Have you ever traveled by train?

[illuminationsfanatic]

I've traveled quite a few times by train from Michigan to Chicago and back and from Michigan to Toronto. I like it much better than driving and the train was cheaper than gas would have been. I know that sometimes it can be just as expensive, if not cost more than flying. It sounds like you did your research and are getting a good deal. Safe travels no matter how you get there

 

[Witch Mountain]

Yes, I've traveled via Amtrak many times up and down the east coast. As others have mentioned, there can be delays, but if you build those into your plans, you'll be fine.

I've done NY to Boston, NY to DC, DC to Chicago and the Autotrain and found all of them to be pleasant. The selling point for me is the ability to relax and walk around.

Of the trips, I think I liked the autotrain the most, because I ended up talking to other people headed to WDW.

 

[Teacher03]

I've taken Amtrak several times from Ohio to DC to visit my daughter, and I love it. It's relaxing, and although I don't mind driving, it is nice not to have to worry about it. It's usually on time, give or take an hour. It's even been early a couple of times. The last time my younger daughter and I got a sleeper, and I don't think I will ever ride coach again. We did take the train from Florida to DC one time, and it wasn't so smooth for a couple of reasons. I won't do it again without a sleeper, but am actually planning a trip to Disney in 2012 taking the train.

 

[manning]

Boy did Amtrak (politicians) miss an opportunity. Remember when the railroads were getting rid of double tracks? Instead of letting them rip them up Amtrak should have been buying them up and running Amtrak trains only on them.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

I have traveled by train numerous times. I have gone to Chicago, Niagra Falls, Toronto, Montreal, Washington, DC, and Orlando (twice).

When we went to Florida, I have gone on in a sleeper, and also via coach. I much prefer the sleeper

You can pass the time with a book, laptop, iPod, portable DVD player, handheld game system, etc. My family played Pinochle after dinner and breakfast every day on the train during our last train trip to Florida.

 

[GeorgeG]

Many years ago I went from NY to Chicago (and back) by train. I really enjoyed it. If I had to travel today I would go by train, but my wife doesn't like trains.

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

My artist daughter went with some friends to NYC from Cincinnati a few years ago. It took a long time (2 days?? maybe) from Cincinnati, to DC to NYC, but they had time during college break and really enjoyed it.

 

[Syrreal]

I think that the main thing you have to do when taking the train is remind yourself that the train ride is part of your trip, not just a means to get to your destination

 

[quadwriter85]

When I was 16 I traveled from California to Washington by Amtrak. It was a fun experience. A friend of mine and her husband travel by train whenever they extra time or a chance.

 

[disykat]

I loved C Ann's story! When I was growing up, we used to be able to take a train to my grandma's house in a small town. It arrived in the middle of the night, and if you had no one to meet you the police would take you home.

It was sad when the train no longer stopped there. You basically had to rent a car at the nearest airport - 5 hours away. Even the nearest bus was 40 minutes away.

 

[bicker]

Boy did Amtrak (politicians) miss an opportunity. Remember when the railroads were getting rid of double tracks? Instead of letting them rip them up Amtrak should have been buying them up and running Amtrak trains only on them.

Amtrak was in receivership then - it would have been our tax money spent to buy those tracks. You might as well say that we the American people missed an opportunity to spend our own money on having our government buy, own, and continually improve a passenger rail system in our nation. However, the reality is that Americans aren't Europeans. Americans insist on driving their own cars far more than Europeans do.

 

[PaulaSB12]

When I go down to London I always go by train. Especially when I go on holiday I don't have to leave my car at the airport and London parking charges are . Not to mention the congestion charge which is £10 if you pay in advance or £12 if you pay on the day.

 

[SanFranciscan]

I have been saying that Adventures By Disney should include some train journeys, especially since Walt loved trains enough that we have his Lilly Belle on display at work.