has anyone traveled cross country with Amtrak?

[Havoc]

How did you like it? Were the seats comfortable? Did they let you off the train for pictures? I'm planning on going to LA in August and traveling with Amtrak...Boston to Chicago and Chicago to LA.

I'm Sooooooo..... Excited!!!

 

[elmosmom]

I think that would be a wonderful trip. We talked about doing a train trip someday.

Be sure to tell us all about it--

 

[CyranoJones]

We didn't go as far as LA, but last spring we did go from DC to Albuquerque. We had a sleeper car with a bathroom and shower (an adventure in itself, lol). I liked it so much that I'm planning on doing it again. It was a very relaxing trip. There was only one stop where we could get off the train for a few minutes, but there is a longer stop in Albuquerque if you are taking the Southwest Chief.

 

[buzzlady]

MANY many years ago (like 25-30) we took Amtrak from NJ to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. OH what a trip that was. I sure hope things have changed. Going to FL the air conditioning broke down and we had to stop in Jacksonville, FL to have it fixed. We were NOT allowed off of the train. It was SOOO hot that the chocolate that we had in our bag was melted. Then after they fixed it and we were on our way again, it was sooo cold that you could actually see your breath. When you picked up your plate, it left a grease ring on the linen table cloth. We were only about 4 hrs late. On the return trip, there was an accident ion the track and we had to sit on the track overnight. Finally in the a.m. they let us use the freight tracks. But whenever a freight train approched, they always had the right of way - we had to sit and wait each time. They ran out of food/drink. We were so behind schedule that they "dumped" us off in Washington DC because the train had to turn around and go back to FL to try and regain schedule. You had to carry your own luggage to the next train and try to find a seat. We arrived about 10hrs late. I know that things happen, but the way they handled it was unacceptable. I'm sure this was just an incident, but we will never take Amtrak any distance again. Good luck and have a great time.

 

[Havoc]

eek!!! i sure hope things have changed!!

 

[clh2]

We've gone from Chicago to San Francisco 2 times, and from Chicago to Seattle 1 time.

I loved travelling by train. We had the "deluxe accomodations, which is a small room, and includes a shower, toilet and sink. We brought on a styrofoam cooler filled with some beverages & snacks. We brought plenty of stuff to read. Having a room allows you to be in the lounge car with the dome for the view, or you can be by yourself in your room.

When you go to San Fran, the time you can get out and walk around is in Denver. I don't recall where we got to get out and walk around at on the trip to Seattle.

It is a very relaxing way to travel!

 

[cherylp3]

I did Boston - Chicago - as long as its good weather it should be ok. I would not recommend coach though.

The time I went I ran into power outages in NY.

Cheryl

 

[Pop Daddy]

just watching on Fox, Terroist are now targeting trains, not much security

 

[Boston Tea Party]

The train sucks. At least it did for me. Sorry, but it was scary. Best of luck to you.

 

[Boston Tea Party]

Originally posted by Pop Daddy
just watching on Fox, Terroist are now targeting trains, not much security

He's right. There was one drug sniffing dog in New Orleans. No metal detectors or bag search when you get on.

 

[cherylp3]

Thats why they want to shut down the commuter rails for the Dem. convention. Our local commuter rail doesn't have metal detectors either. I hope this can be added so that our trains aren't targeted.

Cheryl

 

[DocRafiki]

I rode New Orleans to Chicago to Denver once on coach. It was... interesting. It really wasn't bad, but then again I was like 20 years old.

If you get off in Denver, the area around the station is really nice now. There's even a little park where people walk their dogs, nothing fancy, but enough for a brisk walk.

I don't remember ever getting off other than the layover in Chicago.

 

[ilovepcot]

Be sure to carry an economy sized can of Lysol and spray everything you can hit!