Riding Amtrak's LAKE SHORE LIMITED for 19 Hours: CHI to NYC (part two)

Hello friends! Welcome to part two of my train journey across the United States from San Francisco to New York. Join me as I travel for a whopping 80 hours across the country by train. In part one of my journey, I boarded one of North Americas Most Scenic Trains - Amtrak's California Zephyr. This three day sleeper train took me from San Francisco, across 7 different states, covering almost 4,000 km, eventually leaving me in Chicago. You can watch that here - • 80-Hour Train Ride Acr...
In todays episode, I take a brief transit Chicago's beautiful Union Station. Here, I enjoy five hours in the Metropolitan Lounge, before boarding the second train of my journey, The Lake Shore Limited.
I’ve once again booked the 'cheapest' sleeping accomodation for my 19 hours onboard, also known as Amtrak's Viewliner Roomette. I'll show you exactly what the experience is like, from start to finish! Let's check out the dining, my roomette and the amenities, such as the on board shower! All while passing some of the prettiest shorelines of the USA - Lake Michigan, the Mohawk River, and the Erie Canal!
Let's go!!
#amtrak #amtraktrains #sleepertrain
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Hej hej allihopa! ("Hey everyone" in Swedish) We are Chloé, the Kiwi, and Ludvig, the Swede. We met at a Ski Resort in Canada and have since been travelling the whole world together. Our aim is to provide you with helpful travel tips and entertainment from around the globe, hopefully inspiring you to EXPLORE MORE! We love adventure ...with a touch of luxury. You can expect to see lots of adrenaline pumping activities and out of the ordinary excursions, along with a generous dose of unique hotels, camper-van travel, train journeys and business class flights....
This KZbin channel will occasionally contain affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission on a purchase without additional cost to you, if you buy something through our links.

[@robrussell5329]

As you leave Chicago and head east, you are basically travelling back in time. Back through America's industrial (and economic) centers of a hundred years ago. What we now call the "Rustbelt." Toledo, Cleveland, Erie, PA, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany. These cities were once the centers of American industrial might (plus Detroit, Akron, Pittsburgh and a few others.) But they now look their age, as many of the factories have been long shuttered, replaced by imported product. But that route takes you through what was once America at its finest.

[@chloeandludvig]

Super cool information- thanks for watching and sharing! :)

[@Spcychkn]

Where you from bro

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

The Rustbelt will thrive again if we get rid of free trade & tax imports.

[@lawrencewestby9229]

I did an Amtrak rail journey back in 2019, all in roomettes. I started in West Palm Beach, Florida traveling overnight to Washington DC. After a long layover in the lounge (it was raining) I took the Capitol Limited overnight to Chicago. The layover in Chicago was several hours before boarding the Empire Builder that would take me to Portland, Oregon (the train splits in Spokane with half going to Seattle and half to Portland). I then stayed in Portland for two nights before taking the Coast Starlight on a two night journey to Los Angeles. I stayed in Portland in case the train had major delays, as it ended up we were a half hour early. To get home to Florida I took a cruise that went through the Panama Canal to get from L.A. to Fort Lauderdale.

[@stevepope6095]

Amazing 🤩

[@chloeandludvig]

Oh my goodness, what a journey! And one that I would totally do! That all sounds incredible! ...we plan on doing a Panama Canal cruise next year (perhaps we'll pair it with another train or two while we're at it, hehe).

[@barbarahallowell2613]

That sounds like an epic wonderful journey 😊

[@barbarahallowell2613]

I love the wobbly yoga on a train 😊 Have really enjoyed these 2 videos 😊

[@loverrlee]

That sounds like an amazing journey!

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you SO much for tuning in to watch part two of my journey across America by Amtrak train. Someone in the comments asked if this train was late or ran on time... and I completely forgot to share this in the video! I'm happy to announce, The Lake Shore Limited ran perfectly on schedule!

[@samlucchese8928]

😊

[@narissabond6133]

You are now my favorite channel on train travel. Your personality is so pleasant and you don’t complain about lack of services. You seem to take everything in stride. We could all learn lessons from you in traveling. You seem genuinely happy about your journey. Enjoy!

[@chloeandludvig]

Aw thank you so much Narissa! Appreciate your kind words. I am genuinely happy about everything I get to experience- and to be able to share that with thousands of other like minded people, is the cherry on top!😊

[@neonred7594]

Second this!

[@laredare3819]

Agree! Great comment!

[@daraghmorrissey]

Enjoyed these two videos. I'm from Ireland but moved to the US a few years ago and its on my list to do a train journey across america. The older I get, the less I like air travel and domestic travel in the US is very stressful. Its encouraging to see that the trains look clean and the food is good and that you got some sleep.

