropolitan Lounge, but the rest of the journey was great!
Another stunning video in terms of content and delivery. Nice to see the winter landscape, shame they had problems with the food availability. Please come home soon and do some more UK trips!
If the trains are running very late Amtrak will call in a chicken or pizza dinner for their sleeping car passengers.This is a train on steel rails, storage is limited, and so are the tanks, both water and sewage. On most of the long distance routes Amtrak spend up to a hour filling and draining the tanks everyday...
@@ronclark9724 Food can't be replenished at the same time as water and fuel? Simple logistics.
@@ronclark9724 ' _If the trains are running very late Amtrak will call in a chicken or pizza dinner for their sleeping car passengers_ .'
As has (and does) VIA when out on long routes like these (this same kind of thing happened to the Simply Railway guy when he was here in Canada.)
I will say that this is definitely a very different experience from the Intercity direct between Rotterdam and Amsterdam, or GWR or Avanti intercity in the UK.
More like riding a European sleeper train through Europe although at a slower pace... Riding a train anywhere in the world reveals wonderful scenery you won't see flying over clouds...
This journey would be like riding one train from Madrid to Moscow, it is definitely not the same at all lol
Madrid to Moscow without all the intermediate population
Journies are slightly shorter in the latter cases. You could compare them with the Northeast Corridor perhaps
@@ronclark9724 us train stations make uk train stations look like thidworld slumms that's for sure
we are taking the Sac to reno part of the Zephyr in the Fall to see the great Sierras in coach / nice video
When you think , Arizona ; you think of a hot climate you don't think of snow
I did this same trip on April 5th, 2022 you had the same car attendant Ms. Kathrine, and I see Johnnie was in the other car. We also had a food shortage on our trip.
Very interesting consist on that #6 you passed. Transition sleeper, sleeper, sightseer lounge, and two coach; no dining car.
Amtrak does NOT have many extra Superliner cars in their fleet. Just enough to handle routine maintenance, not for a fleet wide refurbishment program without shortages. Amtrak is pulling a few cars out of service in order to do the refurbishment. Cars do NOT pop up out of thin air overnight... So many critics advocate new routes and expanding Amtrak services without considering there aren't enough cars to do it...There are six train sets on the California Zephyr as on the other east/west long distance train routes west of Chicago operating a daily service. Due to distances and time table there are five train sets operating combined the Texas Eagle, north of San Antonio daily and Capitol Limited daily services. There are two train sets operating the City of New Orleans north/south route. Many advocate extending the Heartland Flyer to Newton for a connection with the Southwest Chief, but that service most likely have wee hours of the morning service at Newton. and involve another train set that presently does not exist.. If Amtrak does start this service it will have to use ex-California Amtrak Superliner coaches being replaced by Siemens new coaches...
I've been waiting for this video since March! The time we took this train west, it was about 12 hours late into Denver due to detours around severe flooding, extra freight trains on said detours, and train operating crews running out of their legally established time limits. We missed the scenery climbing into the Rockies, but saw the Great Salt Lake in daylight. With the extra night aboard, the dining care did run short of food, but the crew improvised to provide a free meal for everyone. I hope to try again some day, as it's a great line.
Another great video Dylan . We were booked in to do the California Zephyr journey when the pandemic hit; so now going to do it this coming October. I can’t wait; your video has certainly highlighted how great the route is.
The Coast Starlight between LA and Seattle is the only long distance Amtrak train I have done so far, and that had some stunning scenery aswell. It looks as though the Zephyr will better it.
Keep up the good work 👍
While some routes have more awesome scenery than others, all of the routes have scenery...I see beauty in the desert others don't....
This was a GOOD review; I SWEAR. I’ve actually gained weight…only from your excellent description. This was a”mini” trip for me…. THANKS! 👍🏼😃👣
what 53 minute video ,omg Dylan you really work hard on these vids
I wish it was a holiday! Once we got to San Francisco we were only there 1 night, then back home again the other way to film. Then once he's home it's piece footage together, edit, write a script, research the topic etc. It's 100% not a holiday and it is definitely work.
