4 Days 3 Nights On Amtrak 2700 Miles Across The USA By Train

[@brucewilkinson8599]

I just completed a 25 day long around the country via Amtrak - Atlanta to NOLA via the Crescent, to Los Angeles via The Sunset Limited, to San Francisco via The Coast Starlight, to Chicago via the California Zephyr, to Washington DC via the Capitol Limited, and finally back to Atlanta on the Crescent. Watching your channel helped me to be well prepared for a long trek and take advantage of all the best aspects of train travel. I met some wonderful people along the way, and the train staff were fabulous. Thanks folks! ❤

[@TheDenisedrake]

How exciting! Were you ever delayed so much that you missed the next train?

[@catreader9733]

On a visit to St. Louis approximately 16 years ago, my husband and I took our eldest grand nephew (9 years old?) with us to see and ride up the Arch. When we were speaking with him almost a year ago, he told us that he remembers the excursion very well. He was so quiet during the trip, we thought he wasn't particularly impressed at the time. We learned that his quietness was more from not knowing us; he really enjoyed the trip up the Arch (as did we)..

[@jenredman6300]

I don't fly anymore and I have relied on amtrak for about 4 years. I love your videos and perspectives. Rise up and make amtrak happen??

[@theghostrainbow1864]

I took the Texas Eagle LA to Chicago in March! Unfortunately we had a major delay due to a broken down freight train, so that when we arrived in San Antonio 5 hours late, the trains had left without us. They put all of us on buses to catch up with our trains, which we finally did after about ten hours. It was awful, haha. But all part of the adventure, I guess. And they reimbursed me $200. And we arrived in Chicago on time, so, can't really complain.

[@midlifetravelers6151]

Love, love love your travelogues. When my husband and I went cross country on the Zephyr, we used your videos to further our research and prep.

[@LawyerCalhoun1]

As a clumsy old oaf, I think I would fall down trying to get out of that upper berth.

[@bt4jc]

Fabulous. The Texas Eagle in the opposite direction (Dallas to L.A.) was our first ever train ride on our pass. No sleeper-no upgrades with the pass-but we still loved the experience. Best way we have EVER crossed the States. Just missed the showers, but the “lounge” restroom has space enough for a decent ‘bird bath’ before disembarking at our destination. We’re about to do our fifth train ride (Buffalo to Seattle) and looking forward to that too.

[@1drummer172]

I love Los Angeles Union Station and the metro lounge.😊

[@anitasimmons3599]

La Union station, is really beautiful. I have never checked out any of the first class lounges even though I have ridden first class.

[@billsnyder1021]

LA metro lounge has shuttle that will take you directly to your sleeper on the platform. Much easier than going back down to gates

[@georgemcdowell8302]

Yes! L.A.'s Metro Lounge is situated in an obscure area where sleeper car passengers would need to traverse on foot from the lounge, downstairs onto the concourse, & up a steep ramp or stairs to the platform. Although the platforms can be accessed by Red Caps with golf carts through the back door of the lounge, passengers cannot access platforms from the back door on foot for safety reasons. I've tried it & was motioned to use the golf cart or take a hike.

[@jefferygreene8538]

A good book to read about the history of the Pullman Porters is “Raising from the Rails”, by Larry Tye.

[@carolhartz4489]

Our first ride was in a Sleeper car it was a bit more in price but the memories were priceless. Thank you for your videos we were prepared for an amazing trip

[@patriciafuchs5970]

Breakfast looked good. The observation car looked fabulous. I enjoyed the announcement about watching your language! Lunch looked messy but good. It’s nice seeing a variety offered. Texas looks interesting.seeing the old engines and trains was cool. Glad there is a shower. Boy, Texas is huge! That old car at Fort Worth looked pretty cool. It appears browner than the Midwest in spring. Sounds noisy. I live the whistles on trains. So interesting, seeing the countryside. I think I would try this ride.

[@J.W.W.]

That sammich at 7:22 looked GREAT!

[@catreader9733]

My well-educated spouse also insists on calling them sammiches; at least we all agree on proper spelling.

[@JamesAdams-ev6fc]

For those of you who have never tried it, a ride to the top of the Arch is well worth the journey. On one side is the courthouse where the famous Dred Scott Decision was tried; on the other is the Big Muddy itself, and you are never far from the return point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In the downtown you will also find the Blues Museum, which I enjoyed tremendously.

