Thank you for what you are doing. I love trains and I fantize about traveling. I am a disabled veteran confined to a wheel chair. Your programs bring a smíle to me. Steve from Chicago.
Still loving watching you both. I’ve watched this one and others on TH-cam TV. I should mention that I pretend to travel with you because I have fibromyalgia pain and many other symptoms of it. Thank you so much. I only watch your travel channel you are the very best. I know that without needing to compare. You have my endearing admiration for choosing this perfectly awesome career/lifestyle.
Just got back from an amazing trip on the Empire Builder, Chicago to Portland. We enjoyed our roomette, the food was very good, and Amtrak staff helpful and kind. The scenery was wonderful and we we were so relaxed. Thanks for al your tips and suggestions. We’ve learned a lot from your channel. Thanks for all your info and advice.
I realize I'm a couple of months late but just wanted to leave another tip about how to maximize your sightseeing on the long distance "scenic" routes. Pay attention to the direction you start your trip and whether you'll be traveling through some of the scenic parts of your route at night. For instance, on the Coastal Starlight, if you're leaving from Los Angeles, the first part of your trip will be in the daytime (leaves at mid-morning), which will unfortunately offer you some unsightly views of dilapidated industrial areas and numerous homeless encampment near the tracks in Los Angeles downtown Los Angeles, and will rob you of some picturesque views of the Cascades as you near Seattle because it will be dark by then. Starting out in Seattle and heading south with take care of both of those shortcomings.
Thank you so much for your information. I watched several of your videos before planning our first Amtrak trip for my husband and I. All your info is “spot on”. We traveled from Newport News, VA to Denver, CO and back. We just got back earlier this week. We were coach on the NorthEast Regional to Washington DC, had a bedroom on the Capitol Limited to Chicago and a bedroom on the California Zephyr to Denver. The same accommodations on the way back on the Superliner. It was wonderful! We really enjoyed it and used most of your tips for do’s and don’ts. I now understand the reason for not having a tight connection time between trains. We were 5 hours late arriving to Chicago due to unforeseen circumstances and we only had 10 minutes to make our Denver connection. I was very impressed that Amtrak was prepared to get us to our connection and our luggage also made the transfer. I was not expecting that. I thought for sure our luggage would be on a later train. I would definitely travel by Amtrak again. Thank you so much for helping travelers like me to make an informed decision.
If you book 1 full trip and you miss your connection Amtrak will eitheir reroute you or pay for your hotel for the night and put you on the train next day that is if you connection is Boston to Seattle for example, but if you do Boston to Washigton DC, Washigton DC to Chciago, and Chicago to Seattle you are on hook for the hotels since Amtrak does not know that your are changing trains.
Love the channel . I appreciated the advice . I did the California Zephyr earlier this month from Chicago to Reno. I enjoyed the trip. I was in a roomette and it was awesome.
Appreciate your advice. I'm legally blind/low vision, but not living in the black. I found it a comfort that you give assurances that when given a opportune moment an attendant will answer questions and provide guidance. I take to heart your advice to let them know in advance you might need a few extra moments to get oriented/acclimated.
I went to San Diego on the Coast Starlight in 2018 when I didn’t have my car 🚘. The trip was absolutely amazing and the scenery was just breathtaking! I❤️ Amtrak and I ❤️ your videos. Great info! 🚉🚊
Correction: it was the Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to San Diego in December of 2018. That ride was 3 and a half hours of pure beauty and heaven sent!🚉🚆
Just got back from Seattle on the Coast Sky, as a handicapped person I need the handicap room. Folks at Amtrax was very helpful in arrangements for us. Both on the phone and on the train, and those Red Caps are a lifesaver, we had a 47 min connection and that red cap all but ran to get us there, she even called the train to tell them to have a ramp for me. She is in Seattle and I highly praise her. Plenty of room for my wheelchair which was out of our way. But, we found the room in Seattle absolutley flithy. I didn't want to touch anything, even the walls were bad. I recommend taking cleaning supplies, we sure will. Such a disappointment, the ride was expensive and we got stuck in a run down Motel 6.
New took the California Zephyr from Iowa to Northern California. We traveled in October. Beautiful and comfortable ride. We definitely didn’t pack right going out and changed things on the way back. I wish I’d seen your videos prior to our trip and welcome all of the great advice you give. We will travel on Amtrak again.
I’m going my 1st Amtrak to Ft Worth , Texas on Thursday to see my Dad!!! I can’t wait I haven’t been able to travel or been back to Texas in 12 years due to my health issues. I’m disabled but I got the accessible bedroom so I’m hoping it’ll work!!
Hey guys my granddaughter and I have wanted to take a trip on Amtrak forever. So we started watching you guys and calling Amtrak and trying to figure our trip out but it has been impossible to do. I thought I had it figured out a couple of times but then when I went to try to confirm it all it was just a mess. We decided the experience we were trying to have was more than likely gonna be a nightmare so we just scratched it. Why is it so hard to book with Amtrak. Then we hear the nightmares you can get yourselves into and it is just to scary to do. My granddaughter is 10 and I think it would be a great experience but not if the trip turns into a nightmare. Amtrak doesn’t seem to want to help you through the booking process. You either know what your doing or call back when you figure it out. LOL But I do love watching you guys and hearing your stories. Happy riding!!!!
I just love these two I just came across this videos and it took away the fear and intimadation of getting on amtrak I cannot wait to take my first trip
Planning trip Empire Builder Chicago to Whitefish early October and return. Connecting with City of New Orleans to & from Memphis. Thanks for the questions and answers. They help.
You are young-uns! I did one of my 2 long train trips in 1986-STL to ABQ-by some circuitous route through the Rockies. Soooooo BEAUTIFUL. First time I’d seen a real mountain! Blew me away! The other trip was in 1992 from STL to Portland. I don’t remember anything about my route except I bought my ticket too late to go the Glacier National Park route. The trip home from that one we had to go the very southern route with the one day stay-over in LA. It wasn’t as much fun. But I treasure those wonderful trips. We were looking at the California Zephyr from Chicago when COVID hit. Hope we still get to do that - someday. (sigh) Hope to catch you guys again live soon. You actually interact with your people! (I don’t even think they had Roomettes back then, so I was all Coach and it was still so much fun!!!)
Thank you guys. You guys make me want to take a trip across America. What beautiful country. How's the cardinal? Not much videos on it. Like to see more.
Hello Ali and Rob. Hubby and I are on California Zepher right now. What an amazing trip. We gave a tip to the food servers about $25 is that good. I wish I could give more. Thank you for all your videos
Hi Allie and Rob! Thank you so much for this vid. I'm looking to book my first Amtrak travel. Will the Amtrak reservationist/customer service assist me in finding the best costs/routes for my travel?