It looks tiring but definitely a trip I would do in the future,another great video,keep it up
Right now I’m making my mind up, it’s been years
Last September I took the Zephyr from Emeryville to Chicago and it was great. Going through Glenwood Springs in the early fall was breathe taking. Stayed three days in Chicago then took Route 66 to Santa Monica then Highway 1 home to San Francisco. I felt that the food, which was very good, was too much. Second day, I only ate two meals. I felt I got more than my money worth.
Like yourself Dylan, I earned so much on this trip. For example, I didn't know Sacramento was the Californian capital, I mean it's not like something that we're taught here in Australia :) I also didn't realise the Mississippi (I didn't have to look it up haha) was the second longest river in the US, I thought it was the longest. It's always a pleasure to see Eli join you on these trips, as I feel they are best done as a couple, but that's just me.
The Missouri River meets the Mississippi River near St. Louis...
The longest is the Yukon in Alaska
Just last week, I rode the California Zephyr from Denver to Emeryville. I must say I prefer the greener scenery from my trip, but I wouldn't have been disappointed by the wintry scenes in this video. I was most impressed by the smooth, quiet ride of the train. Of course, if you look at it strictly as transportation, there are faster, cheaper ways to get there. However, I thought that the experience was well worth the money.
Think of Amtrak's long distance sleeper overnight trains as a journey, not just a transportation option. Every night on the train is most likely one LESS night at a hotel, whether driving or flying. Trains go all day and all night, driving usually requires sleeping overnight too. While you may get there quicker flying you will most likely spend that night on the train for a extra day at a hotel...
awesome congratulations 👏 🎊 💐 🥳 🙌 😀 👏 🎊 💐 🥳 🙌 😀 👏 🎊 💐 🥳 🙌 😀 👏 🎊 💐 🥳 🙌 😀 👏
The Zephyr through the Rockies is magnificent , worth the price of admission, and the price of admission is very reasonable
really enjoyable. thank you
Great video! Incredible views! I was just in Denver so it was great seeing Union Station again! I really need to take this trip (but maybe I’ll wait until they upgrade the train cars).
Great video, many thanks!
I actually watched this video while riding the California Zephyr. So, yes, I would definitely consider riding it! ;)
The US has good trains. The reason most people don’t realize this is because they don’t understand the purpose of trains in America. Most people in the world are from Europe and Asia and think that trains in America are so bad because they don’t get you from A to B very well. In America, on Amtrak’s long-distance trains, people pay for the experience and offers of taking a train and are specifically on a rail trip, not always JUST getting from A to B. If someone was only going from A to B they would take a plane. Most people don’t properly appreciate or understand the US rail network.
Agreed. We have the best transcontinental freight rail system in the world, we've chosen freight over passenger rail for geographic reasons. That said, I enjoyed my trip on the Zephyr for all the reasons you gave. A relaxing 2 days away from it all.
very true. We have a good train system, it just serves a weird purpose as more of a destination than a method of getting there.
And anyone who's ever been on the train will tell you that it's the way to travel. Relaxed, laid back.
That reason alone is why I always pick comfort over speed on trains this is best shown on the 2 london to Exeter lines one bieng the west of England mainline and the other is the great Western mainline the well is comfortable but slow (3hours 30 mins) and the great Western mainline is faster (2 hours) but the new trains are super uncomfortable
America and Canada are not TINY nations like Germany or France one can drive across or ride a train across in a single day. Nor has America ever nationalized its railroads. The wealthiest filthy rich political kingmakers control the stocks of these railroads, and have since the 19th century. Yes, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet...
When I saw the length of the video I was a little worried but you did an excellent job of keeping it interesting and getting some good camera work. That last stage between Sacramento and Emmeryville is mostly across the delta. Sacramento has of course its world famous railroad museum but about half way, near the Suisun-Fairfield station there’s another smaller but very interesting railroad museum. The Western Railway museum at Rio Vista focuses on the interurban railroads and trolley systems of the Sacramento Northern, the Key system (sort of a pre BART system) and the San Francisco Municipal railway. Any railroad enthusiasts taking this trip should consider retracing their steps - Capitol Corridor trains stop at Suisun - and visiting this unique place.
Amtrak rarely has priority on the track in reality. I took the Coast Starlight and the entire trip was beset with delays and sitting motionless on the tracks.
Several years ago I spent a few months in Colorado. I took a trip to the summit of Pike's Peak in mid August, there was snow up there then and you needed a coat despite it being over 30c at the bottom. I'm not at all surprised to see how much snow there was in March.
