Amtrak train info w/pics!All Aboard-Choo-choo!UPDATED

[Miffy]

Unfortunately the Train no longer goes all the way from Florida to LA anymore. Sunset Limited used to but hasn't since hurrican Katrina. The only way to go from Florida to LA is FL to Washington DC or NY, then change to the train to either Chicago or New Orleans, then continue on to LA from there.

I'm assuming when you say "LA," you mean Los Angeles and not Louisiana. Yes? Because it's also impossible to go directly from Florida to New Orleans, Louisiana--you have to first go to either Washington, D.C. or to North Carolina (first to Raleigh, then on to Charlotte) to get from Florida to New Orleans.

I just wanted to clarify this, because LA is the 2-letter abbreviation for the state of Louisiana. Usually the city of Los Angeles is abbreviated like so: L.A.

It seems that everyone on this part of the thread is indeed referring to Los Angeles.

 

[dazzling]

deleted

 

[DanBoris]

There's a train that goes from Philly to LA? Cool!
Aha, I just checked it out and it goes to Anaheim to! That would be a neat ride! Would cost us $980 each way for us, 2 adults, 3 kids!

Unfortunetly, no there isn't a single train from Philly to Los Angeles. It can be done in two trains, Philly to Chicago, Chicago to Fullteron CA (which is pretty close to Disneyland), but the Philly to Chicago train doesn't run every day. We are going Philly to DC, DC to Chicago, Chicago to Fullerton.

 

[Daisy Dog]

lots of people seem to be looking for train info lately
glad to hear more of you wanna ride the rails!! I know this thread is long but there is LOADS of great info so try to make it through it! You will learn a lot about the trip.

BE SURE TO GET THE AMTRAK REWARDS PROGRAM FOR POINTS!!!! If you are traveling within a few months one of us can refer you and we would both get hundreds of points for free
This is a great offer that is good to use for travel.Save those points folks!

Hi! We are not familiar with taking the train, but I think I have talked my husband into it! I wanted to this past spring but it didn't work out. He prefers to fly, but I don't I have read many of the train posts! Great info!! Can you tell me what the amtrak rewards program is? My kids really want to take the train this time, because they haven't travelled by train before! I think it could be fun, although I'm a little nervous about the length of time (NYC to Orlando)!

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Hi! We are not familiar with taking the train, but I think I have talked my husband into it! I wanted to this past spring but it didn't work out. He prefers to fly, but I don't I have read many of the train posts! Great info!! Can you tell me what the amtrak rewards program is? My kids really want to take the train this time, because they haven't travelled by train before! I think it could be fun, although I'm a little nervous about the length of time (NYC to Orlando)!

aww, come on--I take it farther than that!!! there are a few things you can do to offset the cost of the train trip BUT it would depend on how soon you are traveling. The amtrak guest rewards program is GREAT! you earn points for shopping online and for train travel. If someone invites you to join then you AND them both get 500 points(I think if memory serves) when you take your first trip BUT THAT MUST BE WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF JOINING!!
The best way to get a TON of points is to also sign up for the amtrak rewards credit card. Those free points are paying for my next trip down and back

 

[Daisy Dog]

aww, come on--I take it farther than that!!! there are a few things you can do to offset the cost of the train trip BUT it would depend on how soon you are traveling. The amtrak guest rewards program is GREAT! you earn points for shopping online and for train travel. If someone invites you to join then you AND them both get 500 points(I think if memory serves) when you take your first trip BUT THAT MUST BE WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF JOINING!!
The best way to get a TON of points is to also sign up for the amtrak rewards credit card. Those free points are paying for my next trip down and back

Thanks For the helpful tips! You know so much about taking the train to Disney! My kids really want to do it! I'm a bit of a worrier and over planner, but planning for Disney is fun! One more nagging question for all of you train travelers, I am travelling with elderly parents who do have some minor health concerns. What happens if a passenger on the train has a medical issue during travel, do they just get them off at the nearest stop? My Dad has had some "surprise" issues at very inopportune times, but on a regular basis is good and up for the train. Just wanted to know to ease my worry! Sorry for all the questions, trying to learn all about the train Thanks so much!

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Daisy-Hi! In the event of an emergency, you would tell a train worker,they would call ahead and have an ambulance waiting for you at a stop.I have seen this before so it does happen-but hope you don't need it

 

[Daisy Dog]

Daisy-Hi! In the event of an emergency, you would tell a train worker,they would call ahead and have an ambulance waiting for you at a stop.I have seen this before so it does happen-but hope you don't need it

Thanks for all the great train info Lisa! I'm sure we will be fine!

