Amtrak Trains: Hot or Not?
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Date: 2023-08-28
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Comments and reviews: 30
YaBoiScrumpo
I rode Amtrak for the first time a few weeks ago, and had the same experience as Jeb did with boarding and some confusion with tickets to boot. Wish I had used the Amtrak app because without it, the emails I received from Amtrak were less than helpful regarding getting my ticket. That said, as is the nature of doing anything for the first time, the things you aren't told and learn the hard way instead are the worst. I was in a sleeper on the California Zephyr and was told to go to the front of the train, but not to which car. Would turn out mine was second from the front of the train. Had I realized I could look for the word sleeper on the side of the cars, I would have gotten to my room much faster. Now I know for next time, and boarding will be a breeze. Still, since the consist is the same every trip to my understanding, they really could tell you how many cars from the front/back of the train you have to go on your ticket or in an email somewhere. Would help first-timers.
Despite all that, 10 hours from Chicago to Omaha by train > 1. 5 hours (not counting security, boarding, taxiing, etc) by plane. The train ride itself was much more quiet and relaxing, food and service was fantastic, and no stress and rush of TSA. My economy flight back to Chicago also provided no in-seat entertainment, and it provided no power outlets either. WiFi you had to pay for, and I wasn't paying for WiFi for a 90 minute flight. Not sure if business class on a plane changes any/all of that. That said, the Zephyr still does not even offer WiFi in 2022 so I suppose paid WiFi is better than none at all. Thankfully Verizon has a connection throughout most of the train ride and I have unlimited data.
If America took trains seriously and got passenger rail up to even average speeds of 100ish miles per hour, I suspect sleeper trains could make a comeback since they would cover notably more distance in one day's time and therefore be competitive with driving a long distance and staying in hotels along the way. For trains like the one Jeb rode here, they would become properly competitive with driving even if flying is still faster. One can dream.
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I rode Amtrak for the first time a few weeks ago, and had the same experience as Jeb did with boarding and some confusion with tickets to boot. Wish I had used the Amtrak app because without it, the emails I received from Amtrak were less than helpful regarding getting my ticket. That said, as is the nature of doing anything for the first time, the things you aren't told and learn the hard way instead are the worst. I was in a sleeper on the California Zephyr and was told to go to the front of the train, but not to which car. Would turn out mine was second from the front of the train. Had I realized I could look for the word sleeper on the side of the cars, I would have gotten to my room much faster. Now I know for next time, and boarding will be a breeze. Still, since the consist is the same every trip to my understanding, they really could tell you how many cars from the front/back of the train you have to go on your ticket or in an email somewhere. Would help first-timers.
Despite all that, 10 hours from Chicago to Omaha by train > 1. 5 hours (not counting security, boarding, taxiing, etc) by plane. The train ride itself was much more quiet and relaxing, food and service was fantastic, and no stress and rush of TSA. My economy flight back to Chicago also provided no in-seat entertainment, and it provided no power outlets either. WiFi you had to pay for, and I wasn't paying for WiFi for a 90 minute flight. Not sure if business class on a plane changes any/all of that. That said, the Zephyr still does not even offer WiFi in 2022 so I suppose paid WiFi is better than none at all. Thankfully Verizon has a connection throughout most of the train ride and I have unlimited data.
If America took trains seriously and got passenger rail up to even average speeds of 100ish miles per hour, I suspect sleeper trains could make a comeback since they would cover notably more distance in one day's time and therefore be competitive with driving a long distance and staying in hotels along the way. For trains like the one Jeb rode here, they would become properly competitive with driving even if flying is still faster. One can dream.
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Chase
Having grown up in the fly everywhere / drive everywhere else culture, I'm happy to say that shifting my personal transportation choices more towards rail and bikes / scooters has been pleasantly enjoyable. Amtrak ticket prices are incredible compared to those on any airline (especially when you need to buy them only a few days before your trip) and a Greyhound bus can usually get you to a town close to your destination if there's not a train station there. It's by no means European train travel, but it's pleasant. I've also found that you interact with a different portion of society on the train versus who you usually find in the airport, which provides a nice opportunity to get to know people you otherwise might never even know exist.