Love your videos. I used to work for UP and also ATSF and 20 years in the railroad industry . . I have been on many long-distance trains but overnights only in Europe. Wife and I are planning a Lake-Shore-CalZ-Coast*light-EmpBldr-Cardinal trip for June . . . so much fun. One opinion/suggestion to the person who asked about which was better to board the Cal.Zephyr Westbound - Omaha or Lincoln? Price for ticket will be probably be the same . . . One can board at Omaha 30~40 minutes earlier, which is nice because it's late at night. And while I don't know the Lincoln Train Station, Omaha's Station has been beautifully refurbished and is now the Durham Museum on the street level (Amtrak on the ground level) with lots of interesting sights and history. Multiple thumbs up for doing some dining/drinking in the nearby very touristy, almost-Nashville-like "Old Towne" area before one boards.
So glad i found we are seniors and traveling for the 1st time from New Orleans to New York my worries is getting from station to hotell is there a cab we can use
I recently took the Capitol Limited and Pennsylvanian from Chicago to Newark, NJ. Two comments: 1. The layover in Pittsburgh is timed for 2.5 hours, but the Capitol was late by a hair longer than that. Amtrak held the Pennsylvanian. 2. I couldn't get a good deal for a roomette for one person. I didn't sleep so well on the Capitol. I'm a side-sleeper, and my sleep style doesn't work so well in the Amtrak seats. Next time I'll try to get a window seat, as the night lights in coach are still bright enough to be an issue for me.
@@johnkolassa1645 I was on time getting to Pittsburgh and took the Capitol Limited out of there a few days later. I made it a weekend. There are some fun bars/restaurants a very short ride from the train station to help you pass the time
I will be traveling on zephyr leaving from Chicago to Emeryville. I am disabled in which I walk alittle slower pace than average. My question is will I be able to get off at fresh air breaks?.
I'VE NEVER ROAD ON AN AMTRAK TRAIN BEFORE BUT I SAW SOME OF YOUR YT VIDEOS ABOUT THE SLEEPER ROOMS AND ESPECIALLY THE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE SLEEPER ROOMS!...I USE A WHEELCHAIR AND THOSE ACCESSIBLE ROOMS THAT YOU SHOWED DIDN'T LOOK TO MANEUVERABLE TO ME FOR MY WHEELCHAIR!...I AM JUST SAYING!...GOD BLESS AMERICA! 😇 BTW!...DID YOU TWO MEET WHILE TRAVELING ON THE AMTRAK TRAIN?...YOU BOTH SEEM TO WORK WELL TOGETHER!
@@GroundedLifeTravel...IT WOULD BE NICE FOR YOU 2 TO DO A VIDEO ON HOW YOU MET AND STARTED A YT CHANNEL RIDING AMTRAK TRAINS!...I AM JUST SAYING!...GOD BLESS AMERICA! 😇
I was also 5 in 1977! Just turned 50 earlier this month! I can’t do trains long distance because I require hemodialysis at least three times a week! They make a portable machine but I don’t it’s possible to use it on a train! And I know people who had trouble just getting the machine on the train as baggage due to it’s weight! They did get it on but it was a huge hassle!
I fell in love with train travel through your videos and other people who traveled through trains. Just returned from a two day ride from Chicago to Los Angeles. I was so disappointed. All I could get was coach seats which is on me and I understand. Nevertheless the cleanliness of the train was non existent. The bathrooms were very dirty and smelled very bad. On the way to Chicago we got cloth seats which recliner a good amount but going home they were leather and looked newer but barely reclined. Multiple people in our car were coughing and sneezing and all kids of sick. Nobody ever asked them to wear a face covering. I did but here I am with COVID again. At this time coach seats cannot purchase hot meals only prepackaged food. This I learned from your site because amtrak never informed this. Also no shower access. I very much regret not getting the rooms , could have avoided many of these unpleasant things. My tip for amtrak, get a room and Plan months and months ahead. I’ll try it again just not coach. Amtrak should really focus on quality, customer service, and most importantly cleanliness.
If you can not afford a roommate or bedroom, you can still stay with coach. Then if you arrive in Chicago that metropolitan lounge you can purchase a day pass and they have shower who can use but need to leave the license and the front desk for access to the shower.
I would NEVER take the California Zephyr without a room. It’s worth every penny for the privacy, meals and cleanliness. The coach cars can get a bit smelly after a couple of days.
One more thing I wanted to say and this applies more in recent years: There are plenty of people to help you, but Chicago Union Station is next to impossible for me to navigate. My parents made me read airport signage from when I was old enough to read, so I could find my way in airports and have the confidence. But you put me in that Chicago train station and I become hopelessly inept. Is it that bad or do I just have a mental block????
Hi my 17yr old grandson is graduating May 19, 2023. I would like to do an inexpensive train trip with him after he graduates. We live in Florida we would catch the train in Jacksonville Fl. I use a Cain I also have a mobility scooter. I can walk short distance, if it’s a lot of site seeing I need the scooter. I also have a walker I could use. Thank you . I’ve really enjoyed your videos. Blessing travel safe.
To the creators of this channel or whoever may be able to answer: Can you bring on the train a power strip? (the type that is suitable for cruises.) Thank You Have a Great Day
Hi guys!! I just love your content!! Thanks for all the info and suggestions! I just booked a solo cross country trip in October using my Rail Pass that I got on sale! So excited! I have a question that I haven't seen anywhere in my research. Is there any exercises other than walking that I can do on the trains? I plan on bringing resistance loop bands to do some strength work while on the train, but is that ok? Frowned upon? I hope to do it early mornings or late nights in the observation car so I have a bit more room. Thanks again!!
I've never seen anyone do it on the train, but there are fresh air breaks, which are 15 minute stops, sometimes longer, every 3-4 hours. We've seen quite a few people do push ups, situps etc... on the platform when they get off the train.
@@GroundedLifeTravel Thanks so much for the response! Hopefully if I do the exercises early or late enough it won't bother the other passengers! I also plan on doing some chair yoga! Fingers crossed! Stay safe!
I am SO SORRY I missed the live stream. I did want to point out though; other things to look for in the differences between the Viewliner and the Superliner are that 1) I don't think there is a sink in the Superliner like there is in the Viewliner, (both the I and II), 2) the upper births are lowered differently between the Superliner and the Viewliner as the Superliner is hinged on the side next to the window, so you are only raising and lowering the one side into place, but because the Viewliner upper birth is on a, (for lack of better terminology), a rod-type system, you are thus raising and lowering the whole bed. 3) This is more of a question than a straight comment about the differences...Do either Viewliners have extra luggage racks near the entrance to the car like the Superliner has? I THINK that Amtrak did the luggage racks in the Superliners to try and "compensate" for the lack of storage in the roomettes themselves. Is that possibly true? There IS one negative about the Lakeshore Limited, AND the Capitol Limited as they share part of the same route as they get past Cleveland and closer to Chicago... The FREIGHT TRAINS... I don't hate freight trains honestly. It just seems that up north; going through the midwest; they are soooooo darned loooonnnngg, and that CAN be the reason, or at least part of the reason for delayed Amtrak trains...I counted one once while watching a video... there were more than 20 cars on the one freight train alone... and yes I have experienced waiting at a crossing many times in actual real life viewing as I lived in Bryan, OH. for fourteen years before I moved to Hartford, CT. where I now have been living for about five years and counting.
