Options for riding the 5 California Zephyr (Amtrak)?

Question

has anyone ridden this line recently? I'm trying to decide between the quite a bit more expensive Sleeping room or the Coach seats. The trip takes just over 2 days with two nights along the way.
I'll be on my own in a 2 bed room with meals included and a turn down service but it costs over $400 more than the coach seat alone. I don't want to pay that unless it's worth it, but I could afford it if it is worth it. This is a question for anyone who has actually ridden an Amtrak train; Coach or Sleeper?

Answer 1

I have taken several trips on the train. The Longest trip was from California to Boston, using the West Coast Train and then the East Coast Train. I also have traveled by train to Seattle, SF, Reno and Alabama.

A day ride is fine in coach, but a two plus day ride is so much more pleasant in a roomette or family room. It is first class and usually has all three meals. Three meals are too much for me, but the privacy is most important to me. I am able to stretch more when in my own room not having to hear all the chatter, coughs, kids running around, babies crying or worried about leaving my stuff there to use the facilities. By staying in the roomette I can choose to mingle or walk around there is the service cars for that. And dinner is nice for meeting new people.

When we went to Boston from California, our two girls had the roomette across from us, providing us with privacy and space. The girls felt so grown up having there own apartment, so they called it. The West Coast Train was the newest. The East Coast Train had a potty and sink in the roomette. The customer service was great, very friendly people.

I am sold on train travel, because you can “all” enjoy the ride and move around freely. And the sights from a train track are so beautiful than just from the highway or road. To see such different sights, animals, and the way the landscape changes… it is breath taking.

Answer 2

I have ridden the Amtrak Southwest Chief from LA to Colorado and back a few times. It is a 24 hour train train and not 2 days. I have only traveled coach. The seats recline so you can sleep comfortably. You have plenty of room in front of you. I take my own blanket and pillow. I take sweats to sleep in. Wash cloth and towel and toiletries for a sponge bath. I have slept next to strangers and next to friends.

For 400 dollars more you can have privacy and your own shower. On the train I traveled they did not have showers for coach.

It depends what is important to you. Some people can't handle sleeping in an area like that. For others it is no problem.

Go to the Amtrak website and search fo more information. Do a google search and see what other information can be found.

Whatever you do, enjoy.

Answer 3

Definitely worth the extra money. Ever try to sleep on a coach seat on an airplane? The ability to sleep horizontally is SO much better.

My grandpa worked for the RR for over 40 years, and took the train from Albuquerque, NM to LA many times. He never had to pay (a very nice perk, subject to available space), even when he retired, but I could tell in one second if he got the sleeper or a regular seat, just by the way he looked when he arrived.

Answer 4

You MUST go in a bedroom and with a little bathroom. You won't get any sleep in a coach and, of course, no privacy. You had better reserve early as I understand they do sell out and Congress would like to put them out business altogether since they lose so much money. Unfortunately, what Amtrak has to do, as the subsidy is cut, is to cut service. Thus, the food service on that train is no longer very good. No fancy dining car with white linen and silver to enjoy your specially cooked great old railroad food. Where Amtrak can still provide the old fashioned food service, they actually make money, so it is a false economy on these long haul Western passenger routes. One thing though, the scenery is still there, so you will enjoy that in the price of the ticket, but not if you are uncomfortable and grouchy from riding in the coach. From your own cabin you can get out and wander around the train for some exercise and to see what you missed in coach. Go for it as long as you afford to go that way.

Answer 5

I prefer coach (and business class where available). But in coach nothing is provided - not even a shower.

Answer 6

yes it is safe to ride. have a nice trip. when is the last time you heard of a train wreck should tell you. they have conductors on board if you have any problems. only carry with you what you can put under your seat.