ABQ to Laughlin

[redsandal]

sorry if this post shows up twice, didn't seem to "take" first time. Hubby and I are planning a trip from ABQ to Laughlin, NV later this month. Notice that we get off the train in Kingman and take a bus into Laughlin. Would like advise about this transfer both going out and coming back. Thanks!

 

[roxane1640]

Its an easy trip.I do it quite often.The shuttle meets the train and drives you over.

Its about 40 mins to Laughlin.Just make sure and talk to the shuttle driver and let him know when you are returning.

They like you to be there earier then the time on the ticket.

If your late or sometimes if your right on time,there is a chance they will leave you.

just ask.Not sure what else you would like to know.

 

[the_traveler]

First, the shuttle is not s bus (at least it was not when I took in 2003) but a large van. And as said be sure you notify them you are also returning. When I took it, it ran from Las Vegas to Needles, CA. Because nobody was scheduled to be picked up in Laughlin, we continued down US 95, right to Needles - bypassing Laughlin! They could go from Las Vegas to Kingman directly on US 93, again bypassing Laughlin!

I know these routes only because I lived in Laughlin and that area from 1994 to 2000.

 

[redsandal]

oh dear. we sure don't want to be stranded in the middle of the night. what company is the van associated w/? Perhaps I should call ahead and discuss this w/ them?

 

[the_traveler]

Just make sure you make reservation for the shuttle with Amtrak. They have a contract with Amtrak. So it would be essentially the same as a train not running.

 

[Casinocim]

I did this trip in March.

You must book your trip with Amtrak. You will receive tickets for the train and seperate tickets for the shuttle.

When booking your return trip, the shuttle leaves Laughlin at 12:01 AM. I made a mistake on my reservation and booked the wrong day.

When you get off the train in Kingman, the shuttle, (which is a white passenger van with a small box trailer behind it), is in front of the station in the parking lot. And it is waiting for you, so grab your bags from the train and go. They did have a list of people getting on the shuttle and checked it when they took tickets. It goes straight to Laughlin and drops you off at the valet at the Tropicana Express.

Be sure and use the restroom before getting off in Kingman, the shuttle does not stop.

I would take a sweater, the coach cars on the train can be cold.

On your return trip, the shuttle picks you up at the same place, valet, Tropicana Express. The shuttles website, states to be at the Tropicana Express 45 minutes early. We were there one hour early, the shuttle came at the time of departure but I would definitely be there early. The shuttle drops you off at the Kingman station and there is not much of a wait for the train if it is on time.

I did not talk to the shuttle driver about my return trip, I had my tickets so I knew they would be there.

While waiting at the Tropicana Express to come home, there are slot machines and restrooms by the door out to the valet.

The shuttle does have a website, CommuterServices.net, there is a page on the Amtrak Thruway with info for passengers.

Have a great trip!

 

[redsandal]

thanks so much for all your advice! we did book through the amtrak website. have a couple more questions. first, is it customary to tip the van driver? second, we are taking coach seats on the way out. we will be getting our tickets from the machine on the day of departure just before we leave. will we be able to sit together?

 

[redsandal]

also, what is the best way to get from the tropicana to the Aquarius?

 

[the_traveler]

1. Others may say otherwise, but I say no. If you were on a tour, then it's up to you if you want to or not. But if you took a Greyhound bus from A to B, would you tip the bus driver?
   
2. Where are you boarding?
   
   If you mention it to the car attendant (if you do not find 2 seats together), he or she may be able to find 2 seats together for you.
3. The Aquarius is a new (named) hotel since I was there. I believe it used to be the Ramada Express. If so, it is right across the road from the Tropicana. If that is not it, Laughlin also has a Riverwalk between most casinos/hotels, and there are also buses.
   

 

[redsandal]

we are boarding in ABQ so i imagine the train will be packed w/ riders from chicago going to lax. we usually get roomettes, but since it's such a short trip, that didn't make sense, going out. as for getting to the aquarius from tropicana, it will be middle of night and we don't know bus system. perhaps the aquarius would send someone? i'll ask them.