Last month I took The Crescent from Greensboro NC to NYC. I wanted to get a roommette but b/c the rooms were $400 each way (ouch- they have never been that high before), I took coach. I plan on going back to NYC for NYE & want to take roommette but the rooms are still $400 do you think the rooms will go down & before my last trip I was offered an upgrade but I had to bid on the roommette. Do you think it's worth trying to bid? Thanks Sylvia
I took the Texas Eagle from Dallas and whichever train from Chicago to Philadelphia that stopped in Paoli, I got off early due to a Amtrakicide in Ohio where we were delayed 4 hours but the conductor was offering (20 years ago now) roomettes for $1XX more on one leg, in fact I think it was $120 I didn't have, my trip was urgent, my friends sister had died and she was very dear to me, I even served as a pallbearer.. the trip was decent, I was planning on taking my alternate vehicle left behind but I needed a new battery and wasps nested in the door closure area so I flew home.
A few extra tips: Try to get seats towards the middle of the car to be away from the noise of the bathroom doors sliding and when people are moving between cars. Similarly, sleeper compartments in the middle of the car are away from the sound of the wheels (you'll still hear them but not as loud). Take some blue painter's tape to hold down something loose that's rattling annoyingly. (NOT duck tape - please don't leave sticky adhesive residue behind). Better yet: rewrap a strip about five feet long around a marker and have a few sheets of paper with you. Why? Because passengers can do stupid stuff and put restrooms out of order. For some reason, staff doesn't have "Out of Order" signs and/or doesn't think to make some. If you have the means to put a note on the door of a restroom that's not working, you can avoid the extra noise of people opening it only to find it's unusable. Whenever possible, take the train that has a starting point closer to where you're departing from. For example, if you're going from St. Louis to Chicago, you want to take a local Lincoln Service train, not the Texas Eagle, because the Texas Eagle has 24 hours on the way from San Antonio to STL to accumulate delays, whereas the Lincoln Service trains originate from St. Louis and so depart on time. BUT when going the other way, the Eagle originates in Chicago so you can take that, depart on time, and have more amenities for (usually) not much more money.
we have a 3 hour layover in Portland to catch the Coast starlight do you think we would be enough time as we are going to sacremento then onto denver on the Califorina Zephyer & we have hotel reservations in Denver don't want to worry about losing the hotel Reservations
We're in coach in December on the Silver Meteor, do we need to check in and get a seat assignment number ahead of time? Didn't think about that until you said about knowing and not knowing your Roomette number. Thank you.
The first time I rode an Amtrak I made that exact mistake of not knowing the name of the direct route train so I booked a train for Indianapolis to NYC in Business class but I didn’t realize it was going to put me on a Greyhound bus to Pittsburgh first and then the other half was a business class Amtrak train going to NYC which was just night and day in terms of comfort and the other passengers being less drunk and high. Now I know about the Cardinal which goes from Chicago to NYC with a stop in Indianapolis that only runs Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. The greyhound was honestly the most miserable trip of my life especially because I was *expecting* a train. The Greyhound kind of just smelled like a dive bar urinal and everyone was pretty much high or drunk. It was pretty miserable. No offense to Greyhound people, I know that is usually the cheapest way to get somewhere especially if it’s a busy time of year but if you’re not expecting it, it’s even worse.
The GreyHOUND is also known to haul children whose parents do not supervise them, especially noise, I rode 6 hours from Dallas frequently before finally moving, one trip the mother actually provoked her child to be noisy, after the driver got enough complaints he got on the speaker and explained he has the right to discharge passengers for being disturbing, she finally got the hint. Also if you are heavy you may have trouble getting into the restroom, I wasn't 300# yet and was having to pull myself in.
Traveling from Philadelphia to Savannah GA coach . Can I put my small suitcase in an overhead and carry a bag of snacks for an 16 hr travel and is it safe to let my bag sit on the seat until I go to the restroom ? I'm diabetic and NEED my snack bag and everything in it
I would recommend carry a backpack with the diabetic supplies, candy and anything valuable like cell phones, camera, etc and carry the backpack whereever you go if you are on the train and then leave the suitcase on the rack in the car since theft is easy on the coach car unfortunately
This past November 2021, I was driving from Texas to Nor Cal, running across I-40 in the California desert outside Barstow,. I suddenly realized there were multiple mile-long- plus sections of freight trains sitting idle on the tracks. I started looking closer to realize I had just driven past at least 15 miles of trains sitting on the tracks. As I got to the edge of Barstow, I was driving West, I saw that there had been a freight train wreck and three cars were still being removed from the tracks. As I continued across I-40 to the 58 to Bakersfield, I saw miles and miles and miles of backed up freight trains trying to head East. I guessed about 30 miles of various freight trains that I saw that were coming and going had been backed up from this incident. It made me wonder about passenger trains and how that would have been handled, especially if the incident had occurred while you were enroute between towns. How would they get you off a stranded train out in the middle of nowhere?
@@GroundedLifeTravel we struck a truck whose driver committed Amtrakicide sat in Ohio for 4 hours, no relief from Amtrak, had it been summer heat, it would have been even worse.
@@Stache987 Wow that is crazy and sad too, if you were late you can call 1800 USA raiil and connect to Customer Relations department and they should issue a partial voucher for a future trip.
Is 22 hours between trains enough time to allow for delays? We get into Seattle at 10:25am and our next train leaves for Emeryville the following day at 8:10am. Thanks!
Your videos are great!!! Thanks you because I know nothing about Amtrak but my husband and I do not like to fly but want to visit his uncle who lives near Vegas and then my sister who lives outside of San Fransisco. What would you recommend or how would you recommend we travel? We have a 3 year old and an infant. We want a room most likely with a toilet but we are trying to think of the best most convenient most affordable way to go or travel. We want to hit Vegas first then Cali and then be in Cali for a few days then go straight from Cali to New York where we live. I realize this will be like a three week trip but I’m trying to think of most spacious room with bathroom and what train and most convenient way to go since we have the small kids. Also, would you recommend bringing a stroller or travel crib if so where do they store it? Lastly, I like the idea of traditional dining but if you choose that, does that mean you can only go to the dining area every time you want to eat? Thank you!!
I would suggest the bedroom for all the rides since it has a combo toilet and shower in the room- if you do not need a toilet or sink in the room you can get the family bedroom but only one the Superliner trains which are 2 floor cars, or you can get 1 of each, or a bedroom and a roommate depending how many people are in your party. I will give you an example Lets say you live in New York. Take the LakeShore Limited or the Cardinal to Chicago. After that take the Southwest Chief to Kingman Arizona and then take the Amtrak bus from there to Las Vegas, after that either take the Amtrak bus or uber or rent a car to Arizona and them up on the Southwest Chief to Los Angles. After that take the Coast Starlight to Emeryville and Amtrak bus to San Fransico. Going back you can take the Amtrak bus back to Emeryville and than take the Zephry back to Chicago, and then take the LakeShore Limited or Thee Cardinal back to New York, or in San Fransico you can get some how futher up and then connect to the Coast Startlight from there and get off in Portland or Seattle and then take the Empire Builder back to Chicago and then return home on the Cardinal or LakeShore Limited.
