Train Travel

N

NanaSarah

New Member
Location
Washingto State
Has anybody traveled via train (Amtrack?) lately? Do you recommend it? Why/why not? I've never done it, but have been considering going from Washington State to North Dakota via train. How comfortable/uncomfortable is it? Is the food edible? Any advice on which type of seating to book? (It's a 33 hour trip) I'd love any information those of you who have traveled via train have to share! What about their travel pack where you can get on or off at multiple locations over a certain time period. If that is a good value/good idea, I would also stop by and visit my brother in Arizona. Thanks
 

I have traveled by train on different occasions, but nothing as long of a ride as you are taking. I used the auto train from Sanford, Florida to Lorton, Virginia about 7 years ago when I brought a car back from Florida that I had purchased while down there. My wife and I also use the train when we travel to New York City. It's a fun thing to do. I think if I were to use a train for your length of trip, I would get a reserved seat on the upper level and maybe even a sleeper with shower. Taking a shower while the train is moving is quite an experience. We also have dined on the train. It's a pretty good deal if you bundle the seat with meals.

I would also recommend the same thing that I do for people that are going to fly for several hours. Get up and walk through the cars. Try not to just stay seated. Also, stay hydrated.
 
I've ridden Amtrak from Florida to NYC a couple of times. Back then, you could travel round trip for around $150. Probably a bit more by now. The entire one way trip took 21 hours. As far as how comfortable it is, the seats are fine but you're rocking from side to side the entire time. And of course, you have to sleep (if you can) sitting upright or leaning back a little. That's not bad for people of average or shorter height, but I'm around 6'3" and have a lot of leg to do something with. I was fortunate on both my trips because the train wasn't crowded and I had two seats to myself which enabled me to lay down across them both and using the little mini pillow they give you, was able to get some good sleep.

As far as recommending it is concerned, I'd have to compare the price to flying the same trip. If you can save a significant amount of money and aren't pressed for time, give it a try. Even if you don't much like it, at least you'll have the experience.

Can't comment on the food because I brought my own snacks & stuff.

BTW, sleeper berths are very expensive. If you're looking to save money over flying, forget it.
 
This is from about 8-10 years ago, so.... My brother is terrified of flying. He ain't gettin' on NO plane scared. He & his wife drove a leased car to Florida, and planned to take the train back. It was horrible. The "dining" car was a row of vending machines. The train was dirty and not well kept. It rained and trains don't run in the rain, so they stayed there till the storm passed-for hours. The pamphlets showed beautiful vistas, but where do they put train tracks- in the crummiest part of town. No sweeping vistas. My brother said he'd fly rather than take another train.
 
I took a train round trip from Salem, Oregon to Seattle about 12 years ago. It was very enjoyable. Seats were comfortable, the scenery was beautiful, the food in the dining car was good. It was about a five-hour trip if I remember correctly, so sleeping wasn't a problem.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top