RAILforum: Advice needed please

This is topic Advice needed please in forum Travel at RAILforum.

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Posted by Pompey Lee (Member # 632) on :

I'll be coming over from the U.k
in May and was thinking of a train journey just for the fun of it ,can someone from there own experience tell me what they think is the most scenic journey,i was maybe thinking of the one of the west coast routes into Chicago but will listen to any advice
also are the deluxe cabins worth the extra to the standard cabins.

Cheers
Lee

Posted by Mr. Toy (Member # 311) on :

I think the California Zephyr (despite the bad press it has gotten this weekend) is your best bet for scenery. I think this route covers more diverse types of geography than any other western line. It runs from the great plains, through the Rocky Mountains with its spectacular canyons, grey deserts of Utah and golden deserts of Nevada, the forests of the Sierra, the Sacramento Valley and on to San Francisco Bay.

But I may be biased, since this is the only east-west route I have traveled. I have also taken the north-south Coast Starlight, but the scenery has less variety than the Zephyr.

The relative value of the deluxe over the standard bedroom depends on whether you are traveling alone or not. The standard bedroom has more than enough space for one and is quite comfortable for two. However the upper bunk can be a bit of a challenge if you are not very limber.

The Deluxe room is has a fairly large floor area, enough to take two or three steps across. It has its own toilet, shower and sink. However the public shower downstairs is much more spacious. The lower bed will sleep two average sized people. It also has the advantage of being able to see out of both sides of the train from your room, though one window is outside across the hall. In the standard bedroom you see another room acrosss the hall.

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Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth.
-Mr. Toy

Posted by rresor (Member # 128) on :

I'll second Mr. Toy. The most scenic trip in the U.S. is the California Zephyr, and the standard room is quite adequate for one (I'd disagree about there being room for two!).

Don't forget the Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver, also a wonderful trip. It is the last train in North America operating Vista Domes in regular service, and if you haven't ever been in one, you really must try it.

If these trips are too long for the time you have, try the Adirondack from New York to Montreal (a day trip, with interesting cities at either end), or the Cardinal between Washington and Chicago (same Superliner equipment as the CZ, and wonderful scenery, all in a roughly 24 hour trip). An eastbound ride works best for the scenery.

Have fun.

Posted by Todd (Member # 640) on :

I have ridden all the long distance Amtrak routes west of Chicago, except for the Chief and the Portland segment of the Empire Builder, so here's my two cents worth:

Toy and rresor are correct. The Zephyr is definitely the most scenic western train. Sacramento - Reno and Provo - Denver are the most varied segments, with mountain passes, rivers, valleys, canyons, tourist districts, agriculture and mining operations all in view, and most of it visible only by train.

The Starlight is a nice experience, but most of the scenery is concentrated in the Seattle - Portland and Simi Valley - San Luis Obispo segments. As for the Builder, Glacier National Park (and the Izzak Walton Inn) is the highlight. Wisconsin Dells is also a treat.

If you are traveling by yourself, the standard bedroom will meet your needs. The Deluxe Bedroom gives you a shower/toilet and better photo opportunities.

Good luck and have fun!
Todd

Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :

As for myself, all of the routes are unique in the scenery available. Nobody has mentioned the Empire Builder traveling through Montana with great scenery in Glacier National Park. The Portland section travels along the Columbia River for quite some distance also.
I think the Zephyr from Chicago to Sacramento, Coast Starlight to Portland & the Empire Builder back to Chicago would be a great trip.
Yours Reggie

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Posted by yummykaz (Member # 475) on :

I really enjoyed the Cresent from New Orleans to New York. Party the night in New Orleans- don't sleep! Then catch the 7 AM to New York. You get there in NY the next day at 2PM ready for a night on the town!

The blue ridge mountains are amazing and you see great rural american scenes.

Plus the train is very nice and has a TV with good movies playing, and an excellent dining car.