New York to San Fran, or the other way around?

[Karl]

Hello everyone.
Excuse me if this has been asked before. I’m brand new….
My wife and I would love to do a train ride, coast to coast in America. We have had the absolute pleasure of one previous long distance Amtrak trip, when we went from Fort Worth to Miami a few years ago. We’d now love to pop back over the pond, later this year to do a coast to coast trip. My question to the experienced Amtrackers is which way should we go? Should we fly into NYC and take the train across to San Francisco, or should we fly into San Francisco and train back into NYC? We would spend two or three days in each city too. Your advice and rationale would be greatly appreciated please.
Many thanks

 

[pennyk]

Welcome to Amtrak Unlimited. If you plan to take the California Zephyr between Emeryville (San Francisco) and Chicago, I would go westbound. Fly into NYC and take trains to the San Francisco area. I think the California Zephyr is a nicer ride westbound with better scenery in daylight hours.

 

[BCL]

I would point out that Amtrak train service doesn't actually go to San Francisco. They connect to San Francisco through bus service from either Oakland or Emeryville. This sometimes becomes an issue with people using the USA Rail pass since the short bus trip counts as a segment.

The other thing is that there is no longer any check-in baggage service from San Francisco, if that's a concern. There used to be a series of different Amtrak bus stops (Hyatt Regency, San Francisco Shopping Center, Fishermans Wharf, 4th and King Caltrain Station, Ferry Building. etc.) throughout San Francisco, but that's been reduced to a single bus stop in a random part of downtown. The one near the Ferry Building used to be the primary one, with a station building, waiting room, restrooms, ticket counter, and baggage service. Amtrak lost the lease on that and then moved to the former "Temporary Transbay Terminal" and used their bus bays along with sharing Greyhound's station building. But now they've moved to a nondescript bus stop in front of a Chase Bank location.

 

[Karl]

Welcome to Amtrak Unlimited. If you plan to take the California Zephyr between Emeryville (San Francisco) and Chicago, I would go westbound. Fly into NYC and take trains to the San Francisco area. I think the California Zephyr is a nicer ride westbound with better scenery in daylight hours.

Thanks for your response Pennyk , The
Lint that you mention regarding hitting the best scenery in daylight hours was definitely an issue I needed educating in, so Thankyou.

I would point out that Amtrak train service doesn't actually go to San Francisco. They connect to San Francisco through bus service from either Oakland or Emeryville. This sometimes becomes an issue with people using the USA Rail pass since the short bus trip counts as a segment.

The other thing is that there is no longer any check-in baggage service from San Francisco, if that's a concern. There used to be a series of different Amtrak bus stops (Hyatt Regency, San Francisco Shopping Center, Fishermans Wharf, 4th and King Caltrain Station, Ferry Building. etc.) throughout San Francisco, but that's been reduced to a single bus stop in a random part of downtown. The one near the Ferry Building used to be the primary one, with a station building, waiting room, restrooms, ticket counter, and baggage service. Amtrak lost the lease on that and then moved to the former "Temporary Transbay Terminal" and used their bus bays along with sharing Greyhound's station building. But now they've moved to a nondescript bus stop in front of a Chase Bank location.

Thanks BCL. Whilst I was aware of the issue regarding having to take a bus for the final portion of the journey, I did not know that there was only one pickup/drop off point within San Francisco. Nor did I know about the baggage check in if starting our journey there. That would definitely be a consideration for me, so thanks for the information, appreciated

 

[Rasputin]

I would recommend westbound.

 

[caravanman]

Welcome to the forum, from a fellow Brit!

Folk can get overwhelmed with the advice and information offered here. As mentioned above, the Amtrak train terminus for San Francisco is Emeryville. When you book your tickets you can book to Emeryville, or by booking to/from SFC code station 555 Mission Street, that will then include the connecting coach to or from Emeryville station.
I have travelled both directions, I prefer the westbound. Can I recommend that you spend a day or two in Chicago enroute. The east and west Amtrak systems meet in Chicago, so you need to change trains there anyway.
The scenery between Chicago and Denver is not spectacular, so it is nice westbound to have the excellent mountain scenery after Denver to look forward to.
As you may know, one can carry on quite a sensible amount of luggage with Amtrak, which would go under the coach to or from the SCF stop.
Sounds a great trip in either direction!

 

[BCL]

Welcome to the forum, from a fellow Brit!

Folk can get overwhelmed with the advice and information offered here. As mentioned above, the Amtrak train terminus for San Francisco is Emeryville. When you book your tickets you can book to Emeryville, or by booking to/from SFC code station 555 Mission Street, that will then include the connecting coach to or from Emeryville station.
I have travelled both directions, I prefer the westbound. Can I recommend that you spend a day or two in Chicago enroute. The east and west Amtrak systems meet in Chicago, so you need to change trains there anyway.
The scenery between Chicago and Denver is not spectacular, so it is nice westbound to have the excellent mountain scenery after Denver to look forward to.
As you may know, one can carry on quite a sensible amount of luggage with Amtrak, which would go under the coach to or from the SCF stop.
Sounds a great trip in either direction!

