Trip Report: New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA on Amtrak!

[@cunningpal]

Very nice video, and a relief from those of some other traveling video makers, who give a super fast, non-stop, barely comprehensible verbal narrative of their experience. Yours was quieter and more sensible. I'm hoping to watch more of them.

[@coast_to_coast_photos]

Much appreciated! I have a bit of a speech impediment as well so narrating the whole story would be much harder for me to do, thus explaining my way of presenting the journey.

[@scottdowney4865]

I think it's neat that the Southbound Crescent is train #19 and is (was) being led by locomotive #19. Been riding the Crescent Alexandria, VA, to Atlanta since I was a little kid. I was 13 first time I went by myself. Dad worked for Southern Rail.

[@coast_to_coast_photos]

Yep, I noticed that too lol

[@spawnsmama]

This was awesome! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@downhillking2]

Very nice ride, I appreciate you taking us along. Great photos, especially of loco 200 which looked new.

[@relyhgg]

My very first trip on an AM TRACK, Sure is a very energy demanding ride. With my 91 years behind me it sure was some ride , Fully enjoyed ALL OF IT .😎

[@JP-vk9iq]

Well done. I enjoyed the “Simply Railway” style. Keep up the good work.

[@coast_to_coast_photos]

Appreciate it! And as a matter of fact, Simply Railway was actually my inspiration for this.

[@talltrucker2682]

Awesome video… I’m from The Bayous of Louisiana so I definitely enjoyed hearing the Jazz Music as you were boarding in NAWLINS 😂 And the view of The Sabine as you were crossing into Texas 👍🏼

[@meachy]

Looks like an amazing experience. Can't wait to try it someday.

[@sammy7068]

verynice ty for sharing youir trip with us

[@MidnightOracle8]

❤ great photography 😊

[@joemeyers3127]

Thanks for sharing your journey!

[@theresamurphy6554]

I'm doing this same trip coming summer looking into all u guys video bec I'm so so nervous!

[@arielitoenriquetapia-qt6dc]

Awesome Video Made My Day

[@patriciabreckenridge4248]

Watching these videos to view amicably. Amtrak is my travel mainstay, giving a Beacon of hope. And a light at the end of the tunnel. Soo scenic and simply irresistible nonstop. One day, will be sheer essence unbelievably unimaginable, to finally be accommodated. Those beautiful high diesel engines, the cab, and the prestigious men of this world, who grace their format inside for the Amtrak journey. Self respect to their colleagues at every travel stop,duration of pk up and drop off point. On cue timely too, no matter what. They're very attentive to their superiors, upon the designated tasks given. I just love it immensely! Smile. KUDOS! A 5-Star, Blue Ribbon, and a Plaque, they'll get from me. Most definitely so! I, as one of your loyal viewers, wish to extend my blessings, hope, faith, and charity, with humble continuity. Be safe! BRAVO!! KUDOS!! CHEERS!! LIVE! LAUGH! LOVE! My prayers always for your traveling passengers, as yourselves. Smile. Courage & faith within, because everyone has families, spouses. I embrace you daily for your goodness. To do the public as you've done, there's exceptional empathy, humility, and the capacity of compassion. Tk cr!

[@Whatamidoinghere262]

Great video! I’ve taken the Zephyr and the Capitol so far but the Sunset is hopefully next.

[@antoniocuevas7051]

👌

[@ToABrighterFuture]

And unlike in that one famous play turned movie, nowadays the Cemeteries line goes right to the train station in New Orleans.

[@mmanisr22]

Nice video. I did the same thing in 2021 tho my Sunset was 4 1/2 hours late coming into L.A it was a fun ride. Doing something similar in May NY to Seattle doing the Lake Sore Limited and the Empire Builder

[@RichardinNC1]

Nice video. I took the Crescent from Charlotte to NYC. Fortunately it was 2019, pre-pandemic and I got 2 full service meals. The downside being a late night departure. At least it was a roomette and the bed was ready.

[@ronclark9724]

Unfortunately many of the stations along the way occur during the night when most of us sleep... Amtrak could add another service several hours apart though on every long distance overnight route, but to do so would require to double the number of trains and staff...

[@jacobitzkowitz5294]

great video

[@EnglishwithBB]

I pretty much did the same trip but in the opposite direction, getting off at Washington D.C., before doing the NE Corridor to New York in a regular train. What I liked most was definitely the desert parts of New Mexico and Texas and would gladly do it again. I did it in 2018 on a US Rail Pass and the "flexible dining' had just been introduced on the Lake Shore Limited and I agree that it was such a disappointment. Fortunately for me, it was the only time as every other train at that time(California Zephyr and Coast Starlight) had Traditional Dining, which was great!

[@kimberlynewton4181]

16:46 When you had to change trains for the one day layover in New Orleans, was the motel costly? Im thinking of taking this same trip but did not know there was a whole day layover.

