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Hey, Im interested in taking a train across country from Seattle to Washington D.C. Unfortunately it seems like all of the Amtrak trains take at least 4 days. Does anyone know of any faster train options? Maybe something other than Amtrak? I love traveling on trains but I just dont have a long enough vacation for a 4 day trip. Any advice is appreciated.
Posts: 2 | From: Washington D.C. | Registered: Dec 2003
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Great choice on a train trip! I think that the only option (well, the quickest option) you have from Seattle would be Train 8, the Empire Builder, and then one of several connecting trains to DC. And then there is still the return trip, or maybe a fly one way, train the other could work... Amtrak is pretty much the only long-distance passenger train company in the US, so there are limited choices in that area. But you're right, it would take up quite a few days from a vacation (although many of us consider the TRAIN a vacation!) I'm not sure if a VIA Canada train would get you anywhere faster, as it's a round-about way of getting you to where you want to go. All I can suggest is that you visit some pages at amtrak.com to see what the options are. One to begin with is http://www.amtrak.com/trains/empirebuilder.html which'll tell you about that specific train. Good luck! Eric
[This message has been edited by Eric (edited 12-03-2003).]
Posts: 553 | From: Flagstaff, AZ USA | Registered: Apr 2001
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Amtrak is "pretty much" the only long-distance rail operator in the USA? Make that the only one.
And no, there are no "faster train options". All of the railroads between DC and Seattle are privately-owned with a maximum speed of 79 mph (signal-limited).
Love trains that much? Write Congress, and get all of your friends to write, to make the trains faster.
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Another option, less desirable, is to take the train as far as Chicago and fly from there to DC. I think that cuts a day off the travel time.
Posts: 518 | From: Maynard, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2000
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How about taking the train one way, and flying the other? Amtrak and United offer an air/rail deal. See this http://www.amtrak.com/savings/avairail.html for more information.
I always thought it only took three days to cross the country. I was partially right. Taking the California Zephyr from California gets you to D.C. a day earlier. But that doesn't help if you're starting in Seattle.
------------------ Trust God, love your neighbor, and never mistake opinion for truth. -Mr. Toy
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