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Er..I'm assuming you mean cross-country, not just the daily commute.
We went from L.A to New Orleans on Amtrak, and enjoyed it so much we're doing it again. You can get up and move around, grab a drink, have a snack etc. At mealtimes, you're seated with other travelers, so you get to meet some really interesting people. The attendants are very friendly and helpful, and you can really enjoy the scenery. I'd recommend it, and also recommend getting a roomette (sleeper) for longer journeys if you can.
I think the main advantage offered by a car is the independence of being able to stop where and when you like, and get off the beaten path a bit. But you could always take the train somewhere then explore by car.
I wouldnt take a bus again if it was the last resort. Seriously, I'd sooner walk.
So glad to hear you had a good time , we are going to go see about tickets to New Orleans from our home in Salem Or on monday..We have heard such good things about Amtrak..did you sleep in your chair or have a roomette..
Thanks for posting
We had a roomette, which meant greater privacy and the ability to get horizontal. From Salem I'm guessing that'll be an overnight trip yes? In that case, it's really really worth the extra $$ for a roomette. I cannot stress that enough. Apparently on some trips they also show movies in the dining car. That wasn't a feature of our trip unfortunately but we still loved it.
How long you in New Orleans for? Its my favorite city in the whole world, if I can help with anything about it, feel free to DM. When are you thinking of going?
We are actually going to rent a car and drive over to Pensacola FL to a reunion of old friends that were station in Morocco with us 40 years ago..Its not till late April..
Its going to be a long ride but much better than the plane or driving.
Will just see...
Will keep you posted.
Train travel can be great but it can be really hard to make connections on some routes. Going one direction it may be fine but the return trip will end up with you having to stay in hotels over night to make connections.
So glad to hear you had a good time , we are going to go see about tickets to New Orleans from our home in Salem Or on monday..We have heard such good things about Amtrak..did you sleep in your chair or have a roomette..
Thanks for posting
From the looks of the Amtrak site, you'll have a variety of routes to choose from.
I was surprised to see that it's quicker to take the Empire Builder to Chicago and transfer to the City of New Orleans than it is to take the Coast Starlight to LA and then get on the Sunset Limited.
Amtrak usually offers pretty good service; it's certainly more relaxed than flying. Keep in mind that sleeping car accommodation prices include all meals in the dining car. For just an over night trip, you could consider booking just a seat as the seats are certainly spacious enough to sleep in overnight.
I think the circle route to New Orleans would be great: Empire Builder to Chicago and then City of New Orleans to New orleans on the way out; Sunset Limited to LA and then the Coast Starlight to Salem for the return.
Trains are my favorite mode of transportation. None of the stress of driving a car, a much smoother and faster ride than a bus, and you can just devote your full attention to the passing scenery.
I travelled almost exclusively by train in Europe, which was incredibly convenient and even allowed me to see areas that weren't possible to see by car. Unfortunately, our rail system in the US is much more limited (and more expensive), but I used to enjoy taking train rides between East Coast cities or along the California coast. Very relaxing and fun.
The car is cool for the independance issue, but if you don't feel like driving, which is understandable, the train beats the bus by a country mile. Especially if you get a sleeper car! The bus is cool if you don't mind having "interesting" travel companions.
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
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I assume this will be a 2 or 3 day trip ONE WAY. Thus a 'roomette' will be better. I agree on a 'loop trip' if possible.
Trains are very nice to travel in Western Europe, S. Korea, and Japan, but... USA is pretty 'old-school' and not fast, quiet, or efficient. (I am enjoying the $89 fares on SWA for 4 yrs now!!, but not yet patient enough for USA trains (not known for being 'on-time', and can lose a couple days on a trans US route (Break-downs, derailments, siding 'sit-outs'...) maybe after age 75)
The train has worked out real well for some of our 85 yr old guests, they seem to love it, and are in no great hurry.
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The bus is cool if you don't mind having "interesting"
travel companions.