[@chloeandludvig]

Aw thanks awesome! Yes train travel is a whole different world, and greta to see that there are so many options and routes in the US! Excited for you to try them out! :D

[@cyndyjohannsen1856]

There is a wonderful book, "USA by Rail", by john Pitt. It tell you a little something interesting about each tow along any of Amtrak's routes, gives you estimated time between towns and includes history of the rail lines. It also includes information about Canadian routes. Love the book. We take it on our many rail journeys.

[@chloeandludvig]

Thanks for sharing! Sounds like a very helpful book to have on your journeys 😀

[@radiodude1976]

I'm a little surprised at the lack of announcements of notable places you passed on this trip. As a near-lifelong resident of Upstate NY and railfan, here are a couple notable items I noticed from your video while crossing Upstate: At the 8:38 and 15:30 marks is Buffalo Central Terminal, the historic train station for Buffalo NY. There is lots of neat historic info on this and I strongly recommend everyone google this to learn about it. At the 15:25 mark is one of the many locks on the Erie Canal as it runs jointly with the Mohawk River from approximately Utica to Waterford, where it empties into the Hudson River. The tracks run almost parallel to this waterway for many miles. Another notable place not shown in this video, the train and river go through a small mountain pass between the Utica and Schenectady stations. This is known as Big Nose/The Noses/Anthony's Nose by locals. It is the official divide between the Catskill and Adirondack Mountains, and the main geographic feature that allowed the Erie Canal to be created.

[@chloeandludvig]

Wow thanks for sharing all of this awesome information! I really wished they had made some fun announcements about what we were passing but I understand this is more of a commuter train, as opposed to my first train - The Cali Zephyr

[@TheMrPeteChannel]

Hopefully BCT can be turned into a station again.

[@radiodude1976]

@TheMrPeteChannel That would be nice, and I do hope it happens long-term. However, I would really like to see it get restored back to a usable state first and foremost.

[@aaronthomas2851]

Jesus, quality from zephyr to the lake shore is drastic. Strange. 😮

[@chloeandludvig]

It was very different. I was quite surprised! Does make me curious about other routes around the country...

[@sethamtrak]

In 2019 Amtrak rolled out "Flex Dining" which is prepared ahead of time and served in a bowl. The western long distance trains (Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, California Zephyr, Southwest Chief, and Sunset Limited) have returned to traditional onboard dining. The Lakeshore Limited is one of the trains that have not returned to fresh cooked meals.

[@mikeymutual5489]

$500 to take out a roomette for one night, as opposed to spending $90 for a coach seat. So over $400 spent for a little more sleep and a micro-meal. That's foolish traveling.

[@chloeandludvig]

It’s fun travelling

[@chloeandludvig]

Ah hah! That would explain the difference in dining - thanks for sharing!

[@jednrrp]

​@mikeymutual5489 I took a coach seat for a 13 hr transit thru california and I wanted to die 😂 that shit is uncomfortable as hell, stinky, sticky, and hostile. I'd never ride amtrak coach again unless it was only a few hours

[@mikeymutual5489]

@@jednrrp Well, I can't speak for your train, but it sounds like the experience you will get on the cross-country trains. However, the Lake Shore Limited is a much nicer train, and you only have one overnight, so the trip goes quickly. There is absolutely no reason to book a sleeper for that journey unless you could get a great price (which you rarely can). A trip in coach from Chicago to NY for under $100 is a great deal.

[@damonmpangborn9829]

I took a round trip Amtrak from New York penn station to Delray Beach in a roomette. It was amazing and I loved every minute. Because of your video I have decided to treat myself for my 50th birthday next year on the exact trip from NYC to San Francisco on a roomette.

[@chloeandludvig]

Ohhh that's amazing!!! I'm so excited for you and glad these videos encouraged you! Enjoy your 50th birthday train trip!!!

[@kbaker96]

Part of the stop in Albany is also switching to an Engine that is duel power. It runs off of diesel until you enter the tunnels in NYC. There it is required to run off of the electric 3rd rail. The Empire service that runs between Buffalo and NYC uses these Engines from end to end so there is no need to change engines in Albany.

[@chloeandludvig]

Oh wow, thanks for the information! That's really interesting!

[@Super_Chief]

I watched the first part of this video too. Both videos were very good. You hit the nail on the head when you guessed that most of the eastern Amtrak routes are indeed just a way of getting from point A to point B. The Amtrak Superliners going cross-country are much more apt to point out sights of interest. I’m not too sure I would jump on the bandwagon about filling up your water bottles on Amtrak though. Even though almost all Amtrak passenger trains utilize both potable and non-potable water systems onboard, it is pretty recognized that fresh water holding tanks on Amtrak are not serviced very often and can be a great place for bacteria. 🤢 I am 65 years old and have been traveling via Amtrak since they have been around in the 1970s. So, if you ever have a question about anything train related, feel free to ask me, I might have an answer for you! 😉

[@bobwickes1380]

I watched your whole journey from Cali to NYC. So well done and your just adorable. Thanks😊

[@chloeandludvig]

Aw thanks Bob!! Yay glad you enjoyed the journey with me!!