We have tickets to Seattle on 11/09. Train is supposed to get into Maricopa at 5:30 Am, but it left LA at 6:30 am, that is a 1 hour turn over. What if that train gets late? there is no other train until Tuesday, the plan?
Going on our FIRST EVER trip overnight on Silver Star. Heard bedroom “Room A” are smaller. Switched our room to “Room B”…also switch from car 9110 to 9111. Did I make a mistake??? Want privacy…heard B,C, and D rooms have paper thin doors separating them….
We travel Amtrack for years.THIS IS OUR FIRST VACATION TRIP FROM CHICAGO TO SEATTLE ON THE EMPIRE THEN THE COASST STARLIGHT TO EMERYVILLE AMTRAK CHANGED FROM SAN FRANCISCO THEN. LOCAL TO SAN FRANCISCO THEN BACK TO CHICAGO ON THE EMPIRE. OUR PROBLEM IS GETTING FROM NC AND BACK TO CHICAGO. WE LIVE IN THE COAST AND HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING TO TRAIN. WE KNOW THST THE TRAINS ARE ALWAYS LATE. BUT 3 hrs enough time to get from the MIDWAY AIRPORT TO THE TRAIN STATION. THEN IN JULY 2 WHEN WE RETURN WE WANT TO TAKE TRAIN BACK HOME CANT MAKE CONNECTIONS HOME. I THINK THE CLOSEST WE CAN GET TO HOME IS Raleigh. What do you RECOMMEND?
I'd wonder that myself, and I'd buy my airplane bottles of liquor at the grocery or liquor store instead of paying $8 each on board. Honestly Cafe car food isn't bad but ham and a loaf of bread with cheese keeps well enough for a day on board, you'll need the money for sodas and other purchases
@@Stache987 so the answer is No but I did take an electric kettle which heated water super quick. Used it for coffee, tea and cup a soups. Packed everything else.
About the end of August I was so excited to go to LA via the Sunset Limited and then 2 days before my trip, I received a text saying the trip was cancelled. I had to book a plane trip. So disappointed. Maybe another time.
Thank you for doing these videos! We haven't taken a train yet but are looking into it to travel from MI to Utah. Do you leave your carry on bags above your seat when you go to eat and such? Also the station in MI says no checked bag service. Does that mean we can't take bigger suitcases with us? Thanks for your help.
No checked baggage means a small station and do not have people to check baggage so you just have to bring all the baggage on the sleeper car or coach car and put the big suitcases on the 1rst floor on the luggage rack.
I had a bad experience on Amtrak and never used it again. There were no assigned seats but conductor made me sit next to a disgusting smelling man from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Winter Haven, Florida. There were many empty seats but conductor said if I tried to move I would be put off train. Complained everywhere I could but nobody would help me. Women don't travel alone on Amtrak.
my concern is trying a coach trip and getting assigned a seat not next to a window...and seated next to someone I don't know..is there a way to request a window seat...and are trains usually less crowded during the week
It really depends on the train, so some trains have assigned seating in coach and some are first come first served. If you know the route, you could call the 1-800 number and see if they know the deal for your train. Also if you get on at an early station, say Chicago on a Chicago to Seattle route, you are much more likely to get a window, than getting on hours later.
Why is it SO difficult to get in touch with Amtrak? It's basically impossible. I've called and emailed over the past two months and nothing. All I want to do now is modify my reservation, but Amtrak won't let me. How can someone get in touch with Amtrak, and not Julie? Lol, I missed your Q&A!
I totally understand your frustration especially when your train reservation has been delayed or canceled train and it can be time-consuming to get to speak with a representative. If you say to the computer, Julie, "speak with a representative" then usually she will reply the wait time sometimes, 10 to 30 or in some cases even an hour wait time and ask if you would like a call back. I've had great success with the call backs. Just make sure your phone is near you and make sure to answer the phone even if the number is not familiar, usually it's a computer telling you that it is calling you back and that you are the next in line for a representative and only have to wait maybe two more minutes for an actual person to come on the other line. They have been extremely helpful and informative once you get to speak to a real person and there is someone on call 24 hours a day.
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Thank you for what you are doing. I love trains and I fantize about traveling. I am a disabled veteran confined to a wheel chair. Your programs bring a smíle to me.
Steve from Chicago.
Still loving watching you both. I’ve watched this one and others on TH-cam TV. I should mention that I pretend to travel with you because I have fibromyalgia pain and many other symptoms of it. Thank you so much. I only watch your travel channel you are the very best. I know that without needing to compare. You have my endearing admiration for choosing this perfectly awesome career/lifestyle.
Just got back from an amazing trip on the Empire Builder, Chicago to Portland. We enjoyed our roomette, the food was very good, and Amtrak staff helpful and kind. The scenery was wonderful and we we were so relaxed. Thanks for al your tips and suggestions. We’ve learned a lot from your channel. Thanks for all your info and advice.
if I may ask what did you eat on the train if you still remember.
Going on the Zephyr back home to NYC on Saturday. We did NYC to Cali a few weeks ago and loved it. I never want to ride a plane again.
I’d love to know your itinerary and how it was length wise.
@@cg741graf5 please share your itinerary I’m thinking of a trip like that myself
I realize I'm a couple of months late but just wanted to leave another tip about how to maximize your sightseeing on the long distance "scenic" routes. Pay attention to the direction you start your trip and whether you'll be traveling through some of the scenic parts of your route at night. For instance, on the Coastal Starlight, if you're leaving from Los Angeles, the first part of your trip will be in the daytime (leaves at mid-morning), which will unfortunately offer you some unsightly views of dilapidated industrial areas and numerous homeless encampment near the tracks in Los Angeles downtown Los Angeles, and will rob you of some picturesque views of the Cascades as you near Seattle because it will be dark by then. Starting out in Seattle and heading south with take care of both of those shortcomings.
Thank you
@@joanminske2498 by8
Thank you so much for your information. I watched several of your videos before planning our first Amtrak trip for my husband and I. All your info is “spot on”. We traveled from Newport News, VA to Denver, CO and back. We just got back earlier this week. We were coach on the NorthEast Regional to Washington DC, had a bedroom on the Capitol Limited to Chicago and a bedroom on the California Zephyr to Denver. The same accommodations on the way back on the Superliner. It was wonderful! We really enjoyed it and used most of your tips for do’s and don’ts. I now understand the reason for not having a tight connection time between trains. We were 5 hours late arriving to Chicago due to unforeseen circumstances and we only had 10 minutes to make our Denver connection. I was very impressed that Amtrak was prepared to get us to our connection and our luggage also made the transfer. I was not expecting that. I thought for sure our luggage would be on a later train. I would definitely travel by Amtrak again. Thank you so much for helping travelers like me to make an informed decision.
If you book 1 full trip and you miss your connection Amtrak will eitheir reroute you or pay for your hotel for the night and put you on the train next day that is if you connection is Boston to Seattle for example, but if you do Boston to Washigton DC, Washigton DC to Chciago, and Chicago to Seattle you are on hook for the hotels since Amtrak does not know that your are changing trains.
Love the channel . I appreciated the advice . I did the California Zephyr earlier this month from Chicago to Reno. I enjoyed the trip. I was in a roomette and it was awesome.
