M
musikal
Guest
Hello,
I have never travelled by train. I am considering the pros and cons of taking the train from Houston, TX to Tucson, AZ to see my husband- (he is on active military duty and will be leaving for 3 months in Afganistan in June.) I would be traveling alone with 3 children ages 10, 6, and 2. Driving long distances is a problem with toddlers because they get so frustrated being stuck in the car seat, so the idea of the train appeals to me since I can move around or hold the baby in my lap.
I have been reading as much as I can find regarding Amtrak but am confused on exactly what train I would be riding on. Would I be changing trains? Seems like most of the Amtrak veterans speak by train names, but I'm not sure if I'm on the Sunset Limited or the Texas Eagle, or if those are the same thing.. Also, I can't figure out if Houston actually has a train station, or would I be taking a bus to Longview first? Having to transfer in the middle of the night with sleepy kids would definitely make the train less appealing. If someone can set me straight on which and how many trains I would be on, I'd appreciate it. On the booking website, it shows "Sunset Limited" out of Houston, and both "Texas Eagle" and Sunset Limited for the way back, but cheaper on the Sunset Limited. At least that's what I think it shows.
Are the free fares for infants 2 and under, or just "under" 2 (do you need a fare once they turn 2?) Right now the coach fare is $129, so If I get one adult and 2 children I'd pay $258, since the kids are half price. If I have to add a seat for the baby I have to buy another adult ticket since I "exceed the maximum children per adult fare." I'm guessing we'd be spending a lot of time wandering around the train, or she'd be sleeping in my lap, so seat is not strictly needed.
Next question- rooms. This is a budget trip. The family room is going for $780 online one way, so that's really too much to for me. If you get a room, you don't get coach seats, correct, so it's one or the other? I could probably swing the cost of a roomette, but think that would be too small- we could probably all fit in OK for sleeping (2 small kids in one, me and baby in other) but would be too cramped for daytime.... Any thoughts on this? Has anyone done coach only with small kids? Seems like coach would be roomier.
If you have any other things I should know or that would help me make a decision on this, please let me know.
Thanks!
Sarah
I have never travelled by train. I am considering the pros and cons of taking the train from Houston, TX to Tucson, AZ to see my husband- (he is on active military duty and will be leaving for 3 months in Afganistan in June.) I would be traveling alone with 3 children ages 10, 6, and 2. Driving long distances is a problem with toddlers because they get so frustrated being stuck in the car seat, so the idea of the train appeals to me since I can move around or hold the baby in my lap.
I have been reading as much as I can find regarding Amtrak but am confused on exactly what train I would be riding on. Would I be changing trains? Seems like most of the Amtrak veterans speak by train names, but I'm not sure if I'm on the Sunset Limited or the Texas Eagle, or if those are the same thing.. Also, I can't figure out if Houston actually has a train station, or would I be taking a bus to Longview first? Having to transfer in the middle of the night with sleepy kids would definitely make the train less appealing. If someone can set me straight on which and how many trains I would be on, I'd appreciate it. On the booking website, it shows "Sunset Limited" out of Houston, and both "Texas Eagle" and Sunset Limited for the way back, but cheaper on the Sunset Limited. At least that's what I think it shows.
Are the free fares for infants 2 and under, or just "under" 2 (do you need a fare once they turn 2?) Right now the coach fare is $129, so If I get one adult and 2 children I'd pay $258, since the kids are half price. If I have to add a seat for the baby I have to buy another adult ticket since I "exceed the maximum children per adult fare." I'm guessing we'd be spending a lot of time wandering around the train, or she'd be sleeping in my lap, so seat is not strictly needed.
Next question- rooms. This is a budget trip. The family room is going for $780 online one way, so that's really too much to for me. If you get a room, you don't get coach seats, correct, so it's one or the other? I could probably swing the cost of a roomette, but think that would be too small- we could probably all fit in OK for sleeping (2 small kids in one, me and baby in other) but would be too cramped for daytime.... Any thoughts on this? Has anyone done coach only with small kids? Seems like coach would be roomier.
If you have any other things I should know or that would help me make a decision on this, please let me know.
Thanks!
Sarah