Taking the Amtrak Train To Chicago?

Question

Hi im moving my family from California to Chicago and we're basically selling everything we own (except our clothes) and taking the amtrak train to Chicago. We've never taken the amtrak before so i was wondering what i should expect for such a long ride? has anyone done this before?

Answer 1

its a great way to see the country as well

and if you can afford you might try to get a sleeper as then

all your meals on the train would be included in that price

and lots of time they have a tour guide or a park ranger

come onboard and tell you what you see out the train windows

Answer 2

Taking the train is usually a very relaxing, enjoyable experience so I certainly would not stress very much over worrying about it being a difficult journey.  As others have said you can take most items from home with you such as food, reading material, music, etc.

If you can afford it I would suggest purchasing sleeper accommodations since you are taking such a long journey, it sure beats being stuck in the coach seats all night long.  In any event, have a great trip! :o)

Answer 3

Tommy is partially incorrect. If you were riding Amtrak from Southern California you would use the "Southwest Chief" direct service from Los Angeles to Chicago, roughly following I-40 and I-44

It is the route of the old Santa Fe "Super Chief".

Answer 4

Expect to probably like it when you first get on there. Probably will get bored from being on so long. Bring stuff to do like books or games. Bring food and drinks with you because food is expensive on the train. Will probably have delays when frieght trains go by. I would suggest getting a room if you can becuase they are more enjoyable, but the regular ones are ok.

Answer 5

I am an AMTRAK nut who goes across country every April. The trip from California if you leave from LA is basically along I-10 to San Antonio and then up through Dallas, Little Rock, St. Louis and on into Chicago. If you leave from the Bay Area you will be on the California Zephyr and go through Reno, Denver, Omaha and on into Chicago. Enjoy the trip. The scenery is awesome and the food is fantastic. If you ride "Coach" bring a pillow and a blanket.

Answer 6

YES. IT HURTS

Answer 7

You're moving from California? Does this have anything to do with the fires? I hope you and your family were able to get out of harms way in the last few days.

I've only been on Amtrak for a two and a half hour trip between Chicago and Champaign—and that was long enough! lol

Like the person above me said: Bring food and drinks with you...because train food can be expensive. (and some of it not very good either)

Overall though the ride is relaxing and a lot less stressful than a trip to the airport. If you have kids bring games with you. (Most trains have a dining car with tables—they can play games there to pass the time)

Good luck with the move! Welcome to Chicago. : )

P.S: The winters suck up here. Bring warm clothes with you. (I'm not kidding)

Answer 8

i'll take a train any day over the plane

train is awesome. you can bring all the food you want on to it. there is tons more room to move around. the bath rooms are way bigger than a plane.

just be aware, when you go to the dining car, you can't just sit anywhere, they pair you up with random people for what ever reason. and the food is expencive. but the snack car is cheap (just not the booze)

have fun.

Answer 9

I love taking Amtrak.  I've basically grown up on it (took my first train ride on Amtrak when I was like 3 or 4 yrs old).  First of all, are you riding coach or first class?  That does make a difference.

If you are riding coach, let them know as you board, you'd like to keep the family together.  Stay in your seats until the Conductor comes by and takes your ticket and marks your seat.  If you are taking the train out of Sacramento, you'll have a good chance of doing that since that train originates there to Chicago.  Take a blanket or two on the train for each person and a small pillow.  Have clothes to change into each day.  Bring food and drinks with you as much as possible as that will help keep your cost down on the train.  Bring a portable DVD player for your family to use while on the train.  Just remember this - there are very few outlets on the train if you're in coach.  So use wisely.  Magazines, etc. are also good.  Bring your camera and take pictures along the way.  When the train stops for a smoke break, get outside and walk around for a few.  I'm not a smoker, but I just get out and jump around a bit - anything to get some fresh air and just be outside for a few.  I don't know if you're train will have a kids car (or if you have kids), but if they do, take advantage of that.  There is usually a lounge car that shows movies at night (first come first serve) and it's also a place to just go and sit away from your assigned seats.  Once you have your seat, it is yours until you get off the train at your destination.

If you are not riding first class, ask the Conductor once the train starts if there are any rooms available.  If there are, the Conductor may opt to sell them at a reduced rate (I've done that before).

If you are riding first class, you may still bring on the portable DVD player and snacks, but all of your meals are included on the train in the dining car (including dessert).  You are just responsible for the tip.  Be sure to tip your car attendant when you get off the train as they turn down and make up your room each day, plus will help you with anything else.

I'm taking the train round trip this year from GA to OR with a stopover in NYC for a day.  I'm riding out there coach and coming back mostly first class.

Amtrak doesn't own the tracks either - so if you are running behind, just know it's not their fault.  The freight trains have the right-of-way, so sometimes Amtrak just has to sit and wait.  So, don't get impatient and mad - just sit back and relax and know you'll get there as soon as they can get you there.

Good luck!