[@jenniferblakeney1581]

OMG, your butter cake dessert comes from my hometown - Rehoboth Beach, DE!! That was a surprise to see 😀

[@chloeandludvig]

Oh my gosh, how cool is that? I loved that thing - very tasty!!

[@andrewmastrandonas5123]

Good job Chloe! As an American it's fun seeing a foreigner experience this!

[@chloeandludvig]

Oh that's awesome! Glad you enjoyed the videos! :D

[@jamesmorrison1619]

We did that same trip 3 weeks ago. The only difference was that the Zephyr ran 18 h late! Didn't matter because Amtrak has fantastic customer service and makes everything alright. Fantastic journey AND cheaper than the I-P in Aus...

[@chloeandludvig]

Oh wow! 18 hours!! I was rather surprised that didn't happen to me during the journey - only 2 hours delayed. Great to hear the customer service was awesome though!! ...fun fact, we're going on the Indian Pacific this year ;)

[@FranSalvi-ix5jc]

I took this train to and from the Greenbrier resort in 2013. Then I took this train to and from New York City in 2023. Both were very interesting and good experiences.😊

[@chloeandludvig]

That's awesome! Such a cool way to travel right?

[@usharawle5493]

Hi I enjoy your blog from California to New York I like how you have veggie meals I am a vegetarian so I always appreciate that but OneNote give us what else in the menu for other people to the idea of what's come in the entree appetizer continue to great job 😊😊😊 from Trinidad

[@chloeandludvig]

You are so welcome! Thank you for watching - very cool to hear you are from Trinidad!!

[@alliemcreal]

Seeing the contrast between your experience on the Zephyr vs. Lake Shore made me giggle because I’ve never taken an Amtrak out west, but have traveled on the Lake Shore and Cardinal trains many times, and it’s definitely not luxurious by any stretch of the imagination 😅 the Cardinal is an interesting mix of both commuters and tourists though, so you do get some volunteers that come on board to give a guided tour during parts of the journey, similar to your experience on the Zephyr!

[@chloeandludvig]

Yes I found the contrast super interesting!! It definitely makes me curious about trying other routes around the country! At least I can recommend which to focus on for a 'holiday' experience if tourists ask me haha. Thanks for watching! :)

[@allanmuller3486]

I did the round trip -- this journey in reverse (nyc-sf) then coastal starlight to Seattle, Empire Builder back to Chi, then lakeshore back to NYC -- one night in a hotel in Seattle.

[@chloeandludvig]

This itinerary sounds great!!! I want to do exactly that haha

[@allanmuller3486]

@@chloeandludvig if I did it again, I would take a day or two in SF as well.

[@mtmmac1]

The locomotive change in Albany is due to the prohibition of diesel locomotives in NYP. Usually, the 2 P42s that pulled the train from Chicago, continue onto Boston and they couple a P32 to the New York section. It is still a diesel locomotive, and runs as a Diesel, but also has a third rail shoe to run as an electric only underground in New York.

[@chloeandludvig]

Ahhh super interesting! Thanks for sharing that!

[@trbarton743]

You have allowed me to see a part of the US that I may never see. You have a great style & I enjoyed seeing the contrast between the 2 different Amtrak lines. I’m very familiar with the Zephyr living in San Francisco. Thanks again!!!😀😀😀

[@chloeandludvig]

Yay so happy you enjoyed both parts of my journey! Thanks for watching!😁😁

[@cgertzog]

Loved both videos. Learned a lot plus it is always wonderful to hear impressions of this beautiful country from a “non-native”. I have been to Australia twice and absolutely love your country. Hope to visit again someday but I am working on catching up on the US (particularly the west) on extended car camping trips. Again, well done videos. Fabulous narration and I am now a subscriber!

[@chloeandludvig]

Aw thank you! So glad you enjoyed the videos! Cool to hear you are focusing on travelling your own backyard for now - we did the same during the pandemic. You’ll love our next train journey coming up - we cross Australia by train!!! Welcome to the channel!!😁

[@jeffreycrawley1216]

Not as glamourous as the previous trip from LA to Chicago but loved the opening shots in the station - just like in the 1976 movie The Silver Streak. Can't believe they managed to get the chess board the wrong way around: white on the right (unless you're meant to be playing with somebody sitting outside the window!)

