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Are the new schedules announced in advance of the changes becoming effective? If so, how far in advance is typical?

We would like to go on the Empire Builder -- don't need to get anywhere in particular, just want to enjoy the trip. So a few questions: 1. Which is the better way to go, east or west? Looking at the schedule I would assume east, so as to go thru Glacier during the day. 2. Has anyone gotten...

It looks from the Amtrak website that the Cincinnati station opens at 11:00 pm. I've never boarded the train in Cincinnati but I have been to the station -- Union Station is one of the great old stations but now largely filled with museums. The Amtrak station itself is small and, as I recall...

You can go on the Amtrak website and there's a place there to email Amtrak. Include your reservation number and they'll respond with your roommette number in a day or so.

Well, first of all, the Coast Starlight does not go to San Francisco, but rather goes east of the Bay through Oakland. To get to SF itself, you can either transfer at San Jose to Cal Train or take an Amtrak bus from Oakland -- I'm sure others will weigh in with opinions and alternatives. A few...

I took the Thruway bus from EMY to San Francisco, and the bus driver made several unscheduled stops at major hotels.

Another option would be to fly into Oakland, take a taxi to Emeryville (about 15 miles), and spend the night there. Then next morning you can board the CZ. That would make for a less stressful morning. And it's been my experience that flights to Oakland are usually cheaper than flights to San...

The one exception to the rule that I am aware of is Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe (inlcuding Placerville and Stateline) -- California law allows bus-only trip on that route. I'm actually taking that bus next week, though will be taking the CC 524 from EMY to SAC. Believe it's a guaranteed...

Today's NB Coast Starlight left San Luis Obispo 1 minute late, but arrived in Paso Robles (normally an hour away) almost 2-1/2 hours late. Anyone know what happened? Seems like the 14 is running late more days than not lately (at least from LAX to the SF Bay Area -- I haven't been checking...

It doesn't really bother me too much [okay, it bothers me a bit] if they read, play a game, use their laptop, etc. But what does bother me are the people who go to the lounge and take a nap! We had a guy in the lounge car on the CZ who sprawled across several seats, sound asleep, as others had...

As someone else suggested, the Oxford Hotel is extremely nice (more than just nice -- luxurious) and within walking distance of the Amtrak Station (at least before the station renovation started).

I've been wondering something for awhile, and now seems like a good time to ask it as it is pertinent to the original posting: Do the Amtrak Thruway buses have on-board restrooms?

My understanding is that if you don't get a seat, you are sent to the lounge car and can sit there (though the seats can't compare in comfort to those in coach).

Thanks. The Kimpton Hotels are nice and just got nicer. Thanks for taking the trouble to share this.

If having a power outlet is important to you, consider taking a power strip. That way you can share an outlet at a nearby seat if yours doesn't have one.

When I took the CZ last summer to Emeryville, baggage which was checked thru to San Francisco was unloaded from the train onto a cart, and taken over to the bus. You then merely took your baggage off the cart and gave it to the bus driver to load into the bus. However, ONE NOTE OF CAUTION: Be...

My understanding is that the main line went was not routed through Santa Fe because of the hills surrounding the city. A spur was later built from Lamy to Santa Fe, but the main line has always gone through Lamy.

The streets will be crowded at that time -- you will be absolutely fine walking to Metro Plaza.

I don't want to get your daughter's hopes up unduly, but I think there is a slight chance that she can see the sign. My office is in downtown LA and we can see the sign from where we are (not far from Staples Center). The trick will be to get a clear view and not be blocked by buildings. She...

Yes, dinner is served that evening. After the train gets going, someone will come around and take your reservation time.