One real advantage of AMTRAK travel, whether short, medium or long distance is that you are free to get up and walk around. You can often times walk from one end of the train to the other and back again. The roomettes and sleeping accommodations are very expensive BUT if you pay for them, your meals are included AND, you can have beer, wine and booze in your compartment, even if you didn't buy it from them.
I would definitely recommend doing the sleeper. Get a roomette, you'll love it, yes it's more but as others have said breakfast, lunch and dinner is included
I think if you have a good product people will just call it as they see it and that's why so many folk take a few minutes to review the service provided .
I agree with you on this video 100%. I've done Amtrak a few times already, and feel it's by far the best way to get from place to place if there's a route that will get you there.
I just discovered your channel and am really enjoying it. You explain things well and I always appreciate anyone with quality communication skills. Found it just in time! I'm taking a Greyhound in a couple days...not a long trip...I've used it several times, but not recently. I'm subscribing, and look forward to watching more of your videos. Good luck as you grow your channel!
Thank you, I just discovered your channel and I appreciate the information and love your sense of humor! I taking Amtrak from Denver to Reno and your info helped me prepare for a few things.
Being a real Amrak seasoned rider...wanted to give you my thought about the BIG guy who was sitting next to you and never came back..People who "know" wait till everyone is seated and then they make their way to the "Handicap Car" on the first level..If they see an empty seat, they just occupy it..The seats are more comfortable and since he apparently didn't have a reserved seat there, he waited till the people were seated and quietly sat down..now, if the conductor sees he didn't have a ticket above his seat, he could ask him to go back upstairs..He probably waited till the conductor had already checked the tickets..I see it done all the time! Glad to hear you enjoy Amtrak as much as I do!
Have taken 3 round trips on Amtrak. LA to Boston all 3 times. Room once. Roomette twice. Always enjoyed it. Leisurely travel to say the least. Once with a roomette I decided to switch to coach for the Chicago to Boston leg to see if I could handle it. I couldn’t, way to crowded and I wasn’t expecting that at all. That was my second round tripper. Third was a roomette all the way. Planning to do it again. Only 3 mishaps or delays ever.....once on the way up the mountains in Colorado we lost 1 engine and had to back down the hill to to the previous station at level elevation. Waited on a siding in the middle of the night for about 4 hours for a replacement engine. Surprisingly we made up the time and arrived in Chicago on time. 2nd delay was on Chicago to Boston leg. Track repairs were being done between Syracuse and Boston and they put us on a bus for that leg. The mishap was more......dramatic. Opened the public shower door on a woman who didn’t lock the door. HER BAD!!!, the latch said unoccupied like an airline bathroom and with the noise of the train couldn’t tell from sound wether it was occupied or not. SORRY, SORRY, SORRY, don’t remember what she screamed. ALWAYS KNOCK NOW!
one way to avoid having to pay for meals on the dinining car is to go the sleeper car route. the accomdation fee on amtrak not only pays for a room in the sleeper car it also means complimentary meals. in my opinion it's only worth it if you have a trip of over one night on the train.
Yes! My grandson was stranded in Las Vegas for one week during our most recent Artic Blast. My suggestion was Amtrak. It's really good travel if you got the time. Way to go!
I certainly remember my first trip on The Amtrak train My maiden voyage on Amtrak I v e been on 25 Amtrak trains but not any since October 1995 The Pacific Northwest Oregon What an exuberant trip !
You're awsome stories. I've travel on Amtrak train (even former private RR Company before Amtrak merged) for 50 years. So, I go once (sometime twice) a year across the country as I love it and no matter if on time or delays.
Really glad to hear this positive feedback on your Amtrak trip. Just ticketed for a long Amtrak voyage june2018, el paso, TX to pittsburgh, pa. Can't beat the price $361 of course, no room et te just a coach seat! You've convinced me! Thanks!
I took a train with a locomotive on point that looked a lot like this one. I boarded the train at Hialeah just north of Miami and after about an eight hour haul to Palatka Florida I detrained and was met by my friends who lived handy at Melrose Fla. My stay there was but three days after which I was driven to an airport at Gainsville where in a sky as clear as crystal flew to Miami to catch a connecting flight to Los Angeles. Just before midnight my flight left for its nonstop eleven hour journey down the big blue Pacific to Aotearoa and home: sweet home.