There could be different ways to get to San Francisco from NYC. I suppose NYC to Los Angeles and then north on the Coast Starlight to Oakland. I suppose it depends on the kind of scenery the OP is looking for.

 

[caravanman]

There could be different ways to get to San Francisco from NYC. I suppose NYC to Los Angeles and then north on the Coast Starlight to Oakland. I suppose it depends on the kind of scenery the OP is looking for.

Indeed, there are several options, one could even go via New Orleans or Seattle. Keeping it simple, I think most folk would agree that the California Zephyr direct route offers outstanding views.

 

[Palmland]

Good advice on taking the Zephyr westbound as well as doing an overnight in Chicago. It’s a great city to visit and eliminates any worry about missing connections. The route through the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada mountains is spectacular.

What are your plans from NYC to Chicago? I assume you’ll take the direct route on the Lake Shore Limited from New York and enjoy the scenic ride out of the city along the Hudson River. But, if you have time, you could take the frequent service to Washington, visit the city (perhaps an overnight), and then take the Floridian (originates in Miami) to Chicago. The afternoon of departure it passes through the Civil War town of Harpers Ferry then follows the Potomac River.

 

[Karl]

Welcome to the forum, from a fellow Brit!

Folk can get overwhelmed with the advice and information offered here. As mentioned above, the Amtrak train terminus for San Francisco is Emeryville. When you book your tickets you can book to Emeryville, or by booking to/from SFC code station 555 Mission Street, that will then include the connecting coach to or from Emeryville station.
I have travelled both directions, I prefer the westbound. Can I recommend that you spend a day or two in Chicago enroute. The east and west Amtrak systems meet in Chicago, so you need to change trains there anyway.
The scenery between Chicago and Denver is not spectacular, so it is nice westbound to have the excellent mountain scenery after Denver to look forward to.
As you may know, one can carry on quite a sensible amount of luggage with Amtrak, which would go under the coach to or from the SCF stop.
Sounds a great trip in either direction!

Hi Caravanman,…Firstly well done to Forest,..Great performance thus far.
Thankyou for your input and recommendations,.. interesting to hear that you also suggest a westbound journey having had experience of both. The mountain scenery that you mention is something that is one of the motivating factors for the trip and something that sounds exciting to experience!
Pleasing to hear the coach has the capacity to accept luggage. The wife does tend to overpack
Thanks again for your kind input. Cheers mate

 

[BCL]

Hi Caravanman,…Firstly well done to Forest,..Great performance thus far.
Thankyou for your input and recommendations,.. interesting to hear that you also suggest a westbound journey having had experience of both. The mountain scenery that you mention is something that is one of the motivating factors for the trip and something that sounds exciting to experience!
Pleasing to hear the coach has the capacity to accept luggage. The wife does tend to overpack
Thanks again for your kind input. Cheers mate

Theoretically there are carry on baggage size limits, but the buses themselves have large baggage holds. If the trains you're on have checked-in baggage all the way, you could theoretically just check in baggage to the last train stop and then transfer them as carry on (with the piece and size limits) to the buses.

Checked in size is very generous. 75 linear inches (H+W+L).

https://www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy

I don't know if you and your wife have an intent to use up as much of your baggage limit as possible. With check in, each passenger could bring two pieces included (up to 75 linear inches and 50 lbs), up to 2 pieces at $20 baggage fee, 2 carry on (up to 50 lbs and 28"x22"x14" each), and one personal item (14"x11"x7" and up to 25 lbs). However, once you get on the bus there's theoretically just the carry on and personal item allowed, although there's a distinct possibility that the driver doesn't care. Some going to San Francisco with a lot of baggage might just book to Emeryville and then take taxi or rideshare to San Francisco. However, 4 large bags per person might be a little bit much to handle.

 

[zephyr17]

When you book your tickets you can book to Emeryville, or by booking to/from SFC code station 555 Mission Street, that will then include the connecting coach to or from Emeryville station.

The curbside bus stop SFC has been moved a little. It is now pretty much at the corner of Mission and Fremont at 401 Mission St instead of mid-block at 555 Mission.

The bus at Emeryville will wait for checked baggage to be delivered. You do have to retrieve it at EMY, then get it stowed in the bus' luggage hold (with the driver's assistence).

 

[AniAni]

Hello everyone.
Excuse me if this has been asked before. I’m brand new….
My wife and I would love to do a train ride, coast to coast in America. We have had the absolute pleasure of one previous long distance Amtrak trip, when we went from Fort Worth to Miami a few years ago. We’d now love to pop back over the pond, later this year to do a coast to coast trip. My question to the experienced Amtrackers is which way should we go? Should we fly into NYC and take the train across to San Francisco, or should we fly into San Francisco and train back into NYC? We would spend two or three days in each city too. Your advice and rationale would be greatly appreciated please.
Many thanks

We are riding both ways from Chicago to Emeryville! Couldn’t decide what was best. We have done other trips one way and knew we had missed a lot. We will stay 2 nights in Emeryville and have a look around the area. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Metra Electric Rider]

Another option might be to fly to DC and board the train there as suggested above - there should be plentiful flights to that area (Dulles/BWI/etc) from the UK. Better connections in some ways, to Amtrak there, than in NYC.

