First Train Experience (Empire Builder)

[Pat Harper]

We're taking the EB out of Chicago on Aug 31 , arriving in Portland (PDX) on Sept 12.

Sounds like the EB is taking the loooonnnnnngggggg way around!

Oops..sorry..I meant to backspace over the "1" and put "2". The train arrives in Portland on Sept 2, not Sept 12.

 

[TraneMan]

We're taking the EB out of Chicago on Aug 31 , arriving in Portland (PDX) on Sept 12.

Sounds like the EB is taking the loooonnnnnngggggg way around!

I was going to say, Maybe she is never getting off till the 12th! But if she did do that, she would be back into CHI on the 12th.

 

[jb64]

If you get to the station an hour or 1.5 hours before boarding time, that should be good. That should give you time to check in and get settled, especially for your first visit to that station. You should also be able to get assistance getting to and boarding the train if needed.

I cannot imagine why you would ever need to arrive 1.5 hours before boarding. If you are going to check bags, you will need to be there probably 45 minutes prior to boarding. If you are not checking bags, 20-30 minutes are sufficient.

As to checked bags, I prefer not to check bags so that I can have access to my bags. It all depends on how many bags you have and your ability to manage them on and off the train.

 

[Ispolkom]

I cannot imagine why you would ever need to arrive 1.5 hours before boarding. If you are going to check bags, you will need to be there probably 45 minutes prior to boarding. If you are not checking bags, 20-30 minutes are sufficient.

Note that the OP is traveling thus: "My wife, 10 month old daughter, and I." He also isn't traveling from the Twin Cities, but rather from some other location where Red Wing also makes sense as a departure point. So he (or she) has to drive some distance.

Add to this construction on I-94 (the Interstate was closed this weekend for various construction projects) and on University Avenue, near the station (light rail going in), and the general friction of travel, especially with an infant, shooting for an arrival 1.5 hours seems pretty reasonable.

As to checked bags, I prefer not to check bags so that I can have access to my bags. It all depends on how many bags you have and your ability to manage them on and off the train.

I'd say the the OP should at least check the stroller, especially given ehbowen's experience.

Hey, I caught the 4:05 p.m. departure of the westbound Capitol Limited having arrived at Washington Union Station at 3:57 p.m., but I'm not going to recommend doing that.

 

[jb64]

I cannot imagine why you would ever need to arrive 1.5 hours before boarding. If you are going to check bags, you will need to be there probably 45 minutes prior to boarding. If you are not checking bags, 20-30 minutes are sufficient.

Note that the OP is traveling thus: "My wife, 10 month old daughter, and I." He also isn't traveling from the Twin Cities, but rather from some other location where Red Wing also makes sense as a departure point. So he (or she) has to drive some distance.

Add to this construction on I-94 (the Interstate was closed this weekend for various construction projects) and on University Avenue, near the station (light rail going in), and the general friction of travel, especially with an infant, shooting for an arrival 1.5 hours seems pretty reasonable.

Except his question was about "boarding time" not travel time. In no way will he need 1.5 hours of sitting around the station waiting to board. If he was talking about getting to the station, I would not have responded since I am in no way familiar with that area.

 

[Pat Harper]

Another question...I read that the Empire Builder now has wi-fi. If so, how reliable is it? I read that video streaming is a no-no, so the only thing I would use it for would be to check email.

(note: sorry..please disregard. it's the EMPIRE SERVICE that has Wi-Fi. I've since found out that the Cascades train has Wi-Fi, but that's another topic.

 

[tubaia]

I cannot imagine why you would ever need to arrive 1.5 hours before boarding. If you are going to check bags, you will need to be there probably 45 minutes prior to boarding. If you are not checking bags, 20-30 minutes are sufficient.

Note that the OP is traveling thus: "My wife, 10 month old daughter, and I." He also isn't traveling from the Twin Cities, but rather from some other location where Red Wing also makes sense as a departure point. So he (or she) has to drive some distance.

Add to this construction on I-94 (the Interstate was closed this weekend for various construction projects) and on University Avenue, near the station (light rail going in), and the general friction of travel, especially with an infant, shooting for an arrival 1.5 hours seems pretty reasonable.

Except his question was about "boarding time" not travel time. In no way will he need 1.5 hours of sitting around the station waiting to board. If he was talking about getting to the station, I would not have responded since I am in no way familiar with that area.

Ispolkom was about right on my intentions. Planning on arriving at the station 1 hour to 1.5 hour before scheduled departure gives enough buffer time in case there is a delay somewhere in the commute from near Red Wing. If they lived within the Twin Cities area, then you are correct that that might be overkill. However, being the paranoid traveler that I am, I'd probably still want that kind of buffer, in case the check-in counter is very busy. (Think large school group or somebody with very overweight luggage. I've seen both.)

Since we have to drive about 4 hours to MSP if I want to ride the EB, we leave much earlier in the day, and hang out at MoA for a few hours, just so that we've made into the city. We still then might arrive at the station at least an hour in advance. Of course, so far, the west-bound train has never been less than an hour late, so we end up waiting even longer.

As far as checking baggage is concerned, we've done it both ways. Sometimes we check the luggage we won't need on the trip, sometimes we carry it with us. As far as a stroller is concerned, I would probably end up using it for the child right up to the train, then put it in the luggage rack right inside the door. I would think it would be easier than carrying a child and luggage. But that does not come from personal experience.

 

[Bryan H]

With baggage being limited I was wondering if towells were supplied. We are travelling from Seattle to Chicago so will need a shower or two.

Thanks for the heads up on the upper and lower Roomette. I will be able to check on that now.

 

[TimePeace]

Towels are provided, yes. They are usually right there at the shower... but now and then it is necessary to ask the car attendant where they are, they might be stored in an unused roomette.

 

[Bryan H]

Thanks, it will be my first time on Amtrak and for that matter any overnight train. I am looking forward to the experience and the sights and trying to do as much homework as I can, helped of course by internet.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Thanks, it will be my first time on Amtrak and for that matter any overnight train. I am looking forward to the experience and the sights and trying to do as much homework as I can, helped of course by internet.

You are aware that the train does NOT have WiFi. You will need to have your own cellular access to the Internet and, I believe, it can be spotty on that route.