@@CaribbeanAtheist1978 actually you missed my point. My point is that AMERICANS ARE IN TOO MUCH OF A DAMN HURRY TO GET FROM POINT A TO POINT B TO EXPERINCE LIFE AROUND THEM. It has NOTHING to do with money or dumbing down the educational system. Hell there are people that lived in NYC in their entire lives that has never visited the museums, never visited the observation deck on the Empire State Building, and never went to visit the Statue of Liberty, and the reason why is that they DO NOT PAY ATTENTION BECAUSE THEY ARE ONLY FOCUSED ON GETTING TO THE DESTINATION, NOT THE JOURNEY.
Montana is like "wait for it...wait for it...wait for it...MOUNTAINS!!!!!" Love the empire builder- my great grandfather rode its forerunner going back and forth from Montana to Seattle as a student of the University of Washington, from 1918-1922. I was entirely aware of this when we took our 1 y.o. son and rode from Seattle to Spokane 3 years ago to see my last living grandparent. That route is part of the story of America.
The one quote from this video that stuck with me in relation to riding Amtrak long distance, is "you have to have the luxury of time to be able to do it.". This is a spot on way of putting it, at some point I would love to take the time to ride an Amtrak long distance, maybe even the Empire Builder. Excellent work, I appreciate all your videos Michael! Especially the Amtrak videos.
I took this trip when I was 14, We got a 12 hour delay going in and ended up getting into Seattle at 11 PM. Amtrak was not only as hospitable as they could be, they offered to return half the cost to us. Great company, it's sad that they're constantly screwed over by the government not putting the necessary recourses into rail travel.
@@sondraxyeah thats the problem The government just doesn’t care enough about rail travel So they don’t put enough money into amtrak and, more importantly, they don’t enforce that amtrak gets priority
When I was younger, I worked with a guy that was a train buff. He talked me into using the train by saying something that has stuck with me, and got to experience myself...Traveling by plane is something you endure to get to your vacation. Taking the train is part of your vacation.
My girls and I take the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago almost twice a year now to see family and we love it. So much better than flying if you have the time. Plus no giant TSA lines.
Better hurry as Trump this year has outlined his agenda to eradicate all long distance train travel from America. He tried it before, but this time he will be more sneaky about it as he plans to chop up the train system over a five year period until nothing is left except for a few trains in the Northeast Corridor. He is planning this train holocaust with his appointed head of Amtrak Richard Anderson.
@@johnnyitm7959 Your guess is as good as mine. Every year Trump submits his budget to Congress without enough funding for Amtrak. Congress overrules him every year but knowing Trump as I do, just like he went around Congress to get his border wall, Trump will find a way to get rid of all passenger rail and then brag about it as a money saving accomplishment. Any new equipment for Amtrak you see during the Trump administration, like the new sleepers coming out, were ordered during the Obama administration. Trump cancelled the Federal monies for the tunnel into Penn Station that Obama approved. The tunnel into Penn Station is about to collapse due to the fact that it is over a century old. A couple of hundred trains use the tunnel daily.
JACK ANTHONY Amtrak is horribly run and doesn’t deserve the money it gets. For the distances it travels it’s slow and ineffective and you don’t have the same amount of competition to lower prices like airlines
Will just gives off the best energy. Like a big, happy ball of positivity. That's rare these days. Will, you make those around you smile, even if it's just by watching these videos..
It's not about the destination, it's the journey and the people you meet along the way. I've done it 3 times from Pittsburgh to Seattle and loved it, the people you meet, the sights, and the serenity.
Oh yes, definitely, I'm from Australia and last year I spent a month riding Amtrak long distance trains. The scenery in some places was awesome, but nothing compared to the people I met along the way. Every meal time with different people, and all the folk I talked with in the observation car. Some very tired and shabby trains, but it's all part of the experience. If you''re an American: Do it!!
I'm a farmer in North Dakota. Everyday this land is my office 👍. Lots of hard work but I get good exercise, lots of sun and breath fresh air. I couldn't imagine being stuck in an office all day in a big city.
I love taking the train! It's slow, relaxing, and you can get up and walk around. I always make new friends on the train. The scenery is always varied and relaxing to see.
I recommend buying a cheap radio scanner for $20. They tell you what is going on with the train, you can listen in on the crew speaking so you always know why the delays are occurring and when the train will leave so you will not be so anxious leaving the train.
I remember the first time I purchased a sleeper ( I traveled coach going to Houston, and decided I needed a sleeper coming back so I upgraded at last minute), it was a wonderful experience. The attendant was very nice, as he had our dinner waiting for us considering the train was hours late in connecting. Since this was my first time having a sleeper, and attendant, I was not sure how much to tip. I really don't remember how much I tipped, but the attendant seemed to be pleased. Next time I will be better prepared in the etiquette in tipping a train attendant.
The stations in both Chicago and Seattle were both impressive. I would travel by train because you are off the beaten path and see scenery that is not visible by car. Losing the observation car is definitely a loss. The food and service appears to be really good. I would never eat on a plane as the food was disgusting. Thank you for the trip, it was enjoyable!
The Western half of Montana is the rugged part, you went through it in the dark. Also the Portland section runs along the Columbia River, it's gorgeous.
Riding east from Portland is the best! Especially in the summer when the days are long: sunset over the Columbia River Gorge and then wake up in Glacier National Park the next day.
Have ridden Spokane to Portland and back numerous times we used to hit bars in Spokane the board train around midnight pass out then wake up rolling along Columbia river great ride
Our family took the Southwest Chief from Chicago to LA back in 1989. We had a deluxe bedroom suite...the largest they had. It was such a memorable trip, simply “stopping time” for 48 hours to truly appreciate the beautiful countryside, and the freedom to know that.... for those 48 hours,...no school or job stress, but, only the camaraderie of family, the nostalgia and “poetical portents” that a train gives to a 10 year old child; a trip that will always remain.... close to my heart.
Northern Montana where this train runs does not get to the mountains until East Glacier. Central and Southern Montana the mountains go much further east. If you ever go to Yellowstone (amazing to visit, busy in summer) you should do highway 212 to Red Lodge, the Beartooth Highway. You get to 10,947 feet, it is spectacular. Open seasonally.
I took AMTRAK round trip Chicago to Sacramento. LOVED IT. Beautiful views, 2 mountain ranges, hot showers, comfortable roomettes and excellent food. Loved your videos.
