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My wife and I will be in Phoenix visiting family in March. After seeing some of the posts on this forum including Notelvis' trip to maximize AGR points, we are considering our first trip using AGR. We will fly good old Southwest PHX-Albuquerque for a quick visit with her brother and then depart on the SWC for Chicago.
We will be getting a bedroom for the duration. Our primary question: what is the best way to get to Atlanta. Should go via New Orleans and the CONO/Crescent (we always enjoy an overnight in that city). Or should we opt for an eastern route (LSL, Capitol, Cardinal) to connect with the Crescent southbound.
Some of our thoughts: We don't want to worry about missed connections. No late night/early morning connections. Although I have taken some solo trips, my wife has only had very positive experiences in the last few years on the Sunset, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight (before it got downgraded). So a good crew (roll the dice) and equipment are important. Scenery is a plus but not vital and we can usually find something of interest anywhere (except maybe the NEC around Philly-north Jersey). We enjoy spending time in a connecting city, so a long layover is a plus, if AGR rules permit.
Appreciate any advice this learned forum might have. I am assuming this trip will all be in the central region for AGR purposes. Not sure what latitude we have in telling Amtrak what route we want to use.
sojourner Member # 3134
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Technically, Albuquerque to Atlanta is just 1 zone--wow! To get that, though, I think you need to go via DC (Capitol Ltd) or Charlottesville (Cardinal) to pick up the Crescent. I could be wrong, but I think if you do the CONO and Crescent north, with the New Orleans stopover, it's gonna be a lot more AGR points. I think the same is true if you do the LSL--you'd have to overnight in NYC (or, I suppose Albany and catch a train no later than 10AM down to NYC to pick up the Crescent), and I'd be surprised if this route wasn't more points, as it's less direct.
The Cardinal is a Viewliner train, like the Crescent, with downgraded food; the Capitol Ltd is a Superliner--from which views are IMO better. OTOH, while the Capitol 2nd day eastbound is quite pretty (esp by MArtinsburg station and Harpers Ferry), the Cardinal eastbound is an exceptionally gorgeous run thru New River Gorge etc, and optimum time is in March/April before the trees leaf in. But I personally don't think it's as comfortable as the Capitol Ltd.
As for layover time, assuming the trains are not running too late, if you take the Cardinal, you can walk down to see the U of VA during your layover Charlottesville--I think they'd let you leave your luggage at the station if you have too much to roll down with you (though you'd best check on this). If you take the Capitol Ltd, in the vicinity of Union Station of DC there is plenty to do, and you could use the ACELA lounge at Union Station as a sleeper passenger (and leave your luggage there). So, it's really up to you which you prefer.
I cannot speak to the CONO--never been on it! still haven't gotten to New Orleans, alas. . . . but I can say, I don't see much point in doing the trip with the LSL, unless you want to maximize your layover time in Chicago with the 10PM departure. But the LSL route makes your trip a heck of a lot longer and takes you past the NJ areas you don't much care for; also, you won't get dinner on the LSL (though you will get wine and cheese, which might be better! . . and you can have dinner in Chicago's Greektown, which can be yummy. . .. ) Also, they are doing trackwork on the LSL route and some of the trains have been quite late, though actually the LSL seems improved arrival in NYC over last year. . . Also, the LSL is another Viewliner train. . . . So, really, even if it's not more AGR points to go this way, I wouldn't.
railrev Member # 2640
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AGR usually sets the route for you, so you might not get a choice.
notelvis Member # 3071
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Thanks for thinking of me Palmland! Next time I'm on the Silver Star I'll try to wake-up for Camden.
As Railrev says, I think that the AGR folks have to go by the routing the computer gives them when they enter ABQ to ATL. When you try it yourself on the Amtrak website it comes up via DC. I'm not sure that you would be given the choice to route through New Orleans even though that would stay within the central region and require only two overnights on the train instead of three.
Best advice is call AGR and plead your case but be prepared to go via DC if that's what they insist on. FWIW, the eastbound Chief to the eastbound Capitol is perhaps the safest west to east conection in Chicago.
palmland Member # 4344
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Sojourner- thanks for the Charlottesville suggestion. We have not spent any time there in a while and it should be nice in late March. I have not been on the Cardinal route since it was the James Whitcomb Riley so it would be nice to see the New River in the spring. My only hesitation is introducing my wife to diner lite in a modified am-cafe car. Certainly better equipment on the Capitol and almost as scenic a trip eastbound. I'll see what AGR says.
David- While New Orleans would be nice, DC might actually be better - I'm not a fan of early morning departures and arrive in Atlanta too late to drive home. But a day long leisurely trip through the south would be fun. Probably the safest plan is SWC-Capitol-Crescent.
train lady Member # 3920
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Having ridden the Capitol and the Cardinal many times I agree with Sojourner in terms of comfort. The tracks in Northern Va are really bad unless they have been fixed in the last year or so. On one trip on the Cardinal we sat in our room hanging on to the arm rests because we were being bounced around so much and on one trip my blankets kept falling off the bed from the vibration. Also remember there is no diner and no checked baggage.when the leaves are on the trees youcan barely see the river because they have grown up so . All in all I much prefer the Capitol.
palmland Member # 4344
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Thanks Train Lady - while I think I would prefer the Cardinal for scenic and sentimental reasons - I agree the Capitol is probably a better choice. During my training program many years ago, I rode the Cardinal's predecessor, the George Washington, many times between Washington and Huntington.
As pointed out the Capitol scenery is quite good, especially eastbound, and it is always good to see Harpers Ferry. Hard to believe we'll be on the SWC and seeing some of the same country from our trip this summer (still not finished sorting photos). This trip should be fun. Maybe we'll see you in DC?
train lady Member # 3920
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I rode the Cardinal when it was the G W and also the James whitcomb Riley and as I recall it wasn't much better than.
palmland Member # 4344
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Trainlady, I agree with you about the Riley and certainly the scenery wasn't any better. Although at least in the GW days when operated by the C&O the dining car meals and service were excellent and the sleepers were well maintained and the roadbed in better shape.
With the great route of the Cardinal, a little effort by Amtrak (and the use of Superliner cars) it could be a better experience than the Capitol.
Wonder what would happen if you swapped the equipment with the Capitol (which would then become the NYC train). Would also allow through cars from the Pennsylvanian at Pittsburgh but would require the viewliner Capitol to be daily.
In fact, maybe the sleepers should go on the Pennsylvanian section (can you say Broadway Ltd) with the Capitol being a coach connection.
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