Riding the Rails via Amtrak...Advice.

AAA (American Automobile Association) can arrange Amtrak travel. Talk with a travel agent in a local AAA office.

Just don't do overnight coach...and you should be fine !

AAA...hadn't even thought of that! Thanks Readingfan...

ohoh...overnight coach...may I ask why is that a worry Jaygee?...or should I not ask :-)

Overnight in coach is fine.  Any longer and you'll want to get off.  Sleeper fare gets expensive though it includes meals in the diner. 

We've ridden Amtrak a few times recently:  Adirondack-Montreal, Crescent-Atlanta, Silver Meteor-Savannah. 

Took a cross-country tour years ago and the longer stretches with sleeper accommodations.  Our kids still remember that vacation.   

"There's something about a train!"

mtj54 posted:

I am in extreme northwestern IL 3 hours west of Chicago. 

My wife and I have planned some vacations inside the states, and now we're looking at Quebec City, Quebec.  Each time we try to use Amtrak, it seems the fares are just not competitive with flying, and I will not fly wishing our borders.  We had planned on a trip to Charlestown last Christmas, but Amtrak was a bit too pricey.  That trip never happened anyway due to family obligations.  As for getting to Quebec City by train, it is very difficult as the train goes to Montreal, then from there you're on your own.  

Why isn't train travel competitive with flying ? 

i'm taking the amtrk from Pittsburgh pa to Norfolk  va on 5/12 with a return on 5/17 almost 150.00 cheaper than flying for me,,,,,takes all day but ,,,its the train,,,,,

no competition ,, amtrack  can charge what ever they want, get the big boys,,up-sf back into it  they can tack on pass cars ,,like amtrack does with some freight ,

mtj54 posted:

AAA...hadn't even thought of that! Thanks Readingfan...

ohoh...overnight coach...may I ask why is that a worry Jaygee?...or should I not ask :-)

Depends on how well you deal with noisy children/babies that can't or don't want to sleep and adults who are likewise unable to shut up for more that a few minutes.

rd , yapo,  my trips are ,san diego, st louis,   up the whole trip,  stay in the lounge car, one time in the dressing/bathroom,  person next to me snored ,  roomettes are good for one person,(made for 2)  but like was said costly,  unless you have rewards,

mtj54 posted:

Hey everyone...question for you. My son will be home for 7-10 days soon before he heads back to college to work for the summer. I was looking for something interesting to do with him for just a few days, 3 or 4 maybe. Thought crossed my mind that perhaps hop on an Amtrak Train... 

But to be honest, I don't really have a destination in mind yet ...

What would your son prefer to do during this time, any input there?

Thanks guys...I appreciate the input...

Ace...my son is a great kid, he's always up for anything, easy to please. In fact his only request is that we go to a state that he hasn't been to before. Right at the moment if it ends up being possible I'm thinking Chicago to Detroit Michigan and go to Greenfield Village...My son is the nicest guy you'd ever want to meet, & also a very smart young man and has always appreciated all that museums have to offer. I remember going to the Greenfield Village back when I was 10 or 11 years old and I was impressed back then.

Dan Padova posted:

My wife and I have planned some vacations inside the states, and now we're looking at Quebec City, Quebec.  Each time we try to use Amtrak, it seems the fares are just not competitive with flying, and I will not fly wishing our borders.  We had planned on a trip to Charlestown last Christmas, but Amtrak was a bit too pricey.  That trip never happened anyway due to family obligations.  As for getting to Quebec City by train, it is very difficult as the train goes to Montreal, then from there you're on your own.  

Why isn't train travel competitive with flying ? 

Last time I took Amtrak was from New York to Montreal for 69$ ... a round trip was 89$ I believe.

Here is a link for things to do in Quebec ... https://www.quebecoriginal.com/en

My son is transferring out west in the fall, I was thinking going by train. I was wondering if I could bring my motorcycle on the trip ... 

Just a chance to check out the Allegheny is worth a trip to the museum.  It is pretty close to the train station and there are places to stay.  Think about a two day pass and ride the train in the village and spend one day in the museum.  They had O gauge Lionel set up in the museum last time we were there.

Dan Padova posted:

My wife and I have planned some vacations inside the states, and now we're looking at Quebec City, Quebec.  Each time we try to use Amtrak, it seems the fares are just not competitive with flying, and I will not fly wishing our borders.  We had planned on a trip to Charlestown last Christmas, but Amtrak was a bit too pricey.  That trip never happened anyway due to family obligations.  As for getting to Quebec City by train, it is very difficult as the train goes to Montreal, then from there you're on your own.  