Also, much as I encourage you to stop and spend money (LOTS OF MONEY) in Chicago, consider breaking your trip out west to see some of what that has to offer, either the Rockies or perhaps stop in Grand Junction Colorado and see Moab and Canyonlands which are relatively short drive from there and truly spectacular.

 

[Stevenz]

I think the more pertinent limit on luggage will on the London-NYC segment.

 

[BCL]

I think the more pertinent limit on luggage will on the London-NYC segment.

You never know. The OP mentioned a wife who tends to overpack. I'm imagining the scene from Titanic. But absolutely if the limit per passenger is one typical airline sized checked-in piece and one typical carry on (especially European carry on) it should be no problem. But there are practical considerations.

Amtrak baggage allowances are almost too generous for most people to take advantage unless moving. And then Amtrak could theoretically deny baggage if they believe it's being used in place of a moving services or Amtrak freight service.

 

[MARC Rider]

Theoretically there are carry on baggage size limits, but the buses themselves have large baggage holds. If the trains you're on have checked-in baggage all the way, you could theoretically just check in baggage to the last train stop and then transfer them as carry on (with the piece and size limits) to the buses.

Checked in size is very generous. 75 linear inches (H+W+L).

https://www.amtrak.com/baggage-policy

I don't know if you and your wife have an intent to use up as much of your baggage limit as possible. With check in, each passenger could bring two pieces included (up to 75 linear inches and 50 lbs), up to 2 pieces at $20 baggage fee, 2 carry on (up to 50 lbs and 28"x22"x14" each), and one personal item (14"x11"x7" and up to 25 lbs). However, once you get on the bus there's theoretically just the carry on and personal item allowed, although there's a distinct possibility that the driver doesn't care. Some going to San Francisco with a lot of baggage might just book to Emeryville and then take taxi or rideshare to San Francisco. However, 4 large bags per person might be a little bit much to handle.

Amtrak has a pretty generous carry on baggage limit, and they're pretty lax about enforcing that. I've seen people get on with stuff exceeding the limit, and no one seems to care. The trains west of Chicago have luggage storage areas in the lower level, which means you don't have to haul larger bags up the narrow twist stairs. The single level trains east of Chicago have luggage racks at the end of each coach as well as the overhead rack above the seats. Single level sleepers (Viewliners) are really the only accommodations that have restricted luggage storage.

That said, I've been able to do trips of up to 2 weeks carrying only a mid size (larger than airline carry on) rollerbag and a 30 liter day pack. I've never had to check baggage, except on the Canadian, and have never had any problem hauling my stuff around the station or the cities. Of course, I was prepared to do laundry at least once during the trip, so planning at least one layover day in the middle of the trip is helpful.

 

[BCL]

Amtrak has a pretty generous carry on baggage limit, and they're pretty lax about enforcing that. I've seen people get on with stuff exceeding the limit, and no one seems to care. The trains west of Chicago have luggage storage areas in the lower level, which means you don't have to haul larger bags up the narrow twist stairs. The single level trains east of Chicago have luggage racks at the end of each coach as well as the overhead rack above the seats. Single level sleepers (Viewliners) are really the only accommodations that have restricted luggage storage.

That said, I've been able to do trips of up to 2 weeks carrying only a mid size (larger than airline carry on) rollerblading and a 30 liter day pack. I've never had to check baggage, except on the Canadian, and have never had any problem hauling my stuff around the station or the cities. Of course, I was prepared to do laundry at least once during the trip, so planning at least one layover day in the middle of the trip is helpful.

Yeah. The longest Amtrak trip I've been on was less than 24 hours, from Seattle to Emeryville on the Coast Starlight. I was glad to to just check in an airline sized 28" and 22" roller set so I didn't have to deal with it. I had a small backpack with maybe a change of clothes and underwear, plus a computer bag with me. But when we got to EMY, the baggage cart was loaded and my bags were there ready to be claimed. And at least they actually check baggage claim checks. I think this was back when there was baggage service to San Francisco, but I'm not sure what they did with that. Maybe the thru bags were on another cart?

However, I would think that anything that doesn't fit in the trunk of an Uber or Lyft ride would be problematic. That's going to be the limitation for most people. Rehashing baggage limits and talking about lax enforcement may be more about the entertainment value of thinking about someone who might want to bring 4 steamer trunks and two large airline carry on size pieces. It's just not practical for most people.

As for "whatever you can handle yourself" goes, I've seen some odd cases. Like a woman with her kid with maybe one kiddie roller trying to board Capitol Corridor. She didn't have any luggage per se, but was carrying a lot (maybe 5 or 6) of department store style shopping bags. She was looking to board at an open door, but the conductor was maybe two cars down. I don't think it was that hard to board, although there was a slight gap because of the way the platform curves at that particular station. But she was yelling at the conductor that she needed help, but he looked at her and motioned that she should just get on. Her kid had no problem with the roller, as I'm guess it's wasn't really loaded with anything on a shopping trip. I've never seen anything quite like that riding before or since. She was perfectly capable of doing it, was probably over any kind of official baggage limit, but she just wanted help.