Rail roads and their tracks.

[caver]

Anyone ever take an Amtrak trip? My brother and SIL did a few years ago to Flagstaff. They had mixed feelings on it. I wouldn't mind going from Western IL to either Salt Lake or Sacramento then fly back.

 

[ning]

Anyone ever take an Amtrak trip? My brother and SIL did a few years ago to Flagstaff. They had mixed feelings on it. I wouldn't mind going from Western IL to either Salt Lake or Sacramento then fly back.

Instead of riding my motorcycle or driving, last fall I took the train to the company office (I WFH very close to 100%) round trip. Besides needing a ride to where I caught the train, the train trip took a bit longer than driving (2h45 motorcycle, 3h car/truck, 4h train) but it was actually cheaper than car costs (full costs which if you work it out are surprisingly close to the IRS mileage rate) but most important of all, it was relaxing and very pleasant instead of nerve-wracking.

I've taken much longer train trips while abroad - most recently from Halifax NS to Montreal in '19 - and love it. I'd definitely consider the same in the US if reasonably convenient; I've taken Amtrak from Boston to Portland Maine and that's a great convenient ride.

 

[BravoXray]

If there was an Amtrak from Chicago, Grand Rapids, South Bend to Florida to see my daughter I would try it. But the only way is via NYC and it takes four days. I can, and have non-stopped it in my car in under 20 hours.

 

[the old grind]

Through Memphis to NO, then to FLA? Map inset showing FLA connections. Arrows/colors show day/night times/directions.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Amtrak/comments/1b502tn/longdistance_routes_with_daylight_vs_nighttime

 

[bcp]

In the whole system, the route timing is such that large sections are night-time both directions. Can't see half the countryside on a round trip.

Bruce

 

[the old grind]

So looking out the window for 20+ hrs beats getting some sleep when it's dark? ok

 

[bcp]

So looking out the window for 20+ hrs beats getting some sleep when it's dark? ok

Many people travel by train to see the country. Amtrak scheduling makes the rider miss seeing half the route, no matter which way you go.

If I took a round trip, on any route with double blue lines, it would be night in both directions for the full section. A section with blue and red could be seen on a round trip.

Bruce

 

[MossRoad]

If there was an Amtrak from Chicago, Grand Rapids, South Bend to Florida to see my daughter I would try it. But the only way is via NYC and it takes four days. I can, and have non-stopped it in my car in under 20 hours.

Or you could fly South Bend to Orlando direct on Allegiant for $59 and be there in 2.5 hours.

 

[MossRoad]

So looking out the window for 20+ hrs beats getting some sleep when it's dark? ok

Yeah, I like looking out the windows. Even at night.

 

[dodge man]

Anyone ever take an Amtrak trip? My brother and SIL did a few years ago to Flagstaff. They had mixed feelings on it. I wouldn't mind going from Western IL to either Salt Lake or Sacramento then fly back.

We took Amtrack from Burlington Iowa to Denver Colorado. It was an absolutely terrible experience. It was several hours late going to Denver and something like 10 or 12 hours late coming back to Burlington.