Next time, try the train? (Indianapolis, Connersville: rent, home, buy)

[volubilis22]

Hey everyone -

I recently looked into riding Amtrak from either Connersville or Indianapolis to Dallas via Chicago. I don't normally ride the train, but I've always wanted to do a long distance train trip.

I looked into doing this, and what I am finding sounds ridiculous. Only carry-on baggage is allowed from Indy or Connersville to Chicago. In other words, I can't take a suitcase to be stowed in a baggage car or compartment unless I board the train in Chicago, which is where you catch the Texas Eagle line. Even if you do board at Chicago, you must be careful what destination station you deboard at, because many do not offer baggage service. I've heard that if your final destination is one of these stations that is not equipped for checked baggage, they won't let you have your bag.

Even at the station in Downtown Indy, as big a city as it is, Amtrak doesn't offer baggage check. This sounds completely ridiculous! I'd have to take a bus to Chicago first. I would imagine the Connersville station is never staffed by a living being.

I've read many internet horror stories about Amtrak in general. Does anyone have thoughts or comments on this issue?

What ever happened to the good old days of rail travel?

[domergurl]

It breaks my heart that this country, particuarly the middle belly part, can't get on board, pun intended, with mass transit. Sure, there are cute pockets, but it's just silly that we are so car dependent. I'll take my lefty foot off the soap box and end with this ... you're better off hitching to Dallas than taking Amtrak.

[mbuszu]

I've family which has taken Amtrak many times from NY to NE Indiana (Waterloo). They did it primarily because a couple of them weren't old enough to drive (or didn't have their own car) and the others simply didn't want to drive 12-14 hours. Nearly every trip proved to be an adventure complete with delays or other issues. One time the journey over took a combined total of 24 hours due to train delays and the net result was everyone only staying for 23 hours before having to leave to go back!!!!

Compared to a plane ticket, the cost savings just isn't worth the hassle (I think you save perhaps 50-75.00 per person). When I travel my direct preference is for trips 10 hours or less drive time, to be driven. Otherwise I buy a plane ticket and perhaps rent a car at the destination. I find it amazing that Amtrak is so horrible, but it really is. I've gotten to know "Julie" at Amtrak better than most people (she's the automated voice recognition program you get when you call Amtrak for status updates due to the inevitable scheduling changes), she's polite, I'll give her that. You couldn't pay me to ride Amtrak right now... it's a mess and not all that great of a deal financially.

[rrah]

A number of years ago my husband took a train from Chicago to Denver and back. He would never do it again. At some point he called to tell me it was further delayed because the tracks were busted, and they had to wait for the repairs in the middle of nowhere. I'm not kidding about that. I don't even recall how long all the delays were, but he would never travel by train again.

[Jaxson]

It really is ashame North America has gotten away from the rail. With fuel prices only going up it won't be long before lower and middle class folks won't be able to afford airfare as a means of travel. I think it would have been neat to take my kids across country on Amtrak at one point in time but not now.

Did Greyhound bus once and said never again.

For longer trips even using airfare luggage is really restricted now, we had to ship things to Disney and then back home when we went in 2005.

[volubilis22]

I'm going to fly rather than take Amtrak. It's not worth saving a little money on a ticket. Even short trips on Amtrak can apparently cause major headaches. Too bad because it would be a great way to see the country.

[ShadowCaver]

Part of the problem, besides Amtrak's own ineptness, is that they share the tracks in vast amounts with the freight trains, and those take precedence over passengers. Man, I do love trains, their sound at crossings, carrying that woanful cry over the hills,,,
stamford times - Regional editorial — Amtrak struggling as freight lines monopolize tracks (broken link)
Missouri approves $8M subsidy for Amtrak - St. Louis Business Journal:
Why Amtrak Can't Run Trains On Time, In Most Of Country, Passenger Railroad Must Share Congested Tracks With Freight Trains - CBS News

[luciefr]

As a former midwesterner relocated to the Atlantic seaboard, I LOVE the 2 hour train ride up to Manhattan or down to DC. It is much more comfortable and roomy than those nasty airplane seats, and MUCH easier than going thru airport security. Plus, the train station in NYC is right at Madison Square Garden, and Union Station in DC is right near the Capitol- great for tourists.

I would LOVE to be able to take a train to and from Connersville, but America collectively turned its back on trains starting in the 1950's. when cars and airplanes became glamorous and accessible. They all went bankrupt- nobody rode them after the War.

If you want a long train trip, I have a great one for you. Do it in the fall.
Take the train from NYC to Montreal. You can get a sleeper car, and sleep on the train. It travels up the Hudson Valley right beside the river. You can almost imagine you are in Europe, riding along the Rhine, its so scenic.
The bonus is that Montreal is the most European city in North America, and a wonderful, very fun place for a long weekend vacation.

[BLAungst]

We have traveled many times from Pittsburgh to NYC and it is wonderful. Lots of leg room, beautiful views. We take our computer and DVD player , plug in and enjoy the scenery as well as a good movie while traveling Amtrak. We must be one of the rare folk who never experienced long delays. Granted we have waited for a freight train using the track, but not for a long period of time. Would I travel on Amtrak again? Yes. Our next trip is to DC. We take minimal luggage, no need to check it in. We carry a bag lunch since the food is not that great on the train. Life is great when you are retired and have time. B and W