I'm not knocking the High Speed Rail Trains.. But, what's wrong with getting on an Amtrak and breathe and relax? I've always wanted to take Amtrak from North Carolina to California for that very reason. I don't care what's in CA. I'm interested in what's in between. The sight seeing, the views, and to just sit peacefully and watch the world pass by your window would be an awesome thing to experience. I would get off that train in Ca and board another one right after and do it all over again. High Speed would be rushing life and no time to breathe, sight see, and experience anything. I liked these two videos. Good job!
I think the common complaint isn't the relaxing nature that is a benefit from the older technology, but that the "scenic route" is the only rail route for passengers. In over a century we've managed to cut the travel time from the the St. Louis area to the west coast down from a week to two days. Because there are faster options such as air transit, we've lost sight on improving the infrastructure that was originally in place to help Americans migrate west and commute back east. The argument could be even more easily made for the need to update the northeast corridor (Boston - Washington) and out in the west coast (SF to LA).
Great series! My wife and I took Amtrak a few times but only the short trip from Dallas to San Antonio and back. We loved it and try to convince others to try it. I was saddened to hear that the new CEO was trying to kill the dining options in favor of nasty boxed meals like what’s served on airlines. True Amtrak dining isn’t 5 star but it’s nice having a freshly made hot meal.
@@12ksnowcat you have to remember this is the same government that couldnt keep a legal profitable brothel in nevada running after IRS confiscated it. ergo no surprise Amtrak is always in the red.
@@macdunlap6257 More pressing is some of these Superliner cars are approaching the end of there lives, approaching the age of 50. While Acela is getting new cars, these old Superliner and Amfleet cars aren't. Amtrak has done a great job just keeping them running considering their age...
I agree with you. Can you imagine if the U.S. purchased high speed travel trains zipping through our scenic states in a timely manner.... still a dream~
Would only work on the east and west coasts.. would be too expensive Just look at the £100bn for the high speed train link in the uk.... America would be 10 times that st least...
I've taken Amtrak a few times. Never overnight. The trip is so much less stressful. There is no security to deal with. You can get up and walk around to stretch your legs. And you can have food whenever you want. Even carry your own on.
You can get up and move to a quieter car if another passenger becomes disruptive. You only have to show up 30 minutes early compared to 2-3 hours for a flight. I loved taking the train and will take it again in the future.
Hi. I enjoyed several things from this video: 1. The scenery (even if it was flat) 2. The "jovial" manner in which it was presented 3. The tour of the train!! You guys are a great combo to make one of these more interesting and fun! Thanks...
Actually laughed out loud during the “training on a train segment”.. very well done and a really enjoyable series.. Strange how there isn’t any WiFi though.. always had on my previous rides on Amtrak
On a lot of the long distance Superliners they haven't fit the wifi on. For most of the city-city corridor services they've put the routers in a long time ago.
Considering that trains make turns, a satellite internet connection probably wouldn't work for the routers on a train. So that means Wi-Fi requires cell service long the way. That isn't a problem in cities and towns along the way, or along major highways, but this train goes through some pretty isolated places, especially in the mountains. Although not only in the mountains. There is a stretch of track between Edmonds and Seattle, Washington, where the Wi-Fi on the commuter heavy rail in the Seattle area doesn't work. When I worked in downtown Seattle and rode the Sounder, I knew to have everything saved by Richmond Beach and then reopen once we were in Seattle.
I hope you guys actually enjoyed yourselves while traveling: It must have taken many hours and lots of effort to film and edit along the way. Despite Amtrak's poor reputation for punctuality, your video really motivates me to book a long-distance trip like yours. Thanks for all your work!
@@GrillMasterP88 Depends. My first time was awful. It was fully booked and was 1 hour late bc of a freight train in front. Other times the train gets early or exactly on time.
I’m going on my first train journey on Monday! I’m going all out. Going from Dallas to Los Angeles for my very first trip then spending a few days in LA and then going from LA to Seattle. In the end it’ll be over 60 hours of train but I’m very very excited. I’m autistic and live up to the stereotype of loving trains so I’m super excited and I’m really excited. I’m watching all kinds of Amtrak videos to prepare myself for what to expect.
I'm not gonna lie, I work for a major airline & love air travel - BUT - there is something SO SPECIAL about taking Amtrak across country! I took a trip from Los Angeles to Chicago with my son for Spring Break - we had a Roomette and it was AMAZING!!!!! We bonded, ate food, had fun with passengers, loved, loved, loved the CREW!!!! The food was good. the rooms were great. the shower WAS awesome!
I live in that nebulous “dark space” between Montana and Spokane, so hi from North Idaho! I love living close enough to the rail line the Empire Builder rides on to hear it as it goes through all the crossings, except if I’m hearing it I know I’m WAY past my bedtime. :) Glad you enjoyed it!
Love Amtrak travel. Always get the Travel sleeper for overnight and the food has always been excellent(Hope they keep the Dining Car)Usually get the Steak and a couple Beers. Great way to travel and see the country with no stress and the people on board always are friendly and well mannered. The staff is always wonderful..
Amazing ride onboard Amtrak Empire Builder #7/27 from Chicago to Spokane and on Amtrak Empire Builder #7 to Seattle. Will was extremely funny in the video and a funny guy to trarvel with. keep up the amazing work Mike. The Amtrak Empire Builder route is my number one favorite Amtrak route. I hope to do another roundtrip on the Amtrak Empire Builder route roundtrip again.
We had the wonderful experience of taking the Amtrak Zephyr from Denver to Sacramento. Food was fabulous! The scenery was spectacular! We also had the sleeper chairs, and did very well. A great way to see America at it's best.
I was waiting for part two and glad to see it. You did not disappoint. Your videos are so informative. I especially loved the part where Will yelled, "All Aboard!"
One again thank you for such a great video. You are awesome guys!!! This is what’s happened in Spokane. The train splits in Spokane. The crew is mixed on this train. Dining car belongs to Seattle crew and cafe belongs to Chicago crew. I am Chicago crew. Also train att are mixed. Some Chicago and some Seattle
I won't reiterate the wonderfulness of the journey with the two of you I put on Will's vlog! I'll only repeat my heartfelt, "thanks!" What joy you both bring and to include all of us to share in your fun-tastic friendship !
