Has anyone ever taken a ride aboard the Southwest Chief by Amtrak?

Answer 1

Yes. A wonderful ride on the route of the old Super Chief!

You didn't ask anything in particular so here are the first things I want Amtrak riders to know.

Unlike most Amtraks, it has sleepers and a full service dining car serving good meals. Hit www.amtrak.com for the lowdown on amenities. I suggest spending most of your waking hours in the lounge car or diner, for variety and socializing. People are totally chatty and nice on these overnight trains, you are likely to make some friends.

The Southwest Chief cruises at 90 mph on the excellent tracks of the BNSF freight railroad, SF standing for Santa Fe. They do a great job keeping the traditions alive while taking on tons of new freight traffic. The main line is mostly double track, an they've been working frantically to make it all double track, and even starting to triple-track. They do a better-than-average job of keeping Amtrak on time.

A word on lateness. On Amtrak overnight trains, they're one train a day on a very busy freight railroad. The fact is, Amtrak is late - a LOT. It's gonna happen. Your trip will be a lot more fun if you expect this, and you are relaxed about it and don't mind :) Because other than the late thing, it's a great ride!

If you have more specific questions, feel free to ask.

Answer 2

Wolf Harper nailed it for you, Iz, but I'll just add ... Back when I took Amtrak out west from Chicago a lot (1980s), I had a soft spot for the train in question, perhaps because c. 1930 my dad often took the Super Chief (as it was called then), Chicago-L.A. He'd make a notch in a utility pole at the Albuquerque station every time he passed through.

The train still makes an extended stop in Albuquerque, and I'm sure Pueblo Indians meet it to sell their goods on the platform, as ever.

Oh, and a National Park Service guide gives a spiel on the train east of Albuquerque on Day 2.

Answer 3

Yes