Dylan, you did it! Have been waiting for this trip. So very glad you appreciated the California Zephyr as "America's greatest and most scenic train." It certainly is - all lovers of train travel should make this a must, as you have. Thanks for a great video!
I rode the Zephyr in May 2013. It was great! I paid $170 one way from Naperville, IL to San Jose, CA. I probably wouldn't do it in a roomette or in a bedroom due to cost, lol. I may book a roomette from Atlanta to New Orleans. That costs about $243 one way.
Amazing video! The Zephyr has been on my bucket list since I was around 5. I have taken Via Rail's The Canadian though, which was amazing, it'd be cool if you did a video on that at some point.
I did this trip last year and loved it. I do a lot of long distance travel by Amtrak and it is always an adventure. Being a former airline employee (now retired) I prefer to compare the cost of coach in an airplane to the cost of coach on Amtrak and the cost of first class in an airplane to the cost of a sleeper on Amtrak. That brings the difference in price down very considerably. You also get much better accommodations on Amtrak than you do an an airplane. It take a whole lot longer, though! If you have to be somewhere on a schedule, take a plane. If you have the time and aren't picky about when you arrive the train is the only way to go. Thanks for another great video Dylan!!
As for riding a train overnight, every night on the train is one LESS night at a hotel whether driving or flying... While flying will get you there quicker, you will most likely spend another night at a hotel as you probably won't return home any sooner.
@@ronclark9724, that will be made even better if Amtrak routes like this one had a high speed maglev option paralleling the shower speed route.
Your travel videos are tops. I just took the Coast Starlight from Eugene to LA and back. It was a great trip, and I saw a lot of wildlife from the train, including sea otters. The California Zephyr is on my bucket list, along with a few other Amtrak long haul routes. I am taking the Empire Builder from Portland to Chicago this October. I'm really looking forward to that.
If you have an hour in Denver it’s easy to scurry over to Whole Foods and get some decent food. Especially if you’re riding coach
What an amazing trip, it's definitely on my bucket list! (So sorry you had to "settle" for steak on your second night! LOL) Thanks for this great video!
Travel in winter is certainly cozy, provided you have the right accommodation, food and drink and are on solid ground...err, rails. You did rather well on the food front I see, although you were a bit sad on missing out on the salmon main course on the second night. Perhaps the person that had the last of the salmon was that person the ambulance turned up for. I agree with your assessment on the microwave meals. Yuk!
I had to chuckle right at the end when I saw Mr. Downie is up next on my TH-cam queue with his take on the same train. Will have to view that later as I have an appointment with the idiot box..err, television...to watch a bunch of Aussie bogans give their views on a travel programme called "Travel Guides". The antics these people get up to on paid holidays to various places makes for hilarious Sunday afternoon viewing. Later on, I've got an appointment to see Ma'am's Platinum Jubilee concert. I believe Paddington Bear has a segment on this and, would you believe it?... another channel has an episode of Railroad Australia to compete with it. Decisions, decisions. See ya next Friday...err Saturday or Sunday for me.
The Amtrak California Zephyr trains are incredible trains. And the carriges are very nice as well.
Unfortunately the first Superliners built are approaching 50 years in age. 50 years of running 24-7 with only breaks for maintenance, something Amtrak has done well considering their age. While Amtrak's Amfleet and Heritage coaches are getting replaced with new Siemens coaches, Amtrak's Superliners are getting a well deserved refurbishment. One power outlet in a roomette may be considered lacking today, 50 years ago they were enough. Bring a power outlet strip to recharge your devices, hopefully Amtrak's refurbishment will upgrade this shortcoming. Even under Amtrak Joe Amtrak is not getting a new fleet of Superliners...
@@ronclark9724 Probarly you are right.
Extremely interesting and informative video and I look forward to seeing more. But there's a but. Your walking shots bounce around a lot and when you pan it is very fast and often not in a consistent smooth move, swinging about. Maybe get a gimbal? Different people are affected differently by the camera movement (older people more so). But the videos are a great mix of train and geographical information with excellent practical guidance as well. Good stuff.
