Some newbie questions

[Amtrak Newbie]

Hi guys I am not from the USA so please forgive my ignorance on these questions. I am looking to westcoast-eastcoast on Amtrak

1) If I buy a sleeperette now, is it possible for another passenger to later upgrade in to my sleeper room in the 2nd bed and recieve meals? i.e they can give me half the cost of the upgrade in cash.

2) Are trains social? Are there people willing to have a chat?

3) Do the Amtrak trains have wi-fi internet access?

thanks in advance

 

[amtrakwolverine]

Hi guys I am not from the USA so please forgive my ignorance on these questions. I am looking to westcoast-eastcoast on Amtrak
1) If I buy a sleeperette now, is it possible for another passenger to later upgrade in to my sleeper room in the 2nd bed and recieve meals? i.e they can give me half the cost of the upgrade in cash.

2) Are trains social? Are there people willing to have a chat?

3) Do the Amtrak trains have wi-fi internet access?

thanks in advance

no one else gets your room if you want to add another person to your sleeper say a friend or family member after you have booked you have to call customer service and speak with a agent. the 2nd person will get meals also. yes trains are social. go the lounge car if there is one. no there is no wi-fi on board via rail in canada has it but amtrak does not.

 

[the_traveler]

Hi guys I am not from the USA so please forgive my ignorance on these questions. I am looking to westcoast-eastcoast on Amtrak

An early welcome to the US!

Depending on where you are looking to start from, there are 4 westbound-eastbound routes:

1. the Sunset Limited from Los Angeles to Chicago & New Orleans (the train divides enroute)
   
2. the Southwest Chief from Los Angeles to Chicago (via a different route)
   
3. the California Zephyr from Emeryville (San Francisco area) to Chicago
   
4. the Empire Builder from both Portland and Seattle to Chicagoo (the trains combine enroute)
   

1) If I buy a sleeperette now, is it possible for another passenger to later upgrade in to my sleeper room in the 2nd bed and recieve meals? i.e they can give me half the cost of the upgrade in cash.

Unless you agree with someone to share the roomette or bedroom (either in advance or if you meet someone who wants to share the room and split the cost), no. The room is your room alone, and is the same cost no matter if there is 1 or 2 people.

2) Are trains social? Are there people willing to have a chat?

I find them to be quite social - unlike planes. But like anywhere, you will find unsocial people too.

3) Do the Amtrak trains have wi-fi internet access?

Unfortunantely, no.

 

[sky12065]

The information given is accurate but I would just like to elaborate upon it a little soley for Newbie's benefit. I'm using a different font color to make it easier to identify my comments.

Hi guys I am not from the USA so please forgive my ignorance on these questions. I am looking to westcoast-eastcoast on Amtrak

An early welcome to the US!

Depending on where you are looking to start from, there are 4 westbound-eastbound routes:

1. the Sunset Limited from Los Angeles to Chicago & New Orleans (the train divides enroute)
   The train divides in San Antonio TX. The Sunset goes to New Orleans but the segment that goes to Chicago is called the Texas Eagle.
   
2. the Southwest Chief from Los Angeles to Chicago (via a different route)
   
3. the California Zephyr from Emeryville (San Francisco area) to Chicago
   
4. the Empire Builder from both Portland and Seattle to Chicago (the trains combine enroute)
   
5. You would have to take a separate train in Chicago to continue on to the east coast. There are direct trains to such places as:
   Boston, MA
   New York, NY
   Philadelphia, PA
   Washington, DC
   A connecting train would be needed to reach points in the Southeast.
   

1) If I buy a sleeperette now, is it possible for another passenger to later upgrade in to my sleeper room in the 2nd bed and recieve meals? i.e they can give me half the cost of the upgrade in cash.

Unless you agree with someone to share the roomette or bedroom (either in advance or if you meet someone who wants to share the room and split the cost), no. The room is your room alone, and is the same cost no matter if there is 1 or 2 people.

If you are adding a second person to a bedroom or roomette there would be a rail fare added. (no additional room cost)

2) Are trains social? Are there people willing to have a chat?

I find them to be quite social - unlike planes. But like anywhere, you will find unsocial people too.

3) Do the Amtrak trains have wi-fi internet access?

Unfortunantely, no.

Not on the trains as stated, however some stations have access. i.e. Chicago, Albany + others. If time allows you could upload or download emails and while in route read or prepare messages or responses.

