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I’m planning a one way solo trip from Emeryville, CA to Denver late next month. Going to a two week conference there and thought it’d be a nice change of pace from flying. On the way back, I’ll fly because I’ll want to get home quickly. I searched the trip reports, but most of them were westbound or pretty dated.
Just consider me an overnight noobie although I ride BART every day, have ridden the San Joaquins, the Capitol Corridor, and the Crescent overnight from Washington D.C. to Atlanta right after 9/11/2001 (much better than flying out of D.C. on that trip, I assure you!).
Right now, I’m thinking of springing for a roomette to make the overnight a little more private. I thought I read that some of the sleeper cars have been refurbished, but don’t know if all of them have, and how to manage to get one of those cars. Can you help with advice and tips, like which part of the train/car to ride on, how to get the side you want, recommended activities, sleeper restroom etiquette, what to carry with me (I’ll check my main bags). I figure some books, meds, pj’s, a change of clothes and overnight toiletries. What else?
This will be late February, do the trains get delayed because of weather? Someone I work with said the scenery is poor in the winter, so can you tell me your take on that? Also the trains seem to be arriving in Denver between 2 and 6 hours late. Are different days of the week better or worse? If the train gets in at 3 am, like it did three days ago, how difficult is it to get the hotel shuttle to pick one up?
Hope you don’t mind all the questions; it’s really helpful to hear what y’all think.
Posts: 5 | Registered: Sep 2005
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you don't have a choice of refurbished or not. You just get what you get. As to rooms we always preferred rooms 3-4 0r 5-6. Rm 2 is next to the coffee maker and the last 4 seem to have more motion. Also we like the upper level but some of the people on this forum prefer the lower. I find it colder, darker and feel the tracks. But that is a mattter of preference. It is a good idea to have a raincioat or light weight coat that you can use as a bathrobe when going to the restroom. As to what to take we always carry several bottles of water as the CZ seems to run out of it. Also if you ar the snacking kind take some snacks(dried fruit, nuts, cookis etc) that you can put in your carry on. My husband and I always carry a change of clothes just in case of spills, tears, etc. I take several large diaper pins to keep the curtains closed if necessary others use duct tape.$1s and $5s are handy for tips in the diner and club car. You might want to bring a camera if that is your "Thing". As to scenery I seldom find scenery poor no matter what or where. If there is or has been snow it is beautiful. One year we took the CZ to the coast in May. As we left Denver it was snowing like crazyand we had snow mos ot the way and this was May 1st. So relax and enjoy. If you can afford a sleeper do get on. It is worth every penny to my thinking.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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If it would be possible to arrange the itinerary to travel Westward, the scenery will be better. Eastward during Feb, you will cross the Rockies after dark - even "in the unlikely event" your train is on time.
If the boss is popping for this trip, there is not any "think about sleeper'; it is simply "I'm going sleeper'.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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I agree with Mr. Norman on all accounts.Fly out and "amtrak" back. You can relax after a hectic 2 weeks.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Thnaks for the replies. Your suggestions to fly out and Amtrak back sound good.
Interestingly enough, when checking the fares a few minutes ago, the cost is substantially less Westbound than Eastbound with a Superliner Roomette. The westbound roomette exceeds a $100 savings. I can't quite figure that one out. Any ideas?
Also, if the train should run hugely late; say, 7 hours, would another meal be included because the pax is traveling first class?
The boss will pay up to the amount they would've shelled out for airfare. It'll cover the roomette westbound, but not eastbound.
Posts: 5 | Registered: Sep 2005
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One more thing I like to bring is music. Unlike reading, you can listen while you look out the window. I never read except after it's too dark to see--don't want to miss anything.
I have gone coach and sleeper on the westbound Zephyr and one night in coach is certainly doable esp as you can go to the observation car for much of the day. Sleeper is better, of course. If you do go coach, bring a pillow. They give you a little one but a second one is helpful.
I strongly urge you to consider fly out, Amtrak back, or you will miss too many views in February.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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One of the great advantages of a roomette over a coach seat is that you can stay up late and still watch the scenery from your room. In a coach seats there is too much light inside the car to get a good look at the scenery outside the window at night. But in a roomette, close off all light from the corridor and with a full moon, you will be amazed at how beautiful the scenery is at night. (The moon will be full near the end of Feb.) For me, nocturnal sight-seeing from a sleeper room is one of Amtrak's greatest treats. But you might be a little tired in the morning!