When I was living out in Fresno California I went with my Special Ed Class on Amtrak to San Francisco. In 2003 I moved here to Florida. Sounds like he had a good trip. They have Bathrooms on Amtrak Trains Because You are on Amtrak for a couple of days.
My last time on Amtrak I was coming home from Buffalo, New York after a concert all night. I board, lean my chair all the way back, and then this horrible kid sat behind me as I was trying to sleep after being awake all night. He was playing with toy cars and slamming his seatback tray table which was attached to my seat. FOR FIVE HOURS. When I got to my stop, I leaned forward and pulled the latch, so my chair jerked up twelve inches real fast, knocking the kids cars and drink over. His mom said nothing but we glared at eachother for at least 15 seconds. I was like really to have a cat fight.
now you know why i love Amtrak! the employees are dedicated, kind and courteous. do the California Zephyr......you will see America as you have never seen it. That train goes where no other mode of travel goes except maybe a pack mule.
GREAT VID !!! I LOVE Amtrak, and thank you for sharing !!! Nothing beats Amtrak, and a word of advice; always bring snacks to avoid spending money you may need for later. AMTRAK is THE BEST !!! As for Greyhound, I would NEVER ride it. My lugguage was stolen off the bus twice, NEVER rode it again.
I like Amtrak quite alot myself. It's my preferred option for long distance travel especially since I'm deathly afraid of flying. Im usually leaving from Phila. Pa and it's always unbearably cold on the train and they always say there's no way to control the temp. That's my only issue with Amtrak. It sounds like you may have been on newer trains cause I never had an "observation room" or double Decker seating. Anyway glad your experience was so positive.."Amtrak Trip" Say that three times fast. LOL
I have only traveled in the western part of the USA. As I understand it all the trains out of Chicago to the west coast have observation cars. I found the observation car a total bonus. As well as the views there is a lot of opportunity to chat with fellow travelers. There is a video about the City of new Orleans train on U-Tube and it shows you the observation car.
If you upgrade your ticket the meals are included. Sometimes the cost of the upgrade cost is worth it because your meals are included. Also dc is a great place visit because many of the museums are free.
You were in Chicago! Should have let us know and had a meetup. I'm pretty lucky to live in Chicago. We don't always have the fastest Amtrak routes but we have a ton of connections.
Cars are older and smaller east of Chicago because the track clearances are less in the older East Coast cities, so the double decker Superliners can't be used, since they can't make the curves or get under some of the overhead obstacles
I'm traveling to Newark New Jersey from Fullerton California what should I expect myself and my companion are booked in coach but I was wondering what should I expect from the coach seating you're videos are excellent and interesting I'm gonna record parts of my journey and I'll upload them
One Amtrak agent ticked me off one time. She said that the next station the bus was going to fill up and to remove any baggage in the empty seat for the next passengers to sit. There was another 45 minutes to an hour before we got to the next station so I left my backpack in the seat since there was some time before we got there. She came through twice and told me I had to move my bag. Ugh, we weren't anywhere near to arrive at the next station. What was the big deal?
An alternative route to get from Fort Worth to Orlando could have been Fort Worth to San Antonio (Texas Eagle), then San Antonio to New Orleans (Southwest Limited, 3 times/week), then the Crescent from New Orleans up to one of the stations it shares with one of the Northeast Corridor to Florida (no further north than DC).
If you're going to do Amtrak in coach again, and your travel dates are firm, best to get the saver fare. It is non-refundable and you'll have to buy it at least 2 weeks in advance, but it's the cheapest fare Amtrak offers.
Actually, it's till 1am at Chicago Union Station as to how late it's open for. After that, they kick everyone out of CUS, till 5am the next day. For the record there are some 24/7 diners you could do a short cab/Uber ride over to that aren't too far away, such as White Palace Grill on Roosevelt Rd. Be warned if you aren't familiar with Chicago Union Station, that there aren't a lot of food options open late inside that station except like McDonald's sadly to say. I would recommend either walking a few blocks north and eating inside the food court of the Ogilvie Transportation Center/C&NW Station(this is a terminal for 3 Metra commuter rail routes), or walking/Ubering west to the Greektown neighborhood on Halsted St. for late night choices to eat. You also could walk/Uber north to the Randolph Street area, for some places open late at night.
