Amtrak n00b question

[MBony]

I'm looking into taking my wife on a trip via Amtrak. Has anyone here taken a trip on rail stateside? And if so, are there any options/upgrades I should take advantage of to make the trip more enjoyable? Was the trip worth it (just the Amtrak part of it)?

 

[theknight571]

I was looking at the Amtrack site and found the Sunset Limited route runs through Tallahassee, FL (based on your profile), however I noticed the following on their website:

Note: Due to problems associated with Hurricane Katrina, service east of New Orleans, via Biloxi and Mobile, has been suspended.

Old message? Beats me... Might want to on it though.

Other than that... I'd suggest getting sleeper room, for privacy and comfort.

Note: I've never personally ridden Amtrak, but have talked with people that have. I didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

 

[MBony]

Originally posted by: theknight571
I was looking at the Amtrack site and found the Sunset Limited route runs through Tallahassee, FL (based on your profile), however I noticed the following on their website:

Note: Due to problems associated with Hurricane Katrina, service east of New Orleans, via Biloxi and Mobile, has been suspended.

Old message? Beats me... Might want to on it though.

Other than that... I'd suggest getting sleeper room, for privacy and comfort.

Note: I've never personally ridden Amtrak, but have talked with people that have. I didn't even stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Already called and they have no time table for when the route from New Orleans east to JAX will reopen.

I'm looking at renting a car to drive to JAX then hitch on the rail up to Washington DC.

 

[Zero001]

Number one thing is to expect delays. Sleeper cars are great, but if your just trying to get from point A to point B coach is fine. It's not like airplanes or even a bus. Coach on the Amtrak is actualy pretty ample.

 

[theknight571]

Originally posted by: Zero001
Number one thing is to expect delays. Sleeper cars are great, but if your just trying to get from point A to point B coach is fine. It's not like airplanes or even a bus. Coach on the Amtrak is actualy pretty ample.

I only suggested a sleeper car for the privacy... just in case they decide to get frisky on the train.

I mean...it's not exactly the quickest form of travel, so you gotta do something to kill time.

 

[Balt]

If it's an overnight trip and you want to get some sleep, I'd get a sleeper. Coach seating is fairly roomy, but it's pretty loud at all hours of the night because of people walking through the cars and opening the doors every minute.