Amtrak Denver to Emeryville (San Francisco) (transfer, restaurant, train)

[RonAriba]

Taking Amtrak from Denver to Emeryville (San Francisco). What should I expect from the experience. I already know that Amtrak runs 3-8 hours late. I booked a sleeper and want it to be a relaxing experience, read, nap, socialize, eat, drink. No hurry to get to the end designation.

Interested in anyone that took the California Zephyr Train recently and share their experiences. Did you tip before or after the trip? How did diner and breakfast go? How did the observation car seating go?

[cowboyxjon]

I had friends take the train from Emeryville to Denver a few years ago and while they loved the experience overall, the train was 12 hours (!) late to Denver, so I had to pick them up from Union Station at 4:30AM instead of 4:30PM the previous day. As long as your schedule permits something like that, you'll have a great time.

Not sure about tips, but they had a sleeper and really enjoyed their experience. They also had no trouble with the observation car seating, as in their case, there was hardly anyone on the train. Scenery was amazing.

[KaaBoom]

Originally Posted by RonAriba

Did you tip before or after the trip? How did diner and breakfast go?

Yes, leave a tip on the table in the dining car (just like you would in a restaurant) and tip the sleeping car attendant when you leave the train. The food is pretty good.

[KaaBoom]

Originally Posted by cowboyxjon

I had friends take the train from Emeryville to Denver a few years ago and while they loved the experience overall, the train was 12 hours (!) late to Denver, so I had to pick them up from Union Station at 4:30AM instead of 4:30PM the previous day. As long as your schedule permits something like that, you'll have a great time.

Actually it has always beed scheduled to arrive in Denver around 7:30PM. So that train was nine or maybe ten hours late, not 12 hours. Not that that makes a big difference, when you have to pick them up at 4:30AM, instead of dinnertime.

[ktqtp]

Although it's been about 4 years, I took the California Zephyr all the way from Emeryville to Denver. The train was delayed by several hours, but that was only because it was December (weather). I've taken Amtrak all over the country and in my experience there are rarely delays unless there is ice or because of a freighter coming through. The only noticeable delays I've had were due to ice, though.

I found it to be an enjoyable experience overall - with the only downside being the snack car. With a sleeper though, you won't really have to worry about it since they will bring diner car food to your room (if you wish). If it's still the same as 4 years ago, you will have a steward who does this along with other things (newspaper, booze, or whatever things you might want).

Edit: The observation car is great, the seating is generous and the views on this route are arguably the best in the country. Enjoy!

[hammertime33]

Originally Posted by cowboyxjon

I had friends take the train from Emeryville to Denver a few years ago and while they loved the experience overall, the train was 12 hours (!) late to Denver, so I had to pick them up from Union Station at 4:30AM instead of 4:30PM the previous day. As long as your schedule permits something like that, you'll have a great time.

Not sure about tips, but they had a sleeper and really enjoyed their experience. They also had no trouble with the observation car seating, as in their case, there was hardly anyone on the train. Scenery was amazing.

12 hours late???

I'd demand my money back and never take Amtrak again.

[davidv]

Originally Posted by hammertime33

12 hours late???

I'd demand my money back and never take Amtrak again.

If you told them you'd never take Amtrak again, why would they give you your money back?

A ticket is a "contract" to take you from point A to point B. It does not require the transporter to be on time or within a certain timeframe. My best friend found this out when his flight arrived too late to get on the cruise he was going on. At least the airline comped a flight to meet the ship at the next port.

[hammertime33]

Originally Posted by davidv

If you told them you'd never take Amtrak again, why would they give you your money back?

I wouldn't tell them that.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

We heard many stories about how awful the trains were for being late. My husband took Amtrak from Denver to Sacramento last year and then transferred to a train to Albany, Oregon. None of the trains were late. Also, we took the train from Albany to Seattle and, again, the train was right on time. No problems at all!

[davebarnes]

Originally Posted by hammertime33

I'd demand my money back and never take Amtrak again.

You are not their customer.
Congress is their customer, even thought no one in Congress actually rides Amtrak.
Amtrak, especially outside the northeast corridor, is pork, pure and simple.