Posts: 78 | From: Seattle | Registered: Jun 2006
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I saw a wonderful nearly full prairie moon across the Plains on the Zephyr westbound last summer.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Said "another meal" may simply be tinned stew for all onboard, served on paper plates with plastic cutlery. It certainly was for me on a 7-hour late Zephyr! Even the vegetarians didn't have a choice.
Geoff M.
-------------------- Geoff M. Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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One possible reason for the EB/WB price difference is: GLENWOOD and WINTER PARK. Yes, I know about Tahoe (folks live in Douglas County, NV), but there are west coasters, Nevadans and Utahns who travel to Colorado ski areas.
As far as WB/EB... each segment has its joys. Soldier summit, climbing the Wasatch in the dawn, is an operating challenge of the first order. You feel the engines strain. Coming off the Rockies into Denver at night... that first turn that presents the metro to you a couple of thousand feet below, well, it's rather pretty.
WB, as Mr Norman says, climbing the Front Range is a wonderful mornings scenery watching.
My last comment is: If at all possibly affordable, book a deluxe BR. More space, private facilities, and windows on both sides of the train (I may not be 40-something anymore, but I still use the corridor windows to watch the world go by on rail!
Posts: 1404 | Registered: Oct 2001
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I rode WB on a late train and they did do dinner after Truckee sometime, but it was "no salads, no alcohol, and we're not doing dessert!" Yet they still charged all the coach pax full price (even thought they didn't get salads). The whole thing was extremely unprofessional. :-(
I rode EB last February, and we hit the Rockies in the daylight. But it got dark as we were going through them. Saw LOTS of wildlife next to the tracks (Elk, Deer, etc.)
One thing to think about riding WB is the WIDE ragne of time you MIGHT get in to Emeryville. It's been arriving anytime between 9:00pm - 6:00am for the last couplea weeks, if you're not bussed from Reno in the middle of the night...
Posts: 54 | Registered: Oct 2006
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If you've got room in your little carry-on, bring binoculars. Even Nevada is interesting if you can see off into the distance (who or what is at the end of that tiny little road heading away from the tracks in what seems to be deserted country. . .).
For sleeping, I opt for a dark color, opaque cotton knit nightshirt. Walking down the hall, it could be mistaken for a dress or even a robe (by someone bleary-eyed making a nocturnal trip). Definitely slippers (or flip/flops if you are planning to shower) but NEVER slippers or flip/flops for walking from car to car.
I keep a little travel journal - before heading out, I paste in a timetable (or photocopy of the same) to fit the page & note arrivals & departures, just out of curiousity. Also just make random notes about what you see - if you decide to write a trip report for us, it will come in handy. My favorite comment from an old journal: my daughter noted "prunes for dinner" to remind us of some unpleasant dinner companions (who, by the way, were a definite exception to the usual camaraderie in the diner).
You will enjoy your trip more in a sleeper - if you crave company, go to the lounge car. But nothing beats a little privacy and quiet in your own space.
-------------------- My new "default" station (EKH) has no baggage service or QuikTrak machine, but the parking is free! And the NY Central RR Museum is just across the tracks (but not open at Amtrak train times. . ..) Posts: 337 | From: Goshen, IN | Registered: Jun 2006
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Just to add a few comments. I agree with Train Lady with regard to the bottled water. On my last trip on the CS, they had some in my bedroom. Problem was..it was old. Bottled water in plastic bottles tends to take on a plastic taste unless fresh. The Dasani water they had was unpalatable. I like to take along fresh bottled ice water..or just the fresh water as there usually is ice in the sleeping cars near the coffee percolator. I hope, someday, Amtrak will give you access to a microwave..I would like to take some bagels and muffins along and heat in a microwave..especially in reference to what is on the Amtrak breakfast menu, these days.
Also, with regard to Sojourner..I also like to take a radio along. I have a little Sangean 606 radio which is only about 4 X 6 inches but is very sensitive, as are most, small multiband radios you can buy. I had a lot of fun trying to see what AM stations I could pull in, at night, by placing the radio near the window. Also received several shortwave stations. Maybe, someday, we will have Wi-FI in each bedroom, roomette, and maybe even coach. One suggestion..if you bring a radio, take along headphones. Sound can easily travel from room to room and disturb your neighbors.