[@kevinhoward9593]

i once went PHL-NYP-CHI-LAX-SEA-CHI-WAS-PHL one year. took two weeks. i had a blast. there is a video on my channel of it..

[@ronclark9724]

While I have not done the circle around the entire continental USA, that is still on my bucket list. However, I have done the two small circles using the City of New Orleans in the middle.

[@richcunibertti3872]

I rode the California Zephyr round trip from Chicago to Emeryville I had a regular bedroom with my own bathroom it was such a amazing trip traveling across country on Amtrak prices for everything are very expensive but well worth it for a trip of a lifetime

[@ronclark9724]

Sleeper accommodations are expensive compared to European sleeper accommodations, most of which are couchettes, but the Europeans at best serve a continental breakfast of a pastry, not a full breakfast or a breakfast egg sandwich. The Europeans don't even offer a hard boiled egg... Amtrak charges on average around $30 per diner meal with your sleeper accommodation, you can dine at Dennys for half that price... And for what Amtrak charges, we the passengers demand better food than what flexible dining is...

[@97nelsn]

24:22 That looks more delicious than “Flexible Dining”, including the cake. Amtrak needs to bring back traditional dining on the Crescent and Lake Shore Limited.

[@catholiccrusader5328]

They won't since they can save money on the cheap.

[@ronclark9724]

As well as the Texas Eagle and Capitol Limited and the Cardinal... Long distance overnight trains SHOULD have a diner serving traditional dining considering how much Amtrak charges for these diner meals... The diner SHOULD also be available for coach passengers as well, even if Amtrak has to hire a fourth employee for the diner...

[@phasetech]

How long was the trip altogether? I may have missed it. But considering on doing the same thing as I am against flying.

[@sue4129]

Nice comments. I think our trains are wonderful and one of the best forms of travel in the United States to be able to see the country! They are usually quiet, non stressful, and a pleasant way to meet people who are also pleasant!

[@philipgrice1026]

Compared to the long distance trains in other countries they are not very quiet, they are very slow and quaint in a 1960s kind of way. Pleasant, as long as you are patient and in no rush. The food is poor.

[@divox9pqr]

Yours was a fabulous trip with two great trains. I am planning a similar trip where I will start with the Crescent to the Sunset Ltd to the Coast Starlight to the Cascade to VIA Rail to The Maple Leaf back to New York. ….about 2 months of riding the rails, mostly with sleeper class. Just curious..where did you stay in New Orleans?

[@coast_to_coast_photos]

Whenever I’m in New Orleans, I stay at the Holiday Inn Express located just a few blocks away from the Union Passenger Terminal. Relatively affordable, comfortable to stay in and a place I highly recommend.

[@ronclark9724]

The Hyatt Regency is also a few blocks away within walking distance, and I am a senior citizen....

[@Hispandinavian]

Amtrak is not too bad until you get past Chicago. Them get ready for one delay after another. It's better than Greyhound, and a great way to explore the continental US. Out west the scenery is amazing.

[@jamesthorne8488]

Great report!! Please help me out: I'm planning a Amtrak trip to New Orleans and need to know a hotel to stay at that is close to the train station and maybe not too far from the French Quarter. Where did you stay in New Orleans & did you like the accommodations? Any New Orleans info you can give me is appreciated!

[@ronclark9724]

There is a Hyatt Regency two blocks north of the New Orleans Amtrak train station... Even in my senior years I can walk that far... I slept well there with my layover...

[@drsysop]

Good idea to bring a scanner with you so you can listen to the conductor. -Cheers!

[@ronclark9724]

It isn't necessary to enjoy the train journey... I usually am able to read a paperback book though...

[@catholiccrusader5328]

Last time I rode a train the damn conductor wanted to fight me. The only seat left vacant on his train had his open bag on the seat. I never looked at his f****** bag and the b****** wanted to throw down. Haven't been on a train since. Glad you got to LA. I live in Chicago. I'm a new subscriber!

[@ronclark9724]

Never, ever argue with the conductor. He is the king or queen, judge, and jury on the train... Every conductor needs a table to do their paperwork and they usually claim one either in the diner or in the cafe/lounge car... None of these trains have a desk for the conductor anywhere in the world... Anywhere in the world...

[@catholiccrusader5328]

@@ronclark9724 thanks Ron, I'll remember that.

[@azuma892]

I came from your comment on AugustTheDuck lol.

[@SEKunkle]

I could easily be mistaken as I only saw your roomette briefly but, it looked as if you traded much better food for a slightly smaller room once you changed trains in New Orleans. Did the Sunset Limited room include a sink and toilet? Really enjoyed the video either way.

[@coast_to_coast_photos]

That one did not but it was no big deal to me because the Superliner has several bathrooms in the upstairs and downstairs hallways.