Traveled several times on Amtrak. Once was a round trip from Baltimore to Seattle. Delayed 1 full day on the way out and 2 full days on the way back. I loved every minute of it though. Especially the little towns/stations we stopped at through the Midwest. Will definitely do again when I have the time.
I've been waiting anxiously for this follow up. It was worth it. Thanks! I've made this trip several times from Seattle to Chicago and yes, Montana and North Dakota are flat and featureless. Great place to grow crops and feed cattle, though. I've also ridden the Southwest Chief and. Coast Starlight several times as well. Awesome scenery there. I do love train travel.
All the routes are great. You see more in the west though as you can't see the forest through the trees in the east. If you factor you save a hotel room every night you spend on the train in a sleeper, there isn't that much difference.
I grew up in Montana and it is far from flat and featureless. Western Montana is beautiful and full of mountains, lakes, streams and trees. Glacier National park is in northern Montana which is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Sadly, the glaciers are melting or have already melted. Southeastern and mostly eastern Montana are not so pretty IMHO, as it IS flat and full of Rattlesnakes. My grandfather had a house in a town called Bear Creek Montana and the only thing I remember besides the post office and his house across the street from said post office, was the field of weeds I had to carefully walk through to avoid disturbing the Rattlers on my way to get his mail. As a child, I was scared to death to get the mail, but I never even had a close call. I do remember that my 82 year old Papa could kill a Rattlesnake in an instant using a hoe, shovel and of course a gun, but he would only do so if the snake was really aggressive. He always said that the snakes don't want to be bothered, so just be aware of your surrounding and watch where you are stepping. It was sound advice!
@@milescumminski8077 You are right, of course. I love the trip through western Montana. I was only thinking of the flat stretch from east of the mountains through parts of North Dakota. I should have been more specific. And Glacier Park IS gorgeous! I've been there on vacation.
I want to take my son on this trip just to say we did it, see the scenery, and travel. thank you very much i always wondered what it would be like!!! Never been on a train.
Dudes you slept through Glacier National Park in Montana and Sandpoint, ID with one of the largest inland lakes in the country, lake PendOrielle. (Pronounced Ponderay) Spectacular! Better go back again...
@@scomo532 Thanks Scott. My aim is to fly from London to Chicago, board the Californian Zephyr to San Francisco, The Coast Starlight up to Seattle or Portland, then the Empire Builder back to the Windy City. I love trains, I love the US, my wife loves the US but is hesitating about so much time on board. Gotta bit of work to do, but Covid is giving me a bit more time to plan. Your suggestion of a mid way break sounds about right
@@Hattonbank There you go, sounds like fun. I’m sure you have the Amtrak website, but I would definitely check it to be up to date. Also, we’ve taken the Starlight Limited from Na’lins (New Orleans) to LA, that’s a nice trip as well. I would pick it up in Houston though, not much to see in Louseeana.
So glad you like the train! I stopped flying in 2004. Have gone back and forth across country 7 or 8 times since. Loved watching you two decompress and appreciate the finer things about travel... .going through places instead of flying over them. connects us in ways flying never will.
I'll never forget using the restrooms on the Burlington Northern commuter trains going into Chicago during the 60s. They were basically holes in a small room that dropped everything right onto the track with the friendly reminder not to use them while the train was in a station. :)
I am 62 and always have wanted to travel via Amtrak! I paid for my daughter and her 2 friends to travel from NY to AZ via Amtrak as it was all I could afford. All they did was complain! I give up my dream and they show no appreciation. It still hurts, makes me mad, sad and cry. Thank you for sharing and letting me experience Amtrak through you!
What a great trip in two days. Loved the humor of the exercising on a train. I am gonna book a trip now just deciding where to go. Thanks Mike and Will for the great video! Keep em coming.
I took the Empire Builder in Apr/May, 2019, and I absolutely loved it. I was in a roomette by myself. Totally relaxed watching scenery you'd never see from a car or plane. I have another trip planned for Chicago to Florida by train in Sep/Oct, 2020. Worried that I'll have to postpone the trip.
I fulfilled a 48 year wish to travel cross country by train this past December. New York Penn to Seattle, sleeping car all the way there and back. I had the money and I had the time. Everything about the trip was as you said, even expecting more mountainous terrain. We were on time even with a delay waiting for a fresh crew somewhere in Montana. Later this year I hope to take the Southwest Chief.
You are very fortunate to make it across to Seattle with little to no delays. I went on Amtrak years ago from Oregon to LA. We were almost a full 24 hours behind schedule going to from back home. Thankfully we did have the extra time for the delays. It was a beautiful site to see the scenery of it all. I'll never forget that trip.
Way back when I was a child, the toilets drained out onto the tracks like your shower did @ 1:45. So thankful that only the showers drain on the tracks now and NOT the toilets. They had large signs advising you to NOT flush when you were in a station. I often wonder how many people didn't heed the sign & who had the job cleaning that mess up?!?! Great video, TYVM!
@@Daniel-hj8el Since it was a trip that was less than 12 hours, we just had coach seating. We rode on the Pennsylvania Rail Road, then it was the Penn Central then it wound up Amtrak/Slamtrak. I really don't know too much about the Union Pacific Budd Sleeper Car. I am more familiar with the Pullman Sleeper cars.
bored7743 the last time I rode the train was between Pittsburgh and nyc. it was still called Pennsylvania r.r.in1967 when you flushed toilet it dumped onto the tracks.
I have been fascinated by Amtrak since the last 10 years when my grandparents went to the States to visit my uncle. Here in India we dream to travel like this. Amtrak is on my wishlist and I would like to fulfill it. Much love from this side of the World!
The cost for this ride is also exponentially higher than any similar overnight trains in India. But still, I'd agree, the difference is huge in terms of the comfort.
Did the Empire Builder many years ago as a vacation. Loved every minute. Actually went right after Mt Helens blew off. You could still see the devestation along the river banks and towards the mountain.
Some older guy did a vid on tips while traveling on Amtrak, and one was if you use the common shower you should wear flip flops to prevent athlete foot. It did look clean and definately roomy. Chill vid dude!
I came across your videos because I was looking into an 8 hour Amtrak ride I just had. I stared out the window a majority of the time coach class. I was very worried about missing the train and no worries I didn’t! Thank you for your videos! Very helpful and calming.
