Has anybody taken a cross country train trip?

Question

We are looking to go from Detroit to Seattle and we want to see some good mountian scenery and also have a comfortable ride. How was your overall experience? Do you have any tips?

Answer 1

I rode the California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville in late February. The Roomette on the upper level was comfortable for one person, but two people would find the accommodation somewhat cramped. There is a Family Room on the lower level which spans the whole width of the car, but this does not give such a good view of the scenery as the Roomette.  During daylight hours the best view would be from the Dome car which has a transparent roof, but seats are occupied fairly early in the day. The view along the Colorado river was spectacular. The best part of the journey was going into the restaurant car and not having to pay for the meal, as the cost is included in the Roomette fee.

Timekeeping can be fairly erratic as freight trains take priority (the opposite to here in the UK). The Zephyr reverses into Denver station, which would not be allowed here.

In general, the experience was most enjoyable - I would recommend it to a prospective traveller.

Answer 2

Whenever possible I would choose the train over the airlines anytime. I won't even discuss how much I hate the bus. The train has alot to offer, dining and snacks, large seats, observation cars and movies. It's hard to get bored on a train and they have periodic stops that are long enough to get off and look around a bit. It's also not so crowded so that you can get up and stretch your legs whenever you want. I've always had great and courteous service and clean restrooms. I hope you have a great trip and may it be the first of many!

Answer 3

Good for you! I'm glad to see someone who is willing to see the country and not just fly over it. Travel by train is easier because you can relax and not have to worry about rushing to make connections. You will enjoy the trip, this time of year the scenery will be dusted or covered by snow. Who knows, you might be able to talk to your spouse without having to wait for commercials!

Please enjoy your trip.

Answer 4

I rode from Louisiana to North Dakota. It was great. I got a sleeper which is first class because I have a bad disc in my neck and didn't want to have to sit for 2 1/2 days. You are treated great. I had a lay over in Chicago for a few hours so I was in the first class lounge. It was also cheaper the flying for me. If it's two or more people and you can afford it get a bedroom. They tell you that the roomette which is what I had is big enough for two people, but in my opinion only if they are both small.

Bottom line ...do it you'll enjoy it.

I forgot to say I plan on doing it again in Feb.

Answer 5

I've crossed the country on Amtrak nearly a dozen times, and my experiences have been consistently wonderful.   One of my most memorable rides, in fact, was Seattle-Detroit.

First tip: How do you feel about late running?  When a train runs 2 days, delays just stack up.  I've had transcon trains be 2, 3, 5 hours late.  It happens to the freights too.   So, how do you feel about that?  Will it make you crazy or can you call it part of the adventure?   The railroad you'll be on, BN Santa Fe, does a better job than most, but still.

* Move around a lot!  Spend a lot of time in the big-window lounge, go to the diner for meals.  Enjoy the amenities.  And pack accordingly, i.e. have a very small bag for your valuables, iPod etc. that you can take with you.

* Be friendly.  The longer and wester the train, the more sociable people are. Especially in the lounge and diner!  You'll probably make some new friends.   Lots of students and retirees ride Amtrak.

* AC power.  There are several outlets per car.  Pick the right seat in the lounge and you'll be near one.  That's how you can recharge your 'Pod.

* Cell phones.  I suggest keeping it turned off to save battery, so you have it near the end to call friends if you're running late.  The social etiquette of cell phones on public transporation are that 30 second calls to communicate logistics are fine, but don't gab, and especially don't talk in a voice that carries.

* Enjoy Chicago.  You're likely to have several hours of daytime layover.  Amtrak provides a place to day-check your carry-on bags, use it, walk out the front door and blam, you're in downtown Chicago!  (2 blocks west of the Sears Tower.)   So have an idea of fun things to do in downtown. In my layovers I've gone record shopping, gone to Rush Street for pizza, and even gone to the Museum of Science and Industry.

The Capitol-Crescent layovers are even better, 6-9 hours in downtown Washington DC.  What to do, what to do? :)

My best Amtrak ride ever was Portland-Detroit coming back from a railway preservation conference.  100 train buffs, including the editor of Trains Magazine.  And by sheer luck, we had comic Curt Katz as our train attendant.  He gave hilarious commentary the whole route.  Then at LaCrosse WI, our train were forced to detour onto some rather nice Mississippi River tracks that only freight trains get to see.  Made us late, and the Trains Magazine folks missed their stop in Milwaukee, but they all would've paid extra for that ride!

Answer 6

I've never ridden the rails going cross country, but I really would like to. I hope you have fun.