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I will be taking a sleeper from NYC on a Monday in April or May to catch the SW Chief in Chicago on a Tuesday. I was wondering, should I take the Lakeshore Limited or the Three Rivers? I know that the LSL is a half hour shorter, but that little time saving isn't enough to worry about. But what I want to know is: Which of the two trains has a better "track record" of getting to Chicago on time, or more reasonably on time, at that time of year? Because I don't want to miss the SW Chief later that afternoon.
MDRR Member # 2992
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Considering, as of Nov.1, the sleeper is gone off the three rivers, and as of spring, the three rivers will be gone west of Pittsburgh, I think your decision will be easy. Your other option will be to travel to Wash. DC and take the Capital.
afternoonhiawatha Member # 2566
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Sojourner, you may want to seriously consider staying overnight in Chicago before catching the SW Chief. That way if the LSL or Capital enroute from the East Coast are delayed you won't miss your connection.
DeeCT Member # 3241
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Have made the connection from the Lake Shore Ltd to and from the SW Chief several times. There is quite a few hours layover in Chicago. Westbound you arrive mid-morning and depart mid-afternoon. Biggest problem I have found is not in making the connection but finding a way to while away the wait in Chicago's Union Station. Eastbound the connection is no problem either ---- but it seems that often during the night the train gets "lost". Many a complimentery box meal have I consumed on my way to Boston. Dee
sojourner Member # 3134
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Thanks! I forgot about hearing the Three Rivers is not going to have sleeping cars any more, so you are right, the decision is now easy!!!!
Is the Three Rivers service actually ending entirely this spring? When I put in my travel dates, I still get a Three Rivers, even in early May. I thought it was the Pennsylvanian that is ending. I didn't think I would have trouble finding something to do in downtown Chicago. Isn't the station right downtown, with the art museum nearby? Couldn't I leave my baggage at the station and go visit it? And I could lunch in that German restaurant some of you recommended.
sojourner Member # 3134
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Sorry, I just saw the other post re the Three Rivers further down. But when I put in New York to Chicago, I do still get a Three Rivers in May, as the other poster notes. . . .
Are they are doing away with the sleeper because of the shortage of sleeping cars?
20th Century Member # 2196
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The German restaurant,I believe,is Berghoff's. I'm not sure of the spelling. Citysearch.com can help with restaurants and touring while waiting in Chicago.
Recommended; figure on $25 a head including wine, tax, and tip (somewhat less if you drink beer or abstain).
sojourner Member # 3134
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Thanks for the link. I would definitely have beer at a German restaurant!!!!
I hope there is no trouble leaving my baggage at Union Station while I can go out and see the lions. Can "first class" passengers leave their baggage in a special place in the waiting room? Is there a charge? Is there a danger of its getting lost???
Vicki Member # 3410
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sojourner, Take your bags to the Mertopolitan Lounge and they will hold them for you-no charge and they will be safe. Enjoy Chicago!
DeeCT Member # 3241
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If traveling first class then be sure to take advantage of leaving luggage in the Metropolitan Lounge. Be aware they will not allow you to leave laptops or other such "toys" (dvd players etc.). There are lockers (reasonable price) available in a nearby public lounge. Last time I was through there two other women and I struggled with and were unable to get one that would operate. I will be making my next visit to Union Station in two weeks time. Will arrive on Lake Shore Ltd and transfer to the California Zephyr. Going to spend a few days in San Francisco. Will then head off to AZ to spend holiday with relatives --- then back home by way of Southwest Chief. Can not wait to begin the trip!!!! Dee
sojourner Member # 3134
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Dee, That sounds great. I have never been west of Cleveland on the Lakeshore Limited so my trip will be exciting for me too, but quite away from now! How are you getting from San Fransisco to Arizona? It did not look to me like the connections were very good for that--am I mistaken?
DeeCT Member # 3241
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Sojourner --Will make my way from San Francisco to Los Angeles by way of an early morning shuttle to Emeryville. From there a train (#712)to Bakersfield where I connect with Thruway Bus (#5812)that takes me to Los Angeles. There I have a couple of hours to catch my breath before boarding the Southwest Chief. Lucky for me, my brother lives a half hour away from the Williams Junction, AZ stop. After Thanksgiving will return to Chicago on the SW Chief and then on the Lakeshore Limited back to Springfield, MA. (I live in CT about a half hour drive from there. There is a very reliable parking lot one block from Amtrak station for long term parking <indoor>.) It is going to be fun I'm sure.My first trip ever to San Francisco --- so plan to do the "tourist" things during my 4 days there. By planning and booking way in advance (last May,I was able to get quite a trip for a very inexpensive rate. Best of all --- I am traveling by train so I get to see the country (not the top of the clouds). Have built into this trip a "safety day" in case I miss a connection on the San Francisco to AZ part of the trip --- would not want to miss the turkey -- lol. One week to go!!! I'm excited!!! Dee
sojourner Member # 3134
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It sounds great, Dee. I hope all goes smoothly and beautifully, and be sure to report back. I was in the San Francisco area many years ago, very enjoyable. I myself am taking the train to Atlanta via NYC over Thanksgiving, my first time on the Crescent. However, I did not get sleepers because I am saving money for my other trips!!!
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