My only (reasonable) wish would be for 100% lie-flat seating on long-distance routes, coach class seating is already comparable to airline first class but the prices for a private room are absolutely insane.
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Having grown up in the fly everywhere / drive everywhere else culture, I'm happy to say that shifting my personal transportation choices more towards rail and bikes / scooters has been pleasantly enjoyable. Amtrak ticket prices are incredible compared to those on any airline (especially when you need to buy them only a few days before your trip) and a Greyhound bus can usually get you to a town close to your destination if there's not a train station there. It's by no means European train travel, but it's pleasant. I've also found that you interact with a different portion of society on the train versus who you usually find in the airport, which provides a nice opportunity to get to know people you otherwise might never even know exist.
My only (reasonable) wish would be for 100% lie-flat seating on long-distance routes, coach class seating is already comparable to airline first class but the prices for a private room are absolutely insane.
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TrainDude8901
To be honest, I don't care what people say about trains being terrible. I adore trains and cars and planes aren't the same with me. With cars, there are many idiots on the roads, and with planes, even though there are good pilots, you never know. I just don't like planes. Trains just stick with me. Sure, trains can be late at times, but most times, it's not the crew's fault. If there is a crossing collision, its the car driver's fault. They got in the way of the train. The train crew can only apply the breaks, blow the horn, and pray that they get out of the way, but it's almost always the sad truth that people never let the train pass. (At least some people who I call safety babies (Because babies aren't that safe with stuff, and because I call people safety babies because they don't keep themselves safe on the roads) Anyway, I honestly adore trains and would ride on them rather than cars and planes.
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To be honest, I don't care what people say about trains being terrible. I adore trains and cars and planes aren't the same with me. With cars, there are many idiots on the roads, and with planes, even though there are good pilots, you never know. I just don't like planes. Trains just stick with me. Sure, trains can be late at times, but most times, it's not the crew's fault. If there is a crossing collision, its the car driver's fault. They got in the way of the train. The train crew can only apply the breaks, blow the horn, and pray that they get out of the way, but it's almost always the sad truth that people never let the train pass. (At least some people who I call safety babies (Because babies aren't that safe with stuff, and because I call people safety babies because they don't keep themselves safe on the roads) Anyway, I honestly adore trains and would ride on them rather than cars and planes.
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Charley
Mr Brooks you've had one trip on one train, and are sure it was terrible. You had one experience that by your own narrative, was predetermined as the worst thus overlooking nearly all the magic. It was obvious there was no pre-trip review by you regarding this type of travel as you were consistently learning the 'how to not fare well tips' after the fact.
I remember my first long car trip, my first airline travels, and yes, even 18 hrs on a greyhound bus once.
There was no way to know ahead what habits, choices, or decisions would have made those trips more comfortable and enjoyable.
The more I flew, drove, or rode any conveyance, I learned ways to get the best bang for my buck.
You compared length of flight times two or three times here. Trains are nostalgic for many, and very relaxing for those who learn how it's done. Perhaps you'll do more homework the next time you try something new
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Mr Brooks you've had one trip on one train, and are sure it was terrible. You had one experience that by your own narrative, was predetermined as the worst thus overlooking nearly all the magic. It was obvious there was no pre-trip review by you regarding this type of travel as you were consistently learning the 'how to not fare well tips' after the fact.
I remember my first long car trip, my first airline travels, and yes, even 18 hrs on a greyhound bus once.
There was no way to know ahead what habits, choices, or decisions would have made those trips more comfortable and enjoyable.
The more I flew, drove, or rode any conveyance, I learned ways to get the best bang for my buck.