[@johnkeener2065]

We Love You, we Love all your Videos, Keep Up The Great Work on Your Channel, I’m so glad we Found Your Channel, from John & Sharon Your new friends Pittsburgh Pennsylvania God Bless you…😊😊😊😊👍👍👍👍😊😊😊👍👍👍

[@lizcademy4809]

While watching and enjoying the video, my mind was doing some mental math. A 3,000 mile trip across the whole country, on a 200 mph high speed train, would take 15 hours. Add a couple hours for stops, and you have one long day of travel - but no need for sleeper cars. Get on board before breakfast, get out a few hours after dinner. When I travel cross country by air, it takes up almost a whole day anyway. Between final packing, getting to the airport, Security, waiting at the gate, then a 6+ hour flight, baggage claim, and the trip to my sleeping spot ... the plane is not that much faster. And I'm always exhausted after a coast to coast flight. We NEED high speed rail in this country!

[@radfem2010]

Yeah but you'd have to build the track and maintain it. Amtrak and other local commuter trains like Metrolink in LA lease the rails and don't get first priority over freight. Freight trains DO break down sometimes, unfortunately derail and sometimes have long stoppages b/c of shift changes (which can be 12 hours of sitting). Metrolink (SoCal) is lucky in that they own their own track in one of the most popular routes (San Bernardino to LA) and split rail in some others like (LA to Ventura) but others like Riverside to LA are 100% owned by either UP in that case or BSNF in others so delays aren't uncommon. Things happen to like having to sprint through four cars to find a conductor b/c a child hopped out of the train car (and stops are very short!) and got left behind. High speed rail is being explored in CA but it's very, very expensive. Installing track costs a lot of money especially dealing with different types of terrain.

[@jrecm4816]

Dodger fan here!! Native Southern Californian. ! My parents use to take the train from LA to San Diego. I love your videos. When you are old the issue of climbing down the ladder (Rob is a Saint or a sound sleeper) to use the restroom is huge, maybe 2 roomettes if you can afford it.

[@catreader9733]

Thank you for the Superliner bedroom tour. My spouse and I have taken one trip each in a Viewliner bedroom and roomette. As the upper bunk person and 5 foot 2 inches in height, I like the abundant headroom I experience in a Viewliner. However, our next trip will hopefully be beyond the east coast, into Superliner territory. Knowing that there a little bit more headroom in the upper bunk of a Superliner bedroom than a Superliner roomette, I think I would always try to book a bedroom. Cost matters to us, but so does some space; and we seniors really value our ensuite toilets.

[@leighims]

Yes, I would take the LA to Chicago ride. Thanks for the great video.

[@harveyh3696]

Never traveled Amtrak; Luv your videos. Looking forward to making a cross-country trek. California Zephyr comes to mind!

[@jigsawpuzzlesandjams5883]

Love the views of the Arch and the Mighty Mississippi. I saw the river for the first time during a road trip from California to Alabama. This brings back great memories.

[@nthused]

That upper bunk reminds me of the racks on our submarine…except you had a lot more room! :-) seriously though looks comfy! Thank you for shooting and sharing!

[@RVail623]

At 28:12, the Heartland Flyer does NOT go further east to Dallas. It's northern end will supposedly get extended to connect with the SW Chief at Newton, Kansas. But for now, it's Ft. Worth to OKC only: no Dallas.

[@earlenedorethy7233]

Wow! Look how narrow the hallway is on the train It will be my son and I first time on a regular train (Amtrak Lake Shore Limited 48 )going to New York ( have been on a short trip Amtrak from Michigan to Illinois once before) so will be a experience

[@elainesandman9874]

Really appreciate that you give a whole long time to see the scenery THANKS

[@samuelserrano9789]

Thank you guys, because of your video's and trip's I have started taking Amtrak trains to my destinations, first one was from Atlanta to NYC and I enjoyed it very much. Next trip Atlanta to Temple TX. thank you for the motivation..

[@AJDay-kh4ud]

Howdy from Ft.Worth 🎉 ❤ watching ya!

[@brendaproulx3052]

Great video as always, thanks for taken me along the wonderful trip.

[@Homer500]

We just completed our Texas Eagle trip, but had to be bussed from Fort Worth to Longview. We were left on the Fort Worth platform with no direction from Amtrak. There were 3 trains of people and about 10 buses, all going different routes. No Amtrak assistants.