This is one of the best Travel vids on the Internet. Thanks!
Thanks so much, Rob, for the handy map/train name tool!!
You guys are terrific in so many ways! Thank you for what you do.
Appreciate your advice. I'm legally blind/low vision, but not living in the black. I found it a comfort that you give assurances that when given a opportune moment an attendant will answer questions and provide guidance. I take to heart your advice to let them know in advance you might need a few extra moments to get oriented/acclimated.
They do a good job of helping people
Love watching your videos, I’m completely prepared because of you guys!!
I went to San Diego on the Coast Starlight in 2018 when I didn’t have my car 🚘. The trip was absolutely amazing and the scenery was just breathtaking! I❤️ Amtrak and I ❤️ your videos. Great info! 🚉🚊
Thanks for sharing!!
@@GroundedLifeTravel Thank you for seeing this!! 🚉🚊❤️❤️❤️❤️
Correction: it was the Pacific Surfliner from Los Angeles to San Diego in December of 2018. That ride was 3 and a half hours of pure beauty and heaven sent!🚉🚆
thanks to you guys, I'm doing my first train travel in October. My son turns 50.Im flying to New
I don't like heights, roller coasters or whatever!! Thanks for sharing. I don't feel so bad now! Lol
Just got back from Seattle on the Coast Sky, as a handicapped person I need the handicap room. Folks at Amtrax was very helpful in arrangements for us. Both on the phone and on the train, and those Red Caps are a lifesaver, we had a 47 min connection and that red cap all but ran to get us there, she even called the train to tell them to have a ramp for me. She is in Seattle and I highly praise her. Plenty of room for my wheelchair which was out of our way. But, we found the room in Seattle absolutley flithy. I didn't want to touch anything, even the walls were bad. I recommend taking cleaning supplies, we sure will. Such a disappointment, the ride was expensive and we got stuck in a run down Motel 6.
New took the California Zephyr from Iowa to Northern California. We traveled in October. Beautiful and comfortable ride. We definitely didn’t pack right going out and changed things on the way back. I wish I’d seen your videos prior to our trip and welcome all of the great advice you give. We will travel on Amtrak again.
Thanks for watching!
Thats great you enjoyed your trip.
I’m going my 1st Amtrak to Ft Worth , Texas on Thursday to see my Dad!!! I can’t wait I haven’t been able to travel or been back to Texas in 12 years due to my health issues. I’m disabled but I got the accessible bedroom so I’m hoping it’ll work!!
Hey guys my granddaughter and I have wanted to take a trip on Amtrak forever. So we started watching you guys and calling Amtrak and trying to figure our trip out but it has been impossible to do. I thought I had it figured out a couple of times but then when I went to try to confirm it all it was just a mess. We decided the experience we were trying to have was more than likely gonna be a nightmare so we just scratched it. Why is it so hard to book with Amtrak. Then we hear the nightmares you can get yourselves into and it is just to scary to do. My granddaughter is 10 and I think it would be a great experience but not if the trip turns into a nightmare. Amtrak doesn’t seem to want to help you through the booking process. You either know what your doing or call back when you figure it out. LOL But I do love watching you guys and hearing your stories. Happy riding!!!!
We have a map on our website that helps plan a trip out better. That might be helpful in knowing which trains you need to get where you want to go.
I just love these two I just came across this videos and it took away the fear and intimadation of getting on amtrak I cannot wait to take my first trip
Awesome, have a great time!
Planning trip Empire Builder Chicago to Whitefish early October and return. Connecting with City of New Orleans to & from Memphis. Thanks for the questions and answers. They help.
Sounds great!
You two are so sweet and informative, thank you!👍
Thanks we appreciate it!
Yes, it would be great to be able to see which are the nighttime segments on your route maps!
You are young-uns! I did one of my 2 long train trips in 1986-STL to ABQ-by some circuitous route through the Rockies. Soooooo BEAUTIFUL. First time I’d seen a real mountain! Blew me away! The other trip was in 1992 from STL to Portland. I don’t remember anything about my route except I bought my ticket too late to go the Glacier National Park route. The trip home from that one we had to go the very southern route with the one day stay-over in LA. It wasn’t as much fun. But I treasure those wonderful trips. We were looking at the California Zephyr from Chicago when COVID hit. Hope we still get to do that - someday. (sigh) Hope to catch you guys again live soon. You actually interact with your people! (I don’t even think they had Roomettes back then, so I was all Coach and it was still so much fun!!!)
I’m so excited to take my first Amtrak trip. We are going from Chicago to Seattle. Thank you all for the videos. It has been immensely helpful!
Did you take the train yet, and if yes how was it?
Thank you guys. You guys make me want to take a trip across America. What beautiful country. How's the cardinal? Not much videos on it. Like to see more.
I took the auto train before. When I moved from Philly to Orlando . I liked it 😃
It was in December of 2018. The weather was perfect!
One would think that Amtrak itself would make a map like yours available on their site. Humph. Thank you for it!
Hello Ali and Rob. Hubby and I are on California Zepher right now. What an amazing trip. We gave a tip to the food servers about $25 is that good. I wish I could give more. Thank you for all your videos
Hi Allie and Rob! Thank you so much for this vid. I'm looking to book my first Amtrak travel. Will the Amtrak reservationist/customer service assist me in finding the best costs/routes for my travel?
Love your videos. I used to work for UP and also ATSF and 20 years in the railroad industry . . I have been on many long-distance trains but overnights only in Europe. Wife and I are planning a Lake-Shore-CalZ-Coast*light-EmpBldr-Cardinal trip for June . . . so much fun.
One opinion/suggestion to the person who asked about which was better to board the Cal.Zephyr Westbound - Omaha or Lincoln? Price for ticket will be probably be the same . . . One can board at Omaha 30~40 minutes earlier, which is nice because it's late at night.
And while I don't know the Lincoln Train Station, Omaha's Station has been beautifully refurbished and is now the Durham Museum on the street level (Amtrak on the ground level) with lots of interesting sights and history. Multiple thumbs up for doing some dining/drinking in the nearby very touristy, almost-Nashville-like "Old Towne" area before one boards.
Thanks for your info and tips! Have a great trip
*You guys ARE AWESOME !!! THANKS !!!* 2:36 / 6:56 /
Thank you!
Actually you can donate when not live too. Just on one of the videos click the link Thanks right below the video and follow the directions there.
So glad i found we are seniors and traveling for the 1st time from New Orleans to New York my worries is getting from station to hotell is there a cab we can use
Yes there is, or book the Marriott right next to the station, that one is an easy walk
I recently took the Capitol Limited and Pennsylvanian from Chicago to Newark, NJ. Two comments:
1. The layover in Pittsburgh is timed for 2.5 hours, but the Capitol was late by a hair longer than that. Amtrak held the Pennsylvanian.
2. I couldn't get a good deal for a roomette for one person. I didn't sleep so well on the Capitol. I'm a side-sleeper, and my sleep style doesn't work so well in the Amtrak seats. Next time I'll try to get a window seat, as the night lights in coach are still bright enough to be an issue for me.
