RAILforum: First-time train traveler

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Posted by Allison (Member # 115) on :

I am interested in taking a train from the midwest to California in July of 2001. (it is actually a honeymoon trip and we want to do something different) We are interested in more of a site seeing route (I have never been out west) Some of the questions I have are:
Are there any trips where the train stops in certain places and you can get out?
How (un)comfortable are the rooms?
How long are the trips?
Why do you all travel by train?
Any and all information that anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Feel free to e-mail me directly
allisonwagner@earthlink.net

Posted by dragondawg (Member # 29) on :

Allison,

Some of your questions are easy..Others are more a judgement call. Visit Amtraks website for info on train trips and where they stop. Amtrak has quite an extensive array of that info. On the comfort of rooms, that all depends on what you are use to. If you are use to a four poster bed and huge rooms then the sleeping rooms in most trains probabaly will seem very cramped. If you have to have dead perfect silence to sleep, trains are noisy. Not real loud, but steel wheels on steel track will make noise. But the views are worth it. And the enjoymen tof seeing the country without having to worry about other drivers makes it worthwhile. I like trains for just that reason. Its very relaxing. In your own cabin, you have your own window, your own chairs, your own quiet time. Its also a great place to meet others with similar interests. Give it a try.
John

Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :

Great idea for a honeymoon. I would suggest a deluxe bedroom so you can at least sleep together. The standard rooms have two beds one above the other. Many people deal with the standard rooms on single night segments & opt for the deluxe on 2 or 3 night legs. It's more expensive but you only have 1 honeymoon to remember. I would suggest the California Zephyr to San Francisco. You can overnight in Glenwood Springs, Denver, Reno or Sacramento. Next leg from the Bay Area to Portland or Seattle, Both nice places to spend a night or 2. From Seattle or Portland you can take the Empire Builder through Glacier National Park & the Wisconsin Dells, both nice places to stop, back to Chicago. It would be a trip you would remember fondly for the rest of your Happily married life. Best of luck & contact me if you need further info. Reggie

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Posted by rresor (Member # 128) on :

I took the California Zephyr on my honeymoon nine years ago, and I second the recommendation above. The scenery is the best on Amtrak.

My wife, not at all a railfan, had a wonderful time.

Certainly you should get the deluxe bedroom, which has a double bed for a lower berth and a private restroom with shower (very small but usable).

The trip takes two nights and two days, leaving Chicago at 3 pm and arriving Oakland, CA at 5 pm on the second day. You might want to break your trip at some point (we did at Grand Junction, CO) and do something else for a few days (dude ranch?), then rejoin the train for the rest of the trip. Two days on a train is a long time, especially if you're new to it.

There is full dining service (the food is actually pretty good) and a "sightseer" lounge car with big windows (you'll want to grab seats there before the train leaves Denver on the first morning out -- the climb into the Rockies is utterly amazing).

When you leave Chicago, you'll cross typical Midwest farm country until it gets dark. The second day you traverse Colorado, and the scenery is wonderful the entire day. You'll pass through Salt Lake City late in the evening, and cross the Nevada desert at night. The third day begins at Reno, NV and includes the High Sierras.

Be prepared for the train to be late. It probably will.

You can arrange car rentals at many Amtrak stations. If there is no rental counter in the station (there usually isn't), they will come get you or pay taxi fare.

Have a great trip!