You compared length of flight times two or three times here. Trains are nostalgic for many, and very relaxing for those who learn how it's done. Perhaps you'll do more homework the next time you try something new
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Block
I think there is room for improvement for Amtrak trains and their onboard service and especially for train travel time. It will be great if train time from Greensboro, NC will reduce only 3 hours 59 minutes by train from Washington, DC but the problem is the tracks doesn't belong to Amtrak. Tracks on which Amtrak trains run from DC to Greensboro, NC are own first by CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway/North Carolina Railroad. A freight trains companies. No railroad track in nationwide US aren't dedicated to Amtrak trains except for Northeast Corridor I guess. Moreover United States must establish an high speed rail system like Europe and Asia which trains are running at over 200 mph (320 km/h) between cities. Only one high speed rail track in the US is on Northeast Corridor from Boston to New York and Washington, DC.
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I think there is room for improvement for Amtrak trains and their onboard service and especially for train travel time. It will be great if train time from Greensboro, NC will reduce only 3 hours 59 minutes by train from Washington, DC but the problem is the tracks doesn't belong to Amtrak. Tracks on which Amtrak trains run from DC to Greensboro, NC are own first by CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway/North Carolina Railroad. A freight trains companies. No railroad track in nationwide US aren't dedicated to Amtrak trains except for Northeast Corridor I guess. Moreover United States must establish an high speed rail system like Europe and Asia which trains are running at over 200 mph (320 km/h) between cities. Only one high speed rail track in the US is on Northeast Corridor from Boston to New York and Washington, DC.
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bttrflysprit
I feel you missed out on so much of the experince. You didn't eat in the dinning car which is an experince in it's self, or visit the observortry car with full surrounding views. Nor did you try getting to move about or visit with passenagers. I love the train over flying because in my opion you can't count the time you left to the time left in plane you have to count the tsa search the waiting and delays of most planes and then the fact you are in a mental tube crowded in and nowhere to go for at a min of an hour and usually much longer. I don't know if on your train you had the option of a fresh air car but those are even nicer when you can stand between cars and actually breath as well. I get it many love the fast pace super super that business class gives them on a plane but really your comparing apples to oranges.
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I feel you missed out on so much of the experince. You didn't eat in the dinning car which is an experince in it's self, or visit the observortry car with full surrounding views. Nor did you try getting to move about or visit with passenagers. I love the train over flying because in my opion you can't count the time you left to the time left in plane you have to count the tsa search the waiting and delays of most planes and then the fact you are in a mental tube crowded in and nowhere to go for at a min of an hour and usually much longer. I don't know if on your train you had the option of a fresh air car but those are even nicer when you can stand between cars and actually breath as well. I get it many love the fast pace super super that business class gives them on a plane but really your comparing apples to oranges.
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Njmvc
Having grown up in the 50's and 60's my Dad did a lot of business travel and in the Summer I got to go along with him. The trains, and Air lines of today can not even come close to matching what travel was like in those days. The last air plane I was on was 09 and the last train I was on a Chicago LA trip was 74 abroad and the Amtrak Super Chief but this really was the old Santa Fe experience and cannot even be compared to today's sterile boring trains. The best you can say about today's rail travel is the scenery is still spectacular. At 63 I choose to take my Mustang convertible on any trip I may take. I can go at my own pace I not on any schedule and don't have any annoying people to deal with.
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Having grown up in the 50's and 60's my Dad did a lot of business travel and in the Summer I got to go along with him. The trains, and Air lines of today can not even come close to matching what travel was like in those days. The last air plane I was on was 09 and the last train I was on a Chicago LA trip was 74 abroad and the Amtrak Super Chief but this really was the old Santa Fe experience and cannot even be compared to today's sterile boring trains. The best you can say about today's rail travel is the scenery is still spectacular. At 63 I choose to take my Mustang convertible on any trip I may take. I can go at my own pace I not on any schedule and don't have any annoying people to deal with.