The cars on the last leg of the journey were probably the Amfleet cars, most of the east coast trains use them. I believe there's only like two or three that use the Superliners (the two story cars).
This makes me feel so happy u Hurd so many great reviews and you make me less scared to ride it can I ask seeing the outside view do you feel safe looking at the ocean ?
Could you please make a video on how to travel when you want to go to a certain place or state on getting around when you are new to a city and having fun and using public transportation and a hotel safely. I hope you understand what I am trying to say. Using Amtrack, Megabus, and Greyhound.
Just so you know the sleeper cars in Amtrak are quite popular and can be quite expensive. You get your breakfast lunch and dinner meals in the dining car included in the price (not the cafe car) but the prices grow exponentially so if you want one on the cheap, I suggest you pay for it as soon as you make your travel plans.
i went from Chicago to Whitefish, Montana on my way to Kalispell. great ride and great food. grits and turkey bacon and sausage, but expensive. A green sweater , beef jerky, and nuts were stolen from my carry on, which was not locked and i had on a money belt, and took my phone and laptop with me downstairs to the restroom. i had a very racist pink conductor,. The passengers were very nice. i am 5'9, so i loved the space also.
In a couple years, if you have to do this trip again, you will only need to go from Fort Worth to Jacksonville instead of the around the country way. Amtrak is working on restoring the Sunset Limited from New Orleans to Jacksonville. Will save you a day or more on your trip.
Don't hold your breath on that one. They have been talking for years about restoring service on the Gulf Coast. CSX isn't having any of it and especially not now with EHH at the helm. It's not coming back.
If you follow the developments over the last year or so, there has been progress. The standing committee made up of various agencies and elected officals have completed their study project. There has been a test tour train run on the route with packed supporter crowds at every stop. Some cities that will have stops are already budgeting to either refurbish or build new stations to replace their idled stations. Yes, I know HH at CSX is being difficult, but I feel it will proceed. There is such a need in the Amtrak network to fill this gap to improve travel times by not having to go around a bunch of southern states to ge to Florida.
As I write this three years ago, there's still no progress. I live in Tallahassee, Florida, a former stop. Our elected officials have been lobbying for restoration of service and have been disappointed with the responses they've received.
BNSF and UP own the tracks in the west of the US. The UP dispatcher sits Omaha NE and the BNSF dispatcher is in Fort Worth TX. He does the best he can to keep the Amtrak trains on time but he is hired by UP or BNSF. I know the United parcels Service train on the Chicago to Seattle line is red hot as my engineer friend describes every train is set aside for the UPS train. The dispatcher has only limited tracks to run all his trains in his assigned area.
Freight railroads get priority on tracks they own be it amtrack or another freight train. Amtrack d I es own some track so they get priority on track they own.
I think you will be safe from the knife-phobia, TSA-mentality, Idiots currently in power on public transport. AMTRAK.......No worries unless you are " brandihsing a huge Bowie knife/ Sword " at passengers.
Next time you're in Washington Dc, visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Plan ahead because all though free, tickets go like hotcakes.
its cool you blog bout ur experiences. i travel alot on amtrak with 9 grandkids that live out west. i cant deal with the big cities very well so i catch the train where i can taking the bus to catch it. i dont like zombies coming up n bothering in the big cities, just not used to it n love to walk but everybody tells me that if you dont want to be bothered have to stay inside a vehicle at all times in populated areas so how do you deal with that? any suggestions? im Christian n dont like to assume the least of us are dangerous but it makes me want to get out my hunting knife lol
I have ridden a lot of trains in my life and American trains, Amtrak in particular are some of the worst there are. They are very expensive (usually more expensive then airfare to the same destination), very slow, never keep up to the schedule, and have very bumpy ride. Take any bullet train in Europe or Asia and you would be amazed at the level of smoothness and sheer speed the train takes you from destination to destination. Besides, train stations in Europe and Asia are more welcoming and are almost always located in the historical center of the city, very safe and open for exploring day or night. US train stations are a mixed affair. Some, like Union Station in DC are nice, but others, like Chicago Union Station or Penn Station in NYC are underground filthy half-lit affairs. If you take a slow ride overnight in Europe, you will always get a sleeper cabin where you can have a normal sleep on a real bed. When I rode the so called roomette on Amtrak, I was like a chicken in a cage. There was not enough room in the cabin to even hang your coat. And if you close the doors, the doors stare you right in the face, no space between the seat and the door. The dining cab was nice though. Real food and very complete and satisfying meal.