Richard
Posts: 1909 | From: Santa Rosa | Registered: Jan 2004
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Ooh, great tips! Thanks for the water, the binoculars, timetable, journal, radio etc. We have an XM satellite radio with a portable unit, that's a great choice. Beacon Hill, thanks for the reminder about watching out the window at night. I remember on the one overnight- D.C. to Atlanta, going through Manassas Station, Lynchburg, and others through the night. Although some of the routes have no doubt changed, ridng through them on the darkened train gave me a heightened sense of history past; realizing these were the locations of great Civil War Battles. I also just realized this might sound a bit nuts... Posts: 5 | Registered: Sep 2005
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Bring audiobooks if you have a walkman or discman; that way you can enjoy the scenery and read at the same time. Just check them out from your local library and return them after your trip. If you have a power adapter for it bring a short extension cord as well. The sleepers do have an outlet in each room, but the outlet is sometimes recessed and the large plugs on power adapters don't fit. Even if the outlet isn't recessed, the heavy adapter plugs tend to fall out with the motion of the train. The lighter-weight plugs on extension cords stay plugged into the outlet much better.
Also, if you're a drinker you can bring your own booze on the train if you're in a sleeper (and it must be consumed in your room); otherwise you're only supposed to drink alcohol purchased on board. The car attedant puts out orange and apple juice in the sleepers in the morning, or at least they did until fairly recently, and some of the car attendants leave it out all day. They also have a tub of ice in the sleepers, so I bring along a plastic pint of vodka and make my own screwdrivers. You can also purchase other mixers in the Sightseer Lounge Car.
Finally, if at all possible snag a seat in the Sightseer Lounge Car for the mountain parts of the trip, especially in the Rockies where many of the canyons are very narrow. The wraparound windows really make a difference in viewing the high rock formations, plus you have a good view out both sides of the train. The tracks go back and forth across the rivers, so often there is a beautiful vista on one side of the train and a rock wall on the other, but which side is the "good side" keeps changing as the train moves along. You usually visit with other travelers in the Sightseer Lounge Car too, and at meals in the dining car. You meet lots of interesting people on the train.
The trains can run very late. (I advise newcomers to Amtrak bring along plenty of things to amuse themselves and to consider the published schedule merely a pleasant fiction.) You would have to ask your hotel what hours the shuttle is provided. Of course taxis are available at the station. There are also hotels within walking distance of the station, but since you're attending a conference you may need to stay at the conference hotel.
It is a wonderful trip and I recommend everyone do it at least once. Have a great time!
Posts: 9 | Registered: Jan 2007
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Sightseer lounge fills up quickly when the westbound leaves Denver, and you will get much better views up there, as well as meet some of your fellow travelers. Climbing the front range is different from the rest of the scenery -many switchbacks, almost thirty tunnels, and the overlook of the vast plains. Eastbound this is after dark, but Denver makes for a good light show at night.
It is customary to tip your sleeper attendant about $10-15 per day, maybe more for excellent service. There is one common shower for the roomettes, but deluxe bedrooms have their own shower/toilet combination.
As for sounding a bit nuts, that is required for this forum. That's why we are called foamers. Just don't get us going on the issues of bagpipes, ponies and drum therapy on the train.
Posts: 1572 | From: St. Paul, MN | Registered: Dec 2002
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Nuts, no way! I took my 3 kids to LA . When we got to Ft Madison our car was in darkness. the train was long and I guess the station short but whatever our section of land was unlit. My 3 were at the window to see what they could see. My 12year old son commented "Just think. This is the way it looked to the pioneers. All dark, a big river, all those trees and not knowing what was on the other side," Children (or adults) don't get that kind of experience on a plane.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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I rode the Westbound in December to Reno in coach. Couldn't spring for the sleeper then, but if I can afford it I always go sleeper.
You mentioned an XM Satellite radio. I have a Roady2 that I bring on my train trips in a sleeper with speakers I can plug it into. I did use the unit on an Eastbound CZ trip a year ago, but the twists and turns the train makes through the mountains does affect the signal. Other routes, no problem, as long as you have a view of the southern sky from the window of your sleeping compartment..and that would be any Eastbound train on the right side of the train, or Westbound on the left.
I actually asked my attendent if I could switch to the right side of the train when I was in a sleeper on the Sunset last September, so I could get a clear signal from the satellite..he was so impressed with the unit he let me do it!
