22 Day Amtrak Vacation On Our Favorite Trains: Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, & California Zephyr

[@maureencallahan8618]

Thank you! I'm going from Oregon to New York in April 2025 to visit family. I'm going coach, I'm 68. I wish I could get a roommate but want the majority of my $ available for my time with them. I appreciate your channel. It gives me an idea of what's to come. Thank you! Maybe someday a roomette)

[@jenredman6300]

This is my favorite channel. I don't fly any more due to multiple reasons and I am now using amtrak solely for travel. I'm a single traveller loving a roomette

[@mirandaming5081]

Thank you for sharing. I was on the Coast Starlight on the same departure day from Oxnard to Seattle. I was so excited to see you on the train and other passengers recognized you too from this channel.

[@452trucker]

In 2012 we took Amtrak's Empire Builder to Seattle just to have lunch in the revolving restaurant at the top of the Space Needle. It was a gorgeous day and the views are spectacular! Allie you don't know what you're missing. You need to try the World's Fair desert the year the Space Needle opened, you won't be disappointed.

[@tgs6027]

Absolutely watch all your videos looking forward to my Amtrak adventures

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

Another great Amtrak adventure! Loved this whole trip. Hope to do this someday

[@Robinson08826]

Thanks for all of your hardwork getting the information and videos out to us😊

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

My two young sons and I took the Amtrak from Denver to Chicago in the early 1980’s. We had a small sleeper car. Right next to the Portor’s room. All night long, all I could smell was marijuana smoke from the the staff room. and I was treated so rudely by the wait staff in the dining room. I never wanted to ever get on another Amtrak . . But I took the California Zephyr in 2022 from Denver to Roseville Ca and it was a really enjoyable trip . I hope to take a long trip in the future..thanks for the great videos!

[@apriljackson5304]

I love this new content. 🥰

[@suelelievre5513]

This looks like a cool way to travel. We saw you at the Crowne Plaza in Seattle. I was the nut who came rushing over to see you that night in the restaurant. We were just so surprised to see someone we follow! We were heading off on our first cruise. We love watching your adventures.

[@paulnardomarino]

I just did this trip with a rail pass. Left 10/17/24 and got home on 11/15/24. I started in Oceanside, CA to SLO on the Surfliner. SLO to Portland on the Starliner. Portland to Chicago on the empire builder. Chicago to Reno on the Zephyr, Reno to Colfax on the Zephyr, Colfax to Sacramento on the Zephyr. Sacramento to SLO on the Starliner. SLO back to Oceanside on The Surfliner, It was a great trip and all most of my trains were either on time or early.

[@JamieWeidman]

I absolutely love your guys content. The next time you go on a trip via the California Zephyr can you film a new one??? You have the used the same footage over and over again. Would love to see a new one of the entire trip. 😀

[@ManhattanRats]

Thank you for sharing. I commonly put your videos on play on my small screen (er, phone, tablet, secondary screen) while I'm watching something I'm marginally paying attention to on my big screen. THE NET EFFECT is that I get to pretend that I'm riding along with you while watching TV. Thanks so much for sharing. Much appreciated. Robert in NYC,

[@452trucker]

Radar O'Reilly from MASH.

[@ray1683]

The Coast Starlight is our favorite train trip. We have been on it 3 times. Thanks for your video. You have promoted so much for Amtrak, they should pay you for your service.

[@michellereuss5364]

My husband and I just did the Empire Builder from Seattle to Chicago and then 2 more trains ending in Boston last week and we had such an awesome time. I can't wait to do it again.

[@lelandrogers1078]

This is the trip I took with my cousin last year except in reverse. Allie you really need to watch every episode of M*A*S*H.

[@larryloveless2967]

This was my 2002 route my second of five weekend to weekend trips on AMTRAK to see The West and ride all the passenger rail routes west of St. Louis. Great memonries. On one of my trips I also rode The Canadian back and forth between Vancouver and Jasper via Seattle. Lots of fun but I did them solo since it was all too much rail time for my wife. I did meet plenty of rail fans on the trips so never felt alone. I really liked the Obsrvation car for scenery and meeting people. My favorite weekend to weekend trip was Zephyr, Coast Starlight, and the Southwest Chief originating from St. Louis in 2001, which was my first.Thanks.

[@vincejackson730]

I'm doing something similar. Starting and ending in Williamsburg, VA. I'm taking Northeast Regional to D.C, Crescent to New Orleans, Sunset Limited to Los Angeles, Coast Starlight to Emeryville, California Zephyr to Chicago, Floridian (originally booked as Capitol Limited) to D.C. and finally NE Regional back home. Only two nights off the train where there aren't direct connections.

