new rider

[howard]

hi my name is Howard and on dec 1 2010 i am thinking about taking the train from new york city Penn station to Seattle wa and i was wondering if i could get some pointers as i am getting a coach seat and i had grastic bypass so i know the menus i looked at on the Amtrak site wont do me any good so any help would be grt

 

[Exiled in Express]

hi my name is Howard and on dec 1 2010 i am thinking about taking the train from new york city Penn station to Seattle wa and i was wondering if i could get some pointers as i am getting a coach seat and i had grastic bypass so i know the menus i looked at on the Amtrak site wont do me any good so any help would be grt

Wow. No toe dipping for you, coast to coast, in coach no less, on the first go. Go into this with an open mind and a can do attitude, Amtrak is different, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. I will leave the coach survival tips to someone more experienced.

As for comfort, I would bring along a supply of snacks and drinks, there are no free beverages served like an airplane. There is water provided but it is generally not cold and has a foul taste. Also the snack car/diner can be inefficent and expensive. Dress in layers as the the temperature varies in the car, I have found it to be slightly warmer than preferred most times.

A camera, journal, full size pillow and blanket, and a book or two would be high on my list. You get the opportunity to replenish supplies in Chicago (nearby CVS) so there is no need to pack the kitchen sink, if you find you need something you can get it.

Sign up for Guest Rewards, a trip like that should get you at least a free special route. I am sure one of the senior members can offer you a referral for some bonus points.

Enjoy the ride!

 

[zepherdude]

Hi Howard! You are in for a great trip! The 1st leg is on the Lake Shore Limited, is usually full with a few stops along the way. I personally do not prefer the LSL unless I have to use it. I take the train down to Washington DC and pick up the Capital Limited to Chicago, not as crowded and it has SuperLiner Cars, which to me are more comfortable. LSL can be a fast train but also subject to delays. You have a layover in Chicago so head off to the Sears Tower or the Chicago River. If you can eat pizza, Giordano's is the food suggestion.

The Empire Builder to Seattle is a great train ride. Take a book, blanket and pillow and relax and think wonderful thoughts as the north passes you by. Visit with folks in the Lounge Car or even the Dining Car or not! It is up to you. There is a pretty long time in MSP to get off. But anywhere else, never leave train side, never! The train splits in Spokane and one section goes to Portland and your section will go to Seattle. Just be yourself and do what you want, walk the train to get around, look out the window at your seat or hang out in the club car, bring a deck of cards for a game of gin with someone. Usually you will have a seat by yourself. Stretch out. Use the recline position and kick back! Don't walk around without shoes on, that's a big thing. Brings snacks if you want, snacks on board are expensive. No TV and turn your personal phone off! Be sure to eat in the Dining Car if you can! The rest is up to you.

Howard---Have a great trip and Welcome to Amtrak!

 

[Gingee]

Wow that is a long trip. Can you do a sleeper? Remember you won't get a shower in coach.

 

[abcnews]

GO NYC to DC and catch the Capital Limited. A Roomette can be as low as $125 addl, and includes meals for two - if there are two passengers? Then you can at least get a shower before getting off in Chicago. Then you just have 2 more days on the train.

The Capital Limited is a great train.

 

[howard]

hi my name is Howard and on dec 1 2010 i am thinking about taking the train from new york city Penn station to Seattle wa and i was wondering if i could get some pointers as i am getting a coach seat and i had grastic bypass so i know the menus i looked at on the Amtrak site wont do me any good so any help would be grt

Wow. No toe dipping for you, coast to coast, in coach no less, on the first go. Go into this with an open mind and a can do attitude, Amtrak is different, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. I will leave the coach survival tips to someone more experienced.As for comfort, I would bring along a supply of snacks and drinks, there are no free beverages served like an airplane. There is water provided but it is generally not cold and has a foul taste. Also the snack car/diner can be inefficent and expensive. Dress in layers as the the temperature varies in the car, I have found it to be slightly warmer than preferred most times. A camera, journal, full size pillow and blanket, and a book or two would be high on my list. You get the opportunity to replenish supplies in Chicago (nearby CVS) so there is no need to pack the kitchen sink, if you find you need something you can get it. Sign up for Guest Rewards, a trip like that should get you at least a free special route. I am sure one of the senior members can offer you a referral for some bonus points.Enjoy the ride!

