California Zephyr discussion 2024 H2 - 2025

[Cal]

Apparently, the program is going well. They changed the station where they get off to Mt. Pleasant to offer longer service, and they have wines and spirits that are selected to be paired with dinner service. I asked if they were going to end it soon, and the attendant said that there were no plans to end the service. I hope they extend it through the entire route because it reminds me of seeing photos of the original California Zephyr with the Cable Car Lounge.

Great to see it! When I asked the LSA in August, she told me they were looking to expand it to other routes but AFAIK that has not happened.

 

[PaTrainFan]

Great to see it! When I asked the LSA in August, she told me they were looking to expand it to other routes but AFAIK that has not happened.

This doesn't sound like a company looking to deemphasize long distance service.

 

[Cal H]

I like your thoughts on “The City”. Wish you would have had a better view of LA. Alls good though.

Which locale are you referring to as “The City”?
We enjoyed our couple days spent in LA. In fact, for myself getting to tour city hall was one of my trip highlights! We stayed at the Metro because of the convenience to LAUS and our travel inexperience. I hope we can do LA again in the future.

 

[Asher]

Which locale are you referring to as “The City”?
We enjoyed our couple days spent in LA. In fact, for myself getting to tour city hall was one of my trip highlights! We stayed at the Metro because of the convenience to LAUS and our travel inexperience. I hope we can do LA again in the future.

Nice to hear you enjoyed your stay here. “The City” is a term locals used for San Francisco at one time. Their NBA basketball team used to have it on the front of their uniforms.

 

[lrklrk]

Hi -

I will be boarding the CZ eastbound, at the first stop (Emeryville, CA). If I plan to arrive at 8am, is that early enough to board in time for the 8:25am departure?

Thanks!

 

[trimetbusfan]

Hi -

I will be boarding the CZ eastbound, at the first stop (Emeryville, CA). If I plan to arrive at 8am, is that early enough to board in time for the 8:25am departure?

Thanks!

If you aren't checking any bags, yes, perfectly ok to arrive 25 minutes before departure.

 

[lrklrk]

If you aren't checking any bags, yes, perfectly ok to arrive 25 minutes before departure.

Thanks!

That reminds me - there's plenty of space in luggage racks in the sleepers to store a bag, right? And it's easy enough to go grab stuff from my suitcase if I forgot to pack something into my smaller backpack?

 

[trimetbusfan]

Thanks!

That reminds me - there's plenty of space in luggage racks in the sleepers to store a bag, right? And it's easy enough to go grab stuff from my suitcase if I forgot to pack something into my smaller backpack?

Yes. There’s a rack downstairs for larger bags and space inside the rooms for smaller bags.

 

[joelkfla]

Hi -

I will be boarding the CZ eastbound, at the first stop (Emeryville, CA). If I plan to arrive at 8am, is that early enough to board in time for the 8:25am departure?

Thanks!

As long as you're sure that you won't run into any traffic delays on the way.

 

[MccfamschoolMom]

Hi -

I will be boarding the CZ eastbound, at the first stop (Emeryville, CA). If I plan to arrive at 8am, is that early enough to board in time for the 8:25am departure?

Thanks!

If you are checking baggage at Emeryville, however, you should try to arrive 1 hour early. Bring something to read (or a game to play on your phone) while waiting for the boarding call.

 

[Steve4031]

Here’s how to get to the hotel without using the elevator. A 7 min walk.

The map is not accurate. You cannot turn right into Powell and walk west. At this point Powell crosses over Horton. You have to walk east a block and the to Powell and over a bridge before turning right again to go to the Hyatt house. If you are Ed not in good condition this would be a challenging walk.

 

[MccfamschoolMom]

If you are Ed not in good condition this would be a challenging walk.

The hubby and I aren't in good condition either, so the non-elevator route described would be challenging for us, too.

 

[greatwestern]

The map is not accurate. You cannot turn right into Powell and walk west. At this point Powell crosses over Horton. You have to walk east a block and the to Powell and over a bridge before turning right again to go to the Hyatt house. If you are Ed not in good condition this would be a challenging walk.

I don't think you can use Powell on foot to cross the tracks - there are notices each end of the bridge saying No Pedestrians (there do not appear to be any footpaths on that section of Powell).