Why isn't train travel competitive with flying ? 

Take VIA Rail(Canada's passenger train company)from Montreal to Quebec. Quebec City's station is right on the edge of the old city.

I just looked and you can go round trip between Galesburg and Detroit for $199 each.

Overnite coach is fine IF you include the following:    Blindfold, for when the lights get turned on and off, all night long.   Earplugs to block out all the screamie babies you'll be stuck with.  Gasmask ; to survive when every one kicks their shoes off to got to sleep, thus releasing heavy duty stink !    Pay the extra $ and go sleeper

When comparing air and rail, you must compare class of service.  Amtrak sleepers are first class.  Compare that price with first class air.

Lee

I traveled via Amtrak last summer from Denver to New York and had a wonderful time.  The sleeper compartment between Denver and Chicago was not as comfortable or roomy as the compartment from Chicago to New York.  (The compartment between Chicago and New York had a private toilet and space for my suitcase.  The other compartment had neither.)  

BTW, I agree with the other posters about overnight travel in Amtrak coach.  It's like traveling third class in a third-world country.  If you can't get a sleeper, don't go.

Our last Amtrak trip was from Battle Creek to Chicago, I purchased premium seating (Business Class), and it was well worth the small upcharge. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, more leg room, comfortable reclining seats and fewer passengers than in coach. No regrets...and a good choice for a day trip.

Lee Carlson posted:

When comparing air and rail, you must compare class of service.  Amtrak sleepers are first class.  Compare that price with first class air.

Lee

 

I agree.  Airline seats are for those used to having a wardrobe of straight jackets !!   

If you're looking short-to-medium distance, business class (or maybe coach) is great. I've ridden the Pennsylvanian for the past 3 years to Paoli, Philadelphia, and New York City. For that sort of trip (about 9 hours) business class was fine. Coach can get a little messy. On my last trip back to Pittsburgh, I think Amtrak either oversold the train or had a hot car, because the cafe car was jammed with families. If the train you're looking at has business class, take it. 

I've also ridden the Capitol Limited in coach. From what I remember, it was a decent experience. I just went to the back of the train and shot pictures of trains we passed out the rear window. At night, the car attendant turned down the lights, and I was able to nod off. 

Back in 2012, I also rode on the Southwest Chief. We bought a family bedroom, which was admittedly not cheap, but for that price, we got our own toilet/shower/sink combo closet, free turndown service, and free meals. The food was pretty good; however, the choices were limited, and not exactly delivered on the silver service. If, however, you're looking at a long-distance trip, definitely eat a meal in the dining car. If the Silver (Star, I believe) is any indication, full-service meals might be on their way out.  

On Superliner trains (double-deck cars) the Sightseer Lounge is a great place to be. It has massive windows, tables, and a cafe downstairs. 

As far as expenses, if you book early enough, it can be pretty cheap if you book in advance. If you're looking for a deal, take a look at the "Deals and Promotions" section of Amtrak's website. But if you want really cheap, book coach. 

Basically: 

1. Buy business class if you want quiet, but only on medium-distance trains

2. Buy sleeper for a glimpse at what riding trains was like during Pullman times (NOT microwave cheeseburgers), e.g. meals, beds, the works

3. Look on Amtrak's website under "Deals and Promotions" for savings 

Also, if you're looking at a train to Detroit/Michigan, I second the recomendations to visit the Henry Ford museum. 

yardlet6 posted:

Dan Padova posted:

My wife and I have planned some vacations inside the states, and now we're looking at Quebec City, Quebec.  Each time we try to use Amtrak, it seems the fares are just not competitive with flying, and I will not fly wishing our borders.  We had planned on a trip to Charlestown last Christmas, but Amtrak was a bit too pricey.  That trip never happened anyway due to family obligations.  As for getting to Quebec City by train, it is very difficult as the train goes to Montreal, then from there you're on your own.  

Why isn't train travel competitive with flying ? 

Take VIA Rail(Canada's passenger train company)from Montreal to Quebec. Quebec City's station is right on the edge of the old city.

I just checked both sites.  Here's what I found.

We leave 30th Street and arrive at Penn Station.  Layover for alittle less than an hour.  No problem.  Leave Penn Station at 8:15 AM and arrive at Montreal Central station at 7:11 PM.  So far so good.  Total cost, $244.80 round trip for two seniors.  Not too bad !