Sign up for Guest Rewards, a trip like that should get you at least a free special route.

what is this thank all so much for the info so far Amtrak wants to charge me 197.00 for the trip is this a good price i mean air travel is only 168.00

 

[howard]

[quot

what is this thank all so much for the info so far Amtrak wants to charge me 197.00 for the trip is this a good price i mean air travel is only 168.00

wow i just checked the price for a roomett 700.00 that makes me want to fly what am i doing worng always thought the train was cheaper then it is to fly

141 Northeast Regional (NYP - WAS)

Depart:

9:35 am, Wed, Dec 1, 2010

Arrive:

12:59 pm, Wed, Dec 1, 2010

Duration:

3 hr, 24 min

Amenities

29 Capitol Limited (WAS - CHI)

Depart:

4:05 pm, Wed, Dec 1, 2010

Arrive:

8:45 am, Thu, Dec 2, 2010

Duration:

17 hr, 40 min

Amenities

7 Empire Builder (CHI - SEA)

Depart:

2:15 pm, Thu, Dec 2, 2010

Arrive:

10:25 am, Sat, Dec 4, 2010

Duration:

46 hr, 10 min

Amenities

* 1 Adult

$197.00

* 1 Reserved Coach Seat

* 2 Superliner Roomettes

$493.00

* Subtotal

$690.00

Terms & Conditions

Total

$690.00

 

[gswager]

Excellent pointer for a newbie- take a day trip which is more than 6 hours on Amtrak (not Acela). That will give you a picture.

 

[AlanB]

wow i just checked the price for a roomett 700.00 that makes me want to fly what am i doing worng always thought the train was cheaper then it is to fly

In coach it is generally, although not always, cheaper than flying.

Adding a room in a sleeping car generally makes the train more expensive than flying, unless you're flying on a very busy day or going first class on the plane.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

wow i just checked the price for a roomett 700.00 that makes me want to fly what am i doing worng always thought the train was cheaper then it is to fly

You're not doing anything wrong, that's really how much it costs. Most of the time when I take the train I'm spending substantially more than an equivalent airfare and getting far less time at my destination in the process. That's just the reality of the situation as it currently exists. Which sometimes makes it seem a little disingenuous when AU regulars keep pushing newbies to purchase sleepers all the time without bothering to mention that it's often double, triple, or even quadruple the cost.

 

[the_traveler]

Sign up for Guest Rewards, a trip like that should get you at least a free special route.

what is this

Amtrak Guest Rewards is like an airline's frequent flyer program. You earn points based on your travel (and other things also) which can be redeemed for free train travel (and other rewards)!

I would offer to refer you, but you would get the same sign up bonus. You can sign up on the Amtrak website. BUT - do not sign up until you are within 90 days of your trip. (Otherwise, you will not receive the sign up bonus points!)

 

[zepherdude]

HI Howard, you were happy to take Amtrak until we all started talkin to ya, sleeping cars, showers, amount of time it takes to get there and so on....

So, maybe no sleeper on the Cap Limited, that saves $176.00, so now your down to $514.00, gettin better? Now Howard, think about meals on the Empire Builder, bfst, maybe $10.00, lunch, $12.00, dinner, $25.00. So, your looking at 5 meals on the train that might total $80.00. Toss that savings in and you are now down to about $430.00 for the trip. That includes, the thrill and intrigue of an overnight coach on a modern SuperLiner, a small elegant private cabin for 2 days with a overstuffed bed and a shower, free meals, newspaper, coffee, turn down service, maybe mints on the EB and all presented with gracious service!

The privacy of a sleeper car on the Empire Builder and you do not have to get up or do anything! What is not in here are tips, ya gotta tip in the dining car and to the cabin attendant.

