Search results

We are a family of four, heading out of Naperville, IL on Friday on what appears to be a sold out California Zephyr. In the past we've gotten on in Chicago and have boarded in one of the earlier groups, lining up with those folks that have kids under 12. But with boarding in Naperville, will we...

Thanks everyone, very helpful information!!

Traveling out of Denver on the EB CZ in a few weeks. Looks like I'll have most of the day to explore Denver before picking up the train around 7pm (if it's on time). I'd love to store a bag at Union Station starting at probably 10am. Does anyone know if I can check my bag that early with...

I can't seem to create a new topic so I hope you will beg pardon as I add to this one. We are traveling from Grand Junction to Chicago this Friday. Already booked in coach but considering a sleeper, either 2 roomettes or 1 family room (us and our 2 kids). Amsnag notes the lowest bucket for a...

On the CZ heading east to Chicago. 90 min late out of Denver and still sitting, waiting for signal clearance. Full train, in coach, near a child that has stopped screaming only intermittently since we boarded 10 hours ago in Grand Junction. (And I'm traveling with 2 kids under 10 so I do...

Oh, that IS a good point - if you have time to visit the French Market, absolutely do it if only for....two words... Beaver's Donuts. Nom Nom. And many many other delicious options there for lunch & snacks! Tho travelers should note that it does close at 7:30pm (and some vendors close earlier...

So funny, my thread has been "hijacked" to discuss food in and nearby to Union Station. I don't mind, I always enjoy a good discussion on food! We're originating from Chicago so may or may not grab lunch at home before heading to Union Station. But our young boys always want a "snack" so we...

OK, so last question (probably) before our big trip on the CZ next week. You guys have been SO helpful in answering questions!! Bless you! So we have a sleeper cabin (family bedroom) and thus, I believe we are able to go into the Chicago Metropolitan Lounge prior to boarding. So do we...

We're heading Eastbound on the CZ on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, getting on in Grand Junction and traveling to Chicago. I'm sure the train will be QUITE full during this busy holiday season. We have 4 seats in coach for the hubs & I and our 2 kids (ages 7 & 9). A couple of questions -...

Great to know that the kids can order from the adult menu. My one son really likes hamburgers, so that might be a good option. And a sidebar question on breakfasts - do you know if you get a "side" with breakfast (ie bacon) or is it just the entree (scrambled eggs, etc.) They are listed...

Yes, that is the menu I remember. Wow, from 5 options to TWO! Amtrak doesn't seem to be "catering" (pun intended....sorry) to the family market for LD train travel. I guess with two kids, we'll have one eat the hot dog for lunch and one eat the mac & cheese and then flip it for dinner! (And...

We'll be on the California Zephyr from Chicago to Grand Junction in a couple of weeks, so a scheduled 26 hour trip. We're in a sleeper, so with meals included, we'll likely hit the dining car for dinner, breakfast & lunch. Based on this menu...

Thanks to everyone on here for all the wisdom concerning fares, benefits of sleeper rooms, etc. We're heading west on the CZ (Chicago to Grand Junction) for Thanksgiving and figure the train will be pretty full. We booked 4 tickets in coach about a month ago but saw there was still at least...

We're taking the California Zephyr on Friday - a family of 4 with 2 kids under 6. We're in coach, but I believe we have "reserved seating." (Alas, a room was out of our budget.) Does this mean our location is pre-determined or should we plan on arriving extra early to get seats together...

I'm an idiot. Thanks everyone! And v. helpful on the text tip too - that may be easier if my internet connection is spotty. BLL

Taking our first trip by Amtrak, so have a lot of questions. Sorry if this is a "dumb one"! No problem with our outbound trip from Chicago - Colorado, since the CZ originates here, so presumably, departure will be on time. But on the way back, we'll be leaving out of Grand Junction, CO. How...

Are there any relatively fast-food options around the temp Denver station? I believe we have a 50 minute stop there on our way out to Grand Junction. Thought we'd hop off, take a quick walk and maybe grab some breakfast. Time? Anything close by?

We're heading out from Chicago to Grand Junction, Colorado in late April on the California Zephyr. 27 hours (if we're lucky), in coach, with our 4 & 5 year old boys. I'm wondering if we need to get up to the Sightseer Lounge early in order to grab spots up there. I'm guessing that the...

Thanks everyone. Hadn't heard that "hot bunking" term since I was at a museum exhibit concerning the WWII ships! Really hadn't thought of it that way - I was just thinking that we could come & go out of the room that we purchased, but I guess they are pretty specific to WHO purchases! At...

I am SO glad I found this board...all the information has been sooooo helpful! A couple of questions to all you helpful train veterans. My husband & I are planning on taking the Amtrak (CA Zephyr) out from Chicago to Grand Junction, CO. We have two boys, ages 4 & 5.5. We want the experience...