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

no Sunset Limited is a superliner with 2 floors and suppose to have an observation car and dinning car but for some reason you either did not go in the observation car or it was missing on that train maybe for repairs. Everybody can access the observation car and this are the train that have them most of the way and some all the way: Empire Builder, Coast Starlight (sometimes it has 2 once reserved only for buisness class people), Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle, Southwest Cheif,, Zephry, The City of New Orleans, and the Auto train.

[@coast_to_coast_photos]

@@chrisdobrowolski2783this one lacked a sightseer lounge, likely due to repair needs as you mentioned. I was alright with it though as I preferred my own space in the roomette.

[@waynecote31]

Nice Job , Explaining, Showing, but to promote Amtrak,, I don't know about that,, You should have at least gotten a discount. FOOD LOOKED NICE, AND YOU NEVER MISSED A MEAL, CONGRATULATION ..😀

[@ronclark9724]

I agree considering how much Amtrak charges for the meals from the diner, traditional dining is a must for all trains with a diner. Flexible dining is a slap to our face charging $30 average for each meal for breakfast, lunch, and dinner... When the former Delta Airlines CEO was president of Amtrak a few years ago during the first few months of the pandemic when passenger traffic dropped 80 percent, he showed Amtrak how to serve food to passengers the airline way, with pre-prepared frozen food heated up in the cafe's microwave. Furloughed three diner jobs significanlty cutting payroll. Now that the pandemic is over, and passengers have returned to pre-pandemic levels, flexible dining should be axed from every long distance train with a diner. Or reduce ticket prices to reflect they are not serving $30 meals one might argue traditional dining is worth... 😞

[@patriciabreckenridge4248]

I totally agree , it's soo pleasurable to embark upon, a treasured commemorable trip as this one. Smile. I'm completely in awe of it, due to the fact of being a bonafide, Amtrak buff. Approaching my soon to be age, of 75 yrs old. KUDOS!! I'm truly blessed and very thankful to the most High. Smile. Although I'm still currently watching all the videos, provided so consistently. Awaiting the special time and moment, to actually board an Amtrak, long distance train. Actually experiencing everything from the paid, amenities of a hotel on wheels. It's soo exhilarating to encounter the great, possibilities of real rail travel at its best. Smile. I'm impressed already, to anticipate a dream come true. Glad for the nostalgia period, in which I was able to, enjoy the comforts of the early bygone era. 50's 60's 70's mark, all throughout. By the historic railroad system, of Amtrak itself, Pennsylvania Railroad, along with the NEW/YORK/NEW HAVEN/HARTFORD RAILROAD, back then. In its full entirety, no skimping off the course of travel. Amtrak today, is in the winners circle. Monumental as ever, Regal in every sense of the word. Engineering ethics of the crew themselves, soo dilgent, civil., conscientious always

[@66kprdwd]

What make and model of scanner you’re using?

[@coast_to_coast_photos]

That’s a Baofeng UV-5R

[@romeojames89]

Where did you buy the scanner I want one too 👍🥳🥳

[@ronclark9724]

Why? Frankly I would rather have USB ports and a working WIFI on the long distance overnight sleeper trains... If cruise ships and ferries can offer a working WIFI, Amtrak can and SHOULD to...

[@hedgemist691]

That 'design' on the table in your roomette was a chess board.

[@coast_to_coast_photos]

Yep, I realized that as soon as I said it in the video but didn’t get around to putting a correction in the caption.

[@ronclark9724]

Or a checker board... A great way to pass the time riding on Amtrak. Bring a box of checkers or a chess set...

[@glorgau]

On time departure!

[@stephenkeever6029]

Nicely done! What is your ducks name?

[@coast_to_coast_photos]

Appreciate it! As for the plush wood duck, he doesn’t actually have a name and is just a good luck charm I bring with me on my travels.

[@coast_to_coast_photos]

Update: the duck has a name! I call him Drake

[@regisbrooks8064]

Where u get your scanner for the railroad.

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

Actually coach passengers can asscess the metropolitan for a fee which is $25 but in New York $50 I think. Also soon on traditional dinning coach passengers will be able to purchase ddinning in the dinning car while supplies last, I think it is $25 for breakfast, $35 for lunch, and $45 ffor dinner..

[@ronclark9724]

Revealing why the former Delta Airline CEO when he was Amtrak's president showed Amtrak how to offer airline style pre-prepared food of flexible dining... Very, very few coach passengers were willing to splurge that much for diner meals, and chose to buy a snack or sandwich at the cafe/lounge instead. Frankly, most sleeper passengers wouldn't either without being charged for the diner meals with their sleeper ticket fare. But as you noted above, the flexible dining crap isn't worth that much... I serve my dog better food...

[@SternenruferinPatchouli1]

the Steak....gimme!

