To anyone who has traveled on an Amtrak?

Question

Can you tell me how your experience was? I'm thinking of taking one across the country soon, and I just want to know if it's enjoyable. I really want to make sure it isn't some hellish trip like a ride on the Greyhound bus or something. Would you do it again?

Answer 1

OMG!!! i love train rides i went on a train ride from kansas back to virginia and going threw all these states where amazing. I went to Kansas to Missouri it was ok there but when i got to iowa and chicogo it was beautiful open field were just WOW!!!!!! and when we went threw indiana it wasnt that much people there. But when i got to pennylvannia OMG!!!!!!!!!! there mountians and there cliffs were just breath taking they had big huge pin wheels that spun around i mean they were huge. But there is a part on the train i was sitting at that showed all that it had this big windows where you can watch movies and stuff. I would love to take amtrak again. But it is a little bumpy.

Answer 2

We have traveled across the county on Amtrak on several occasions. We took the Capital Limited from D. C. to Chicago, then took the California Zephyr to Sacramento, CA. We also took the Empire Builder across to Seattle, WA. We're scheduled to take the Coast Starlight from Portland, OR, to Los Angeles, CA and from there to New Orleans.

So, the answer is, YES!!! We recommend it.

A couple of hints, get a bedroom rather than a roomette. The bedroom sleeps 2 comfortably and there's a full bath in your room. The roomette is less comfortable and there's no toilet or shower in the room.

Also, remember when you book that all meals are included in the charges. The bedrooms are very small (6 x 7), so pack light. You are allowed to bring your own beer, wine, etc., on board. Water, coffee and tea are all provided.

All of the trains are non-smoking and they mean it. On each trip at least one stop was made to put someone off the train for violating the rules. There are smoke stops along the way and they will be announced.

Answer 3

I absolutely hate to ride the bus, but I don't mind Amtrak.  I've never been across country, the longest I've had to ride was 5 hours.  They're usually on time and all the times I've ridden was quiet and relaxing.  Most trains have a "quiet car", that doesn't allow loud talking or anything and people do respect the rules of the "quiet car".  Also, I enjoy the scenery.