Sunset Limited

[Casinocim]

This is a new route for me. I am extending my vacation, cruise out of Long Beach then taking the Sunset Limited to New Orleans to go on another cruise! I was originally going to go home to Denver after the first cruise and realized I would only be home for two days and would then head out again.

I have a couple of questions. Mostly because I usually cannot hear or understand announcements in the stations and on the trains

I will be riding in coach. I can do it!

Do you line up at the station to get seat assignments like they do for the SWC?

How early can I check my bags for the train?

Fresh air stops?

I am assuming there is food available in the San Antonio and Houston stations in case I want something different.

Thanks!

 

[greatcats]

Other than perhaps some vending machines, I would not figure on finding any food service in those stations.

 

[Bob Dylan]

You can buy food @ the Tucson Station, (convince store/bakery or a nice but pricey cafe ) during the station stop.

When you get to El Paso the Burrito Lady will be selling her great Green Chili Burritos @ the Entrance to the Station, this is another fairly long stop but be sure and ask the attendant before you leave train side!

When the train reaches San Antonio ( before sunrise), it will do the switching for the Texas Eagle and leave @ 6 amish for Houston, I'd recommend staying on the train ,then eat Breakfast in the Diner, its a good meal for $8-11, I like the Continental! You'll spend as much a LA carte in the Cafe and the food and ambience is better in the Diner!

Lunch is served after leaving Houston. You can go into the Houston Station, nice pictures of the RR History of Houston on the walls, but as was said, there's only vending machines there!

Since the train gets to New Orleans after dark you'll have to decide if you just want to have a smack on the train ( Dinner in the Diner is pricey $13-$27 plus salad ,dtink, desert plus tip) or eat late in one of the best food towns in North America!

Since you're going Coach try to get a Window seat away from the stairs and end doors, its easier to sleep that way! I suggest using a Red Cap to board the train in Union Station, they'll take you on a cart and you'll skip the Long Coach line up in the lobby,, the long walk tlhru the tunnel to the platform, and beat the thundering herd to the train! Good $5 investment!

Edited due to typo: Chili, not Child!

 

[TinCan782]

Regarding your hearing situation, at LA Union Station, seek the assistance of a Red Cap. Not only for checking your baggage but for assistance with boarding.

Longer stops will be Tuscon, El Paso San Antonio (as described above). As for San Antonio, it can be a 2 hour or longer stop but, its in the middle of the night. I don't thinks the station itself will have much to offer. I've read of some folks heading to a nearby Denny's!

Another long stop I've experienced is Alpine, TX. It is a crew-change stop but, timing varies and there is nothing but a platform at the station. You would need to venture into town which I wouldn't do although our last time there we were 45 minutes early and there was plenty of time.

 

[Casinocim]

Thank you! Good information to use.

 

[me_little_me]

When you get to El Paso the Burrito Lagy will be selling her great Green Child burritos @ the Entrance to the Station, this is another fairly long stop but be sure and ask the attendant before you leave train side!

So the Burrito Lagy (?) is selling an alien green child? E.T.?

 

[ehbowen]

There is a Denny's within walking distance of the San Antonio station, and if the train is on time you should (Key Word: SHOULD!) have enough time to grab a quick bite if you so choose. Myself, I would prefer to stay on the train and try to catch some Zzzs, then eat breakfast in the dining car when it opens.

While there are some good restaurants within walking distance of the Houston station, there is nothing close enough for you to walk to, buy food, and make it back to the station with a margin of safety during the scheduled stop dwell time. There is nothing in the station itself except a couple of vending machines...but this might be worth a visit; one is stocked with ice cream snacks and another has Coca-Cola in cans, which you cannot buy on board the train.

Edit to Add: If you're a Coca-Cola drinker (as I am), keep an eye out for a "soda lady" at the station stop in Alpine, Texas.