[@ronclark9724]

Unfortunately as a diabetic I find most of Amtrak's food uneatable. The protein and rabbit food vegetables I can eat, but the starch of potatoes, rice, noodles, and bread NOT. Just to stop from being hungry I bring aboard either a can, jar, or a big bag of nuts, whether peanuts, almonds, or pecans.

[@squalli1297]

Nice video!! I've been riding trains since the '50's & have seen many changes. I've booked a trip on Amtrak's Sunset Ltd. & Crescent during the '80's when a transcontinental sleeper car was offered between L.A. & NYC. It was great not having to worry about transferring in New Orleans. Passengers with 1st class tickets could sleep onboard in the Big Easy while the crew made switches within the station. Sadly this service was eliminated during the late '80's. It would be interesting to find out if their new Viewliner dining cars have the equipment to cook meals like what's offered in Superliners. Railroads have always claimed they've lost money with dining cars.

[@ronclark9724]

While many advocate for the return of the Pioneer and Desert Wind, and some advocate for the Floridian, I desire the return of the former Burlington Texas Zephyr running from Denver to Houston thru Colorado Springs, Amarillo, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Along with the Pioneer the two trains would provide a SE to NW directional long distance train without having to go completely out of the way thru Chicago...

[@rajulshah1357]

Excellent video and good info. I would like to make this trip. I am vegetarian and want to know, before I call Amtrak, if anybody has any experience about the veg meals on these trains. Always w ayes to make this trip and now it’s my chance at 75 years 😂😂😂😂!!

[@sgt.eclair]

There's at least 1 vegetarian option for every meal in the dining car

[@ronclark9724]

Unfortunately, us diabetics have to not eat all of that starch with every meal. If I didn't bring some nuts aboard, I would starve...

[@ekichannelworld2239]

It would be fun to travel on Amtrak. In Japan, it is basically not possible to travel by train for several days.

[@phskin]

Any idea what a second passenger/roommate would cost.

[@ronclark9724]

Amtrak charges sleeper accommodations in this manner. For one person the sleeper accommodation, roomettes usually around half the price of a standard bedroom cabin, and for the number of meals. A second person add a coach seat fare plus the second person's meals... Notice the second person isn't charged a sleeper accommodation if they are sharing with the first person, the most expensive charge is the cabin. I hope this helps answer your question as there isn't a single fare or a set price. Furthermore, fares vary as they are dynamic in nature, the more passengers on the train the higher the fare implying holidays fares are more expensive for the coach seat and the cabin. Knowing this when a train is late and Amtrak has to serve you a free meal, I rejoice... I get to enjoy more time on the train than what I paid for...

[@cats0182]

They kick you out of bed at 5:30am? What a bummer. In the "old days", early arriving sleeper passengers were allowed to stay on the train until around 8am.

[@coast_to_coast_photos]

Honestly I didn’t mind. I had two hour ride down to San Diego on the Pacific Surfliner later that morning so I was able to get a little more sleep after waking up so early.

[@paulsomers6048]

We were glad to be out that early, since we were getting on the train to Seattle at 10:30 AM. We never set foot out of the station in LA, just the First Class Lounge.

[@MrCubsfan3]

8:56 I’m sorry, what about the defects on that Norfolk southern train? What if that was the rolling stock involved in East Palestine?!?! /s

[@ronclark9724]

All it takes for a Amtrak train to lose hours is just one freight train just ahead of the Amtrak train, a two mile freight train with more than a hundred cars and four hundred axles with bearings, is just one hot bearing that hasn't been greased packed recently. Amtrak runs scores of trains from coast to coast, border to border throughout the continental USA.Never mind other mechanical and weather related issues. If you listen to the conductor's radio there are many thermal checks on the routes...

[@jackchen7003]

Im always amazed about how far Amtrak travels. NYC to New Orleans is extremely far

[@sanandaallsgood673]

It surprises me you think that's far. To be fair however, I was an over-the-road tuck driver who drove 650 miles per day, so the 1500 miles to New Orleans is not far to me. lol

[@ronclark9724]

New Orleans to Los Angeles is a longer distance... Two nights vs one night on the train....

[@mq461004]

good. お疲れ

[@Scraghunter]

Dining car not open this trip? Ah I see.

[@pizizhangsg1319]

I have the impression that the train is from the last century.

[@Theyoungmonkof90s]

Who put toilet so near to the seats🤢🤮

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

Those are only on the train east of Chicago goiing through New York and only 1 floor cars and the Viewliner 1 cars have a toilet next to you bed and a sink, while the new viewliner cars only have a sink near the bed, toilet is shared in the all for all the roommates.

[@williamsafari6437]

average $1600 not cheap

[@spark_6710]

I am hoping there's an elevator for disabled passengers. My mom is & we're thinking of taking this route .Both ways .💜🥁🐉🎤🎶🚈💞