This is a huge country. I am cocooned in my little city in the Midwest, and I can only imagine the vastness of it. Maybe one day I can travel and see the rest of it.
my duuude, you just unleashed a memory from when i was a kid. my mom and i used to take amtrak trains from NYC to florida and id ALWAYS kick the doors to get between cars. i love amtrak, i want to go back :( thanks for reminding me of the good old days lol
Very charismatic hosts, well edited, and nice production value. I see why you have 65K subscribers. I'm not a train guy but I will be watching future videos. Well done.
For 25 years I walked through Union Station to get to my job in downtown Chicago. The station is absolutely beautiful and crazy as it sounds I loved the sound of the many engines rumbling as you head down the tracks to board your commuter train. We took an Amtrak to visit friends in Michigan once and it was so relaxing and scenic instead of the laborious drive through Indiana and Michigan.
We rode Amtrak in 1998 from Spokane to Chicago then back a few days later. My tip for travelers, if you change trains then you are responsible for moving your own luggage or bye bye luggage. It’s not like airports.
I took a Amtrak from Jacksonville fl to Seattle... Had a good time we traveled along through all southern states and up the Westcoast... Absolutely beautiful scenery.
I love travelling on trains. Just looking out the window, and thinking. If you're ever in Ireland, take the train from Dublin to Wexford, it's beautiful.
Amtrak and the host railroads meet a couple times a year when schedules are changed and negotiate time to be added or deducted from the schedule due to track work which would add time or speed restrictions removed which would reduce time over that railroad. Amtrak then pays an incentive to the host railroad if they adhere to that schedule.
You are both adorable-- travel across the US? 'Fly'. LOL! Can I say-- you aren't actually 'looking at the Pacific Ocean' (at Seattle) but Puget Sound, I grew up in the Pacific N.W. Thanks for your noble efforts!
Hi guys, I enjoyed both videos and feel like I traveled with you. Looks like a lot of fun. I was born and raised in a small town call Hamlet, NC which use to be the "hub of the Seaboard Airline Railroad". Smack dab in the middle between New York and Florida. Many. many.... uh many years ago we use to go down to the station and watch the passenger trains (Silver Meteor or Silver Star) come through. It was usually a lengthy stop because the engines would be refueled so sometimes we were able to get a glimpse of a movie/TV star. Jackie Gleason always rode the train and had his own car. He would sometimes get out and walk his dog. Anyway, those days are long gone, the train still comes through, not sure if it stops unless picking up someone or letting someone off. Watching your video's made me want to get on a train and go somewhere. I signed the partition because I remember back in the day how much fun it was to sit and watch the world go by as we "crawled" down the track.
I have taken the train annually for 6 years now. The Texas Eagle/Sunset Limited from Chicago to Tucson. Last year was my first time out of coach and into a roomette and it was amazing! Planning same trip for later this year. Your videos are awesome and I love the energy of you guys!
Best quote... "This is your country... Why wouldn't you want to see it..." True... Well done
I think that most Americans don't want to see the country is because they are in too much in a damn hurry to get from point A to point B.
@@tabijozwick - as if most *"americans"* have money to travel. Go read the article, *"The Dumbing Down of America - By Design".*
spot on
@@CaribbeanAtheist1978 actually you missed my point. My point is that AMERICANS ARE IN TOO MUCH OF A DAMN HURRY TO GET FROM POINT A TO POINT B TO EXPERINCE LIFE AROUND THEM.
It has NOTHING to do with money or dumbing down the educational system. Hell there are people that lived in NYC in their entire lives that has never visited the museums, never visited the observation deck on the Empire State Building, and never went to visit the Statue of Liberty, and the reason why is that they DO NOT PAY ATTENTION BECAUSE THEY ARE ONLY FOCUSED ON GETTING TO THE DESTINATION, NOT THE JOURNEY.
It's not even my country, and I want to see it! Great trip report guys, I love your attitude.
Montana is like "wait for it...wait for it...wait for it...MOUNTAINS!!!!!" Love the empire builder- my great grandfather rode its forerunner going back and forth from Montana to Seattle as a student of the University of Washington, from 1918-1922. I was entirely aware of this when we took our 1 y.o. son and rode from Seattle to Spokane 3 years ago to see my last living grandparent.
That route is part of the story of America.
The one quote from this video that stuck with me in relation to riding Amtrak long distance, is "you have to have the luxury of time to be able to do it.". This is a spot on way of putting it, at some point I would love to take the time to ride an Amtrak long distance, maybe even the Empire Builder. Excellent work, I appreciate all your videos Michael! Especially the Amtrak videos.
I took this trip when I was 14, We got a 12 hour delay going in and ended up getting into Seattle at 11 PM. Amtrak was not only as hospitable as they could be, they offered to return half the cost to us. Great company, it's sad that they're constantly screwed over by the government not putting the necessary recourses into rail travel.
American government is sucks at everythings, that's a fact
I think Amtrak… IS… the government? (Others will know… but I don’t believe it’s a private company at all)
@@sondraxyeah thats the problem
The government just doesn’t care enough about rail travel
So they don’t put enough money into amtrak and, more importantly, they don’t enforce that amtrak gets priority
When I was younger, I worked with a guy that was a train buff. He talked me into using the train by saying something that has stuck with me, and got to experience myself...Traveling by plane is something you endure to get to your vacation. Taking the train is part of your vacation.
My girls and I take the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago almost twice a year now to see family and we love it. So much better than flying if you have the time. Plus no giant TSA lines.
Ok, this has got me thinking about a trip across the US. A cool option.
Better hurry as Trump this year has outlined his agenda to eradicate all long distance train travel from America. He tried it before, but this time he will be more sneaky about it as he plans to chop up the train system over a five year period until nothing is left except for a few trains in the Northeast Corridor. He is planning this train holocaust with his appointed head of Amtrak Richard Anderson.
@@johnnyitm7959 Your guess is as good as mine. Every year Trump submits his budget to Congress without enough funding for Amtrak. Congress overrules him every year but knowing Trump as I do, just like he went around Congress to get his border wall, Trump will find a way to get rid of all passenger rail and then brag about it as a money saving accomplishment. Any new equipment for Amtrak you see during the Trump administration, like the new sleepers coming out, were ordered during the Obama administration. Trump cancelled the Federal monies for the tunnel into Penn Station that Obama approved. The tunnel into Penn Station is about to collapse due to the fact that it is over a century old. A couple of hundred trains use the tunnel daily.