No , no .The trains in Europe can be real dogs , especially in Italy .The Italian trains suck , toilets were you can see the ground , couchette were you have to share a room with perfect strangers .I have travelled from England to Coatia on trains .Amtrak is the winner.
Amtrak is real nice but only one train per day going north one train per day going south I can get a bus out at 7 20 am I am in Omaha at 130 am Instead odf the following night at 11 pm or so I am in Genver Co at 8 30 pm instead of 8 am the following morning I could careless about the bathroom I am going to bring my own food and coffee Amtrak is the only restaurant in town food is tasteless and hight priced 2 50 for a cup of coffee Oh come on now I can make two pots for that price Steve and I go too New York by train in Dec tickets were bought this past Saturday 8 42 00 dollars Chicago to Washington D C then the Northest Direct up to Stamford Ct I have made a reservation at the Red Carpet Inn for 352 00 Dec 13 to Dec 18 2023 2025 in July We go on an AAmerican Cruise Line Cruise out of Providence R I for 5.225 00 per person
It's called "CS". You paid your hard earned money for that. I heard you get the best deal the earlier you book. You paid a premium for late ticketing. Airlines find out how bad Customer Service can get before you start complaining and dial it better a tiny bit for a miserable experience. From your excellent reporting is sounds like Grayhound has the WORST CS by far. Shame on you Grayhound!
This was a GREAT video with wonderful information. Thanks for bringing it to us.
Observation car really is nice. People are more friendly on Amtrak, more relaxed.
I agree. That relaxed feeling is definitely a plus on long trips
agree
Timothy could u please help man I am not a beggar but I'm homeless and I need help
One real advantage of AMTRAK travel, whether short, medium or long distance is that you are free to get up and walk around. You can often times walk from one end of the train to the other and back again. The roomettes and sleeping accommodations are very expensive BUT if you pay for them, your meals are included AND, you can have beer, wine and booze in your compartment, even if you didn't buy it from them.
Being able to get up and walk around makes a big difference on a trip. That's one of the reasons I like Amtrak so much.
I would definitely recommend doing the sleeper. Get a roomette, you'll love it, yes it's more but as others have said breakfast, lunch and dinner is included
Just discovered your channel-- what a find! You are very informative. Keep up the good work!
Amtrack should pay you as well as Megabus and Greyhound, for the best review ever. And love your video. I would have fun traveling with you.
I think if you have a good product people will just call it as they see it and that's why so many folk take a few minutes to review the service provided .
I agree with you on this video 100%. I've done Amtrak a few times already, and feel it's by far the best way to get from place to place if there's a route that will get you there.
Riding Amtrak is definitely on my bucket list.
It was on mine and now I can check it off lol
By all means, gotta do it. Best way to travel these United States, IMHO.
Do it. Nothing else can even compare to the comfort.
I just discovered your channel and am really enjoying it. You explain things well and I always appreciate anyone with quality communication skills. Found it just in time! I'm taking a Greyhound in a couple days...not a long trip...I've used it several times, but not recently. I'm subscribing, and look forward to watching more of your videos. Good luck as you grow your channel!
Thank you, I just discovered your channel and I appreciate the information and love your sense of humor! I taking Amtrak from Denver to Reno and your info helped me prepare for a few things.
Being a real Amrak seasoned rider...wanted to give you my thought about the BIG guy who was sitting next to you and never came back..People who "know" wait till everyone is seated and then they make their way to the "Handicap Car" on the first level..If they see an empty seat, they just occupy it..The seats are more comfortable and since he apparently didn't have a reserved seat there, he waited till the people were seated and quietly sat down..now, if the conductor sees he didn't have a ticket above his seat, he could ask him to go back upstairs..He probably waited till the conductor had already checked the tickets..I see it done all the time! Glad to hear you enjoy Amtrak as much as I do!