I suspect you were searching for an adventure-thats why you chose Amtrak. That is why we all travel by train. The last time I flew I needed my passport in the US, was almost completely undressed to my boxers, belt, shoes, computer, my ninja gear and my cutting torch all that for lousy rear seat in coach, next to the head, on a 6 hour flight with no meal service. It was a pain Howard. You were sold on the train.........until you came on here and listened to us. Just do it, buddy! Take Amtrak! You will have a great time!

 

[zephyr17]

wow i just checked the price for a roomett 700.00 that makes me want to fly what am i doing worng always thought the train was cheaper then it is to fly

141 Northeast Regional (NYP - WAS)

Depart:

9:35 am, Wed, Dec 1, 2010

Arrive:

12:59 pm, Wed, Dec 1, 2010

Duration:

3 hr, 24 min

Amenities

29 Capitol Limited (WAS - CHI)

Depart:

4:05 pm, Wed, Dec 1, 2010

Arrive:

8:45 am, Thu, Dec 2, 2010

Duration:

17 hr, 40 min

Amenities

7 Empire Builder (CHI - SEA)

Depart:

2:15 pm, Thu, Dec 2, 2010

Arrive:

10:25 am, Sat, Dec 4, 2010

Duration:

46 hr, 10 min

Amenities

* 1 Adult

$197.00

* 1 Reserved Coach Seat

* 2 Superliner Roomettes

$493.00

* Subtotal

$690.00

Terms & Conditions

Total

$690.00

Not in sleepers. For a single traveler, the accomodation charge makes it significantly more than flying coach, often double or triple the price. Although for 2 people the price is not bad, since the accomodation charge is per room, not per person. The extra charge for the second occupant is only another rail fare ($197 in this case).

Finally, the accomodation charge for the roomettes (3 nights) is not too bad, and would appear to be in the lower buckets. It could be much higher..

 

[Devil's Advocate]

The last time I flew I needed my passport in the US, was almost completely undressed to my boxers, belt, shoes, computer, my ninja gear and my cutting torch all that for lousy rear seat in coach, next to the head, on a 6 hour flight with no meal service. It was a pain Howard.

Point taken, but what's to stop all those crazy police state policies from simply following us to Amtrak some day?

 

[zepherdude]

The last time I flew I needed my passport in the US, was almost completely undressed to my boxers, belt, shoes, computer, my ninja gear and my cutting torch all that for lousy rear seat in coach, next to the head, on a 6 hour flight with no meal service. It was a pain Howard.

Point taken, but what's to stop all those crazy police state policies from simply following us to Amtrak some day?

I fully suspect that the TSA fever will eventually spread to Amtrak. One issue or threat and another 50 billion spent on equipment, pat-downs and color elevated warnings.

 

[Everydaymatters]

Howard, your original question was about being in coach. Most of the time I have been a coach traveler.

In the evening they pass out a small pillow for you to use. Your own pillow might be a bit large and it's just another thing you have to lug along. So, if a small pillow is ok with you, go for it.

As to water, someone said the water tasted terrible. You can buy cold bottled water on the train. I always take some of those small packages of iced tea that you can put into the bottle for a change of pace.

Yes, the food in the diner is expensive, but for 3 days, if your gastic by pass allows, you can survive on food from the lower level of the lounge car. Not terribly nutricious, but doable.

I usually pack an apple and cheese for snacks. If there is a special need, and it's not terribly inconvenient, pack it.

If you are on any medication, carry it with you. If you check your suitcase, you won't be able to get to it. Even if you don't check it, it's not always convenient to get to it if the train gets crowded and other suitcases are placed on top of yours.

I've never traveled coast to coast in coach, but I have traveled from Chicago to Seattle in coach a couple of time. A sleeper is definitely more comfortable, but if money is a consideration and your health is reasonably good, go for it. If after the first night you would rather be in a sleeper, ask the conductor if one is available and what the cost is. If it's not too pricey, you might want to switch.

One more thing, don't look at you watch. The trains can run late for reasons beyond their control. Just sit back and enjoy the trip.