JACK ANTHONY Amtrak is horribly run and doesn’t deserve the money it gets. For the distances it travels it’s slow and ineffective and you don’t have the same amount of competition to lower prices like airlines
L Bukem I’m thinking about doing New York to los angels
@@cusefan5510Then you should definitely go to the airport.
Will just gives off the best energy. Like a big, happy ball of positivity. That's rare these days. Will, you make those around you smile, even if it's just by watching these videos..
Absolutely!
i completely agree
It's not about the destination, it's the journey and the people you meet along the way. I've done it 3 times from Pittsburgh to Seattle and loved it, the people you meet, the sights, and the serenity.
Oh yes, definitely, I'm from Australia and last year I spent a month riding Amtrak long distance trains. The scenery in some places was awesome, but nothing compared to the people I met along the way. Every meal time with different people, and all the folk I talked with in the observation car. Some very tired and shabby trains, but it's all part of the experience. If you''re an American: Do it!!
Good to see two friends just having a good time.
I showed these video to my dad (a big advocate of air travel) and he's hooked. He actually wants to travel my Train and I couldn't be happier
8:47 “if you’re afraid of germs”
Posted February 2020
1 month later the whole world would be afraid of germs...
“I’m not saying you should, I’m just saying you could”. 😂 that’s be my phrase for the next month! 😂
I'm a farmer in North Dakota. Everyday this land is my office 👍. Lots of hard work but I get good exercise, lots of sun and breath fresh air. I couldn't imagine being stuck in an office all day in a big city.
I really do love this guy’s attitude - no idea how I found this channel btw
bored7743 It randomly popped up out of nowhere in my recommendations. It looks dun though.
He’s Canadian i think everyone loves him. 🇨🇦
We didn’t find this channel, Mike found us.
😄
I love taking the train! It's slow, relaxing, and you can get up and walk around. I always make new friends on the train. The scenery is always varied and relaxing to see.
I recommend buying a cheap radio scanner for $20. They tell you what is going on with the train, you can listen in on the crew speaking so you always know why the delays are occurring and when the train will leave so you will not be so anxious leaving the train.
I have a free scanner app on my phone.
Or you can just go with the flow. You may even have a longer, happier life.
Foamer alert.
@@vondumozze738 what is the name of the app you have? Does it work with android?
Ryan Morris yeah my buddy is a foamer
I remember the first time I purchased a sleeper ( I traveled coach going to Houston, and decided I needed a sleeper coming back so I upgraded at last minute), it was a wonderful experience. The attendant was very nice, as he had our dinner waiting for us considering the train was hours late in connecting. Since this was my first time having a sleeper, and attendant, I was not sure how much to tip. I really don't remember how much I tipped, but the attendant seemed to be pleased. Next time I will be better prepared in the etiquette in tipping a train attendant.
Nice
Love it Mike. "This is your country, you live here! How could you not want to experience it?" Could not agree more!
me too
The stations in both Chicago and Seattle were both impressive. I would travel by train because you are off the beaten path and see scenery that is not visible by car. Losing the observation car is definitely a loss. The food and service appears to be really good. I would never eat on a plane as the food was disgusting. Thank you for the trip, it was enjoyable!
The Western half of Montana is the rugged part, you went through it in the dark. Also the Portland section runs along the Columbia River, it's gorgeous.
Riding east from Portland is the best! Especially in the summer when the days are long: sunset over the Columbia River Gorge and then wake up in Glacier National Park the next day.
Have ridden Spokane to Portland and back numerous times we used to hit bars in Spokane the board train around midnight pass out then wake up rolling along Columbia river great ride
True true, lived in MT about 4 yrs, drove a truck along the Columbia all through that area.
Our family took the Southwest Chief from Chicago to LA back in 1989. We had a deluxe bedroom suite...the largest they had.
It was such a memorable trip, simply “stopping time” for 48 hours to truly appreciate the beautiful countryside, and the freedom to know that.... for those 48 hours,...no school or job stress, but, only the camaraderie of family,
the nostalgia and “poetical portents” that a train gives to a 10 year old child; a trip that will always remain....
close to my heart.
Northern Montana where this train runs does not get to the mountains until East Glacier. Central and Southern Montana the mountains go much further east. If you ever go to Yellowstone (amazing to visit, busy in summer) you should do highway 212 to Red Lodge, the Beartooth Highway. You get to 10,947 feet, it is spectacular. Open seasonally.
I took AMTRAK round trip Chicago to Sacramento. LOVED IT. Beautiful views, 2 mountain ranges, hot showers, comfortable roomettes and excellent food. Loved your videos.
I'm not knocking the High Speed Rail Trains.. But, what's wrong with getting on an Amtrak and breathe and relax? I've always wanted to take Amtrak from North Carolina to California for that very reason. I don't care what's in CA. I'm interested in what's in between. The sight seeing, the views, and to just sit peacefully and watch the world pass by your window would be an awesome thing to experience. I would get off that train in Ca and board another one right after and do it all over again. High Speed would be rushing life and no time to breathe, sight see, and experience anything. I liked these two videos. Good job!
I think the common complaint isn't the relaxing nature that is a benefit from the older technology, but that the "scenic route" is the only rail route for passengers. In over a century we've managed to cut the travel time from the the St. Louis area to the west coast down from a week to two days. Because there are faster options such as air transit, we've lost sight on improving the infrastructure that was originally in place to help Americans migrate west and commute back east. The argument could be even more easily made for the need to update the northeast corridor (Boston - Washington) and out in the west coast (SF to LA).
This shit is comfy as hell. We need to make trains great again.
With Biden you can only make gay transgenders great
Great series! My wife and I took Amtrak a few times but only the short trip from Dallas to San Antonio and back. We loved it and try to convince others to try it. I was saddened to hear that the new CEO was trying to kill the dining options in favor of nasty boxed meals like what’s served on airlines. True Amtrak dining isn’t 5 star but it’s nice having a freshly made hot meal.
he did but only on eastern routes
Well what did you expect from a former retired airline CEO? Gordon Ramsey cuisine?
@@ronclark9724 exactly
@@12ksnowcat you have to remember this is the same government that couldnt keep a legal profitable brothel in nevada running after IRS confiscated it. ergo no surprise Amtrak is always in the red.
@@macdunlap6257 More pressing is some of these Superliner cars are approaching the end of there lives, approaching the age of 50. While Acela is getting new cars, these old Superliner and Amfleet cars aren't. Amtrak has done a great job just keeping them running considering their age...