[@chloeandludvig]

Definitely not quite as glamorous, but definitely still a fun experience! It was interesting to compare two very different train rides! Ohh no haha, I don’t know anything about chess but that’s pretty funny 😅

[@kenfreeman8888]

I want to try a version of your yoga-on-a-moving-train exercise. That looked like fun. 🙂

[@chloeandludvig]

Hahaha, you totally should it was a really challenge!

[@user-ug9cq1pr6l]

If I had a lovely travel companion like Chloe I would be happy to act as her guide and travel companion.

[@michaelritchie5303]

I'm hoping that the teaser for your next cross country trip is taking The Ocean from Halifax to Montreal, Via Corridor from Montreal to Toronto and the iconic Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver. I would love to do that trip some day myself. Cheers.

[@chloeandludvig]

Oooo, we definitely do have this journey in our plans over the next year or so. But our next train trip is actually crossing Australia! :D

[@janiefalzon7670]

Amtrak is a awesome way to travel I went from Newport News to San Jose California with my parents and they would ride the Amtrak every year for 25 years now they're riding the train in the sky together❤

[@chloeandludvig]

Aw thats gorgeous- lovely to hear.

[@JudeAussie]

Really enjoying your train travel vlogs Chloé. You’re always so positive. I first discovered your channel when you reviewed the NSW XPT. Even that was a positive experience for you lol. Enjoy your travels 👍❤️🇦🇺

[@chloeandludvig]

Aw thanks you Jude!! What a lovely comment. That's awesome to hear you enjoyed our Aussie train too hehe! That was also a lot of fun. Thanks for appreciating the positivity ;)

[@kathyadams3366]

My husband and I did round trip from Chicago to LA on the Southwest Chief, we had a bedroom and loved it. It was one of my favorite trips ever! It’s a great way to travel if you have the time, you see so many things you can’t see from a car or the air! We plan on taking the Zephyr on our next trip cross country.

[@chloeandludvig]

How awesome!! I'd love to try a bedroom next time! Thanks for watching :)

[@whoviating]

I have ridden the Zephyr and the Lake Shore Limited multiples times each. And next week I'm headed out again: LSL, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, Zephyr, and LSL. It's a special trip in memory of my wife, who I introduced to long-distance train travel and who, I think, loved it even more than I do. We could hardly get back from one trip before she was asking when we could go again. :-) So nobody bother me with grouses about Amtrak (perpetually underfunded as there are those in Congress who have tried to kill it off since it started) or tales of woe and problems because whatever it is, I've likely been there, done that, probably more than once.

[@chloeandludvig]

That's wonderful to hear you are recreating a trip you took with your wife. She sounds awesome! I am the same with my fiancé Ludvig... introducing him to train travel, even though he doesn't like it much....yet! Hehe. Have an amazing time!!!

[@whoviating]

@@chloeandludvig Thanks! That was one of several trip routes. I think the only major lines we didn't get to were the City of New Orleans and the Crescent. We even did the Sunset Limited pre-Katrina from LA all the way to Jacksonville. As for "awesome," yes, indeed. And more.

[@Leaf13]

Just discovered you. Love your content and your personality!

[@kkyles605]

I have always wanted to do this trip. Thank you for showing the details. I'm taking notes!

[@bobmonk6390]

This spectacular video done by a beautiful lady!

[@chloeandludvig]

Aw thank you so much!

[@malissahenkels6495]

This is on my bucket list. Thank you so much for this informative and fun video.

[@chloeandludvig]

Yay! I hope you get to do it one day! Thanks for watching 😄

[@Tavieme]

California girl here and I must say that after living on the East Coast for almost 10 years I do not miss the angry for nothing people that exist out there and I’m happy to be back in laid back California lol❤❤

[@chloeandludvig]

Oh really? Are there a lot of angry people about? ( like perhaps some of the staff on board the train I'm guessing haha)

[@zombiTrout]

@@chloeandludvigIt’s the weather. The thought of getting 5 feet of snow will put anyone into a rage…

[@adamlawrence4690]

Worth the wait! Excellent and thanks again for sharing what looks like a wonderful experience 🎉👍🇦🇺

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you so much Adam! 😁 appreciate it!

[@wearethelarosas6395]

I took this train with my Mom after HS graduation from Chicago to see NYC together! It was a great time (glad to see there is still a personal toilet in each roomette 👍 as I noticed their absence on the Zepher) but it sounds like your time schedule was better than ours - we were delayed by freight trains and the tracks weren’t in as good of shape as they are in now so there are advantages to the slowdown in industrial usage! Loved riding along with you! 🚊 Glad you had fun! 🤗

[@MelbourneFlyer]

Another great video, another great train!

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you so much!