 

[Amtrak Newbie]

Thanks for all the quick responses guys

I have one more question:

On the "Southwest Chief" are any station stops long enough to explore the city its stopping in? Wikipedia says Alberquerque has a 1 hour stop, in reality with getting on/off, the train may be late etc how long do you have? Are the Vegas and Flagstaff stops enough to explore vegas or the grand canyon? I guess not but just checking

 

[amtrakwolverine]

Thanks for all the quick responses guys
I have one more question:

On the "Southwest Chief" are any station stops long enough to explore the city its stopping in? Wikipedia says Alberquerque has a 1 hour stop, in reality with getting on/off, the train may be late etc how long do you have? Are the Vegas and Flagstaff stops enough to explore vegas or the grand canyon? I guess not but just checking

there is no vegas stop on the train itself. its a connection via a bus. abq is long enough if its on time but don't go far. check with a conductor on the time limit. you will not have enough time to explore the grand canyon unless as that is also a connection and you need to book either a vegas or canyon stop. the train itself does not go there.

 

[the_traveler]

On the "Southwest Chief" are any station stops long enough to explore the city its stopping in? Wikipedia says Alberquerque has a 1 hour stop, in reality with getting on/off, the train may be late etc how long do you have? Are the Vegas and Flagstaff stops enough to explore vegas or the grand canyon? I guess not but just checking

The stop at Alberquerque is scheduled for that long, but if the train is late, that long stop may in fact turn out to be something like 15 or 20 minutes. Likewise, if the train is running early, it may be longer. The Grand Canyon is about 90 minutes away from the Flagstaff station.

The stop on the Southwest Chief for Las Vegas is for Las Vegas, New Mexico. I believe you are referring to Las Vegas, Nevada - with the casinos and shows! No offense to those from that area, but Las Vegas, New Mexico is a nothing small town.

 

[Rail Freak]

On the "Southwest Chief" are any station stops long enough to explore the city its stopping in? Wikipedia says Alberquerque has a 1 hour stop, in reality with getting on/off, the train may be late etc how long do you have? Are the Vegas and Flagstaff stops enough to explore vegas or the grand canyon? I guess not but just checking

The stop at Alberquerque is scheduled for that long, but if the train is late, that long stop may in fact turn out to be something like 15 or 20 minutes. Likewise, if the train is running early, it may be longer. The Grand Canyon is about 90 minutes away from the Flagstaff station.

The stop on the Southwest Chief for Las Vegas is for Las Vegas, New Mexico. I believe you are referring to Las Vegas, Nevada - with the casinos and shows! No offense to those from that area, but Las Vegas, New Mexico is a nothing small town.

Where's "Bugzy" when we need him? B)

 

[the_traveler]

Where's "Bugzy" when we need him? B)

If you want to get rid of me just "ride me out of town on the rails"! :lol: (And I'll gladly go - no questions asked! )

 

[RailFanLNK]

If you get a chance on the SWC, check out the La Posada Hotel in Winslow AZ. Its an old Harvey House. And "Winslow AZ" is mentioned in an Eagles song.

 

[sky12065]

Like previously said you may not have enough time to wander from the Alberquerque Station, however they usually have several flea market type tables setup on the platform where locals sell Indian and other type goods and souveniors. You should have enough time to check that out.

 

[GG-1]

Aloha

Also an AU member, roxane1640, drive a taxi out of the ABQ station send A PM to her n when you will be there she may have some suggestions.

 

[julieandrews]

I can vouch that the trains are very sociable!! I'm from the UK and took my first Amtrak trip last year, every single evening I found someone to hang out with in the observation car and every meal time bar one I sat with an interesting bunch of people. I even found some romance on the train! You can't ask for better than that

 

[Ryan]

If you get a chance on the SWC, check out the La Posada Hotel in Winslow AZ. Its an old Harvey House. And "Winslow AZ" is mentioned in an Eagles song.

Too bad the vehicle in question was a flat bed Ford!

 

[sky12065]

I even found some romance on the train! You can't ask for better than that

:wub: "The Hills were Alive with the Sound of Music" :wub:

Sorry! I just couldn't help myself!

 

[Amtrak newbie]

The reason I ask about Alberquerque is because of the Simpsons episode where the Springfield Isotopes were going to be moved to Alberq. and at the end it shows the Mayor at his window saying "For I am the mayor of alberquerque'

that is my funniest simpsons moment ever...do you think I can visit the Mayor in 30 minutes?

 

[ScottC4746]

The reason I ask about Alberquerque is because of the Simpsons episode where the Springfield Isotopes were going to be moved to Alberq. and at the end it shows the Mayor at his window saying "For I am the mayor of alberquerque'
that is my funniest simpsons moment ever...do you think I can visit the Mayor in 30 minutes?

