Hi Folks
I'm planning on taking the empire builder in Late October as part of a business trip from Seattle -> Chicago. I love train travel and am really looking forward to it - except 1 part - the fare. $141 for a seat seems reasonable but $700 for a roomette doesn't (well ok, according to my budget). So to make this decision I need some help in deciding. Apologies for all the questions.
- Since I'll be working, I need to use my laptop - are there electrical outlets available in the "reserved seating" area that would enable me to work from my seat ? Doesn't look like business class seating is available as an option (which apparently provide outlets)
- I read the lounge car has outlets - is this generally a busy place ? I can work with noise, but a chair/space is a requirement too !
- What's the chances I can grab a wireless connection at one of the station stops enroute ? Slim to none ? Any experiences ?
- Anybody know if there is a "roomette" sharing option / website ? I gladly share the room with another traveller - I've done my fair share of backpacking so I know pretty much all the ups and down sides... I also read that the roomette has outlets (can you tell what my primary requirement is yet ?)
- Does the roomette fare ever get discounted ?
Thanks folks in advance .. and also for the other great info on this site. I'll have to update this after my trip (yes, I'm going regardless of a power outlet to myself)
Garry
I'm planning on taking the empire builder in Late October as part of a business trip from Seattle -> Chicago. I love train travel and am really looking forward to it - except 1 part - the fare. $141 for a seat seems reasonable but $700 for a roomette doesn't (well ok, according to my budget). So to make this decision I need some help in deciding. Apologies for all the questions.
- Since I'll be working, I need to use my laptop - are there electrical outlets available in the "reserved seating" area that would enable me to work from my seat ? Doesn't look like business class seating is available as an option (which apparently provide outlets)
- I read the lounge car has outlets - is this generally a busy place ? I can work with noise, but a chair/space is a requirement too !
- What's the chances I can grab a wireless connection at one of the station stops enroute ? Slim to none ? Any experiences ?
- Anybody know if there is a "roomette" sharing option / website ? I gladly share the room with another traveller - I've done my fair share of backpacking so I know pretty much all the ups and down sides... I also read that the roomette has outlets (can you tell what my primary requirement is yet ?)
- Does the roomette fare ever get discounted ?
Thanks folks in advance .. and also for the other great info on this site. I'll have to update this after my trip (yes, I'm going regardless of a power outlet to myself)
Garry