[@cookie5335]

The food looks great

[@jesse4689-o2l]

Thanks for the background music.

[@annthrockmorton1517]

I love their music! 💕

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you for another informative video. Rob, you could have hung th shopping bag from the restraint system... one of my bucket list trips is to ride the train from LA to St Louis then the River Runner back to Kansas City. I rode from OKC to Houston back in the 1970s. I took that train several times, then they discontinue the service to Houston and the part up to Kansas. It was really sad that our passenger rail decreased for 30 years. I am excited they are now talking about new routes. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.

[@NancyTarquinio]

If you are traveling couch it is well worth it to pay the fee and wait for your connection in the metro lounge. I waited a few hours in the Chicago metro lounge (getting off the Southwest Chief and waiting for the Lakeshore Limited). It was very comfortable. The staff was very attentive. And...there were snacks!

[@mingb5651]

How much is the fee for the lounge access?

[@NancyTarquinio]

At Chicago it was $30.00

[@DannyA3579]

I always enjoy following your travels. I am still trying to plan my next big Amtrak journey.

[@bessycorrales6405]

Planning to make this trip from LAUS to Chicago next year. So excited to see this video.

[@squalli1297]

I've booked a bedroom for that route. It's pricey, but I need the extra space. What I like about the Texas Eagle is it goes through major cities I would normally fly over. Leaving L.A. at 10 PM with berths in the down position doesn't allow much room to maneuver & set up for a trip this long, but I've adjusted. Sleeper Car Attendants on this route change at San Antonio. Not sure if this goes for coach. I would prefer traditional dining during the entire trip, but I've kept in mind that I'm on a train that once charged everyone for meal service 35 years ago.

[@celesteredding1550]

You both are looking healthier, weight-loss 👍🏾. Congratulations 🎊

[@kentbubolz7540]

Do they have low sodium food options?

[@radfem2010]

Love your video. spent a lot of time in Grand Central Station for Amtrak and Metrolink. The Oscars were taped there including the red carpet outside in the closed off area that's mostly used for filming these days. It was there in 2020 (not 2019 though it was the 2019 Oscars b/c the films were released that year) b/c of the Covid 19 pandemic. It actually was pretty clever how they did it. Live events were heavily discouraged b/c LA was under three pretty strict lockdowns from city to state for a few months and on and off for the rest of the year. BUT filming was allowed albeit with restrictions including location filming and so the Oscar organizers went to Film LA (the liason btwn productions and the City) to get a location filming permit which faciliated it. Though attendance was more limited b/c of testing and any vax requirements (can't remember exactly on that) and live music was limited in part b/c NO wind instruments were allowed as a Covid restriction. Part of a bizarre year in LA with all the Covid lockdowns, curfews and restrictions.

[@qapla]

I would love to ride across the country in a bedroom - or even a roomette. However, since my budget won't allow it, when I do take the trip I want to take, I will be riding coach from Florida to Spokane and back

[@neicaadkins2795]

Yes!! I would do the ride 😃

[@user-yl2jf7jf5t]

Hello, this is a little off topic, but have you ever traveled on any Mississippi River cruises? I will be going on one in the future. Thanks for all of your informative travels and the beautiful views!

[@wannabetrucker7475]

Sleeper or roomette would be the only way i would be able to travel on the train.

[@musicRus19]

My husband and I really appreciate your channel. We rode Amtrak years ago. We are going to be taking a long trip on Amtrak this next month and have been watching as many of your videos as we can! So helpful! I do have a couple of questions… does Amtrak provide blankets for coach travelers… and can you use a Cpap in coach?

[@donorcutt3605]

Love your channel. New subscribers so watching a bunch. We would love to do a fly west/ train east but wonder about my wife’s ability to eat as she is highly gluten sensitive! Could you perhaps cover travel on Amtrak with special dietary requirements?

[@countrytxrose]

Can you show us in one of your videos what the diffent handicap wheelchair ♿ cabins look like. That would be interesting to see size wise etc. Becouse for sure someone in a wheelchair can not use, stay in the cabin your in I don't think. How hard is it for people in wheelchairs to travel by train?