Just took that same combo from New York to Chicago, what a ride
@@bbobs327 Were you on time getting into PGH? Was there anything to do during the long layover?
@@johnkolassa1645 I was on time getting to Pittsburgh and took the Capitol Limited out of there a few days later. I made it a weekend. There are some fun bars/restaurants a very short ride from the train station to help you pass the time
@@bbobs327 Thanks.
If you are riding the Lake Shore Limited you can stop off at Buffalo and go to the Niagara Falls.
You guys do Great job of explaining things. This is way too much work not for me but I’ll watch your cruise videos.
I will be traveling on zephyr leaving from Chicago to Emeryville. I am disabled in which I walk alittle slower pace than average. My question is will I be able to get off at fresh air breaks?.
Yes you will
Wow, back-to- back cruises, in the Season of Rona 😳That’s brave !
Glad you guys are alright.
Thanks!
I'VE NEVER ROAD ON AN AMTRAK TRAIN BEFORE BUT I SAW SOME OF YOUR YT VIDEOS ABOUT THE SLEEPER ROOMS AND ESPECIALLY THE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE SLEEPER ROOMS!...I USE A WHEELCHAIR AND THOSE ACCESSIBLE ROOMS THAT YOU SHOWED DIDN'T LOOK TO MANEUVERABLE TO ME FOR MY WHEELCHAIR!...I AM JUST SAYING!...GOD BLESS AMERICA! 😇
BTW!...DID YOU TWO MEET WHILE TRAVELING ON THE AMTRAK TRAIN?...YOU BOTH SEEM TO WORK WELL TOGETHER!
Thanks! We met in college, many years ago
@@GroundedLifeTravel...IT WOULD BE NICE FOR YOU 2 TO DO A VIDEO ON HOW YOU MET AND STARTED A YT CHANNEL RIDING AMTRAK TRAINS!...I AM JUST SAYING!...GOD BLESS AMERICA! 😇
Your channel is gold!
Thanks!
I was also 5 in 1977! Just turned 50 earlier this month! I can’t do trains long distance because I require hemodialysis at least three times a week! They make a portable machine but I don’t it’s possible to use it on a train! And I know people who had trouble just getting the machine on the train as baggage due to it’s weight! They did get it on but it was a huge hassle!
You always give us great information. Thank You.
Thanks for the "tons" of info guys! That was awesome for a newbie like me.
Glad it was helpful!
I fell in love with train travel through your videos and other people who traveled through trains. Just returned from a two day ride from Chicago to Los Angeles. I was so disappointed. All I could get was coach seats which is on me and I understand. Nevertheless the cleanliness of the train was non existent. The bathrooms were very dirty and smelled very bad. On the way to Chicago we got cloth seats which recliner a good amount but going home they were leather and looked newer but barely reclined. Multiple people in our car were coughing and sneezing and all kids of sick. Nobody ever asked them to wear a face covering. I did but here I am with COVID again. At this time coach seats cannot purchase hot meals only prepackaged food. This I learned from your site because amtrak never informed this. Also no shower access. I very much regret not getting the rooms , could have avoided many of these unpleasant things. My tip for amtrak, get a room and Plan months and months ahead. I’ll try it again just not coach. Amtrak should really focus on quality, customer service, and most importantly cleanliness.
If you can not afford a roommate or bedroom, you can still stay with coach. Then if you arrive in Chicago that metropolitan lounge you can purchase a day pass and they have shower who can use but need to leave the license and the front desk for access to the shower.
I would NEVER take the California Zephyr without a room. It’s worth every penny for the privacy, meals and cleanliness. The coach cars can get a bit smelly after a couple of days.
One more thing I wanted to say and this applies more in recent years: There are plenty of people to help you, but Chicago Union Station is next to impossible for me to navigate. My parents made me read airport signage from when I was old enough to read, so I could find my way in airports and have the confidence. But you put me in that Chicago train station and I become hopelessly inept. Is it that bad or do I just have a mental block????
Hi my 17yr old grandson is graduating May 19, 2023. I would like to do an inexpensive train trip with him after he graduates. We live in Florida we would catch the train in Jacksonville Fl. I use a Cain I also have a mobility scooter. I can walk short distance, if it’s a lot of site seeing I need the scooter. I also have a walker I could use. Thank you . I’ve really enjoyed your videos. Blessing travel safe.
The journey is the destination.
To the creators of this channel or whoever may be able to answer:
Can you bring on the train a power strip? (the type that is suitable for cruises.)
Thank You Have a Great Day
You two are such a beautiful couple btw❤️🌹❤️🌹May you love and wedd 4ever🕺💃🙏🏾🎊🎁🌹💞🎉✨❤️
Thank you!
Hi guys!! I just love your content!! Thanks for all the info and suggestions! I just booked a solo cross country trip in October using my Rail Pass that I got on sale! So excited! I have a question that I haven't seen anywhere in my research. Is there any exercises other than walking that I can do on the trains? I plan on bringing resistance loop bands to do some strength work while on the train, but is that ok? Frowned upon? I hope to do it early mornings or late nights in the observation car so I have a bit more room. Thanks again!!
I've never seen anyone do it on the train, but there are fresh air breaks, which are 15 minute stops, sometimes longer, every 3-4 hours. We've seen quite a few people do push ups, situps etc... on the platform when they get off the train.
@@GroundedLifeTravel Thanks so much for the response! Hopefully if I do the exercises early or late enough it won't bother the other passengers! I also plan on doing some chair yoga! Fingers crossed! Stay safe!
I want to do a sisters trip on Amtrak. What would you recommend for 5 women 55 and older? No special accommodations needed.
I am SO SORRY I missed the live stream. I did want to point out though; other things to look for in the differences between the Viewliner and the Superliner are that 1) I don't think there is a sink in the Superliner like there is in the Viewliner, (both the I and II), 2) the upper births are lowered differently between the Superliner and the Viewliner as the Superliner is hinged on the side next to the window, so you are only raising and lowering the one side into place, but because the Viewliner upper birth is on a, (for lack of better terminology), a rod-type system, you are thus raising and lowering the whole bed. 3) This is more of a question than a straight comment about the differences...Do either Viewliners have extra luggage racks near the entrance to the car like the Superliner has? I THINK that Amtrak did the luggage racks in the Superliners to try and "compensate" for the lack of storage in the roomettes themselves. Is that possibly true?
There IS one negative about the Lakeshore Limited, AND the Capitol Limited as they share part of the same route as they get past Cleveland and closer to Chicago... The FREIGHT TRAINS... I don't hate freight trains honestly. It just seems that up north; going through the midwest; they are soooooo darned loooonnnngg, and that CAN be the reason, or at least part of the reason for delayed Amtrak trains...I counted one once while watching a video... there were more than 20 cars on the one freight train alone... and yes I have experienced waiting at a crossing many times in actual real life viewing as I lived in Bryan, OH. for fourteen years before I moved to Hartford, CT. where I now have been living for about five years and counting.
