Cross Training Questions

Cross Country Vacation by Amtrak's California Zephyr?

Has anybody travelled in bedrooms onboard Amtrak trains? We were thinking of taking a cross-country train vacation this summer. The two options are - California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco, or Southwest Chief from Chicago to L.A. Which one is more scenic and enjoyable?? Is it safe to do overnight journey on Amtrak trains? (I once took a Greyhound bus and didnt like it much...) Both me and my wife have never travelled in a train, so we are excited to do a trip like this. However price of a bedroom ticket for two for a one-way ride is almost $1500!

Public Comments

1. I love train travel. I have been on the zephyr from Washington state to North Dakota. Then I have been on the one from L.A. to Martinez Ca. and from Martinez to Portland Or. We had the small sleeper which is seats by day and like bunk beds at night. My wife slept on the top bunk, me below. This one you share the bathroom, but wasn't a problem for us. The larger rooms are very nice, but of course more expensive. When you get a sleeper, your meals are included, or at least they where a few years ago. I know it's kind of expensive to travel this way, but it sure is very scenic. I think personally I would enjoy the trip from Chicago to S.F. more, but it's really up to the individual.
2. Well, I bought tickets-a few years ago with the intent of taking it from Kansas City to San Francisco. These were also rather expensive sleeper –bedroom accommodations. Problem was-is Amtrak does not own the rails-thus they are subjected to unscheduled stops. And these can be rather lengthy. It actually took me over two days just to get from KC to Denver. Sat stopped for over 8 hours in Kansas. I became so frustrated that when we got (finally) to Denver we got off-flew to San Francisco. Never do it again. Now I have had a nice experience taking it from Denver(when I lived there) to Salt Lake City in the winter. Such a beautiful scenic ride going through the Rockies .
3. It's an incredibly expensive way to travel. However, it in no way compares to a Greyhound bus trip in either safety or experience. It is very safe to travel on Amtrak. Everyone should take the train at least once in their lifetime for the experience. The meals are included and are pretty good. I have done both and prefer the Zephyr for overall scenery and experience. However, the Chief goes by the Grand Canyon and also stops in Santa Fe which is really nice. You also have the "Trails and Rails" program which is a partnership between Amtrak and the National Park Service for additional trip options.
4. The most scenic route is from denver to san francisco area, the train passes though rocky mountain, the track is above 1000ft cliffs, and along I-70 to utah, you will see a lot of exotic rocks, arches like western film. and then continues to nevada desert, and finally processes gold rush area( sierra mountains) and calfornia delta to sf bay. The route is very relax and enjoyable, but it is true, always 3 to 8 hours late. I took the train 3 times, and the coach price was $200 one way from chi to sf.