Portland transportation question

[Cat_Person]

I have lived thru the whole Cal. fire scene, and it seems Northern Cal is ablaze now. Knowing how fires are, and how long they burn here (sometimes several weeks) I'm wondering if that will impact the journey too. I hope not

[oldtintype]

Originally Posted by Leisesturm

I agree, except that I think that there must be some kind of insurance on a rental vehicle by default otherwise they couldn't legally let you waive it, could they??

H

You're covered if you hit someone else, the insurance they make you buy is for THEIR car. I know you can buy special auto rental insurance through regular insurance companies that is probably way cheaper than buying the rental car insurance if you use them a fair amount. I've never really looked into it. Some credit cards cover things too but I looked into that and it's way more complicated than at first glance. Anyway, car rental agencies have their purpose, I just think if you have close access to a zipcar it's a lot easier and less of a headache.

[Nell Plotts]

Keep in mind that freight is going over the same tracks so if the Starlight is delayed so will a lot of other stuff.

Have you compared the cost of a SW flight to the train fare? It really may be cheaper. Also, the Starlight gets cleaned at the beginning and end of the trip. From SoCal the car could get a little 'ripe' by the time is arrives in Portland.

[Cat_Person]

Hmm....some Greyhound bus features, eh?

I'll look into the flight. Thanks! I thought a train might be fun, haven't been on one in a long time.

Hey BTW, Thank you Oregon firefighters for helping us out. We love you guys

[Nell Plotts]

I am a train fan too and take the Talgo (Cascades) between Portland and Seattle when it makes sense. Southbound from Portland on the Coast Starlight is the best ride.

Fly north, train south to/from California.

[Cat_Person]

I have done alot of research regarding flights, and they cost double the train fare. Amtrak is also cheaper than driving my Honda up there. I'm stuck with the train...as I can't afford double. I suppose it's the gas prices doing this, and being in peak season for travel in the summer. Oh well...

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by Cat_Person

I have done alot of research regarding flights, and they cost double the train fare. Amtrak is also cheaper than driving my Honda up there. I'm stuck with the train...as I can't afford double. I suppose it's the gas prices doing this, and being in peak season for travel in the summer. Oh well...

Bring your own snacks and water for Amtrak. There is a diner car for full meals, and you can buy snack food as well, but it's pretty pricey. Amtrak's actually fun, but you have to accept their time schedule. And, as you come north, and you pass through Klamath Falls and pass by Upper Klamath Lake and Chiloquin, wave toward the west, because I'm about 6 miles to your west, up on a hill in the trees overlooking the lake ...