My fiancee and I are thinking about taking a amtrak from Illinois to Oregon. Ive never been on one before. What is it like for longer trips? Also how long would it take to get to Oregon state from Illinois?
2007-07-13 10:11:33 · 14 answers · asked by Susy_Q 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Rail
I have, it's great. Just a relaxing ride. I dont' know the time from Illinois to Oregon though.
2007-07-13 10:14:55 · answer #1 · answered by David 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I traveled Amtrak on a 1500 mile journey, switching trains in Chicago. I chose a sleeping car going and not a sleeping car returning just to have the feel of train travel and to compare the experiences. The sleeping car was a great experience and the train wasn't very full, so it gave an opportunity to meet some interesting people. I tried the dining car once and it is an experience that you will remember in a pleasant way. I shared a table with strangers since I was traveling alone and there was a long wait for any available table otherwise. The return trip was another matter; The A/C went out, so it was a very uncomfortable experience while trying to sleep in a limited environment as a seat. The best I could do was rest my eyes - never fell asleep. People were upset, so was not conducive to any "we're having a great trip" chit chat. Felt pretty surreal being on a train instead of a plane with the dimmed lighting. Sharing facilities found those conditions only going from bad to worse. Yes, is wise to have layering of clothes as someone suggested since you don't control conditions. Your Iowa to Colorado October jaunt may give a chill in the air with overnight conditions and not the best insulation and doors opening to the outside air. I would also suggest taking along your own snacks. Your adventure is short enough, but will probably feel long enough by sitting this length of time for the most part. Get up and walk around. This trip will give you an experience that you'll always remember. Trains have you see the world go by in a unique sort of way. You may have a few 30 minute layover stops at stations where you can get off the train and stretch your legs in the night air chill. I strongly recommend doing that and enjoying the fresh air, sights and sounds. Enjoy and best wishes on your wonderful adventure!
2016-05-17 05:27:47 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Exactly where are you most likely to travel from/to?
I have gone from CT to DC, which is only a 6 hour trip but I would really like to go on a much longer trip. Amtrak does have sleeper cars and even if you don't end up on one, the seats are quite comfortable.
If you travel from Chicago to Portland, it will take just about two days for $309. If you have a AAA account, that will save you $31 if you book 3 or more days in advance.
If you take the train, you might not have the luxury of exploring towns and cities along the way. You might consider the option of buying tickets along the route and getting on a train with an "Auto Car" that would allow you to drive some of the way. It will cost a little bit more but I think it would be awesome.
Have fun!
2007-07-13 10:26:20 · answer #3 · answered by lostinne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Amtrak has been improving since it started. I've used the California Zephyr from California to both Chicago and Denver. Relaxing in those seats, the scenery that goes by is breathe taking. Dinner in the dining car is fantastic, the choice are very interesting & very good.(meat, fish, fowl, pasta,vegatarian dishes)breakfast and lunches are just as interesting and just as good. The club car is a wonderful place to relax with a drink and/or a snack. If you go first class,
there's the cabin that you travel for your whole trip.It also has a bed and bathroom. You can also check about a sleeper coach.
Another great thing about taking the train,on cross country trips anyway, is NO jet-lag.
2007-07-13 11:14:53 · answer #4 · answered by THE Cupid HATER 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I did Oakland to Chicago on the California Zephyr once and it was a lot of fun. It is something you do for the experience since it is much cheaper and faster to fly. They have regular seats available, but because it is an overnight train you will want to reserve a private compartment. I think meals are included in the price. Should take two days to make the trip.
2007-07-13 11:04:37 · answer #5 · answered by j76spirit 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You didn't specify cities, the shortest trip I found from Chicago to Portland OR is 46 hours 10 minutes.
My longest train trip was about 10 hours. I've found it's more comfortable than planes, buses, and cars - more space, more comfortable seat, more stable vehicle. Trains are also much less hassle than planes. A December 31 trip from NYC to Boston was especially fun c. 1990. I don't know how a 46 hour trip feels.
2007-07-13 10:29:42 · answer #6 · answered by DW 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Took Super Chief or something from Chicago to New Mexico many years ago. It was fun but by the time we got there I was ready to get off. Should be a beautiful trip through the Rockies. Estimated 2 days to get there.
2007-07-13 10:15:37 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been on one of those going from Michigan to New Mexico and back. It was very comfortable and enjoyable. Even when we were in coach, it wasn't bad. Then we got a suite on the way back and THAT was cool. Lots of fun and good times. Very nice service. I liked it a lot. It took us a day and a half or two days to get to new mexico, so It would probably be the same.
2007-07-13 10:16:03 · answer #8 · answered by Maggie Supreme 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Trip will be too long. You may want a divorce.
Amtrak to Boston and back home to NY
Long and slow. And not interesting.
Next, my friend too the Amtrak fro NY to Fla. roaches in the sleeping car. NOt a memorable experience.
Find an alternate route
2007-07-14 03:38:04 · answer #9 · answered by Michael M 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I hate to say this, but if y ou're in a hurry, you might need to fly. If you can spare the time, train travel with a companion is so nice. It makes the travel as much a part of the vacation as the destination. Enjoy
2007-07-14 05:58:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