We've gone on the Zephyr a few times but only between Sacramento and Reno, but the views are still great in the mountains. I have to disagree about the food in the cafe car, the hot dogs and hamburgers are decent and they have some great cookies. And they're pretty good if you just need some hot water or a cup of ice and the service is usually pretty nice. When we were in Chicago station in October they seem to have a better selection of food in Lounge like some nice sandwiches along side the other things. We had taken the Southwest Chief between Los Angeles and Chicago. And yes the trains need refurbishing badly LOL.
12:41 UHHHH, DUDE, THAT’S A BNSF OFFICE CAR SPECIAL, CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY WHEN YOU SEE FREIGHT LOCOMOTIVES PULLING PASSENGER CARS
Mad how in 2019 London Waterloo served more passengers in 2 weeks than Chicago Union served in a year. Why is america so mongy with railways?
We are not built for railways
Because America is so big that using trains just to get from point A to point B is useless. You might as well take a plane. The thing that makes American trains worthwhile is the experience. I have been on both the California Zephyr and the Caledonian sleeper, and I can say that the definitive overall better experience is on the zephyr. You can’t see the Rockies well on a plane, you know.
To give another UK example, similar usage to Derby.
@@intelligentdonut Exactly Fly into the States and use the aircraft to get out of there as soon as possible.
I can't give you a detailed explanation but be sure that it there is a financial element to factor, whilst long distance rail will never compete with air travel for speed there is much scope for improved short distance and commuter services, in the UK and other countries there are state subsidies, in USA you won't get the same level of support, and even less so when services cross state lines eg New Jersey into New York. Also land ownership issues too.
As a result of watching this entire Travelodgue I am considering taking the journey myself. Will do it in warmer weather. Also, won't be dressed as casually. I'll bee in skirts & modest heels. Thank myou. Pamela
The freight railroads own just about all of the tracks outside of the northeast corridor. While Congress wants Amtrak to have priority, in the USA the freight trains have been getting longer and longer shipping goods from the west coast to the east coast from Asia. The freight railroads tend to send their trains east bound for a while and then west bound for a while on schedule avoiding congestion. Unfortunately Amtrak runs in both directions around the clock. The railroad dispatchers work for the railroads, they know who puts butter on their bread, and it isn't Amtrak... All it takes to mess up the railroads arrangements with delays is a hot axle bearing on any train, freight or passenger, much less many other mechanical problems...
I'll be on the zephyr tonight going from Omaha to Denver.
I haven't taken the California Zephyr yet, but it's definitely on my Buckett List of things to do! I've heard nothing but good things about it, so maybe a trip during the summer. You shouldn't have been surprised to see all that snow in the mountains in Nevada and California, it's the altitude that brings the snow. I'm glad to see that Colorado, Utah, Nevada and California has a lot of snow on the ground, since that entire region has been experiencing severe drought conditions these past few years. It may be a bit pricey, and a little time consuming, but I agree there's so much more one can see from the ground. I've flown over this part of the country numerous times, and it's just not the same, it all looks rather 2-dimensional. I've also driven across, mostly by way of Highway 40, but I was usually pressed for time. I'll be able to take early retirement soon, and plan on being the gadabout the globe! Great video, well done and Bravo Zulu!
Superb. Truly enjoyed this video. Really lifted my mood and inspired me. Very well constructed infused with good information.
Great video, well worth waiting for. Facinating to see the weather and changes across the route, do passengers suffer altitude sickness at the highest point? Also, you must have crossed some time zones but didn't mention this.
Moffat Tunnel's elevation at its highest is, 9,200 feet under 2,800 feet of rock while many of the mountains in Colorado top 14,000 feet... Not many riding Amtrak suffer altitude sickness, but if you aren't acclimated to this elevation you will have difficulty breathing and walking, especially uphill...
Riding west, the train crosses from the Central to the Mountain time zone in Western Nebraska not far from entering Colorado. The change to the Pacific time zone is at the state line entering Nevada from Utah. It's convenient enough to just set your watch back an hour before going to bed each night (for those of us that still wear a wrist watch!). Adding to Ron Clark's comment, keep in mind that the train has been gradually gaining elevation since crossing the Mississippi River to 5280 feet at Denver. Then there is the slow climb not quite 4000 more feet to Moffat Tunnel. Most passengers are not walking uphill during the journey! I hope you get to experience this ride some day.
Personally I didn't, but I guess you might get out of breath quicker were you to do some excersise.