Have taken 3 round trips on Amtrak. LA to Boston all 3 times. Room once. Roomette twice. Always enjoyed it. Leisurely travel to say the least. Once with a roomette I decided to switch to coach for the Chicago to Boston leg to see if I could handle it. I couldn’t, way to crowded and I wasn’t expecting that at all. That was my second round tripper. Third was a roomette all the way. Planning to do it again. Only 3 mishaps or delays ever.....once on the way up the mountains in Colorado we lost 1 engine and had to back down the hill to to the previous station at level elevation. Waited on a siding in the middle of the night for about 4 hours for a replacement engine. Surprisingly we made up the time and arrived in Chicago on time. 2nd delay was on Chicago to Boston leg. Track repairs were being done between Syracuse and Boston and they put us on a bus for that leg. The mishap was more......dramatic. Opened the public shower door on a woman who didn’t lock the door. HER BAD!!!, the latch said unoccupied like an airline bathroom and with the noise of the train couldn’t tell from sound wether it was occupied or not. SORRY, SORRY, SORRY, don’t remember what she screamed. ALWAYS KNOCK NOW!
one way to avoid having to pay for meals on the dinining car is to go the sleeper car route. the accomdation fee on amtrak not only pays for a room in the sleeper car it also means complimentary meals. in my opinion it's only worth it if you have a trip of over one night on the train.
For a couple or a family, this really does make a difference. Bedroom (4 bed has a shower.
The Bedroom does not have 4 beds, it has two. The Family Bedroom has 4 beds, however it does not have a sink, toilet, or shower.
All of a sudden after watching your vlog I am definitely traveling on Amtrak after the pandemic. Will try florida to fort worth Texas round trip.
Yes! My grandson was stranded in Las Vegas for one week during our most recent Artic Blast. My suggestion was Amtrak. It's really good travel if you got the time. Way to go!
This video was what I needed to know. I'm going home for Thanksgiving and I've decided to take Amtrak. I'm excited! Thanks!
I certainly remember my first trip on The Amtrak train My maiden voyage on Amtrak I v e been on 25 Amtrak trains but not any since October 1995 The Pacific Northwest Oregon What an exuberant trip !
You're awsome stories.
I've travel on Amtrak train (even former private RR Company before Amtrak merged) for 50 years. So, I go once (sometime twice) a year across the country as I love it and no matter if on time or delays.
Really glad to hear this positive feedback on your Amtrak trip. Just ticketed for a long Amtrak voyage june2018, el paso, TX to pittsburgh, pa. Can't beat the price $361 of course, no room et te just a coach seat! You've convinced me! Thanks!
Glad I could convince you!
I feel exactly the same about the observation car. It's why if I have to travel and Amtrak is an option, I do it! Love, Love, Love Amtrak.
I took a train with a locomotive on point that looked a lot like this one. I boarded the train at Hialeah just north of Miami and after about an eight hour haul to Palatka Florida I detrained and was met by my friends who lived handy at Melrose Fla.
My stay there was but three days after which I was driven to an airport at Gainsville where in a sky as clear as crystal flew to Miami to catch a connecting flight to Los Angeles. Just before midnight my flight left for its nonstop eleven hour journey down the big blue Pacific to Aotearoa and home: sweet home.
When I was living out in Fresno California I went with my Special Ed Class on Amtrak to San Francisco. In 2003 I moved here to Florida. Sounds like he had a good trip. They have Bathrooms on Amtrak Trains Because You are on Amtrak for a couple of days.
My last time on Amtrak I was coming home from Buffalo, New York after a concert all night. I board, lean my chair all the way back, and then this horrible kid sat behind me as I was trying to sleep after being awake all night. He was playing with toy cars and slamming his seatback tray table which was attached to my seat. FOR FIVE HOURS. When I got to my stop, I leaned forward and pulled the latch, so my chair jerked up twelve inches real fast, knocking the kids cars and drink over. His mom said nothing but we glared at eachother for at least 15 seconds. I was like really to have a cat fight.
now you know why i love Amtrak! the employees are dedicated, kind and courteous. do the California Zephyr......you will see America as you have never seen it. That train goes where no other mode of travel goes except maybe a pack mule.
GREAT VID !!! I LOVE Amtrak, and thank you for sharing !!! Nothing beats Amtrak, and a word of advice; always bring snacks to avoid spending money you may need for later. AMTRAK is THE BEST !!! As for Greyhound, I would NEVER ride it. My lugguage was stolen off the bus twice, NEVER rode it again.