Last month I took The Crescent from Greensboro NC to NYC. I wanted to get a roommette but b/c the rooms were $400 each way (ouch- they have never been that high before), I took coach. I plan on going back to NYC for NYE & want to take roommette but the rooms are still $400 do you think the rooms will go down & before my last trip I was offered an upgrade but I had to bid on the roommette. Do you think it's worth trying to bid? Thanks Sylvia
I took the Texas Eagle from Dallas and whichever train from Chicago to Philadelphia that stopped in Paoli, I got off early due to a Amtrakicide in Ohio where we were delayed 4 hours but the conductor was offering (20 years ago now) roomettes for $1XX more on one leg, in fact I think it was $120 I didn't have, my trip was urgent, my friends sister had died and she was very dear to me, I even served as a pallbearer.. the trip was decent, I was planning on taking my alternate vehicle left behind but I needed a new battery and wasps nested in the door closure area so I flew home.
I love your videos the views are gorgeous great insight I wanted to know what camera does rob use to take all the videos with?
Thanks, they are linked here: www.groundedlifetravel.com/20-must-have-items-for-your-next-amtrak-trip/
Love your channel. Do you have guys have a vlog on how to get to Yellowstone. I’m on DC. Trying to figure out how to get there.
We are doing around the country on the train late Oct. How far are most hotels from the train station?
A few extra tips:
Try to get seats towards the middle of the car to be away from the noise of the bathroom doors sliding and when people are moving between cars. Similarly, sleeper compartments in the middle of the car are away from the sound of the wheels (you'll still hear them but not as loud).
Take some blue painter's tape to hold down something loose that's rattling annoyingly. (NOT duck tape - please don't leave sticky adhesive residue behind). Better yet: rewrap a strip about five feet long around a marker and have a few sheets of paper with you. Why? Because passengers can do stupid stuff and put restrooms out of order. For some reason, staff doesn't have "Out of Order" signs and/or doesn't think to make some. If you have the means to put a note on the door of a restroom that's not working, you can avoid the extra noise of people opening it only to find it's unusable.
Whenever possible, take the train that has a starting point closer to where you're departing from. For example, if you're going from St. Louis to Chicago, you want to take a local Lincoln Service train, not the Texas Eagle, because the Texas Eagle has 24 hours on the way from San Antonio to STL to accumulate delays, whereas the Lincoln Service trains originate from St. Louis and so depart on time. BUT when going the other way, the Eagle originates in Chicago so you can take that, depart on time, and have more amenities for (usually) not much more money.
we have a 3 hour layover in Portland to catch the Coast starlight do you think we would be enough time as we are going to sacremento then onto denver on the Califorina Zephyer & we have hotel reservations in Denver don't want to worry about losing the hotel Reservations
We're in coach in December on the Silver Meteor, do we need to check in and get a seat assignment number ahead of time? Didn't think about that until you said about knowing and not knowing your Roomette number. Thank you.
They'll tell you when you get there if there is an assigned seating or open seating.
@@GroundedLifeTravel thank you
The first time I rode an Amtrak I made that exact mistake of not knowing the name of the direct route train so I booked a train for Indianapolis to NYC in Business class but I didn’t realize it was going to put me on a Greyhound bus to Pittsburgh first and then the other half was a business class Amtrak train going to NYC which was just night and day in terms of comfort and the other passengers being less drunk and high.
Now I know about the Cardinal which goes from Chicago to NYC with a stop in Indianapolis that only runs Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. The greyhound was honestly the most miserable trip of my life especially because I was *expecting* a train. The Greyhound kind of just smelled like a dive bar urinal and everyone was pretty much high or drunk. It was pretty miserable.
No offense to Greyhound people, I know that is usually the cheapest way to get somewhere especially if it’s a busy time of year but if you’re not expecting it, it’s even worse.
The GreyHOUND is also known to haul children whose parents do not supervise them, especially noise, I rode 6 hours from Dallas frequently before finally moving, one trip the mother actually provoked her child to be noisy, after the driver got enough complaints he got on the speaker and explained he has the right to discharge passengers for being disturbing, she finally got the hint. Also if you are heavy you may have trouble getting into the restroom, I wasn't 300# yet and was having to pull myself in.
Your website map is great. So much better than Amtraks.
Traveling from Philadelphia to Savannah GA coach . Can I put my small suitcase in an overhead and carry a bag of snacks for an 16 hr travel and is it safe to let my bag sit on the seat until I go to the restroom ? I'm diabetic and NEED my snack bag and everything in it
I would recommend carry a backpack with the diabetic supplies, candy and anything valuable like cell phones, camera, etc and carry the backpack whereever you go if you are on the train and then leave the suitcase on the rack in the car since theft is easy on the coach car unfortunately
This past November 2021, I was driving from Texas to Nor Cal, running across I-40 in the California desert outside Barstow,. I suddenly realized there were multiple mile-long- plus sections of freight trains sitting idle on the tracks. I started looking closer to realize I had just driven past at least 15 miles of trains sitting on the tracks. As I got to the edge of Barstow, I was driving West, I saw that there had been a freight train wreck and three cars were still being removed from the tracks. As I continued across I-40 to the 58 to Bakersfield, I saw miles and miles and miles of backed up freight trains trying to head East. I guessed about 30 miles of various freight trains that I saw that were coming and going had been backed up from this incident. It made me wonder about passenger trains and how that would have been handled, especially if the incident had occurred while you were enroute between towns. How would they get you off a stranded train out in the middle of nowhere?
It depends on the incident, but they could bus you past it if need be, or just wait.
@@GroundedLifeTravel we struck a truck whose driver committed Amtrakicide sat in Ohio for 4 hours, no relief from Amtrak, had it been summer heat, it would have been even worse.
@@Stache987 Wow that is crazy and sad too, if you were late you can call 1800 USA raiil and connect to Customer Relations department and they should issue a partial voucher for a future trip.
This sounds so complicated
How do you know want train goes where or the name of the train.
Sorry I missed the live show. I have a question: what train would I take from Chicago to Baltimore, MD. Thanks again for all the information
You should look for the Cardinal, it is direct and should take 24 hours.
What would you recommend for a Chicago to Springfield Illinois! -first time
Moving to Missouri from CA looking forward to the train ride
Have fun!
How was the train ride and the move for you.
Is 22 hours between trains enough time to allow for delays? We get into Seattle at 10:25am and our next train leaves for Emeryville the following day at 8:10am. Thanks!
Yes, that should be plenty, that is usually what we do.
Your videos are great!!! Thanks you because I know nothing about Amtrak but my husband and I do not like to fly but want to visit his uncle who lives near Vegas and then my sister who lives outside of San Fransisco. What would you recommend or how would you recommend we travel? We have a 3 year old and an infant. We want a room most likely with a toilet but we are trying to think of the best most convenient most affordable way to go or travel. We want to hit Vegas first then Cali and then be in Cali for a few days then go straight from Cali to New York where we live. I realize this will be like a three week trip but I’m trying to think of most spacious room with bathroom and what train and most convenient way to go since we have the small kids. Also, would you recommend bringing a stroller or travel crib if so where do they store it? Lastly, I like the idea of traditional dining but if you choose that, does that mean you can only go to the dining area every time you want to eat? Thank you!!