The United States Govt needs to invest a lot of money into our infrastructure. I wish the US had trains like Europe and Asia.
Some trains are nice in Europe but so many are just way more crappy than this. Wish I could go on this or work there.
I agree with you. Can you imagine if the U.S. purchased high speed travel trains zipping through our scenic states in a timely manner.... still a dream~
Would only work on the east and west coasts.. would be too expensive
Just look at the £100bn for the high speed train link in the uk....
America would be 10 times that st least...
We should let free market forces decide what trains are needed and leave the government out of it.
NotoriousSIG1855, why?
I've taken Amtrak a few times. Never overnight. The trip is so much less stressful. There is no security to deal with. You can get up and walk around to stretch your legs. And you can have food whenever you want. Even carry your own on.
dont forget you also get a seat made the proper size for a human being.
@@zachsolodar5579 if you're lucky, you can snag a seat behind the wheelchair attachments.
You can get up and move to a quieter car if another passenger becomes disruptive. You only have to show up 30 minutes early compared to 2-3 hours for a flight. I loved taking the train and will take it again in the future.
Andrew Kelsey yep! LOVE the absence of the TSA body cavity search at boarding. Just “put your bag there and up the stairs.” 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
No security at all? Wow.
This is your country. How could you not want to see it? Absolutely. See as much as you can. Learn as much as you can. It's beautiful.
Mike and Will are an iconic duo
Yes! They have a ton of potential!!
Hi.
I enjoyed several things from this video:
1. The scenery (even if it was flat)
2. The "jovial" manner in which it was presented
3. The tour of the train!!
You guys are a great combo to make one of these more interesting and fun!
Thanks...
Out of all the Amtrak videos I've seen, yours is the first to show the lower door buttons you can push with your foot. 🤷♂️
That was a great discovery for me, never used the hand button thereafter.
I ride the train pretty frequently, from San Diego to Santa Barbara, and only just found out about that lower foot button on my last trip! Crazy! Lol
Actually laughed out loud during the “training on a train segment”.. very well done and a really enjoyable series..
Strange how there isn’t any WiFi though.. always had on my previous rides on Amtrak
On a lot of the long distance Superliners they haven't fit the wifi on. For most of the city-city corridor services they've put the routers in a long time ago.
Considering that trains make turns, a satellite internet connection probably wouldn't work for the routers on a train. So that means Wi-Fi requires cell service long the way. That isn't a problem in cities and towns along the way, or along major highways, but this train goes through some pretty isolated places, especially in the mountains.
Although not only in the mountains.
There is a stretch of track between Edmonds and Seattle, Washington, where the Wi-Fi on the commuter heavy rail in the Seattle area doesn't work. When I worked in downtown Seattle and rode the Sounder, I knew to have everything saved by Richmond Beach and then reopen once we were in Seattle.
I hope you guys actually enjoyed yourselves while traveling: It must have taken many hours and lots of effort to film and edit along the way. Despite Amtrak's poor reputation for punctuality, your video really motivates me to book a long-distance trip like yours. Thanks for all your work!
When i rode we were on time
@@GrillMasterP88 Depends. My first time was awful. It was fully booked and was 1 hour late bc of a freight train in front. Other times the train gets early or exactly on time.
The amtrak long distance trains have the best view of America anywhere.
This is a bucket list item
I’m going on my first train journey on Monday! I’m going all out. Going from Dallas to Los Angeles for my very first trip then spending a few days in LA and then going from LA to Seattle. In the end it’ll be over 60 hours of train but I’m very very excited. I’m autistic and live up to the stereotype of loving trains so I’m super excited and I’m really excited. I’m watching all kinds of Amtrak videos to prepare myself for what to expect.
I'm not gonna lie, I work for a major airline & love air travel - BUT - there is something SO SPECIAL about taking Amtrak across country! I took a trip from Los Angeles to Chicago with my son for Spring Break - we had a Roomette and it was AMAZING!!!!! We bonded, ate food, had fun with passengers, loved, loved, loved the CREW!!!! The food was good. the rooms were great. the shower WAS awesome!
I work for Amtrak out of Los Angeles Crew Base your video was outstanding thank you for sharing your experience
I live in that nebulous “dark space” between Montana and Spokane, so hi from North Idaho! I love living close enough to the rail line the Empire Builder rides on to hear it as it goes through all the crossings, except if I’m hearing it I know I’m WAY past my bedtime. :) Glad you enjoyed it!
I drive 2 hours to work and 2 hours back. I would definitely love high speed rail!!! I loved riding the rail system in Europe!
Love Amtrak travel. Always get the Travel sleeper for overnight and the food has always been excellent(Hope they keep the Dining Car)Usually get the Steak and a couple Beers. Great way to travel and see the country with no stress and the people on board always are friendly and well mannered. The staff is always wonderful..
Amazing ride onboard Amtrak Empire Builder #7/27 from Chicago to Spokane and on Amtrak Empire Builder #7 to Seattle. Will was extremely funny in the video and a funny guy to trarvel with. keep up the amazing work Mike. The Amtrak Empire Builder route is my number one favorite Amtrak route. I hope to do another roundtrip on the Amtrak Empire Builder route roundtrip again.
We had the wonderful experience of taking the Amtrak Zephyr from Denver to Sacramento. Food was fabulous! The scenery was spectacular! We also had the sleeper chairs, and did very well. A great way to see America at it's best.
At age 64 this is definitely on my bucket list! Thanks for the video!😀😀
I was waiting for part two and glad to see it. You did not disappoint. Your videos are so informative. I especially loved the part where Will yelled, "All Aboard!"
thank you to the TH-cam algorithm for bringing me your videos! Just booked a roommette trip on the empire builder for May 😍😍😍 pure inspo, thanks boys!
One again thank you for such a great video. You are awesome guys!!! This is what’s happened in Spokane. The train splits in Spokane. The crew is mixed on this train. Dining car belongs to Seattle crew and cafe belongs to Chicago crew.
I am Chicago crew. Also train att are mixed. Some Chicago and some Seattle
I won't reiterate the wonderfulness of the journey with the two of you I put on Will's vlog! I'll only repeat my heartfelt, "thanks!" What joy you both bring and to include all of us to share in your fun-tastic friendship !