[@Dimika-rq3uj]

Not that hard. We were taken from the waiting room, has help in boarding and taken directly to our room, we had the expensive room which was well worth the price. We had plenty of room for our luggage, the wheelchair, and space to move around. We had a private shower and toilet...and a sink in the room. We had meals delivered to our room. During the day we had good views from the window. It was altogether a pleasant 18 hour ride from New York to Atlanta. We were taken from the train in Atlanta to waiting relatives. The wheelchair was no trouble at all.

[@josephconner4756]

Your husband is wearing the right shirt because I am Atlanta Braves fan myself.

[@WaynoGur]

I live in Tucson. I wish I had known you were traveling through. Did you stop and get burritos from the burrito lady in El Paso?

[@timbacchus]

See you in Tucson some time.

[@list-and-sell]

would love to train across the US and/or Canada but I'm thinking it would be too confining for my hub to enjoy. I'd be on the top bunk for sure and the thin mattress would not be appreciated by the lower bunk occupant. Ah well, good thing there are lots of options for getting around.

[@DannyA3579]

One thing I really liked when I took my trip on Southwest Chief was going to the cafe car, getting a cup of that crushed ice that they had, and sprinkling my grape flavored Crystal Light over top. Was just like a slushee. Of course, I enjoyed the rest of my trip too.

[@bagelsandmash]

Are you guys coming back to Atlanta? We want to treat you to some awesome thai food in Chamblee!

[@leazer44]

Love your travels! My only concern would be the noise! Is it as loud as it seems? I’d never be able to sleep on one it seems!

[@TeamD2012]

Do u think 2 peeps who are both 5’4” would fit on the bottom bunk? (We’re both afraid of heights 😊). Would the mattress be considered a full size? Great vid & thanks for sharing!

[@maryanne9884]

Thanks for the great video. How does your room compare to what a "family room" is. Isn't there a separate room marketed for 2 adults/2 kids? And in the room you show here, is it conceivable for two people to sleep on the bottom bunk?

[@SKIMSPersonalStylist]

Love this

[@derekdestep40]

Amtrak didn’t have their big rail pass sale this year like $299

[@shanson786]

Regular price is $499. Last year sale price was $299, this year $449. Not nearly as generous. And only valid for coach.

[@mikereddy-x9f]

Did the train keek to scheduled arrival and departure times at each stop during the journey?

[@lisalowery4849]

Can you bring your own bag to hook up in the loft for your glasses and snacks?

[@LanondaWhite-i8l]

Do the Amtrak go through Minnesota?

[@raymondmuench3266]

Empire Builder goes through, but the new Borealis goes from Chicago to St. Paul.

[@sugarcookiecube]

Love your videos!❤ Thanks to your videos I want to take a round-trip train trip for sheer pleasure. I am thinking about the Empire Builder route. I am trying to book my travel using the Amtrak mobile app and it is not going too well. It is a very incomplete and confusing app. Do you recommend going to a travel agency instead? If so, can you recommend one? Thanks!

[@genesnyder2985]

We are cruising out of Baltimore in August and thinking of taking the train from charlotte weve never traveled by train so I’m thinking 2 days prior in case it dont work i can have a plan b its only about 12 hrs so I’m thinking just coach for this trip but maybe a roomette in the future if we like it

[@moishglukovsky]

The comparison of the Mississippi waterfront in St Louis to similar European river cities is stark, and embarrassing for the US.

[@Super_Chief]

Another re-release of previously shown footage calling it by a new name! Good job! 😏

[@Lynn-kh5rs]

Got off the Cardinal this morning #50 Chicago to Cincinnati for us. Our first train trip in 40 years and a 1st in a sleeper car. I used your videos to help prepared us for the trip. We were prepared for the possibility of the train being late (it was by about 4 hrs) but was not prepared to have the attendant to ask us to leave our roomette 40 min out from Cincinnati so he could set it up for the next passengers. We had to ride in the Cafe car for what was left of the trip. I found this really annoying as I wear a brace for my knee and had to keep my leg in the aisle. I had to keep moving my leg as the car was like Grand Central Station with people coming in who were also displaced out of their rooms. 🤨😕

[@georgemcdowell8302]

I would contact Amtrak & complain. I've heard of this & think it's on account of them overbooking to make a profit.

[@triplerainbows3022]

I have one question what if you decide you want extra drinks or still hungry and want something else is their an option to order? Is it out of pocket if you do? Or is their another section for snacks

[@carolbrolaski6680]

Where do I find a guide to what I am seeing on the train ride?