Posts: 176 | From: Bloomsburg Pa | Registered: Jul 2000
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I had the infamous 'extra supper' on a 5 hour late westbound Zephyr this past April. Choices were the canned beef stew (emergency provisions), some leftover vegetarian lasagna (which we were asked to pass on unless we were a bona fide vegetarian), or the somewhat infamous country fried steak which has been showing up as a special over the last 18 months or so. Not a super supper but not too bad for an unscheduled meal service. I'm sure that more than a few carnivores momentarily declared themselves vegetarians.
I recognize that your objective is to reach the Bay Area in a reasonably timely fashion so this suggestion may not be worth your consideration. When talking with folks riding the Zephyr westbound, I generally suggest that they plan to get off the train in Sacramento, spend the night there (Vagabond Inn), and then continue to the Bay Area the following morning on one of the Capitol Corridor trains. The advantages are getting off the train at a reasonable hour even if running hours late and then getting a daylight ride after a good nights' R&R.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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The station at Grand Junction usually has people at the platform selling fruit, water, and other items not available on the train; the other members might tell you if these vendors are there in wintertime.
Posts: 510 | From: Richmond VA USA | Registered: Mar 2004
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Yes, the Grand Junction stop was memorable on our trip W/B on #5 in early December. The people who run that store/souvenir shop have made a science out of serving train travelers in no time flat. They must have done $1,000 worth of business in the 15 minutes or so that we stopped. I know my wife and I went for about $40!
-------------------- Ocala Mike Posts: 1530 | From: Ocala, FL | Registered: Dec 2006
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We also helped the Grand Jct economy on a December 2005 westbound trip. The fruit, snacks, and soft drinks were far cheaper than anything sold on the train. I agree with earlier posts that the westbound CZ is THE way to go. The scenery through the Rockies is something you must see. Be sure to check on the train's timekeeping before heading to the Denver station as there is no point sitting around there for 3 or 4 hours if it is late but beware it can make up some time. It is true that a late arrival into Emeryville is possible. On our trip in '05 we were late and opted to stop over in Sacramento. We stayed at the Courtyard Marriott, Natomis, which was about 5 miles from the depot but their courtesy van transported us for no charge. A roll of duct tape is great for holding curtains together or stopping annoying squeaks in the room. I also like a samll travel fan to drown out any unwanted noise and to fight off heat in case it is turned up too high. I also carry an extension cord.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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Another plug for the good folks running the trainside canteen in Grand Junction. They saved my life last April!
I had awakened that morning somewhere east of Denver aboard #5 with that feeling that I was catching a cold. We were still on time into Denver and I was able to stock up on some sort of warm frothy beverage (call whatever but don't call it just coffee) from the bookstore across the street from the station.
That non-Amtrak beverage and a sunny seat in the lounge car for the front range climb got me through the next couple of hours......but a nap and a skipped lunch.....plus a worsening virus...left me in a pretty uncomfortable way by the time we reached Grand Junction (still on time by-the-way).
The soft drinks, fruit, and over the counter medicines I purchased at Grand Junction, while not helping me feel 'better' immediately kept me from continung to feel worse.
I just wish the good people of Grand Junction would restore their wonderful old Rio Grande station which stands empty next to the current facility in Grand Junction. That building could be a showplace.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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If I can work it out through our online travel program at work next week, I think I'll take the train both ways. I need find out what my options are getting to the hotel in Aurora. On the return trip, I'll probably detrain at Martinez, it's much closer to our house.
I'll work out with my family how to do the ride home. Since it'll be so late, a cab might work. Staying in Sacto is a good idea, but my family would probably divorce me if I wasn't home that night after being gone for two weeks.
The audio book idea is a great idea, wanted to mention it again so others would see it. I'm hearing impaired and audio books haven't been successful for me so far. With music it's not so critical as hearing the words.
So how does a Superliner roomette compare to a Viewliner roomette? There are pictures on the Amtrak site of course, but it's much better hearing from real people. The Viewliner had the teeny tiny toilet and washbasin. It was nice to have, but took up quite a bit of space. I was able to stash an airline sized carry-on bag somewhere in that room (just can't remember where). I remember it was pretty crammed, but with only one person in there, I was very comfortable. Sans toilet and wasbasin, do I actually get a couple more inches of room? Will an airline bag fit anywhere? How about a hanging shirt? -(laughing commences here) Speaking of laughing, I always have one when I hear cruise ship passengers complain about how small their cabins are; guess they've never been on a train. Posts: 5 | Registered: Sep 2005
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Well, I've never taken a Viewliner roomette, but I have been on a Superliner for two round trips in the recent past.