Traveled several times on Amtrak. Once was a round trip from Baltimore to Seattle. Delayed 1 full day on the way out and 2 full days on the way back. I loved every minute of it though. Especially the little towns/stations we stopped at through the Midwest. Will definitely do again when I have the time.
When they called all aboard and you were slowly moseying over, my word you almost gave me a heart attack!
I've been waiting anxiously for this follow up. It was worth it. Thanks! I've made this trip several times from Seattle to Chicago and yes, Montana and North Dakota are flat and featureless. Great place to grow crops and feed cattle, though. I've also ridden the Southwest Chief and. Coast Starlight several times as well. Awesome scenery there. I do love train travel.
All the routes are great. You see more in the west though as you can't see the forest through the trees in the east. If you factor you save a hotel room every night you spend on the train in a sleeper, there isn't that much difference.
I grew up in Montana and it is far from flat and featureless. Western Montana is beautiful and full of mountains, lakes, streams and trees. Glacier National park is in northern Montana which is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Sadly, the glaciers are melting or have already melted. Southeastern and mostly eastern Montana are not so pretty IMHO, as it IS flat and full of Rattlesnakes. My grandfather had a house in a town called Bear Creek Montana and the only thing I remember besides the post office and his house across the street from said post office, was the field of weeds I had to carefully walk through to avoid disturbing the Rattlers on my way to get his mail. As a child, I was scared to death to get the mail, but I never even had a close call. I do remember that my 82 year old Papa could kill a Rattlesnake in an instant using a hoe, shovel and of course a gun, but he would only do so if the snake was really aggressive. He always said that the snakes don't want to be bothered, so just be aware of your surrounding and watch where you are stepping. It was sound advice!
@@milescumminski8077 You are right, of course. I love the trip through western Montana. I was only thinking of the flat stretch from east of the mountains through parts of North Dakota. I should have been more specific. And Glacier Park IS gorgeous! I've been there on vacation.
I want to take my son on this trip just to say we did it, see the scenery, and travel. thank you very much i always wondered what it would be like!!! Never been on a train.
Dudes you slept through Glacier National Park in Montana and Sandpoint, ID with one of the largest inland lakes in the country, lake PendOrielle. (Pronounced Ponderay) Spectacular! Better go back again...
Jim Binger
That’s the problem with the EB, it goes through the Park at night.
@@scomo532 What idf youi go in the opposite direction, is Glacier traversed in daylight?
@@Hattonbank
I believe it is and you can get off and spend a day then board again the next day
@@scomo532 Thanks Scott. My aim is to fly from London to Chicago, board the Californian Zephyr to San Francisco, The Coast Starlight up to Seattle or Portland, then the Empire Builder back to the Windy City. I love trains, I love the US, my wife loves the US but is hesitating about so much time on board. Gotta bit of work to do, but Covid is giving me a bit more time to plan. Your suggestion of a mid way break sounds about right
@@Hattonbank
There you go, sounds like fun. I’m sure you have the Amtrak website, but I would definitely check it to be up to date. Also, we’ve taken the Starlight Limited from Na’lins (New Orleans) to LA, that’s a nice trip as well. I would pick it up in Houston though, not much to see in Louseeana.
So glad you like the train! I stopped flying in 2004. Have gone back and forth across country 7 or 8 times since. Loved watching you two decompress and appreciate the finer things about travel... .going through places instead of flying over them. connects us in ways flying never will.
I'll never forget using the restrooms on the Burlington Northern commuter trains going into Chicago during the 60s. They were basically holes in a small room that dropped everything right onto the track with the friendly reminder not to use them while the train was in a station. :)
6:17 You were an accidental poet for a second, Mike! 😄
Love the trains...my granddaughter and I had a bedroom several years ago from Flagstaff AZ to NYC!
I am 62 and always have wanted to travel via Amtrak! I paid for my daughter and her 2 friends to travel from NY to AZ via Amtrak as it was all I could afford. All they did was complain! I give up my dream and they show no appreciation. It still hurts, makes me mad, sad and cry. Thank you for sharing and letting me experience Amtrak through you!
Youth is wasted on the young. You don't always know how to appreciate something like that at s young age. Give it time. She will thank you someday.
@@mzjoseph88 thank you and yes she will!
What a great trip in two days. Loved the humor of the exercising on a train. I am gonna book a trip now just deciding where to go. Thanks Mike and Will for the great video! Keep em coming.
Love the Empire Builder, and Seattle. I’ve made that trip several times and the ride through the Cascade range was thrilling each time.
I took the Empire Builder in Apr/May, 2019, and I absolutely loved it. I was in a roomette by myself. Totally relaxed watching scenery you'd never see from a car or plane. I have another trip planned for Chicago to Florida by train in Sep/Oct, 2020. Worried that I'll have to postpone the trip.
Did you make it to Fl?
Appreciate Will's insights about vegan options
I fulfilled a 48 year wish to travel cross country by train this past December. New York Penn to Seattle, sleeping car all the way there and back. I had the money and I had the time. Everything about the trip was as you said, even expecting more mountainous terrain. We were on time even with a delay waiting for a fresh crew somewhere in Montana. Later this year I hope to take the Southwest Chief.
I've ridden the Chief a lot and love the route. The Zephyr from Denver to SLC may be my favorite, though. Of course, the Cardinal... ;-)
You are very fortunate to make it across to Seattle with little to no delays. I went on Amtrak years ago from Oregon to LA. We were almost a full 24 hours behind schedule going to from back home. Thankfully we did have the extra time for the delays. It was a beautiful site to see the scenery of it all. I'll never forget that trip.
As others commented, yeah that part of Montana is very flat. It's where the "Big Sky Country" is named from. Thanks for the great videos.
Way back when I was a child, the toilets drained out onto the tracks like your shower did @ 1:45. So thankful that only the showers drain on the tracks now and NOT the toilets. They had large signs advising you to NOT flush when you were in a station. I often wonder how many people didn't heed the sign & who had the job cleaning that mess up?!?! Great video, TYVM!
Lemmi guess, Budd Sleeper Car you used to go
@@Daniel-hj8el Since it was a trip that was less than 12 hours, we just had coach seating. We rode on the Pennsylvania Rail Road, then it was the Penn Central then it wound up Amtrak/Slamtrak. I really don't know too much about the Union Pacific Budd Sleeper Car. I am more familiar with the Pullman Sleeper cars.
Last time I rode the Empire Builder (1958), when you flushed the toilet you could see the railroad ties going by underneath.