 

[howard]

i made up my mind im taking the train

cant be as bad as greyhound cross country as least their nothing that can stop a speeding train like a bus and the train cant fall out of the sky and i do not need to strip to broad the train god forbid at the airport i may turn on two many people joking i am string to think the tsa hires people who enjoy feeling each other up sorry for the bad spelling

today i went out and bought all the items listed in the section for first time riders which are

duct tape

file folder

string

scanner

Windex

string

power outlets

two books

deck of cards

and i will have my laptop for tons of movies\\

am i missing anything

 

[zepherdude]

WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!

You will have a GREAT time, Howard!

 

[Gingee]

We started riding the train probably in 2005. Since then we have traveled coach and sleeper. This year we were lucky to get a upgrade to a room with a shower and toilet (I was in heaven). Coach is sometimes okay for overnight. I have a hard time sleeping in coach but that is just me. I just can never get settled.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

duct tape

file folder

string

scanner

Windex

string

power outlets

two books

deck of cards

and i will have my laptop for tons of movies\\

am i missing anything

I'd include some sleeping pills and ear plugs because they help me rest when I'm on a trip. I do the same thing on airplanes.

 

[howard]

hi like the sleeping pill idea the last time i took sleeping pills i called a complete stranger and asked them why they were not in bed with me

 

[jimhudson]

Melatonin is Natural, produced by the body to promote relaxation, sleep, lot's better than Sleeping pills (narcotics) and you feel lots better when you wake up! Also you can consume a couple of Adult Beverages to help you relax, which you are not supposed to do with drugs!

 

[HOWARD]

I HAVE A FEW NEW QUESTIONS

ONE DOSE ANYONE KNOW WHERE I GO TO GET THE TRAIN FROM THE NEW YORK PORT AUTHORITY BUS TERMINAL WHERE GREYHOUND DROP YOU OFF TO NEW YORK PENN STATION.

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT SUBWAY TRAIN TO TAKE OR BUSS OR TAXI AND THE FARE IF ANY ONE KNOWS ALSO BEFORE I PAY FOR MY TRAIN TICKET HERE ON THE WEB I JOIN THE AM TRACK REWARDS PROGRAM WILL I NEED THE CARD ON THE TRAIN AS IT IS BEING SENT TO MY ADDRESS IN SEATTLE.

I AM FINDING THAT I CAN NOT GET A GOOD CONNECTION FROM GREYHOUND TO THE TRAIN THE BUS COMES IN AT 11:54 PM AND THE TRAIN DOSE NOT LEAVE TILL 6 45 AM SO I DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO GO TILL THE TRAIN LEAVE IS THE STATION OPEN IN NEW YORK AND SAFE ALSO I SEEN THAT I CAN NOT CHECK MY BAGS TILL AFTER THE TRAIN LEAVE .PER THE WEB SITE

I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THEIR IS A PLACE I CAN GET A LIST OF STOPS AND LAYOVER TIMES I AM TAKING TRAINS 141 Northeast Regional,29 Capitol Limited,7 Empire Builder

MY BUS GETS INTO NYC AT 11:10 PM ON THE FIRST AND I CANT GET THE TRAIN TILL 9 45 AM ON THE NEXT DAY

ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT

 

[HOWARD]

i forgot to ask i read somewhere that they have entertainment on the train like tour guides will their be any in December i also thought to dress comfortable iwas going to go get a good pair of sweat pants and hoddie since their is no shower in coach

 

[sunchaser]

i forgot to ask i read somewhere that they have entertainment on the train like tour guides will their be any in December i also thought to dress comfortable iwas going to go get a good pair of sweat pants and hoddie since their is no shower in coach

Welcome to the board!

Sweats would be a good idea. You can also bring along a washcloth in a ziplock bag & soap for washing up in the bathroom. Some people like to bring eye shades too. You may or may not be spending a lot of your time reading. You will find the scenery quite relaxing. You can also go to the sightseer car to enjoy the scenery there. If you want to try to get a roomette or bedroom on board, even for one night, check with the conductor. You may be able to get a reasonable price that way. It's never a guarantee that there will any available, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Have a great trip!