Hi, I am a kiwi traveller going from New Orleans to Los Angeles via Washington DC in December?

Question

does anyone have any tips? also is it worth getting an amtrak sleeper room or are the coach seats comfortable?

Answer 1

The coach seats are very comfortable and roomy - better than 1st class on an airplane.

Train travel in the USA is the worst of any industrialized country.  The equipment is pretty good, but outside of the northeast corridor (Washington DC to Boston) the service erratic, with many delays.  

The most scenic Amtrak route is the Empire Builder which runs from Chicago to Seattle.  Coast Starlight (Seattle to LA) is also good for scenery.

http://www.amtrak.com/pdf/national.pdf

You should look into a railpass for your visit if you really want to travel by train:

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentSer...

Answer 2

amtrak is a nice way to go (and no worries

from TSA either and if you get a sleeper your meals

are included in the price of the tickets

but just hope you are not in a hurry sometimes amtrak

train ended being late due to other trains on the same tracks

Answer 3

Probably cheaper to fly. At least pack a good lunch bucket. Train food is VERY expensive.

Answer 4

It might be better to start in D.C. then go to New Orleans and then Los Angeles.  Amtrak trains do not run on time.  They can be hours late.

Answer 5

New orleans to la via, dc??? thats an odd way.

anyway.. New Orleans is a dangerous place. like dc. and LA. don't be roaming after dark in any of them places.

But I digress, better get a sleeper. it is a LONG trip from NO to LA, via dc.  your talking thousands of KM.