@@DylansTravelReports Speaking of altitude, noticed at 27:37 you squeezing your bag of pretzel chips, which seemed to be under a lot of _internal_ pressure :D
I'm going to guess it didn't appear so inflated earlier in the trip (assuming since I don't know how much earlier you bought it)
45:00?? I don’t know about that, you’re gonna be in San Francisco, not a city you normally walk around in shorts and a t-shirt 😂
Trains Station 🚉
This is my next train experience. I really enjoyed my last one - the northern train - Empire Builder. Just like here Denver to SLC, in the Empire Builder, from Minot, ND to Spokane WA - it is VERY VERY SCENIC. It crosses through Glacer National Park and you see then entire trip as you enter from the very flat plains of Montana to the very scenic Wash area.
There is also beauty in Wisconsin's dairyland as well....
Having done this Amtrak journey twice, the best time of the year to undertake it is September or early October. September because the days are longer and heaps more sunshine, the kids have returned to school so bookings are easier and the cornfields of Illinois are at their most impressive whereas on Dylan's video they are just bare fields. October brings the Autumn colours particularly in Colorado and through the Rockies...nevertheless from Winter bound southern Australia, a great report and memories.
Not quite The Orient Express, but way beyond British Rail!
I have been watching your channel for a long long time now and it just keeps getting better. What a trip this was, and what a fabulous, relaxed style you exude. You are definitely one of the best TH-cam content providers on railways...
Thank you for making these videos. It's been very stressful in the United States lately in general, as well as in my personal life. These videos let me dream of going places and "escape" for a few minutes.
Yeah, biden brought you guys huge inflation and stuff
Exactly
I love your reviews. Excellent work!
Thanks!
Recently, I had a roomette on the Sunset Limited and the car was identical to yours, with the narrow closet in the room and somewhat roomy toilets downstairs. In comparison, the car on the Empire Builder on the return trip was different, with no closet (just a coathook with a couple of hangers, and the towels stored elsewhere) and much narrower toilets. Amtrak has changed the menu a bit since your trip, and I don't like the new appetizers, but the flatiron steak is still the best entree. As for the cafe, I think "revolting" is a bit harsh for the hot choices. They used to have a DiGiornio cheese pizza which was excellent, but that has been replaced with a cheese stromboli which is still decent, though the dough is usually a bit underbaked, not Amtrak's fault. The best cafe option, though, is the turkey & cheese sandwich on an oat roll, which on different trains had either cheddar, swiss or havarti cheese, but it was always excellent. You ought to try this trip in the summer sometime; on a nice day the scenery would be even more spectacular, and the daylight would last longer. I need to take the Zephyr someday myself.
Nothing wrong with a microwaved hot dog and a bag of chips....
Excellent report, as always. The more I see what is out there in “trip-report world”, the more I appreciate the few that get it right, like you, your French counterpart, and two or three others. Too often the narration drones on and on, or, conversely, there is way too much footage of not-that-interesting scenery with no narration at all. You are definitely right to dub in the narration later, it keeps it all much crisper.
As to this specific trip, I have made the trip over the Colorado Rockies on the Zephyr at least a dozen times, as it is convenient for where I live in Eastern Utah. Green River is my station, and thank you for including it! Most Zephyr trip reports ignore it, as though there were nothing between Grand Junction and Salt Lake City.
I’m planning a circle trip this fall, Zephyr to Galesburg, IL, connecting to the Southwest Chief to L.A., then the Coast Starlight to Emeryville, and finally the Zephyr back home, just to do something after the pandemic.
Fr*nce 🤢🤮💀😭
Keep in mind that the price of this long Amtrak route includes multiple overnight accommodations and meals. It’s not the kind of fare that gets you from point A to point B. This trip is mostly about the journey itself and not about efficiently reaching a destination.
Every night spent on a train is one LESS night at a expensive hotel...
19:06 is when 130, the phase II heritage unit, comes into view. That’s pretty cool!
Dylan, you are normal, I would take the train too - or maybe it’s just that I’m also not normal…
Here's a wild coincidence for you. I also subscribe to Downie Live and his trip this morning (May 4th) was, yes, the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco. His train was nine hours late.
Amazing, you really did your master piece here. I have an HO version of the original California Zeyphr and this trip has been on my bucket list for a long time. One question I have: After 3 days on the train are you glad the trip has finished or do you wish it would be longer?
