Anyone ever travel across country by Amtrak or Greyhound?

Question

I want to know about your experiences of travelling across country by train, driving/bus, etc. Please tell me both your good and bad experiences. Is it safe? Were you able to sleep on your journey? Did you get harassed by stalkers? lol

I am thinking of taking a train from Miami, FL to California instead of flying, I am horried of flying now. I use to fly all the time but I can't anymore! ! ! ! !!!!!! !

My granddaddy is very ill and not waking up. Mom booked her flight already but again, I'd rather be in control and have my feet on the ground. I know flying is the safest means of transportation, blah blah blahblah. But I just can't do it. Trust me, no matter what you say about how safe it is, it doesn't ease my mind. I suffer with severe anxiety/panic disorder and I will freak the hell out just waiting for the plane in the terminal. I really want to see my granddaddy before he passes :( Thank you guys for any tips/advice.

Answer 1

First, I have to agree with previous person .. DO NOT TAKE THE BUS!! It's awful, the stations are always in the worst part of town and dirty, your luggage is often not checked, just loaded on, and isn't safe.

On the other hand, the train is a wonderful trip! It would probably take you 3-4 days to go from Florida to California, so if you can at all afford it, get a sleeping berth. Your meals in the dining car are included with sleeping car, and it's first class all the way. You can still walk around the entire train at will. The scenery is fantastic, and it's a relaxing way to travel. Take your camera!

If you can't afford a sleeper, it is still an enjoyable trip, though less comfortable and more exhausting. Take a blanket, trains can get cold, and a pillow for comfort. You might also want to take a collapsible cooler with food/drinks/snacks as food on the train is expensive. Meals are worth it, but the snacks are not.

Don't hesitate to take Amtrak
http://www.amtrak.com

Answer 2

I like Amtrak expect you can not get from Miami to Los Angeles on one train anymore
you will mostly have to take at least 3 trains
one to Washington DC then another train to Chicago and then the 3rd train to Los Angeles (or Oakland)
and make sure you have plenty of time between connections..
as lots of times the trains run late..
and also suggest you avoid GREYHOUND AT ALL COSTS!
they are no longer the good company they used to be
they either have a standing room bus which may or may not
stop to pick you, you might have to stand for 3 to 4 hours
they will leave stranded,..their bus stations are not in the greatest
part of town...etc

Answer 3

I took a trip on amtrak from Ohio to Idaho a couple years ago. I am a corporate pilot and I have to say, the trip on the train was one of the most enjoyable trips I have ever taken. I would recommend getting a sleeping berth if the trip is going to be over a day. Good luck in your travels

Answer 4

I went from Georgia to California and would never do it again. It was uncomfterble, it took for ever (three days) and there was all kinds of weird people along the way. I would rather rent a car and drive the hole way.