[@MargretRoberts]

Rob, I totally agree with you as far as the staff on the Empire Builder - my daughter and I just did the Chi - Sea- SF - Chi last month and found them to be superior to both Coast Starlight and Ca Zephyr!

[@haroldmakara7178]

One thing I noticed I don't like is when you showed the observation car instead of the people using the seats to look at the beautiful scenery almost everyone was playing on their phones or tablets, Leave the seats for people that want to enjoy the views.

[@SarahsAtticOfTreasures]

Well stated

[@dawndoty7000]

I do both. Even when watch tv because there are moments the view is not always gorgeous or at a standstill?!

[@JanieRuthGrandbaby]

I love yalls videos if yall do another California zephyr can step off in Omaha Nebraska and that's where I grew up

[@SingerEsq]

So glad you made it to Chicago Oven Grinder. When I recommended it I wasn’t sure you would like it, as it is not traditional pizza. Hope you had the Mediterranean bread! Great reminder about the cash! 😂. The nearest ATM used to be a quite a walk! Such a special place.😊 Hope you stopped across the street. The site of the St. Valentines Day massacre. There’s a plaque. Quite the seedy side of old Chicago.

[@songsan807]

This is the exact route I want to travel. Probably extend it to 30 days for myself and spouse so we can stay longer in a few of the cities and explore.

[@FurrKnight]

Hi, I am very thankful to have stumbled upon this channel, I saw several times that you left your room on the train during stops, meals, etc... and I have a question. Since the Train rooms do not lock from the outside, how do you keep your luggage/backpacks secured? I know it is a fundamental question but I know zero about train travel and I am trying to plan a trip around the Jan or February timeframe, Thank you for sharing your adventures with us!

[@carriemccullough7675]

Going on my first Amtrak trip tomorrow with my husband! It’s a whopping hour and forty-five minute ride 😂 But, we hope to find out if we can handle coach 💺 on a long haul trip or if we’re going to need a roomette. I’m so excited!! 🤩🚄

[@RaymondMcNamaraJr]

Hour and 45 minutes is perfect for coach sleeping accommodations is when its over 12 hours(I did a room for 10 hours NYC to cleveland and back but could have probably did that coach also)

[@duskburner]

I did coach as a kid on the Texas eagle and I was able to handle it, but as an adult if I was to do a trip on a train for longer then 12 hours them maybe a roomette

[@carriemccullough7675]

@@duskburner Good to know. It all comes down to price. We are taking the kids with us so we will need two roomettes. Trying to hit up the April bonus points this year and maybe build up points on smaller trips so we can get the roomette price down a little.

[@RaymondMcNamaraJr]

@@carriemccullough7675 hour and 45 minutes coach is good but if u trying to get points up than i totally understand

[@carriemccullough7675]

So in case anyone is wondering, and maybe this was a fluke on the day we went, but the coach seats that run between Chicago and Pontiac, MI are not the same seats you see in Amtrak’s coach car video OR any coach seats you see in Grounded Life’s videos. These are smaller, squished together, and do not recline. Still better than taking the South Shore because the parking is better, there are bathrooms on the cars, and there are no stops between New Buffalo and Chicago. So anyways, bottom line is that we had fun traveling by Amtrak but still didn’t find out what I need to know! Does anyone know if there are shorter trips starting at Chicago’s Union Station that have the bigger coach seats? I don’t want to go further than 3 or 4 hours away from Chicago.

[@RaymondMcNamaraJr]

31:12 nice what part Oregon great views

[@RaymondMcNamaraJr]

1:33:47 the lady next to u like WTF 🤣🤣🤣

[@permaculturemom9848]

Can you get snacks and drinks anytime if you are in a roomette?

[@RedCatt423]

Suggestion...I would like to hear times (like how many hours since last stop) and where views are you using. I feel like I have seen this before but still enjoyed.

[@chris7infdiv835]

Do you guys ever show the kitchen where they actually make the food? Haven't seen something, like them cooking.

[@greeneggslamb9336]

Hi y'all! I'm trying to apply for the IHG card through your link here, but it's taking me to, "The Points Guy."

[@permaculturemom9848]

There's a Tour le Jours in downtown LA in Little Tokyo. It's a great bakery.

[@coryphillips8526]

Hello guys. Nice vacation. If I have a 4 hour layover in Chicago, would that be enough time to go to the pizza restaurant yall went to?