I like Amtrak quite alot myself. It's my preferred option for long distance travel especially since I'm deathly afraid of flying. Im usually leaving from Phila. Pa and it's always unbearably cold on the train and they always say there's no way to control the temp. That's my only issue with Amtrak. It sounds like you may have been on newer trains cause I never had an "observation room" or double Decker seating. Anyway glad your experience was so positive.."Amtrak Trip" Say that three times fast. LOL
It was pretty cold on the train. I forgot to mention that. Thought sure I was gonna get sick when I was soaking wet lol
I have only traveled in the western part of the USA. As I understand it all the trains out of Chicago to the west coast have observation cars. I found the observation car a total bonus. As well as the views there is a lot of opportunity to chat with fellow travelers. There is a video about the City of new Orleans train on U-Tube and it shows you the observation car.
If you upgrade your ticket the meals are included. Sometimes the cost of the upgrade cost is worth it because your meals are included.
Also dc is a great place visit because many of the museums are free.
You were in Chicago! Should have let us know and had a meetup. I'm pretty lucky to live in Chicago. We don't always have the fastest Amtrak routes but we have a ton of connections.
Cars are older and smaller east of Chicago because the track clearances are less in the older East Coast cities, so the double decker Superliners can't be used, since they can't make the curves or get under some of the overhead obstacles
Thank you for this informative and funny video, Tim. Amtrack will be next on my list!
No problem! Glad my video could be of some help.
I’m taking a big Amtrak trip in March and this video was SO helpful to me; thank you!
I'm traveling to Newark New Jersey from Fullerton California what should I expect myself and my companion are booked in coach but I was wondering what should I expect from the coach seating you're videos are excellent and interesting I'm gonna record parts of my journey and I'll upload them
One Amtrak agent ticked me off one time. She said that the next station the bus was going to fill up and to remove any baggage in the empty seat for the next passengers to sit. There was another 45 minutes to an hour before we got to the next station so I left my backpack in the seat since there was some time before we got there. She came through twice and told me I had to move my bag. Ugh, we weren't anywhere near to arrive at the next station. What was the big deal?
An alternative route to get from Fort Worth to Orlando could have been Fort Worth to San Antonio (Texas Eagle), then San Antonio to New Orleans (Southwest Limited, 3 times/week), then the Crescent from New Orleans up to one of the stations it shares with one of the Northeast Corridor to Florida (no further north than DC).
Hope you will start vlogging some of your trips.
If you're going to do Amtrak in coach again, and your travel dates are firm, best to get the saver fare. It is non-refundable and you'll have to buy it at least 2 weeks in advance, but it's the cheapest fare Amtrak offers.
The Union Station in Chicago closes at 11PM so keep that in mind.
Actually, it's till 1am at Chicago Union Station as to how late it's open for. After that, they kick everyone out of CUS, till 5am the next day. For the record there are some 24/7 diners you could do a short cab/Uber ride over to that aren't too far away, such as White Palace Grill on Roosevelt Rd. Be warned if you aren't familiar with Chicago Union Station, that there aren't a lot of food options open late inside that station except like McDonald's sadly to say. I would recommend either walking a few blocks north and eating inside the food court of the Ogilvie Transportation Center/C&NW Station(this is a terminal for 3 Metra commuter rail routes), or walking/Ubering west to the Greektown neighborhood on Halsted St. for late night choices to eat. You also could walk/Uber north to the Randolph Street area, for some places open late at night.
Yes, in Washington, or in other big cities, you should use the local metro lines
Great video! You need to take the Coast Starlight. It's a beautiful train trip😄
The cars on the last leg of the journey were probably the Amfleet cars, most of the east coast trains use them. I believe there's only like two or three that use the Superliners (the two story cars).
Just the Auto Train and Capitol Limited. All the overnight trains that go through Penn Station have to use Amfleet coaches and Viewliner sleepers.
Thinking of others is good to see in today’s America god bless you and yours!
This makes me feel so happy u Hurd so many great reviews and you make me less scared to ride it can I ask seeing the outside view do you feel safe looking at the ocean ?
So tell me does the Amtrac representative that was serving you guys allowed to receive tips? And if so did you tip him?