To get from Montreal to Quebec City, there are only two trains.  One at 4:10 PM the other at 6:15 PM.  Not too helpful.  The best deal is the 6:15 train at $186.00 for the two of us.  That's one way.  Without going through further steps on VIA's site, I suspect the return to Montreal would be the same.  So now we're looking at a total cost of train travel in Canada alone of $372.00.

None of this includes hotel/motel stays while waiting a day to make connections.  So far we are at $616.80 for car fare alone.  I'm not clear if these fares include taxes.  For a three or four day trip, the cost is a bit high.

We will probably end up driving and staying one night in upstate New York.  Even with the motel fees, one going and one returning, the cost will be quite a bit less than the car fare alone going by train.  

As I mentioned, I will not fly short distances like this trip will be.  We did that about six years ago when we went to Bar Harbor, Maine, and it was more trouble and time than it was worth.  

Bottom line here is that our government, which is us, does not want to promote train travel.  If they/we did, then something would be done to make it affordable.  

Dan Padova posted:

yardlet6 posted:

Dan Padova posted:

My wife and I have planned some vacations inside the states, and now we're looking at Quebec City, Quebec.  Each time we try to use Amtrak, it seems the fares are just not competitive with flying, and I will not fly wishing our borders.  We had planned on a trip to Charlestown last Christmas, but Amtrak was a bit too pricey.  That trip never happened anyway due to family obligations.  As for getting to Quebec City by train, it is very difficult as the train goes to Montreal, then from there you're on your own.  

Why isn't train travel competitive with flying ? 

Take VIA Rail(Canada's passenger train company)from Montreal to Quebec. Quebec City's station is right on the edge of the old city.

I just checked both sites.  Here's what I found.

We leave 30th Street and arrive at Penn Station.  Layover for alittle less than an hour.  No problem.  Leave Penn Station at 8:15 AM and arrive at Montreal Central station at 7:11 PM.  So far so good.  Total cost, $244.80 round trip for two seniors.  Not too bad !

To get from Montreal to Quebec City, there are only two trains.  One at 4:10 PM the other at 6:15 PM.  Not too helpful.  The best deal is the 6:15 train at $186.00 for the two of us.  That's one way.  Without going through further steps on VIA's site, I suspect the return to Montreal would be the same.  So now we're looking at a total cost of train travel in Canada alone of $372.00.

None of this includes hotel/motel stays while waiting a day to make connections.  So far we are at $616.80 for car fare alone.  I'm not clear if these fares include taxes.  For a three or four day trip, the cost is a bit high.

We will probably end up driving and staying one night in upstate New York.  Even with the motel fees, one going and one returning, the cost will be quite a bit less than the car fare alone going by train.  

As I mentioned, I will not fly short distances like this trip will be.  We did that about six years ago when we went to Bar Harbor, Maine, and it was more trouble and time than it was worth.  

Bottom line here is that our government, which is us, does not want to promote train travel.  If they/we did, then something would be done to make it affordable.  

 

I checked the schedule. There are MTL-Quebec trains leaving 6:15,9:10 and 1:00 PM. I guess you're going to stay awhile in Montreal. Two days is good for that city. There are a lot of hotels in that city and you can get good deals. I stayed at the Hotel des Governeurs and at the Lord Berri. That was fifteen years ago so things change. Be aware if you go in the summer it's the high season. There's the Grand Prix,Just For Laughs,music festivals and the film festivals so it's smart to make reservations. Also June 24 is the Fete Nationale in Quebec and July 1 is Canada Day so that week can be heavy. If you want to save a little money take the bus to Quebec City. They leave every hour and arrive at the Quebec City rail station. Make sure you have your French phrasebook and google translate. Not everybody speaks English especially in Quebec City.

Maybe one way to do it would be to use Amtrak as one leg of the journey, rather than a round trip. Just to grab an example, take the train from Chicago to Memphis or New Orleans, spend a day or two, then fly back.

Farmer_Bill posted:

Overnight in coach is fine.  Any longer and you'll want to get off.  Sleeper fare gets expensive though it includes meals in the diner. 

I disagree strongly there. There's a huge difference between the folks in coach v/s the sleeper service. Think cruise ship passenger v/s greyhound bus passenger.

On our cross-country trip, on both the Capitol Limited and Empire Builder, there were some downright scary people in coach. I would not feel good about sleeping in coach around some of them.

Don't disagree, just see things differently.  We met some nice kids in coach (students from Europe).  For multi-days trips, sleeper is much better & as I said, diner meals are included (which is nicer than the cafe car). 