As you are aware, there is no toilet in a Superliner roomette; sanitary facilities are 3 downstairs and 1 up at the top of the stairs. The one upstairs is generally roomier, but all are quite cramped (although if you are fortunate enough to get one of the recent rebuilds, I understand that the situation is markedly better).
From what I gather from the Amtrak website the length and width of the Viewliner/Superliner roomettes are about the same, however in height the Superliner gives up several inches (as it has to fit within a double-deck profile). As long as you are solo, however, this should not be too much of a problem; it mainly is of concern to the upper bunk occupant.
Superliner roomettes do come with either a small closet (very small, about 4-1/2" wide) or a somewhat larger open hanging area (in the Superliner IIs). The closet is not large enough for a garment bag, but it is big enough to hang your daytime clothes in while you sleep. Hangers are provided.
Luggage storage: You can fit something the size of a tote bag under your seat, although be advised that it will not be accessible when the bed is made up (so take your pajamas and toiletries out before the attendant comes around at night). Where the Viewliner has a toilet, the Superliner has a pair of fiberglass steps for the occupant of the upper bunk. They make handy shelves during the day. Other forum participants report being able to set a fairly large suitcase on them standing on end; I haven't tried that yet but it could work. Also, if you don't need the headroom, you can open the upper bunk you're not using and store practically anything which will squeeze through the door up there. However, do be advised that there is a fairly large communal luggage rack on the lower level for passengers to use; I would suggest that you use it for any large carry-on luggage.
Have a great trip!
-------------------- --------Eric H. Bowen
Stop by my website: Streamliner Schedules - Historic timetables of the great trains of the past! Posts: 413 | From: Houston, Texas | Registered: Mar 2006
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A small tote bag can be squeezed between the door and the bed in a Superliner roomette or even perched on the step usually used to access the top bunk. Or, as the prior poster notes, luggage can be kept in the upper bunk if it is in the "down" position. Personally, I like the spacious feeling I get from having that bed up. Ditto re: large luggage. Keep it in the lower level luggage rack or check it in the baggage car. It is a hassle to bring it upstairs and it won't fit except in the lower upper bunk. Good news about a roundtrip...you will see lots of great sights that way.
Posts: 561 | Registered: Jul 2003
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If you are only there one night you won't need a big bag. Check your big one through and pick it up in Denver. I can put a small bag on the steps, on the foot of my bunk (lower) and have even put a fairly flat gym bag under the bed ..right in the middle where the two parts meet.I wea a t shirt and knit slacks to sleep in. they roll up easily in the case and If I have to get up I don't need a cover up walking down the hall.
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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The Superliner roomettes are a little smaller and do not have the teeny tiny toilet; you have to use one in the hall. There is one upstairs and there are several downstairs. The Superliner roomettes also do not have that shelf over the aisle where you can (if STRONG, or if someone strong does it for you) stash your suitcase but instead you can keep your suitcase on the shelves downstairs. (I try not to keep it on the upper berth unless absolutely necessary; having the upper berth lowered for the suitcase tends to block the light at night if I want to read). I do not usually check my suitcase (though maybe I should) because I don't like waiting for it when I arrive. And anyway, I like having it on a shelf downstairs--which is actually more accessible than that Viewliner shelf, where I for one cannot pull it out, it's too high and heavy. Though of course I bring all my valuables and overnight gear to my room in my overnight bag (or purse), there are times (esp on a 2-day trip) when I want access to my main suitcase for even more clothes, extra cookies, or something important like that.
Musicwise, what I like to do is make my own CDs to match the terrain. For instance, I make a CD of cowboy songs to listen to when I am crossing cattle country, mountain songs for the Rockies (with John Denver of course, but lots of others too), river songs for crossing the Mississippi River, night or moon songs and sun or morning songs for different times of day, California songs for when I'm there. . . . and of course, train songs. Plus some instrumentals or classical music for something soothing when I might want to read (or fall asleep, when I'm traveling coach).
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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How about a special CD for Amtrak running late. I'm thinking "Syncopated Clock", "Minute Waltz", "Unchained Melody" (you know, the one with the lyrics "Time goes by so slowly...), etc., etc.
-------------------- Ocala Mike Posts: 1530 | From: Ocala, FL | Registered: Dec 2006
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