I am considering a connection from the southbound Starlight to the eastbound Sunset Limited. Will Amtrak "ticket" that connection and what chance to I have of actually MAKING it ? Also, IF , by some chance , I miss the connection , what will most likely occur ?
Next, will it still be possible to connect from LA through to Chicago on the Sunset Limited//Texas Eagle (as the SAME train) or will I have to de-train in San Antonio and re-connect with the Eagle ?
Thanks in advance. JT
Posted by Genesis803 (Member # 122) on :
I'm not sure aout the Coast Starlight's on-time performance. Lets hope it is better than the Sunset's. However, the Sunset Limited does have through cars to Chicago so you will not have to detrain in San Antonio. The Texas Eagle cars are usually on the end on the Sunset Limited and are simply uncoupled from the Sunset and cupled to the full Texas Eagle consist in the middle of the night at San Antonio. You probably won't even wake up!!
Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :
Did Amtrak tell you if it is a guaranteed connection from the Starlight to the Eagle? If you don't know call 1-800-USA-RAIL and find out.
Amtrak takes its guaranteed connections very seriously, and they will go to great lengths to make sure you make it. If the starlight is running too late, you may be bussed to your connection. Still, if you are running late, it is a good idea to inquire with your conductor or car attendant to make sure they know where you are.
If it is not guaranteed you may be in for some difficulty.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
Posted by yummykaz (Member # 475) on :
Just about every time I have taken Sunset Limited it is 2-8 hours late.
But I still love the train!
Posted by TALKrr (Member # 683) on :
Thanks everyone , for your replies.
After more consideration , I am not going to even attempt a "same-day" connection from the Starlight to the Sunset. There simply will not be enough time to make the connection , I am afraid. Since I do not want to over-nite in LA this trip , I am going to consider other west-coast options. And I do not want any part of the bus "routine" , as you may presume , which is most likely if the connection is guaranteed.