Gonagain ewwww so human shit littered the train tracks????
bored7743 the last time I rode the train was between Pittsburgh and nyc. it was still called Pennsylvania r.r.in1967 when you flushed toilet it dumped onto the tracks.
you could see the tracks when he looked in the shower
@@bored7743 Yep.
C&NW commuter cars, same thing back in the day, LOL...
'They say there's a lot to see in Montana, I see why because there's nothing in the way!'. Loved it.
Oh wow! You actually rode on the last car Pullman-Standard ever made!
Two nuts on a train! I had lots of fun watching the video. Thanks for sharing boys!
I have been fascinated by Amtrak since the last 10 years when my grandparents went to the States to visit my uncle.
Here in India we dream to travel like this. Amtrak is on my wishlist and I would like to fulfill it.
Much love from this side of the World!
The cost for this ride is also exponentially higher than any similar overnight trains in India. But still, I'd agree, the difference is huge in terms of the comfort.
Hope you get the chance to experience it someday!
@@mupadhyaya6091 yes!
I retired two years ago... never knew how we were going to be right now... but I want to go on a train trip! Y'all are motivating me...
Loved the shower scene. I so have a mancrush! You went right by my house in Minnesota.
I think it's a matter of "two should"....LOL
I'm rewatching because I'm finally riding this train soon for my honeymoon! I'm so excited
I am taking the train from Houston to Seattle this summer. I can't wait.
What train
Did the Empire Builder many years ago as a vacation. Loved every minute. Actually went right after Mt Helens blew off. You could still see the devestation along the river banks and towards the mountain.
All of us seattle folks "THAT ISN'T THE PACIFIC!!" :) loved the video
It's an inlet of the Pacific and it's salty. Close enough for a Mid-Westerner :)
I have traveled by train from Denver to Chicago many times. The roomette is a great option for travel. Neat video-thanks guys!
Some older guy did a vid on tips while traveling on Amtrak, and one was if you use the common shower you should wear flip flops to prevent athlete foot. It did look clean and definately roomy. Chill vid dude!
I came across your videos because I was looking into an 8 hour Amtrak ride I just had. I stared out the window a majority of the time coach class. I was very worried about missing the train and no worries I didn’t! Thank you for your videos! Very helpful and calming.
Good info about the vegan options. Thanks! I want to take the Empire Builder to Glacier National Park and camp.
I absolutely loved that the truck was passing you as you plugged the HSRA! Perfect!
Glad you liked it!
This is a huge country. I am cocooned in my little city in the Midwest, and I can only imagine the vastness of it. Maybe one day I can travel and see the rest of it.
Ck KO there are so many stations in the Midwest. Look up your closest Amtrak station and take a little trip it’s so worth it.
my duuude, you just unleashed a memory from when i was a kid. my mom and i used to take amtrak trains from NYC to florida and id ALWAYS kick the doors to get between cars. i love amtrak, i want to go back :( thanks for reminding me of the good old days lol
Very charismatic hosts, well edited, and nice production value. I see why you have 65K subscribers. I'm not a train guy but I will be watching future videos. Well done.
For 25 years I walked through Union Station to get to my job in downtown Chicago. The station is absolutely beautiful and crazy as it sounds I loved the sound of the many engines rumbling as you head down the tracks to board your commuter train. We took an Amtrak to visit friends in Michigan once and it was so relaxing and scenic instead of the laborious drive through Indiana and Michigan.
We rode Amtrak in 1998 from Spokane to Chicago then back a few days later. My tip for travelers, if you change trains then you are responsible for moving your own luggage or bye bye luggage. It’s not like airports.
I took a Amtrak from Jacksonville fl to Seattle... Had a good time we traveled along through all southern states and up the Westcoast... Absolutely beautiful scenery.
It's unfortunate you didn't do the east-bound journey. The trip through Glacier National Park is one-of-a-kind.
this ^^
I rode the Empire Builder eastbound from Seattle to St Paul and the mountains were amazing.
I love travelling on trains. Just looking out the window, and thinking. If you're ever in Ireland, take the train from Dublin to Wexford, it's beautiful.
6:35 aha! I was surprised that it didn't seem like they'd built in a time buffer, earlier. This makes a lot more sense :)
Also they can increase speed. Over a period of hours they can make up a lot of time.
Amtrak and the host railroads meet a couple times a year when schedules are changed and negotiate time to be added or deducted from the schedule due to track work which would add time or speed restrictions removed which would reduce time over that railroad. Amtrak then pays an incentive to the host railroad if they adhere to that schedule.
And just like that I am booking a train for my birthday with my husband. Thank you for the tips
You guys are a fantastic filming team. I loved the training segment!
6:49 that frame is gorgeous :- 1
You are both adorable-- travel across the US? 'Fly'. LOL! Can I say-- you aren't actually 'looking at the Pacific Ocean' (at Seattle) but Puget Sound, I grew up in the Pacific N.W. Thanks for your noble efforts!
Hi guys, I enjoyed both videos and feel like I traveled with you. Looks like a lot of fun. I was born and raised in a small town call Hamlet, NC which use to be the "hub of the Seaboard Airline Railroad". Smack dab in the middle between New York and Florida. Many. many.... uh many years ago we use to go down to the station and watch the passenger trains (Silver Meteor or Silver Star) come through. It was usually a lengthy stop because the engines would be refueled so sometimes we were able to get a glimpse of a movie/TV star. Jackie Gleason always rode the train and had his own car. He would sometimes get out and walk his dog. Anyway, those days are long gone, the train still comes through, not sure if it stops unless picking up someone or letting someone off. Watching your video's made me want to get on a train and go somewhere. I signed the partition because I remember back in the day how much fun it was to sit and watch the world go by as we "crawled" down the track.
The Seattle station is beautiful.
Chicago too. They were renovating when I was last there. It's from a time when America was reaching. We've been hunkered down for too long.
I have taken the train annually for 6 years now. The Texas Eagle/Sunset Limited from Chicago to Tucson. Last year was my first time out of coach and into a roomette and it was amazing! Planning same trip for later this year. Your videos are awesome and I love the energy of you guys!
Thanks so much Joe! Enjoy the rails!
Mike, thanks for sharing. How can you not have a good time on the train.
" Locked in the bathroom " GAH!!!!! Vegan options? Awesome! Thanks, guys! This was a fun watch! Trains rule!