I would suggest the bedroom for all the rides since it has a combo toilet and shower in the room- if you do not need a toilet or sink in the room you can get the family bedroom but only one the Superliner trains which are 2 floor cars, or you can get 1 of each, or a bedroom and a roommate depending how many people are in your party. I will give you an example Lets say you live in New York. Take the LakeShore Limited or the Cardinal to Chicago. After that take the Southwest Chief to Kingman Arizona and then take the Amtrak bus from there to Las Vegas, after that either take the Amtrak bus or uber or rent a car to Arizona and them up on the Southwest Chief to Los Angles. After that take the Coast Starlight to Emeryville and Amtrak bus to San Fransico. Going back you can take the Amtrak bus back to Emeryville and than take the Zephry back to Chicago, and then take the LakeShore Limited or Thee Cardinal back to New York, or in San Fransico you can get some how futher up and then connect to the Coast Startlight from there and get off in Portland or Seattle and then take the Empire Builder back to Chicago and then return home on the Cardinal or LakeShore Limited.
@Grounded Life Travel, I can not find one of your videos with Maurice the Conductor, did you spend time with him yet.
Sorry, I’m traveling from Bloomington Il, to Ft Worth on the Texas Eagle!!
Love your information
You are both fantastic and communicate so well.
We have tickets to Seattle on 11/09. Train is supposed to get into Maricopa at 5:30 Am, but it left LA at 6:30 am, that is a 1 hour turn over. What if that train gets late? there is no other train until Tuesday, the plan?
Did you take the trip and if yes how was it?
So I will going from Denver my home city to Galesburg,Illinois on the California Zephyr 6 first time.
Going on our FIRST EVER trip overnight on Silver Star. Heard bedroom “Room A” are smaller. Switched our room to “Room B”…also switch from car 9110 to 9111.
Did I make a mistake??? Want privacy…heard B,C, and D rooms have paper thin doors separating them….
We travel Amtrack for years.THIS IS OUR FIRST VACATION TRIP FROM CHICAGO TO SEATTLE ON THE EMPIRE THEN THE COASST STARLIGHT TO EMERYVILLE AMTRAK CHANGED FROM SAN FRANCISCO THEN. LOCAL TO SAN FRANCISCO THEN BACK TO CHICAGO ON THE EMPIRE. OUR PROBLEM IS GETTING FROM NC AND BACK TO CHICAGO. WE LIVE IN THE COAST AND HAVING PROBLEMS GETTING TO TRAIN. WE KNOW THST THE TRAINS ARE ALWAYS LATE. BUT 3 hrs enough time to get from the MIDWAY AIRPORT TO THE TRAIN STATION. THEN IN JULY 2 WHEN WE RETURN WE WANT TO TAKE TRAIN BACK HOME CANT MAKE CONNECTIONS HOME. I THINK THE CLOSEST WE CAN GET TO HOME IS Raleigh. What do you RECOMMEND?
Turning off the CAPS LOCK KEY
How many points do you get for each trip?
Going from LA to San Antonio in November. I have 2 questions is there a public microwave we can use and 2 hot water available. We will be in coach
I'd wonder that myself, and I'd buy my airplane bottles of liquor at the grocery or liquor store instead of paying $8 each on board. Honestly Cafe car food isn't bad but ham and a loaf of bread with cheese keeps well enough for a day on board, you'll need the money for sodas and other purchases
@@Stache987 so the answer is No but I did take an electric kettle which heated water super quick. Used it for coffee, tea and cup a soups. Packed everything else.
Must have been heavy bringing the kitchen sink
Amtrak should’ve capsules train like that of in Japan!!
The is a super shot one week or two free and Tennessee!!
Can you do coach if traveling with someone who has a sleep apnea machine? Thinking about doing auto train ovemite.
We've seen them in the sleeper car, but maybe someone else can answer if theyve seen them in coach.
@@GroundedLifeTravel Thanks. Not sure the couch people want anyone who needs a machine, not using one and snoring loudly....lol
🛌💤
About the end of August I was so excited to go to LA via the Sunset Limited and then 2 days before my trip, I received a text saying the trip was cancelled. I had to book a plane trip. So disappointed. Maybe another time.
Would you please tell my husband that it is better to have a roomette on the empire builder than just plain seating?
Yes, it is for sure. More expensive, but worth it.
Thank you for doing these videos! We haven't taken a train yet but are looking into it to travel from MI to Utah. Do you leave your carry on bags above your seat when you go to eat and such? Also the station in MI says no checked bag service. Does that mean we can't take bigger suitcases with us? Thanks for your help.
No checked baggage means a small station and do not have people to check baggage so you just have to bring all the baggage on the sleeper car or coach car and put the big suitcases on the 1rst floor on the luggage rack.
I want to go from West des moines Ipwa to Fullerton Ca, could you tell me what train to take this will be my first time Thank you
Question: what’s scenic route to Biafra falls
Love your videos!👏
I had a bad experience on Amtrak and never used it again. There were no assigned seats but conductor made me sit next to a disgusting smelling man from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Winter Haven, Florida. There were many empty seats but conductor said if I tried to move I would be put off train. Complained everywhere I could but nobody would help me. Women don't travel alone on Amtrak.
Cruises are so fun
dale white the dinning car is open on that train already but it is still flexible meals on those train and reserved only for sleeper car passengers.
She is really beautiful.
Are you writing a book? Where can I buy it? 😉 Love your channel
We are not, but we are writing a lot in our blog on our website!
my concern is trying a coach trip and getting assigned a seat not next to a window...and seated next to someone I don't know..is there a way to request a window seat...and are trains usually less crowded during the week
It really depends on the train, so some trains have assigned seating in coach and some are first come first served. If you know the route, you could call the 1-800 number and see if they know the deal for your train. Also if you get on at an early station, say Chicago on a Chicago to Seattle route, you are much more likely to get a window, than getting on hours later.
I bought a one way ticket from NYC to Tampa for $140. Amtrak offered me an upgrade to a roommet for another $210.. (Bid for an upgrade)
We aren't sure, we've never been offered that, you should call them
Why is it SO difficult to get in touch with Amtrak? It's basically impossible. I've called and emailed over the past two months and nothing. All I want to do now is modify my reservation, but Amtrak won't let me. How can someone get in touch with Amtrak, and not Julie? Lol, I missed your Q&A!
I totally understand your frustration especially when your train reservation has been delayed or canceled train and it can be time-consuming to get to speak with a representative. If you say to the computer, Julie, "speak with a representative" then usually she will reply the wait time sometimes, 10 to 30 or in some cases even an hour wait time and ask if you would like a call back. I've had great success with the call backs. Just make sure your phone is near you and make sure to answer the phone even if the number is not familiar, usually it's a computer telling you that it is calling you back and that you are the next in line for a representative and only have to wait maybe two more minutes for an actual person to come on the other line. They have been extremely helpful and informative once you get to speak to a real person and there is someone on call 24 hours a day.
Do you like Disneyland or DisneyWorld better?
Libraman Hello everyone from Tampa, Fl
Can I take Amtrak to San Antonio,Texas and what is the best train
What state are you starting from?