[@Catrianna07]

I think the amount of commentary from the first to second train is also the attitude of the west and east coast. I mean that in the nicest way 🖤

[@chloeandludvig]

Ahhh, I see - a few people have hinted this ;)

[@bettierusso5410]

LOVE IT! ---NEWBIE here to your channel and I have a cute story of my long train ride. The Coast Starlight "party" train (as it is fondly called here in the US) goes up and down the West Coast and is STUNNING too! I live in Washington State and was going to San Diego California for a friend's graduation. It was a beautiful sunny summer trip on the Pacific Ocean, Calif. Red Wood Forest, and The wonderful Sierra and we all got to know each other on that train pretty quickly. I noticed 4 young guys on the seats next to me. We started talking and they told me they were the stunt doubles in a current movie at the time called " Young Guns" & "Young Guns II". We all wanted to see a train robbery, and the guys said they would be happy to if they would let them. The Conductor of the train agreed to it after a gun check to be sure they used proper "blanks". We pulled into the Sierras to see Mt. Shasta and beautiful could not begin to cover it. All of a sudden, the doors flew open, and cowboys brandishing guns were yelling " This is a stick-up. As long as you do what we say, nobody gets hurt. Give us your money, purses, and jewelry!!! " WOW! The train screeched to a halt! There were two more cowboys breaking into the train from outside and " going to blow up the Pinkerton Wells Fargo Safe!" We were deep into the mountains and no sign of any buildings or towns...felt like time travel! Most memorable train trip I have ever been on. Now I am older and have to live vicariously through your youth and love of trains too. Thanks, Be Safe, and have FUN! Oh, and .. Welcome to the USA !

[@stevesteffen7001]

Well this one was as good as the first one you did. Enjoyed it so much I subscribed. Thanks for the video.

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you Steve, really happy to hear you liked this one too! 😁

[@downtubecrank103]

My wife, my youngest son and I crafted and adventure using planes trains and auto. We flew into Spokane WA. boarded the Empire Builder headed East. We exited at Essex MT (ESM) and spent a week inside Glacier NP hiking and generally enjoying ourselves. Of course we used a rental auto to get around Glacier and dropped it off at East Glacier Park (GPK) boarded the Empire Builder again headed East. We traveled on the Empire Builder overnight to St. Paul MN (MSP), used the metro to visit the mall of America then metroed to the Minneapolis (MSP) airport home. Many great memories to behold indeed. Thanks for sharing your experience with us all. I love train travel. My wife and son not so much.

[@chloeandludvig]

That sounds like an incredible adventure! What a great itinerary! hahaha, love at the end, you enjoyed the train, not so much for your wife and son... it's definitely an acquired taste ;)

[@SuperDave30]

Another amazing Amtrak train ride! I definitely love it awesome video! 😊

[@chloeandludvig]

Woohoo, thanks Dave!! :D

[@larkhughes9740]

I've traveled to Chicago from Arizona several times on the Texas Eagle. Loved it. Although my favorite was the California Zephyr from Chicago to Los Angeles then on the Starlight to Anaheim, California. I don't know if it still goes to Los Angeles though as I haven't been on the Zephyr in over 20 years. I love traveling on the train by myself. Very relaxing and it's part of my self care. Love your video. You are funny and relatable. Happy travels!❤

[@chloeandludvig]

Thanks so much for watching!! So happy you enjoyed the vids! How good is train travel? Very much agree about the self care aspect! I can't wait to tick off the Coast Starlight!

[@djsnoopy4804]

the butter cake is good lol

[@adventureswithuncledave]

Always great videos, love the commentary and content, congrats for breaking the 3K subscriber mark, looking forward to more!!

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you so much! It's very exciting to surpass 3k! Thanks for being our number one fan hahaha ;)

[@Olbear040]

love this your so much fun

[@chloeandludvig]

Thanks so much! :D

[@juliejarrett4508]

That was so fun! Thanks! 😊

[@chloeandludvig]

Yay thanks Julie!!☺️☺️

[@veeemit9719]

Your trip was very informative-thank you

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you!! :D

[@kilokortez]

Thank you gor for sharing what seemed like an unforgettable experience ❤

[@chloeandludvig]

Thanks for watching! :D

[@stevepope6095]

Amazing

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you!😃

[@doublepanthers3088]

Thank you so much for the two Amtrak adventure videos, Chloé. This summer I will be doing a giant loop covering much of the United States on the Empire Builder, Southwest Chief and then the Coast Starlight. Your videos have managed to make me even more excited for my trip, which I would have not thought possible. 😅 Enjoy your journeys!