 

[Teacher03]

It's finally here! I am finishing up packing and we will be getting on the train tonight to head to Disney! Getting on in Alliance, OH and will get to DC around noon tomorrow. Our daughter will join us and we will head to Orlando from there. We are staying in roometttes both ways, paid for all 4 with our credit card points and amtrak rewards. So excited, I hope it runs on time, but if not, we will bring plenty to do....plus we are headed to Disney, so all is good

 

[TandyR]

It's finally here! I am finishing up packing and we will be getting on the train tonight to head to Disney! Getting on in Alliance, OH and will get to DC around noon tomorrow. Our daughter will join us and we will head to Orlando from there. We are staying in roometttes both ways, paid for all 4 with our credit card points and amtrak rewards. So excited, I hope it runs on time, but if not, we will bring plenty to do....plus we are headed to Disney, so all is good

Have a good trip. Fill us in when you get home. My family will be on the train in two weeks and 3 days, but who is counting. I have been hitting up the local used book stores so we have plenty to read on the train.

 

[pepe of ohio]

It's finally here! I am finishing up packing and we will be getting on the train tonight to head to Disney! Getting on in Alliance, OH and will get to DC around noon tomorrow. Our daughter will join us and we will head to Orlando from there. We are staying in roometttes both ways, paid for all 4 with our credit card points and amtrak rewards. So excited, I hope it runs on time, but if not, we will bring plenty to do....plus we are headed to Disney, so all is good

Have a safe and wonderful train/Disney trip.........the new little depot is great but the boarding time is quite late and usually runs and hour or two past the scheduled time.....check ahead.....good luck!

 

[torinsmom]

Anyone from central NC taking the train in the next year? I took the train down last year and ended up having to ride back with family early due to my dad having surgery. I ended up with a $186 refund voucher that I can only use for Amtrak. I have no plans to take Amtrak again, so I am looking for someone to meet at the station and buy tickets for their trip with my voucher. I am looking to get $125 for the $186 voucher. The tickets would be in your name, so there is no risk and quite a bit of savings. The tickets would need to be bought by August 2nd, but could be used for a trip in the future. I can meet in Durham or possibly Cary at an Amtrak station.

 

[sorul82?]

Anyone from central NC taking the train in the next year? I took the train down last year and ended up having to ride back with family early due to my dad having surgery. I ended up with a $186 refund voucher that I can only use for Amtrak. I have no plans to take Amtrak again, so I am looking for someone to meet at the station and buy tickets for their trip with my voucher. I am looking to get $125 for the $186 voucher. The tickets would be in your name, so there is no risk and quite a bit of savings. The tickets would need to be bought by August 2nd, but could be used for a trip in the future. I can meet in Durham or possibly Cary at an Amtrak station.

me, me, me! The tickets have to be purchased by Aug 2, but for travel anytime?

 

[TandyR]

We leave on Monday for out Boston->NYC->Orlando train trip. I am so excited I can hardly sit still. I have a bunch of books packed, some new card games, chess and checkers pieces. I am ready.

 

[DanBoris]

We leave on Monday for out Boston->NYC->Orlando train trip. I am so excited I can hardly sit still. I have a bunch of books packed, some new card games, chess and checkers pieces. I am ready.

We took the train from Philly to Boston once. The route we took ran right along the southern coast of Connecticut, somethine just a few feet from the water. Made for some fantastic views.

 

[TandyR]

We took the train from Philly to Boston once. The route we took ran right along the southern coast of Connecticut, somethine just a few feet from the water. Made for some fantastic views.

I have done Boston to DC once and the views are amazing along that route. The tracks are right along the water many places during the trip.

 

[NJRRK]

Great views of Manhattan as you cross the "Hells Gate Bridge" too.

Part of the trip from Philly to Newark, DE you travel right along the Delware River, NJ is on the right.

 

[torinsmom]

me, me, me! The tickets have to be purchased by Aug 2, but for travel anytime?

Actually, I was guessing on the date. It is actually August 20th they have to be purchased by. The refund voucher is only good for a year and I did the refund 8/20 last year. And yes, the tickets can be for anytime in the future. I was actually told I could use the voucher to purchase tickets, then get a refund before the trip I scheduled to start the year over(if that makes sense) I am just worried I would forget to do it in time and lose that money.

I would like to do the transaction by July 4th if possible, since I am leaving for WDW July 6th. I'd love to have the extra money for the trip. If it needs to be later, it would have to be the week of July 16th or after July 28th, as I am going to the beach later in the month. Just PM me if you are interested and we can figure out where to go from here.

 

[lucigo]

subscribing

 

[DsnyMama]

We are considering the train for our next trip. I'm nervous though!!! I've never been on a train and I'm a little scared...