Amtrak California Zephyr: Chicago to Reno

[@MarthaVoght]

I just returned from a round trip on the Zephyr, repeating a trip I made twice about 25 years ago. The service hasn’t changed much, the cars may be a bit upgraded, the service crew was wonderful, but the overall experience was ruined by the condition of the tracks. Lurching, swaying, bumping, especially on the Chicago-Denver section, but on the entire trip, a smooth ride was generally the exception. I don’t recall anything like this a quarter century ago, which leads me to believe that maintenance on the tracks is low priority for the RRs. Because of the motion, passengers elected to move about during delay or station stops, causing crowding in the hallways. Thanks to the car porter, who provided wonderful service to me in my roommette, despite the bad conditions. Sadly, this will probably be my last Amtrak trip, because I don’t want to face days and nights feeling I’m caught in the bed of a pickup truck driving on a rutted dirt road.

[@kingbradentucky]

Yep, that Midwest has some areas where the train is up to speed and the freight tracks suck. It can be a bumpy to maybe downright scary ride for sure.

[@mikesmothers5610]

@@MarthaVoght thanks for talking about your experience, I've decided to fly to Denver and go west

[@mikesmothers5610]

i guess my comment didnt post..was saying great video!! was curious how your sleep was from omaha as you said tracks are rough and train was speeding, reason i ask is i havent did amtrak in a long time, and i have been trying to decide to either start in chicago like you did or fly to denver to go to emerville...any advice i would appreciate it...thanks

[@kingbradentucky]

This was part of my three and a half week around the US Amtrak trip. I went Chicago it Reno here and then two days late took the train to Sacramento. That will be my next. Amtrak video. Sleeping? I sleep okay on trains but the tracks west of Omaha are about as rough as they get. The best part of the trip is definitely Denver West but I liked it all.

[@mikesmothers5610]

@@kingbradentucky im definitely gonna do a roomette just wasnt sure seems a good way to go ..i see bedrooms are pretty pricey, i want to do the zephry just dont want my anxiety to make me jump off the train lol...anyway like a said great video

[@kingbradentucky]

@@mikesmothers5610 thank you for the video compliment. The roomette is great for those of that basically require a getaway space to calm down and regain our footing so to speak. You can even eat in your room on those meals you don't feel like sitting with strangers. I hope you get to take the trip.

[@Oneeka220]

The tables are not footrest… this is so annoying!!!

[@kingbradentucky]

Yeah, I do understand that. In my defense I have some chronic pain issues and sometimes I need to put my legs up. I know that sucks but I do try to be considerate and do it away from others and wipe down the area they rested. It sucks, but not sure what to do sometimes.

[@Oneeka220]

@ I’m so sorry to hear about your leg . I’m please to hear that you wipe down after👏. I was in the lounge a few days ago and witnessed someone left a bit of dirt on the table, totally grossed me out.

[@kingbradentucky]

@@Oneeka220 no worries. I shouldn't film it. It does set a bad example. I'm glad you pointed it out. The pain can suck but it's why I got into Amtrak travel a couple years back and that's been great.