Could you please make a video on how to travel when you want to go to a certain place or state on getting around when you are new to a city and having fun and using public transportation and a hotel safely. I hope you understand what I am trying to say. Using Amtrack, Megabus, and Greyhound.
Just so you know the sleeper cars in Amtrak are quite popular and can be quite expensive. You get your breakfast lunch and dinner meals in the dining car included in the price (not the cafe car) but the prices grow exponentially so if you want one on the cheap, I suggest you pay for it as soon as you make your travel plans.
I was looking at winter travel. Saw one roomette fare with a 25% discount.
Thanks for the great video👍🏼 are you’re carry on bags searched?
Just shared this with my FB audience... thank you so much.
If you go back to DC try their subway. It is super convenient and goes EVERYWHERE!!
The last trip was delayed because the freight railroad (CSX) owns that track, so they give priority to their trains.
i went from Chicago to Whitefish, Montana on my way to Kalispell. great ride and great food. grits and turkey bacon and sausage, but expensive.
A green sweater , beef jerky, and nuts were stolen from my carry on, which was not locked and i had on a money belt, and took my phone and laptop with me downstairs to the restroom. i had a very racist pink conductor,. The passengers were very nice. i am 5'9, so i loved the space also.
When it came to food did u have to use credit/e by card to buy food or could u use cash
Tim have you ever commented about tipping on the Amtrak train?
Would you ever try ex brightline now vigan trains USA and try the Amtrak cascades talgo train Seattle, Washington to Portland,Oregon
The Brightline trains are too expensive for this guy and would bust his budget.
I love Amtrak. I got an Amtrak train to Lamy NM from.San Jose for $246 vs airfare $309. Even with meals its worth it.
In a couple years, if you have to do this trip again, you will only need to go from Fort Worth to Jacksonville instead of the around the country way. Amtrak is working on restoring the Sunset Limited from New Orleans to Jacksonville. Will save you a day or more on your trip.
That would be awesome!
Don't hold your breath on that one. They have been talking for years about restoring service on the Gulf Coast. CSX isn't having any of it and especially not now with EHH at the helm. It's not coming back.
If you follow the developments over the last year or so, there has been progress. The standing committee made up of various agencies and elected officals have completed their study project. There has been a test tour train run on the route with packed supporter crowds at every stop. Some cities that will have stops are already budgeting to either refurbish or build new stations to replace their idled stations. Yes, I know HH at CSX is being difficult, but I feel it will proceed. There is such a need in the Amtrak network to fill this gap to improve travel times by not having to go around a bunch of southern states to ge to Florida.
I'll believe it when I see it. It's been going every year since Katrina.
As I write this three years ago, there's still no progress. I live in Tallahassee, Florida, a former stop. Our elected officials have been lobbying for restoration of service and have been disappointed with the responses they've received.
The only negatives i see with Amtrak are the limited number of cities of serves and constant stops to let freight trains pass
BNSF and UP own the tracks in the west of the US. The UP dispatcher sits Omaha NE and the BNSF dispatcher is in Fort Worth TX. He does the best he can to keep the Amtrak trains on time but he is hired by UP or BNSF. I know the United parcels Service train on the Chicago to Seattle line is red hot as my engineer friend describes every train is set aside for the UPS train. The dispatcher has only limited tracks to run all his trains in his assigned area.
Freight railroads get priority on tracks they own be it amtrack or another freight train. Amtrack d I es own some track so they get priority on track they own.
Nice
But otherwise, very informative. was wondering if I could get away with having my edc knife in my overnight bag? Don't wanna leave it
I think you will be safe from the knife-phobia, TSA-mentality, Idiots currently in power on public transport. AMTRAK.......No worries unless you are " brandihsing a huge Bowie knife/ Sword " at passengers.
Is amtrack cheaper than greyhound? Is the food stations at amtrack and mega bus better than greyhound?
I think in most cases Amtrak is more expensive than Greyhound but it's worth the extra money
the seat are awsome on the train
i always bring my on food
“Above and beyond?” You don’t or hardly get that with greyhound
Next time you are in Washington DC by the White House head to Metro Center take the Red Line to Union Station. I believe it cost $5.00 for a ticket
Great video!! THANKS!!
