Cardinal or Cresent or Capitol Limited to CHI?

[calluna]

I'm heading from Charlottesville to Flagstaff in the not-too-distant future, and I was wondering if I could get some input on which of my options is best:

51 Cardinal - Departs CVS 1:55 pm - Arrives CHI 10:35 am THEN 3 Southwest Chief - Departs 3:15 pm -Arrives FLG 9:51 am

OR

20 Cresent - Departs CVS 7:20 am -Arrives WAS 10:10 am THEN 29 Capitol Limited - Departs 4:05 pm- Arrives CHI 8:40 am THEN 3 Southwest Chief 3:15 pm...

Obviously, it doesn't make much difference in terms of my arrival at FLG, but in terms of reliability, what is my best option? Does anyone have experience with the Cardinal?

Thanks!

 

[user 1215]

I would make as few connections as possible. Being able to go direct to CHI from CVS is a big plus. You're not potentially stacking up delays. Also, the first recommendation seems to be about $90 less, and you actually get about an hour extra of riding time. Any time I can be on a train instead of in a station is always a plus. It also means for a slower speed ride (don't know about you, but I get ancie when we're clipping along at 40 MPH for an hour or two). I've only been on the Capitol, so I can't vouch for the scenery on the Cardinal, but I understand it's very nice.

So, my vote is for the Cardinal.

 

[Rafi]

I'm heading from Charlottesville to Flagstaff in the not-too-distant future, and I was wondering if I could get some input on which of my options is best:
51 Cardinal - Departs CVS 1:55 pm - Arrives CHI 10:35 am THEN 3 Southwest Chief - Departs 3:15 pm -Arrives FLG 9:51 am

OR

20 Cresent - Departs CVS 7:20 am -Arrives WAS 10:10 am THEN 29 Capitol Limited - Departs 4:05 pm- Arrives CHI 8:40 am THEN 3 Southwest Chief 3:15 pm...

Obviously, it doesn't make much difference in terms of my arrival at FLG, but in terms of reliability, what is my best option? Does anyone have experience with the Cardinal?

Thanks!

Definitely go for the Cardinal. The scenery is top-notch (although it's better when heading east—not west) and I second keeping your connections to a minimum.

-Rafi

 

[Sam Damon]

Do keep in mind the Cardinal runs three days a week, and not daily.

 

[Rafi]

Do keep in mind the Cardinal runs three days a week, and not daily.

Very good point. Also keep in mind that the Cardinal runs with only one sleeper and that those rooms jump in price very, very quickly, so booking sleeper tickets on the Cardinal is vital savings-wise.

Rafi