I haven't yet been aboard a Superliner equipped train, and being that I've never been to the Pacific Northwest, I'm likely going to take a trip on the Empire Builder. Does sleeper space generally sell out far in advance? Also, being on the east coast (most likely leaving from New York), I'll have to get to Chicago somehow. If I take Amtrak, what are some of your opinions on which train to take? Lake Shore Limited out of NYP, or NEC to DC to catch the Capitol Limited would be the likely options. The Cardinal, with its minimal consist and lack of a diner, seems somewhat less appealing. (Although I understand that the Lake Shore Limited also lacks a diner these days.)
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
Was I you I'd take the Lake Shore Limited to Chicago, then the Builder out to the Left Coast. The Capitol Limited has nicer scenery but hanging a right at D.C. does lengthen the trip some.
Book your sleeper space as far in advance as you can, so you can hope to get some lower prices in the fare bucket. Generally, the closer to train time, the higher the sleeper room prices. I often book my trips five to six months in advance.
Even if a sleeper is sold out you can often get lucky by calling Amtrak (or going online) shortly after 2 in the morning Eastern time when cancellations are entered into the computers.
Posted by hsr_fan (Member # 6881) on :
I think I might try to use my Amtrak guest rewards points if possible. According to the rewards chart, I have enough to cover three zones with a bedroom. So, that covers one way, at least! Still have to pay for the return...
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
I rarely disagree with Mr Kisor, but in this instance I do: I always like to take the Capitol Ltd one way; it's very pretty and nice not to go and come on the same route. I generally take it westbound because then I am ensured stopover time to DC, to which I take an earlier-than-necessary Regional. I take the LSL eastbound, for similar reasons--the late departure allows me to maximize possible stopover time in Chicago. I don't mind that the LSL no longer has dinner; I like the little wine and cheese shindig for sleeper passengers, and I'd rather have my actual dinner in Greektown or some other place in Chicago (I'm always very tired of Amtrak food by the time of my return trip!)
If you have 40,000 Guest Reward points (as opposed to 35,000), you may want to use them for small sleepers (aka roomettes, sleeperettes) for 2 zones each way and pay cash for the third zone each way. That gets you 4 free nights for just 5000 points more--a more cost efficient way to use your points than using 35000 for just 3 nights one way.
Posted by hsr_fan (Member # 6881) on :
I think I have in the neighborhood of 70k points. Thanks for the tip!
Posted by Henry Kisor (Member # 4776) on :
I rarely disagree with Ms. Sojourner, and since her argument is reasonable and convincing (as well as appetite-prodding), I shall withdraw my westbound LSL suggestion.
Another plus for the D.C. stopover is the glorious Washington Union Station, well worth exploring.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
Wow......70,000 guest reward points.
I've got some catching up to do!
Posted by hsr_fan (Member # 6881) on :
Haha...well, I'm getting laid off at the end of April, so I'm about to have a lot more free time, and a lot less money! I figure I'll do some traveling while I apply to grad schools...
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
HSR - 70K is impressive - you could just ride Amtrak for a week of so and save tons of money. My wife once spent a college semester at sea - maybe you could get college credit for your time on Amtrak esp. if you are a sociology major.
Posted by Judy McFarland (Member # 4435) on :
The Empire Builder does seem to be a very popular train & I second the advice of those who said BOOK EARLY. Even though you will pay with points, available space may be a problem end-to-end. Although the scenery is not as spectacular as the CZ, I find the good timekeeping to be a plus & have never had a bad experience on that train. (now at 6 trips & counting).
If your final destination is Seattle, but you wish to maximize sightseeing from the train, consider westbound to Portland (to enjoy a daylight transit of the Columbia River valley) followed by a local train to Seattle - same points as straight to Seattle (& you could probably get the business class included on the Cascade service). If you decide to do this, take advantage of a little longer layover in Portland to have lunch at Jakes - you can leave your luggage at the station baggage area - they were very nice in accommodating me when I tried this a couple years ago.
Posted by Rick Morris (Member # 5347) on :
I totally agree with BOOK EARLY, especially if you want to travel by sleeper. Although I have only ridden the EB from Spokane to either Seattle or Portland (both offer their own great views), it can get full even in coach. BTW, Judy, I have visited PDX quite a few times, but never ate at Jakes. How is their food and what are the prices like?
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I figure I'll do some traveling while I apply to grad schools...