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Charles
Depends on reason / nature of trip. work/business/ urgent: fly. vacation, relax, visit friends: train. Airports, airplanes, fellow passengers: crowded, noisy, unpleasant nightmares. Train stations, trains, fellow passengers: relaxed, spacious, ability to move around, scenery. Complaining because there is no entertainment on board? Are you serious? Please. Entertain yourself, for Pete's sake. Train travel is leisurely, use it as such. Flying these days is a nightmare. The food is bad, the entertainment is just as limited, the restrictions are suffocating, the crowding and seating uncomfortable. Flying is faster; that's all. Service and comfort are non-existent.
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Depends on reason / nature of trip. work/business/ urgent: fly. vacation, relax, visit friends: train. Airports, airplanes, fellow passengers: crowded, noisy, unpleasant nightmares. Train stations, trains, fellow passengers: relaxed, spacious, ability to move around, scenery. Complaining because there is no entertainment on board? Are you serious? Please. Entertain yourself, for Pete's sake. Train travel is leisurely, use it as such. Flying these days is a nightmare. The food is bad, the entertainment is just as limited, the restrictions are suffocating, the crowding and seating uncomfortable. Flying is faster; that's all. Service and comfort are non-existent.
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scott
Awh, mate. Amtrak can be amazing (if you don't have to be anywhere on time. I'd say that you missed out by being on the southern-most tip of where it comes into its prime. If you took that line north into NYC you'd definitely see that it was an improvement on either flying or driving. Must admit, if the trip is going to be more than 6 hours, yeah I'd start to consider a flight, but its so relaxing once you're on board, and miles more comfortable than flying or getting the bus. Also, it's so cheap! For perspective, a nine hour train journey from say London could cost you several days pay!
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Awh, mate. Amtrak can be amazing (if you don't have to be anywhere on time. I'd say that you missed out by being on the southern-most tip of where it comes into its prime. If you took that line north into NYC you'd definitely see that it was an improvement on either flying or driving. Must admit, if the trip is going to be more than 6 hours, yeah I'd start to consider a flight, but its so relaxing once you're on board, and miles more comfortable than flying or getting the bus. Also, it's so cheap! For perspective, a nine hour train journey from say London could cost you several days pay!
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music
Amtrak just recently Pittsburgh to NYC 9 1/2 hours. on time and for only $130 roundtrip. definitely better than greyhound (no mistake its named after a dog) and imho better than flying for any trip under 10 hours. no TSA undressing you, groping you and shoving probes in your body, etc. and better than driving because. well. you are not driving, paying for gas and parking. and more importantly. no stress. for land transport hands down the best because you can get up and walk away from annoying people. if seats are open you can even go to another car. love me some Amtrak.
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Amtrak just recently Pittsburgh to NYC 9 1/2 hours. on time and for only $130 roundtrip. definitely better than greyhound (no mistake its named after a dog) and imho better than flying for any trip under 10 hours. no TSA undressing you, groping you and shoving probes in your body, etc. and better than driving because. well. you are not driving, paying for gas and parking. and more importantly. no stress. for land transport hands down the best because you can get up and walk away from annoying people. if seats are open you can even go to another car. love me some Amtrak.
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Jenny
Dont get the opportunity as no public transport (except local) in Western Australia, unless you want to take a coach. but I want loo stops when I want them, not when someone else says I can. I love trains and would love to do The Ghan or the Indian Pacific if I win lotto. Being a pensioner they arent on my bucket list so right now I go where you go Jeb, you're stuck with me. cheers from the west.
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Dont get the opportunity as no public transport (except local) in Western Australia, unless you want to take a coach. but I want loo stops when I want them, not when someone else says I can. I love trains and would love to do The Ghan or the Indian Pacific if I win lotto. Being a pensioner they arent on my bucket list so right now I go where you go Jeb, you're stuck with me. cheers from the west.