I plan on taking the Canadian from Vancouver to Toronto for next year's Chicago meet.  To do this I have had to accept that I will have to fly from Toronto to Chicago.  This has been the reason I have not done so in past years.  Dealing with airports and airlines is just not OK with me.   The journey is equally important to me as the destination.   In this case taking the Canadian is a journey that as of now overrides dealing with the airline part. 

And going the Canadian route is way more expensive than Amtrak Sleeper between the same endpoints, more than double, close to triple, in fact.

If getting from A to B is what matters to you then drive or fly, you won't really miss anything because what you will miss is not substantial to you.

It was really great seeing all the younger families with children in the sleepers on the western long distance trains to/from this years Chicago meet.  So even in the sleepers you had to deal with 3-8 year olds and in this case I enjoyed every minute of it.

Farmer_Bill posted:

Don't disagree, just see things differently.  We met some nice kids in coach (students from Europe).  For multi-days trips, sleeper is much better & as I said, diner meals are included (which is nicer than the cafe car). 

Fair enough. But on the Empire Builder, we saw more than a few tweakers from coach hanging out in the lounge car...

We have visited Europe twice since I retired.  The first time in 2005 we took some local trains from Loro Ciuffenna to Florence.  During the day the local trains are nice.  However at night there can be a few interesting people, particularly at large city train stations like Florence.  

In 2011 we took an overnight train from Paris to Padova Italy.  The sleeping accommodations were good.  We shared a compartment with another couple about our age.  I could speak more French than they could English.  And I only know a few phrases.  We were disappointed that no dining car, only a snack cart that charged too much.  I think if we ever do that again, I would opt for a day time train.  We missed seeing alot of scenery going through the Alps.  

As with driving in Europe, which I found very easy, the rail system is simple to negotiate.  There's a small learning curve.  But once you are around the bend it goes easily.  

A railfan buddy of mine and I, do a trip on Amtrak every year. We have now ridden almost every Amtrak train in the U.S. and have ridden some twice. The ticket prices change constantly, based on demand. If a certain train is not filling its sleeper car spaces, and the departure date is getting close, prices will drop, A LOT.

Pick out a trip and departure date, then start watching the prices daily. You may get lucky about 2 or 3 weeks from departure and land a great deal. Of course, you have to be flexible. We pick what train we want to ride, then watch 3 or 4 departure dates for that train. When the price gets down to what we want, we grab our tickets for that date.

Traveling in a coach overnight is like riding a Greyhound bus that stops at lots of towns. Not recommended. Besides, when you buy a room in a sleeper, all of your meals are included in the price. Go coach, and you will pay high prices in the diner, or live on hotdogs, chips and soft drinks from the snack bar.

If you have to connect to another train, or catch a flight home, allow for unforeseen late arrival of your train. We try to allow a minimum of 16-24 hours between connections, even if it means a night in a local motel.

Sounds like what a pal of mine does for cruise ships. He shows up at sailing time and get crazy good deals more often than not.

But that requires flexible time from your work. And that I certainly don't have as it's almost impossible for me to ever get time off for anything.

A couple of cattle cars on the back end would be just fine for the drug infested Am-Zombies.   The screamie babies will always be a problem in coach.  This is why George Pullman invented the sleeper !

>>Buy sleeper for a glimpse at what riding trains was like during Pullman times<<<

The "beds" on Amtrak consist of a 3-inch slab of foam on a plastic shelf.  Comparing Amtrak to Pullman is like comparing KOA Kampground to Holiday Inn!

Avoid  Shack and Cigaret; however A-No.-1 is an OK guy!

Hey yunz want to do it up right....there's always the Canadian !

Fares are usually cheaper if you book well in advance.  Sleepers often sell out.  Wife & I just got back from DC-LA by sleeper (Superliner bedroom, 3 nights each way), and loved it.

Yeah, I think on our trip on the Empire Builder last fall, the sleeping cars were sold out as we never saw an empty compartment. I don't recall any open space on the Capitol Limited either, now that I think on it...

A dedicated forum for Amtrak discussion:

Amtrak Unlimited

A guest forum is available for your questions if you don't want to register another posting account.

(I've done overnight trips on both Amtrak LD coach (Crescent, NY-Atlanta) and Greyhound (NYC-Montreal), one of each annually for the past decade or so. Can't say I've had a miserable experience yet. With any mode of travel, your mileage may vary. )

---PCJ