It would've been nice to see in the video the actual things on the train that you're explaining
You have to try the food in the dining car if you take amtrak again. The food is shockingly good
I've heard that, I'm just super cheap lol
@@fundyourlifestyle haha I feel you there. Great video by the way
Also consider some of the trains have Business class and they will include a beverage
Looks like greyhound is long gone
Lol, for the most part yeah
im going to canada and i know youre done with greyhound, but do you have any expierience crossing the canadian/international boarder
No I still haven't taken a trip across the border yet
I Looooooove Amtrak, I'm going on the Southwest Chief , from Chicago to Flagstaff , I'm going to the GRAND CANYON.
Next time you're in Washington Dc, visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Plan ahead because all though free, tickets go like hotcakes.
"Gangsta deuce"... bruh, I was LMAO!!!
Hey Tim Cool Shirt
Thanks. Walmart $7.50
🐐🐐🐐🐐
I think that Amtrak has enough coverage I want to give Greyhound Positive coverage instead of all of this negative
Thank you for the video brother man
make sure you collect your points from your trip bro
frugal travel guru i have a positive experense with amtrak
lol we are watching this 5 years later and ... yes you can apperently walk right up to the capital building lolol not lol
its cool you blog bout ur experiences. i travel alot on amtrak with 9 grandkids that live out west. i cant deal with the big cities very well so i catch the train where i can taking the bus to catch it. i dont like zombies coming up n bothering in the big cities, just not used to it n love to walk but everybody tells me that if you dont want to be bothered have to stay inside a vehicle at all times in populated areas so how do you deal with that? any suggestions? im Christian n dont like to assume the least of us are dangerous but it makes me want to get out my hunting knife lol
you know there is a water fountain on the train!!
Why not just fly between Florida and Vegas?
If you love trains join The North American Railroad Clubs.
I have ridden a lot of trains in my life and American trains, Amtrak in particular are some of the worst there are. They are very expensive (usually more expensive then airfare to the same destination), very slow, never keep up to the schedule, and have very bumpy ride. Take any bullet train in Europe or Asia and you would be amazed at the level of smoothness and sheer speed the train takes you from destination to destination. Besides, train stations in Europe and Asia are more welcoming and are almost always located in the historical center of the city, very safe and open for exploring day or night. US train stations are a mixed affair. Some, like Union Station in DC are nice, but others, like Chicago Union Station or Penn Station in NYC are underground filthy half-lit affairs. If you take a slow ride overnight in Europe, you will always get a sleeper cabin where you can have a normal sleep on a real bed. When I rode the so called roomette on Amtrak, I was like a chicken in a cage. There was not enough room in the cabin to even hang your coat. And if you close the doors, the doors stare you right in the face, no space between the seat and the door. The dining cab was nice though. Real food and very complete and satisfying meal.
Why do you think that we care about your big long gripe, Дмитро?
No , no .The trains in Europe can be real dogs , especially in Italy .The Italian trains suck , toilets were you can see the ground , couchette were you have to share a room with perfect strangers .I have travelled from England to Coatia on trains .Amtrak is the winner.
You are allowed inside the Capitol building: www.visitthecapitol.gov/
After all, it is ours, and the people who work there are our servants.
i give amtrak a 10
Amtrak is real nice but only one train per day going north one train per day going south I can get a bus out at 7 20 am I am in Omaha at 130 am Instead odf the following night at 11 pm or so I am in Genver Co at 8 30 pm instead of 8 am the following morning I could careless about the bathroom I am going to bring my own food and coffee Amtrak is the only restaurant in town food is tasteless and hight priced 2 50 for a cup of coffee Oh come on now I can make two pots for that price Steve and I go too New York by train in Dec tickets were bought this past Saturday 8 42 00 dollars Chicago to Washington D C then the Northest Direct up to Stamford Ct I have made a reservation at the Red Carpet Inn for 352 00 Dec 13 to Dec 18 2023 2025 in July We go on an AAmerican Cruise Line Cruise out of Providence R I for 5.225 00 per person
It's called "CS". You paid your hard earned money for that. I heard you get the best deal the earlier you book. You paid a premium for late ticketing. Airlines find out how bad Customer Service can get before you start complaining and dial it better a tiny bit for a miserable experience. From your excellent reporting is sounds like Grayhound has the WORST CS by far. Shame on you Grayhound!