[@chloeandludvig]

Oh that’s so exciting for you!!! This is a route I’d love to try myself one day! So happy to hear the videos have gotten you even more excited - my job is done!☺️

[@mistermow]

Thanks for the Rochester shout out!

[@chloeandludvig]

Haha you're welcome!! Wasn't there for long but it was fun to see it out the window!

[@fliesonthewall-avirtuosoparty]

What an experience!

[@chloeandludvig]

It was incredible! :)

[@lwk4229]

Many years ago, I picked it up in Albany to visit my midwestern family. Lovely video, thanks

[@chloeandludvig]

Awesome! Thanks heaps for watching :D

[@dianeschmeling6917]

Thank you so much. This is the first video I've seem of yours and found it very interesting with lots of info. Many years ago I took amtrk from Wisconsin to Oregon on the Empire Builder. It took about 2-1/2 days. The scenery was mostly beautiful.

[@chloeandludvig]

Aw your so welcome - thanks for watching! 😃 yes, the scenery is just beautiful!

[@a.alonso2457]

I enjoyed this video as well as Part 1. You really do an amazing job informing us about train travel. Have a great time in NY !!!!

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you so much! :D

[@mikejt1966]

I have done the California Zephyr from Chicago to Reno. I have done the Southwest Chief twice from Chicago to Kingman Arizona. I then boarded a shuttle van to Las Vegas. I had fun on all these journeys. I also have done the Capitol limited and Cardinal from Washington DC to Chicago. Those were part of my journeys to get to the Zephyr and Southwest Chief. I love the videos and agree the ride on Amtrak is very interesting.

[@chloeandludvig]

Wow, you've ticked off quite a few! Love hearing all of the different routes people have taken, thanks for sharing & watching the vids! :D

[@brianog5267]

Wow… you are great! I’m from Albany and take the train to Nyc regularly…. You are a breath of fresh air with your enthusiasm !

[@chloeandludvig]

Aw thank you Brian! Appreciate it! :D

[@pelzbad1085]

New to the channel, love the commentary and review. officially a subscriber and a fan

[@chloeandludvig]

Yay that’s so awesome! Welcome to the channel🥳🎉🥳

[@andrelayton4750]

Loved the video

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you :D

[@gaelsweeney1903]

Nice to see a glance of Syracuse, my stop!

[@saltsucker]

Love this part 2 travel too 💕❤️🐾

[@chloeandludvig]

Glad you enjoyed both parts!

[@saltsucker]

@@chloeandludvig yep do more videos buddy 💕🐾

[@washburnb1]

Good honest review ....

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you!!

[@alexgranados8719]

I saw the first part and I got hooked in following your journey across the California train and this one as well. It would be cool if you can can visit the recently opened (and highly controversial) Mayan Train in the Yucatan peninsula as well as the Interoceanic Mexican train that will try to compete with the Panama Canal but it will connect with the Mayan Train in the Palenque station.

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you for watching! So happy you enjoyed both parts of the journey! Cheers for the train suggestions! I had started researching them and perhaps will pop them on my train list :D

[@greekgeek8672]

I like the commentary on this channel. Chloe's narration is very interesting and insightful without becoming condescending. Also, I like her vibe, like an Aussie version of Samantha Brown. 👍👍 New subscriber here. Keep it coming. 💕💕💕

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank You! I had to search Samantha Brown, love her videos! Glad you enjoy the content and welcome to the channel!! :D

[@cantwheelie525]

Great video. I need to take this train.

[@chloeandludvig]

Thanks for watching! You so should!

[@user-bb2eb7xf4r]

Yes I have done the Zephar twice and the Empire Builder once. Love it all

[@chloeandludvig]

Amazing!! How fun 🤩

[@trendingwwwandw]

evjoyed viewing your "Chicago to New York by Sleeper Train" very interesting watching and so much information being shared !! NEW Subscriber 👍

[@chloeandludvig]

Thanks so much for watching - glad you enjoyed! Welcome :D

[@stphinkle]

I heard that the Amtrak California Zephyr shares tracks with the freight train companies Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and Union Pacific (UP).

[@Greatdome99]

Except for the Northeast Corridor (Boston-Wash DC) all Amtrak trains operate on private RRs though with their own operating crews. Passenger trains have always had the right of way over freights (it's a Federal law) but unfortunately that's not always the case when operating on single track/occasional passing tracks.

[@aRVeesBlog]

wow very nice experience friend

[@chloeandludvig]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelbimonte9112]

nicely done both episodes pleasant young lady

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you!😀

[@dirtroadsandwoodstoves]

Great vids.

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you!!

[@kathyhenley3046]

Your trip across the USA was fun to watch. You are now my fave moderator.

[@chloeandludvig]

Aw thank you so much haha that's lovely to read!!

