3 Days on America’s Beautiful Overnight Amtrak 🇺🇸 | LA to Chicago

[@bucksix1]

i was born and grew up in Washington DC. I now live in Anaheim California. Starting in 2000 I went back for a month long visit every year. I rented a house right on the bay front on the Chesapeake Bay. I have always detested flying so trips were by Amtrak. Quite often I took this train for the first leg changing to the Capital Limited in Chicago. Although flying was much faster and a lot less expensive the Amtrak experience was worth it. Because of my age I haven't been able to do this the last few years but videos like this help me to relive some wonderful experiences.

[@MiketheratguyMultimedia]

This looks SO pleasant. I've flown between Chicago and LA, and twice had to take a 3-day Greyhound bus trip between the two, but I was never able to make the trip on a train. Being able to comfortably relax and watch the country roll by in the privacy of my own compartment sounds like bliss.

[@thomastrainjourney]

Couldnt agree more! I also want to mention that stargazing in the train is fantastic too. It was so serene and peaceful.

[@Tbpker22]

Nice trip - thanks for sharing!

[@thomastrainjourney]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@harryborsalino1276]

Thanks for posting an enjoyable and informative video! This trip is definitely on my bucket list. I know a lot of people cannot understand the appeal and allure of train travel, but I love it. It's definitely not for anyone on a tight schedule, it's not particularly cheap (unless you're really attentive to catching special offers and/or book way in advance) and you don't get there as fast as you would (at least in theory) by air. However, I go with the philosophy that the journey itself should be an experience, and a fun, pleasant, relaxing, interesting one. You rarely get that by flying, and even driving has its drawbacks. There simply is nothing in travel quite like the sound of the horn and the clanging of the bell and the feeling of the train starting to roll, and I love seeing some of the great train stations almost as much as riding the train! My favorite so far is Chicago Union Station, but I look forward to LA and NYC and some of the other major market stations.

[@thomastrainjourney]

You summarized my thoughts on why I decided to take the train as well! The horn sound was at first very loud but I quickly got accustomed and almost enjoyed every time I got to hear it. For me chicago itself wasn’t the point of the trip! Train was the main point of it. Thank you for such thorough comment! Appreciate it.

[@KyleLovesTrains]

@@thomastrainjourney I agree, the train IS my destination. Where we end up is just a bonus.

[@janvanhalteren8120]

It's not a "frozen lake" you were crossing there, but the Missisippi river! (did enjoy the video anyway!)

[@thomastrainjourney]

Yes! So sorry for generalizing the lake. The Mississippi river was beautiful 👍

[@joemeyers3127]

Thanks for sharing your trip. Look forward to more train journeys.

[@abrilaello5454]

This video was so relaxing! 🙌🙌🙌🤠💖💖💖

[@worldalchemy]

Awesome! Seems like a fun journey and experience!

[@divox9pqr]

I’ve waited in the Amtrak metropolitan lounge at Los Angeles several times waiting for the SW Chief or the Sunset Ltd, it’s always fun and exciting to travel by sleeper anywhere on Amtrak.

[@thomastrainjourney]

Lounge was cozy with free drinks and snacks! Felt safe to leave luggages and relax before the exciting trip begins 👍

[@77Keith]

Got that right!

[@lisaleary747]

Very relaxing calming cozy video ! Thanks

[@TohaBgood2]

The California Zephyr route is even prettier than the Southwest Chief, but ok 😁

[@michaelyette7513]

Perfect video!

[@thomastrainjourney]

Appreciate your comment!

[@irene1655]

I got on at Fullerton as I live up by Wrightwood. Was a fabulous trip. I had a bedroom compartment to Chicago, then business class to Syracuse. My next trip will be from Pomona to New Orleans, then to Clemson South Carolina ( son works at Clemson University), then to Delaware ( 1 of several states not on my state check off list), then to Syracuse, then to Whitefish MT, then Vancouver Canada then back home. Grew up riding the train, hope to pass on the train, 😂.

[@anikeadegoke2112]

👉🏿 Using the pictures and photos as a tool of communication is thumbs op for me 💪💪🌞🌞🌞🌞

[@KansasCowBoy]

It would have been nice if you had ID the areas and towns you were going through and some ticket info, Times

[@ggreg2258]

Are you living in the United States or is this a visit? First time on Amtrak? Have you made vids before? Vid was interesting but much greater description would be helpful. For example: what were you eating, where were you, what are we looking at, speed of train, etc., etc. Are you going beyond Chicago? Planning on more Amtrak trips? Enjoy!!

[@thomastrainjourney]

First time everything! Yourube, trip etc. thank you for the suggestions! Will add them soon 😊

[@patriciachamberlain1135]

Loved the no chatter part. Just enjoy.

[@letsgowalk]

I purchased one of those Rail Passes for $299, and going to use it soon from SF to Chicago. However, it is only Coach, so I wonder how comfortable it is to sleep.

[@jaywatt8728]

Was it comfortable?

[@charlenemariecoraninmemory5130]

great cept the diaper heads freaked me out

[@JL-lg8tk]

The tunnels to the platforms are now closed at L.A. Union Station?

[@rockobill7637]

great video...liked the no talking...so were you the only one with a roomette the whole time?

[@benedmonson3445]

Always wondered which direction East or West bound is the most scenic?

[@yoonsw12]

Ive read that SF to chicago route is known to be most scenic! It also depends a lot on the weather (time of travel) 😊 for me it was a ton of snow scenes

[@osvaldocervantes4139]

Did u take the the 5pm departure or 10pm from Los Angeles?

[@strawberryjackson3]

Why you didn't show the breakfast? The food is so much better than east coast trains

[@thomastrainjourney]

Great point! I was actually so full from day 1’s meals and completely missed breakfast due to waking up late 😅😅. Will try to try breakfast on next trip!

[@gailoneill981]

I thought this video is great. No unnecessary talking.

[@jamesmoninger1982]

Needs narration,

[@juniorbramble7760]

Another Thomas' M.EAL J.OURNEY.....✍🏿

[@ezk1921]

A very odd video. Not once as the train was traveling were we told what town we we passing through or anything about the scenery. A total waste.

[@JL-lg8tk]

Take the trip yourself and record it. Then you can talk all you want. Most vids is a lot of unnecessary yapping over everything else.

[@Oldman808]

Amtrak is dreadful. The food is awful.

[@repoilify]

It aint that bad honestly.

[@terryeaster2866]

The worst Amtrak video I have seen. No idea where the locations were. Food seemed to be the main feature. Very poor compilation.