[@barbaralienhard3490]

Great video. We're going to book the bedroom on the California Zephyr and set how it goes. We tried sleeping in our bed in 40" across and we could do that so we'll see if we both sleep on the lower berth or hubby sleeps in the penthouse!!! We live aboard a 38' sailboat so we're used to tighter areas. Thanks for showing us all the facets of train travel.

[@SaveAllTheWolves]

A number of times you said you were walking around outside to get some fresh air. Does that mean there’s not a way to get fresh air while the train is moving?

[@milesharris8881]

Why is that locomotive so beat up? Wow.

[@rleeAZ]

LA has the easiest boarding of any Amtrak station. Not sure why it's such hassle at other stations... especially Chicago.

[@derekdestep40]

Would coach be comfortable

[@damcoentertainment3956]

no

[@damcoentertainment3956]

At least not for the entire trip.

[@carrievornkahl6442]

You mentioned the price being 2200 dollars. Was that for both of you, or per person?

[@thomasvanantwerp728]

Was it 2200.00 per person, or per couple???

[@michaelcarnahan1630]

With a family bedroom, neither of us have to sleep in the upper bunk.

[@jrecm4816]

The upper bunk is a deal breaker for us. We are light sleepers and old. Family room sounds like the way to go then

[@shanson786]

​@jrecm4816 One of you will have to curl up, unless they are VERY short.

[@jasonmitchell6982]

Isn't this an old video I remember the same video from you two last year around this time, but anyway stay safe.

[@jefferygreene8538]

How tall are you

[@danmarkis3785]

I would love to see new content. These reruns are getting old.

[@GravInducedSleepTrac]

IS THE $2200 FOR THE BEDROOM TOTAL COST FOR BOTH OF YOU? IF SO, YES THAT PRICE IS REASONABLE FOR 2 PEOPLE 4 DAYS WITH LODGING, FOOD/DRINKS & OF COURSE YOUR VEHICLE/THE TRAIN.

[@kevinkeene1593]

Are long train rides like being in the hospital for several days? You start to really look forward to breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Because you're stuck in one place, and food times break the monotony. At least, you had stops where you could get off the train for a bit.

[@josephconner4756]

How can Amtrak Trains help people like me who's having medicine to be refrigerated and my CPAP Machine. What type of medicine can I take with me but one of those medicines are a schedule one narkadic and help me get around the trains.

[@user-rmy04buff]

I use a cpap and went on the california zephyr. You don't have to have the humidifier, take that off and connect hose directly into your machine, no distilled water needed. As far as refrigeration, they can provide ice for your container where you can keep your medication. Bring some storage bags to hold your ice in to keep your meds dry.

[@macdunlap6257]

Except for Roomette you sleep 9p degrees opposed to directions of travel. It NOT smooth ride😊

[@CGSevenxPhoto]

No way that room is worth $2200, even with food for 2 people. But i guess that's why we must book in advance hehe way in advance.

[@karenhouston2839]

Wow you look great have you lost weight

[@MargretRoberts]

I’m sorry, but that is an incredibly rude question to ask

[@karenhouston2839]

@@MargretRoberts why

[@fw7993]

Is your son camera shy?

[@gabety731]

The City of New Orleans had become pathetic with meal selection

[@joehelmick1057]

All I see you do is eat and sleep... How many foreign languages do you fluently speak?

[@TerryGoodman-js2ky]

Do not appreciate political ads. Please stop.

[@robertklinker3237]

Diane here: Wow--editing errors or not clear/real understanding communicated...!

[@iracture]

Not sure why this video popped up even after I have banned the channel from my feed. Paid channel. Amtrak service is terrible. USA has many nice places to visit. Please do not waste your time or money on Amtrak. I have travelled in fancy European trains and even questionable trains in Vietnam. In no other place was the service as bad as Amtrak. Service people on board are just too bad. Everyone on the staff is scared of drugs/gun violence and anything unexpected. Maybe its the people travelling that make it terrible because right in front of my eyes one guy travelled longer than his reservation. Travelled on sunset express by mistake..Never again. Cars planes are much better modes of transport. Stay away from Amtrak specially long distance.

[@LynetteMueller]

This is an old video. Shame on you for trying to grab followers.