[@W0ENX]

Absolutely appreciated the yoga effort. One doesn't often think of yoga has a contact sport. lol

[@chloeandludvig]

Bahah thank you! It was definitely a great workout!

[@handerman1]

you are a charming and inviting train guide. Thank you.

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you!☺️

[@RichardinNC1]

I have done the Crescent. The route is from New Orleans Louisiana to New York City but I started in Charlotte North Carolina. It was enjoyable and in 2019, still with full service dining. It takes you through many rural areas in the south before heading through many large cities along the east coast.

[@chloeandludvig]

Oo that it one I would loooove to do! We’re super excited to see New Orleans! With full service dining though hopefully hehe

[@jf0817bl]

I have watched many amtrak videos and I really like yours so much -- so fun and enjoyable. I have done most of the long haul trains. Most do not have the conductors commenting on the sites. The trains east of Chicago are less nice, less friendly, have less service, and are overall just not as pleasant. (I do like the toilet in the room however). But, for me, all are enjoyable. Like you, I love the scenic parts, but LOVE the small towns. The empire builder is my fave. Thanks for your videos. I look forward to more.

[@chloeandludvig]

Yay!! That is lovely to hear, glad you enjoyed the videos! How great are all of the little towns!? Quite a few people have commented that the East trains are not as nice - but I'm still determined to try as many as I can! Thanks for sharing :)

[@RobustArid379]

You are so happy. That makes it count

[@chloeandludvig]

Hehe, I truly truly am.

[@alankinsella2948]

In 2013 I rode through Coast Starlight from Sacramento to Portland Oregon. They had wine and cheese tasting ( not free but reasonably priced). That was impressive. Nice narration of your trip.

[@chloeandludvig]

Oh wow that's a fun addition!! I would've loved that on my train haha. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed!

[@kirstylouisebetts]

Thank you for this video! I am from the UK and a big fan of Amtrak. I took Amtrak all the way down west coast (Seattle to Los Angeles) after hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (Mexico to Canada) and was so surreal to be travelling back down in the opposite direction by train. I stayed in the budget seats but was very great full for the observation deck and cafe lounge as alternative seating options. I paid $90 for my trip and it was totally worth it.

[@chloeandludvig]

Ugh that's incredible!!! I've always been curious about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail! I bet it was a truly magical experience. And to take the journey on the train in the opposite direction would have been so interesting!! Thanks for watching :D

[@nancyjones9238]

In 1985 took the Texas Eagle to LA, then the Coast Starlight to Oakland. Loved it, must try.

[@chloeandludvig]

Awesome! That's would've been so much fun I bet!

[@MrBoxer1200]

Yes I have, Bos to Alb,..., To Chicago, 6 hour layover in chi town, and on to The Texas express,, great experience for me, thanks for your videos.

[@chloeandludvig]

Oh thats awesome!! What an adventure for you! Thanks for watching :)

[@tedzehnder961]

Glad you had a nice time, your down under accent is charming.

[@chloeandludvig]

Why thank you! I cringe at my accent haha

[@syrax101]

Nice vid! I did a similar journey but I took the Empire Builder… I think that’s number two most scenic route in America (Coastal Starlight is great too).

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you! Ahhhh you’re about the tenth person to mention the empire builder . I’m going to have to try that one next I think!

[@scrappytracy5557]

It was fun to watch both parts. I have done the CZ, but not the Lakeshore Limited. I have heard mixed things about the LL, so not super keen to try it. I will be doing part of the Southwest Chief route in early 2024 - cannot wait for that experience!

[@chloeandludvig]

That’s awesome! I’m so excited for you! Yes the lakeshore was definitely not as nice… made me appreciate everything on the zephyr though!!

[@jesseworrell9853]

15:48 on many trains, volunteer docents ride in the observation car and point out passing scenery. The Zephyr is particularly known for this. The Lakeshore, not so much.

Very nice video hello 💯👍✅🙋🏻‍♀️💯

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you!

[@robadams5799]

I took the Lake Shore Limited from Chicago to Rochester, New York in the 90s, and again from Chicago to Framingham, Massachusetts. It was a lot of fun for me even though I traveled alone and didn't get a sleeper car because I love trains that much. You see so much more traveling by train than you do on an airplane. I recommend it.

[@carolinecromwell2280]

I used to take Amtrak all the time when I was living in New Jersey and New York, because I could get a train that went all the way back to my hometown (although it took 9 hours) in Virginia. I think the Lake Shore Limited is probably a lot like the one I would take, where it's mostly locally people traveling around, rather than tourists, hence why there might not be as much narration. I used to love the long train journey, because the views were great and I could read lots of books!

[@chloeandludvig]

Oh that's awesome - what a great way to travel home! And yes, I did notice it was a lot more 'low key' on my second train. Still a fun experience though!