One reason I really like the Empire Builder is that it arrives in Seattle at 10a in the morning -- and the east-bound turnaround leaves at 5:00p that same afternoon. I love the monotony -- peace and quiet -- of the coast-to-coast out-and-back from my home in Boston to Chicago on the Lakeshore, then to Seattle on the Empire Builder, then back to Chicago, and finally back to Boston. Six nights on the train, no hotels. The meals do get a bit repetitive. I really love the week-long absolute break. No computer, no net, nothing but watching the world go by and making conversation with new friends.
@@thomasstambaugh5181 Wow, thanks for sharing.
I've always considered Amtrak's long haul trains as a "land cruise" stapled to a Greyhound bus. Coach seats are really cheap (the Greyhound bus part). Getting a roomette seems expensive, but if you consider the cost of a hotel for two nights plus the cost of eight or so meals, the price becomes quite reasonable. Factor in the train as part of your vacation, not just as travel.
Exactly!
If you drove alone you won't get there any sooner having to sleep at hotels twice as well as paying for meals at fast food joints along the way. With wear and tear on your vehicle, as well as paying for gasoline, it is almost as expensive while you would be dead tired when you got there. Riding on a train, you will be well rested and much more relaxed letting someone else drive...
You forget that there are two airports in Chicago. Midway International [MDW], which is Southwest Airlines base of operations, offers over 180 daily flights to various North American and International destinations on seven carriers, including Allegiant, Avelo, Delta, Frontier, Porter & Volaris.
It’s interesting that there was a Pacific Surfliner car in the Amtrak Yard in Chicago it’s so far away from its home route. That train is operated in Southern California from San Diego to San Luis Obispo via Los Angeles. That route is definitely one to check out if you haven’t already because it follows the beautiful California coast for a majority of the trip.
Much of Amtrak's western and midwest fleet of rolling stock is serviced and maintained in Indianapolis usually running through Chicago...
@@ronclark9724 interesting... the Midwestern ones makes sense but the Western ones I would have thought they would service in LA at the 6th St Yard. Good to know and thanks for the info
@@tspryaviation While LA might have a car wash and light maintenance capabilities, major maintenance and overhauls are done at the Beech Grove facility near Indianapolis...
As a Chichagoan of 20 years it’s the Sears tower
With Amtrak 184 Heritage 40th Anniversary Unit.
However The P42DC Are Still In Service To Present Day
Brilliant video Dylan! It's remarkable to see how little has changed on the Zephyr since I did it in 2003 using an Amtrak rail pass. I didn't really appreciate it at the time as we were just a bunch of jaded backpackers at the end of a year-long RTW trip trying to get to NYC as quickly/cheaply as possible before we ran out of money! It was great to relive it again here, albeit in the opposite direction.
Great video. What camera are you using please?
He's using a GoPro but i don't know which.
Impressive in many ways but what an anti climax to end at such an anonymous station, there is nothing to beat city centre stations, arrival should be an experience . Now you don't always expect a St Pancras but this just seems like being dumped out in the suburbs.
Nice video and I really liked great scenary. BTW, what filter did you use? I quite like the effects.
I will always remember Chicago Central from that scene in The Untouchables. The one when there was the gun fight and the pram starts to fall down the stairs.
Thanks for letting us enjoy your epic journey.
Who misses Amtrak 184?
Amtrak has not had a train to SFO in years. Emeryville, yeah, but there's not that much to do there compared to SFO. I believe you can take a cramped bus from Emeryville San Francisco.
I’ve taken that bus a bunch of times, and every time I’ve been in it, it was quite comfortable, maybe 15-20 passengers max each time, never had anybody next to me, so far. It’s also a very short ride, maybe 20 min. Maybe seat spacing is a bit tight, but when you’ve got 15-20 passengers on a bus that holds 50-60, it feels quite roomy. However you go to San Francisco the city, not SFO. I would be nice for Amtrak to go to San Francisco, but the bay is a bit of a problem 😂
@@flyingmolamola thank you for the insight on the bus journey. By the way I used SFO for the city not the airport. I was too lazy to type out the full name.
Thanks for the ride!!! I LOVE the train🥰❤️❣️
Kathy
Washington State🇺🇸👋🏻