[@jenredman6300]

I did a whole cross country from portland or to ft lauderdale and back and it was wonderdul

[@RaymondMcNamaraJr]

Yes those routes are amazing and i trying to book a NYC to Seattle one👍👍👍 My friend just did NYC to Portland(Cardinal to chicago than zephry to sacramento than coast starlight to Portland Oregon) He did all in coach and i said thats crazy do the room at least(But he did rail pass which doesn’t give u rooms or let u pay more for them)

[@RaymondMcNamaraJr]

I thought this was a recent trip until seeing everybody in masks at Chicago so makes me wonder when was this??? Also i do giordanos in Chicagobut definitely want to try that other place with pot pie pizza

[@walkerskii]

Do you have a video where you explain why you live on a train? Sounds cool! I'd just like to hear the backstory. Did you sell your cars & All your belongings? How do you stay fit & xercise? Where do you get your mail?

[@dkd55s]

I am recently retired from 45 years in the aviation safety industry. I have enjoyed your train travel content videos for two years. I especially enjoy when you and Rob visit cities where I was stationed with an airline or with the FAA. (Denver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Albuquerque, Alexandria) You have inspired me to schedule a trip on the Amtrak Starlight and enjoy the west coast at a slower more civilized pace. 😊 Question: Is it possible to book a number 2 roomette in advance to ensure that I get a room with a west coast ocean view?

[@hongs8867]

QUESTION. Did you book each leg as a one way ticket or round trip ? Also do you suggest buying prunes to help things along. Love the videos. Thank you

[@user-ur1xk6uu7f]

How would the train work for someone with a service animal? Do you have any recommendations or considerations?

[@RaymondMcNamaraJr]

Did u guys use the BOGO companion for roomette??? Halloween was last day to book for travel asap to January 31st

[@DutertistaAko]

Is it possible to leave our luggage at the Chicago metropolitan lounge while we visit Willis Tower? We have a roomette and leaving in 3 weeks on the California Zephyr.

[@duskburner]

It is possible to store luggage near the Greyhound/bag claim, I visit Chicago alot and I was able to leave my luggage at the station as I did stuff around the area

[@duskburner]

I don't know about the lounge though

[@lynnlogan7662]

Do y’all ever get sleepy during the day on the train?

[@josephconner4756]

When can I come to the Train station is it 1 to 2 hours before the train leaves the train station.

[@Milhouse77BS]

At platform 5 minutes before train leaves.

[@RaymondMcNamaraJr]

Depends on station but usually an hour early is best unless a busier station but if u have sleeping accommodations its good to come early for metropolitan lounge

[@tommibowlden5713]

Funny thing I noticed is you don't show all the delays,lol. You have a lot of stall times waiting on freight trains,or blocked tracks. You have to understand train travel or you will be very frustrated.

[@RaymondMcNamaraJr]

$563 just for the Chicago to emeryville right??? Still not bad though but now i noticed when u book early still higher buckets

[@lisandroabundez6314]

How much was this trip

[@kathiesullivan2543]

Were you in a newer car? I never saw a car as clean looking as yours. I’ve taken the Zephyr 4 times and the rooms were always so filthy dirty.

[@vincentcalvelli6452]

M.A.S.H. Best care anywhere

[@FridayWithoutY-us2nk]

M*A*S*H! So did you also ever go to Tony Packo's in Toledo?

[@oztom2007]

Did your train ever run over anyone? My train once hit a man with headphones walking along the tracks. Expect at least a 4 hour delay after the investigation is completed.

[@pippenlapue9643]

M A S H. Radar O Riley

[@MargretRoberts]

I am disappointed you skipped over Glacier and chose to video the fresh-air break at Havre...

[@freden9234]

But. . . did you ever get the elusive chocolate cake??

[@josephconner4756]

I do have a special diet can Amtrak handle it my special diet.

[@DorothyHawkins-ng3tk]

I would like to have the answer to that also. My daughter is gluten intolerant

[@carriemccullough7675]

Radar…from MASH? 😅

[@FATBOY2222]

Did I miss Amtrak BOGO????

[@marycoombe2436]

Really like watching your videos. They are a bit long, which is fine, but every one has exactly the same background music and with them being long, the same music repeats forever. It would be nice to have a change. Maybe alternate among a few.

[@sheilah4525]

22 days of swill food, constipation and views of trees lining the sides of the right of ways………. WHOOPPPPPPEEEEEEEEEE!

[@gazziecanty9649]

Mash

[@TessProctor]

I think your scenic videos are way toooooo long and drawn out. They could be cut by 75%!! Also changing up the music is a good idea….I fast forward through 3/4 of your videos…..

[@sportsinnercitytv3696]

I was a fan of your ch. Not anymore! You guys are a scam! All about views and clicks. Playing stuff over and over. People are noticing this. We see what is going on. I have sent you guys texts about problems i have had on Amtrak with zero response!! You guys want to stay on Amtraks good side. Pure and simple. Stop playing this game with the train loving public. As I said, people are finding out about the ridiculous game you are playing to obtain views and clicks. Gordon in Seattle