[@eartraffic]

back in the 60s, when I was a kid... 8, 10, etc... we used to take the train from NYC to Chicago or St Louis every year. A few time we took the train out to LA from NYC. Of course we had to switch from the NY Central or Penn RR train out of NY, to the Sante Fe line in Kansas City, Chicago or St Louis. Dad was afraid to fly, so all our early travel was by train. Sadly a robbery that occurred, took all my saved Railroad memorabilia along with so much other stuff. Still have tne memories though :)

[@sswan9689]

I had one of those buttercakes on my trip from Miami back up to NC, Lol!! I was also in a roommette overnight.

[@chloeandludvig]

Those butter cakes are delish!

[@johnburke1317]

Nice video

[@chloeandludvig]

Thank you!

[@Erica_Brenda]

I'm going to guess Cannada for your next cross country train trip. It is beautiful and very scenic and a nice long trip.

[@chloeandludvig]

Hehe, great guess! That's not our 'next' one, but we do plan to ride that train next year!! *watch this space* ;)

[@instadc]

This video (and your California Zephyr video) were really enjoyable! I do love crossing the US on Amtrak, and I'm thrilled that you enjoyed your experience. I have family on the opposite side of the country, and when I get the time / money, I would much rather spend 3 days in an Amtrak roomette instead of 6 hours crammed into an airline seat. In fact, I'm going round-trip on Amtrak next March and I *can't wait*! One tip for you: if on a future trip, you find yourself on one of the Viewliner cars (like on the Lake Shore Limited), ask the attendant to make up the upper bunk instead of the lower bunk. The top bunk, when lowered, aligns perfectly with the window, so you can lay in bed and look out at the scenery rushing by. You can also leave the seats set up as seats, so you can climb up top when you're ready for bed, climb down when you wake, and have coffee in your room in your seats even before the attendant comes to make up your room. You can also raise the bed and lower the bed really easily, so you can have a nap whenever you like! The Superliner (on the Zephyr), being a bi-level car, has no upper window, and the top bunk is pretty claustrophobic-best avoided.

[@chloeandludvig]

I totally agree! If I lived in the states, I think I too, would choose to spend 3 days crossing the country on a train over flying. It really is such a fun experience. And thank you for the tip! Thats actually a great idea - new ttime for sure ;)

[@kennethmccann6402]

I've travelling on Amtrak train even before Amtrak became nationwide (formerly individual railroad passengers companies became no longer confused with many transfers) for over 55 years. I hopped once or twice a year acrossing any part of USA as I love it and no matter if the train is delays or on time because train travellings are blasting with wonderful socially different people from all over the places and a beauty by looking views passing different areas too. And I'm using mostly sleeper car that is including no extra cost eating in dining car is the best! And their real foods are great! Able to walk entire each cars or standing out of train car on platform if stop for 10 or more minutes (don't wonder away from platform then the train will left by catch up on schedule or be on-time a minute or two before). While monitoring the completely refueling in locomotives, done by exchanging suitcases in baggage car, finishing filling up water each car and less passengers hopping in or hopping out will be leaving early as a schedule. I used took Southern Pacific (SP) Peninsula Commuter trains for years. SP ran between San Francisco and San Jose, now called Caltrain extended to Gilroy (south of San Jose). For you guys are taking a short trip on any long distance Amtrak to see if you like the train before taking longer trip. Also, check train status (keeping repeating if a train is catch up) for the arrival to save your waiting. Enjoy!

[@chloeandludvig]

Thanks Kenneth or sharing your experience and al of this great information! That's fantastic you are able to / did travel by train so often! We would love to schedule some more train trips of our own the USA - it was a very unique way to see the sights!

[@josephjuno9555]

I enjoy traveling by train +or Tour Bus so i xan enjoy the scenery and not have the hassle of driving. Trains go thru such spectacular areas instead of go to towns as roads do. You shud explore Alaska by Train? Truely Incredible!

[@nataliemkennedy_aboutthebooks]

Yes twice a year I go round trip from Tampa to Philadelphia. Different experience every time. I like the toliet in the room. Meaning I do not have to go far in the middle of the night

[@chloeandludvig]

Oh wow, twice a year! How cool. Hehe, yes the toilet next to the bed was very handy indeed!!

[@davidcannamela]

We live and cruise full time on a sailboat so I use the Amtrak all the time. We have a car we leave in daytona, new bern and NY so I go pick it up each time by Amtrak.I’m not a fan of getting through airports so train it is!! I love it.

[@chloeandludvig]

Oh wow! That’s epic! And yes, I can imagine the train would be a lot less stressful / time consuming than airports. Plus trains are so much fun 🤩