I think the chances of you getting to meet the Mayor of Albq. would be the same as my chances of meeting the Lord High Mayor of London, nil. :lol:

 

[julieandrews]

The reason I ask about Alberquerque is because of the Simpsons episode where the Springfield Isotopes were going to be moved to Alberq. and at the end it shows the Mayor at his window saying "For I am the mayor of alberquerque'
that is my funniest simpsons moment ever...do you think I can visit the Mayor in 30 minutes?

I think the chances of you getting to meet the Mayor of Albq. would be the same as my chances of meeting the Lord High Mayor of London, nil. :lol:

Chances of that are actually quite high! Mayor of London lives in my area, I saw him down the local supermarket last week being accosted by little old ladies who were demanding that he check out some grievance of their and phone them back pronto. Mayor of London is actually a very accessible person!! So maybe it's an omen that Guest will get his wish afterall

 

[zoltan]

I can vouch that the trains are very sociable!! I'm from the UK and took my first Amtrak trip last year, every single evening I found someone to hang out with in the observation car and every meal time bar one I sat with an interesting bunch of people.

Indeed; I met the most interesting people traveling in the States! People from all sorts of parts of the country and of all ages. As well as passengers I got talking to, I got into conversation with two assistant conductors with extremely interesting stories to tell; one of them that had done all sorts before entering the industry, and another that had been in the railway all his life and had seen the industry change in a huge way.

The breadth of human experience you come into contact with while traveling is wonderful.

I even found some romance on the train! You can't ask for better than that

I think this sounds like the beginning of an interesting story. Do tell more!

I always had the dream of finding love while crossing the North American continent. Looks like that's no longer necessary, having found a lovely Bostonian who loves trains here in England

 

[sky12065]

I even found some romance on the train! You can't ask for better than that

I think this sounds like the beginning of an interesting story. Do tell more! I always had the dream of finding love while crossing the North American continent.

During my last cross country trip there was this cute little bovine standing near the tracks that gave me a bit of a sultry look. :unsure: Thankfully the train was moving at the time! :lol:

 

[Ryan]

I always had the dream of finding love while crossing the North American continent. Looks like that's no longer necessary, having found a lovely Bostonian who loves trains here in England

Wait a sec! You're a Brit?

I had always assumed that you were a local with that kickarse MARC photo that I keep telling myself I need to copy.

Edit: Just saw your response to me in the tidewater thread, so I guess that explains it!

 

[the_traveler]

I even found some romance on the train! You can't ask for better than that

I think this sounds like the beginning of an interesting story. Do tell more! I always had the dream of finding love while crossing the North American continent.

During my last cross country trip there was this cute little bovine standing near the tracks that gave me a bit of a sultry look. :unsure: Thankfully the train was moving at the time! :lol:

She's spoken for! (Our train was stopped for a LLLOOONNNGGG UP freight! )

 

[sky12065]

I even found some romance on the train! You can't ask for better than that

I think this sounds like the beginning of an interesting story. Do tell more! I always had the dream of finding love while crossing the North American continent.

During my last cross country trip there was this cute little bovine standing near the tracks that gave me a bit of a sultry look. :unsure: Thankfully the train was moving at the time! :lol:

She's spoken for! (Our train was stopped for a LLLOOONNNGGG UP freight! )

Uut-ooh! I ain't touch'n this one with a 10 foot cow-prod! :blink:

 

[GG-1]

I even found some romance on the train! You can't ask for better than that

I think this sounds like the beginning of an interesting story. Do tell more! I always had the dream of finding love while crossing the North American continent.

During my last cross country trip there was this cute little bovine standing near the tracks that gave me a bit of a sultry look. :unsure: Thankfully the train was moving at the time! :lol:

I almost brook my neck falling on the floor :lol:

Aloha

 

[GG-1]

The reason I ask about Alberquerque is because of the Simpsons episode where the Springfield Isotopes were going to be moved to Alberq. and at the end it shows the Mayor at his window saying "For I am the mayor of alberquerque'
that is my funniest simpsons moment ever...do you think I can visit the Mayor in 30 minutes?

I think the chances of you getting to meet the Mayor of Albq. would be the same as my chances of meeting the Lord High Mayor of London, nil. :lol:

Ah ... whats so special about meeting a Mayor? Remember the Mayor is employed by the people. I thought in more fun to meet Dolly Parton.

Aloha