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Barbara
I love train travel. My sister and I went from Chicago to San Diego via train 58 years ago and I fell in love with it. We were young and poor so we went coach. We made friends, talked chess with the porter, learned about, and saw, the Santa Fe Trail that the line followed and had bad Fred Harvey food. It was great. Hope to do it again but this time in a bedroom or roomette.
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I love train travel. My sister and I went from Chicago to San Diego via train 58 years ago and I fell in love with it. We were young and poor so we went coach. We made friends, talked chess with the porter, learned about, and saw, the Santa Fe Trail that the line followed and had bad Fred Harvey food. It was great. Hope to do it again but this time in a bedroom or roomette.
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Larry
Sorry you werent pleased with your train trip. In a retired Amtrak attendant and have worked on that train as well as be a passenger. Our service isnt for everyone but glad you tried it out. Ive had uncomfortable seats as well but not too often. You should try taking the sleeper from Chicago to DC on the Capitol Limited. Fly to Chicago and take it east for the best scenery.
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Sorry you werent pleased with your train trip. In a retired Amtrak attendant and have worked on that train as well as be a passenger. Our service isnt for everyone but glad you tried it out. Ive had uncomfortable seats as well but not too often. You should try taking the sleeper from Chicago to DC on the Capitol Limited. Fly to Chicago and take it east for the best scenery.
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KSSaint
Amtrak is just too damn slow. That's why people are voting on it with their feet. The US needs bullet trains in the worst way. what's the purpose of travel? to get to a destination as fast as possible. No wonder flying beats train travel every time. But if you travel fast on a bullet train. the faster, the better. then train travel would give flying a real competition
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Amtrak is just too damn slow. That's why people are voting on it with their feet. The US needs bullet trains in the worst way. what's the purpose of travel? to get to a destination as fast as possible. No wonder flying beats train travel every time. But if you travel fast on a bullet train. the faster, the better. then train travel would give flying a real competition
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Rita
Train travel is about the journey and not the speed. I spent 6 days on coach and loved every minute of it. Sleeping is not great, for sure, but the scenery was fabulous and I didn't watch 1 movie. You are definitely a plain person and that's ok. I'm 75 don't care if I ever fly again!
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Train travel is about the journey and not the speed. I spent 6 days on coach and loved every minute of it. Sleeping is not great, for sure, but the scenery was fabulous and I didn't watch 1 movie. You are definitely a plain person and that's ok. I'm 75 don't care if I ever fly again!
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Meela234
You whined for the entire trip. Planes are only great if you need to get there in a hurry and driving is a good option if you feel like driving. I've taken one train trip and it was great and relaxing. While the accommodations aren't the grandest, I'd definitely do it again.
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You whined for the entire trip. Planes are only great if you need to get there in a hurry and driving is a good option if you feel like driving. I've taken one train trip and it was great and relaxing. While the accommodations aren't the grandest, I'd definitely do it again.
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Hugh
Well, where would you rather start your journey? Downtown at the railroad station, or 20-30 miles from everywhere and then land about the same distance from the city. I'd prefer to start and stop in the downtown area than out in the sticks.
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Well, where would you rather start your journey? Downtown at the railroad station, or 20-30 miles from everywhere and then land about the same distance from the city. I'd prefer to start and stop in the downtown area than out in the sticks.
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Linda
Very good data for my usa rail trip to see the usa in September and October 2021 cost 299dollars. Back in 1985 21 days eurrail for 310 dollars. Went space a military with the green army laundry bag. Yours truly evans w Robinson ret sgt
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Very good data for my usa rail trip to see the usa in September and October 2021 cost 299dollars. Back in 1985 21 days eurrail for 310 dollars. Went space a military with the green army laundry bag. Yours truly evans w Robinson ret sgt
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Caramel
The train is amazing when you are completely prepared for the trip and its on-time. . Blanket/pillow mandatory, bring your own food/snacks are a must.
Netflix, headphones and chill. Enjoy the scenery. Our country is beautiful
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The train is amazing when you are completely prepared for the trip and its on-time. . Blanket/pillow mandatory, bring your own food/snacks are a must.
Netflix, headphones and chill. Enjoy the scenery. Our country is beautiful
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Narissa
A train is my preferred method of traveling. Air travel is stressful and feels almost inhumane in the way most passengers are treated by being packed in small spaces. Driving long distance as much as I love it, can be tiring.
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A train is my preferred method of traveling. Air travel is stressful and feels almost inhumane in the way most passengers are treated by being packed in small spaces. Driving long distance as much as I love it, can be tiring.
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Jim
Hi j e b, thanks for this video. Very informative and thanks for the do's and don't. The scenery was enjoyable and it's wonderful one can criss cross all over the United States and a lot of the world. Keep them coming and adios.
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Hi j e b, thanks for this video. Very informative and thanks for the do's and don't. The scenery was enjoyable and it's wonderful one can criss cross all over the United States and a lot of the world. Keep them coming and adios.
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Haywood
I travel with the Auto Train twice a year. I get a roomette. Its small but comfortable. Thought about a bedroom but the cost is way too much just for one night. If I ever do a cross country trip it will be in a bedroom.
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I travel with the Auto Train twice a year. I get a roomette. Its small but comfortable. Thought about a bedroom but the cost is way too much just for one night. If I ever do a cross country trip it will be in a bedroom.
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Richard
I have done 2 overnight trips on long just this Amtrak trains and I loved the experience I love the diming I love the observation cars Dining cars with white linen and snack bar cars all those double Decker trains
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I have done 2 overnight trips on long just this Amtrak trains and I loved the experience I love the diming I love the observation cars Dining cars with white linen and snack bar cars all those double Decker trains
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James
You dont seem to have ever traveled by train in Europe, China or Japan. The comfort is vastly superior, and you travel at 200 mph. The US is still in the Paleolithic as far as train travel is concerned.
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You dont seem to have ever traveled by train in Europe, China or Japan. The comfort is vastly superior, and you travel at 200 mph. The US is still in the Paleolithic as far as train travel is concerned.
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GARailfan
Id rather take the train for 2 reasons. One, its more scenic. Two, I really dont wanna just sit for 3 hours on a plane, I wanna be able to move freely instead of being constricted on a plane.
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Id rather take the train for 2 reasons. One, its more scenic. Two, I really dont wanna just sit for 3 hours on a plane, I wanna be able to move freely instead of being constricted on a plane.
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Linda
Train. Always the train. I find the train charming, comfortable and relaxing. And most of the people you meet on the train are interesting and kind. As for entertainment. try reading a book!
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Train. Always the train. I find the train charming, comfortable and relaxing. And most of the people you meet on the train are interesting and kind. As for entertainment. try reading a book!
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The
going south i'd much prefer to fly, the views by rail just don't merit the experience. now going cross country is a 'nother story, i'd love to take a train trip west at least once in my life.
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going south i'd much prefer to fly, the views by rail just don't merit the experience. now going cross country is a 'nother story, i'd love to take a train trip west at least once in my life.
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kueller
Honestly, free internet and an outlet is a waaaaay better deal than in-flight/train entertainment. Portable devices are ubiquitous now so I'd prefer just being able to do my own thing.
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Honestly, free internet and an outlet is a waaaaay better deal than in-flight/train entertainment. Portable devices are ubiquitous now so I'd prefer just being able to do my own thing.
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Richard
On the superliner trains the observation cars are we are go for entertainment could you can meet people from all over the country are you look at the scenery from the 2nd deck
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On the superliner trains the observation cars are we are go for entertainment could you can meet people from all over the country are you look at the scenery from the 2nd deck
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Jaret
Yea that boarding was so bad as opposed to 2 hours in tsa line and having to remove half your clothes. I can see where this video is going to be a whine fest. To be contuied
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Yea that boarding was so bad as opposed to 2 hours in tsa line and having to remove half your clothes. I can see where this video is going to be a whine fest. To be contuied
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