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Im planning a trip for December. Ill probably have to spend about 8 hours overnight in salt lake city before taking a bus. Does anyone here know if there is a 24 hr restaurant near the train station there? id hate to have to spend 8 hrs in the station.
Also--is the neighborhood around the station safe at night?
zephyr Member # 1651
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With it's oh-dark-thirty schedules (11:47 pm WB, 3:35 am EB), Amtraking Salt Lake City is not five-star on the convenience chart.
I took the Zephyr Sacramento to SLC last December. I had the same thought of hanging out in a restaurant until check-in time at my hotel. But wandering around the very chilly and deserted downtown streets, I didn't happen upon an eatery with its lights on. So I ended up heading to the hotel, and they accomodated my very early check-in.
I'm sure there are restaurants open all night. I later discovered a Denny's at 250 W 500 S (little less than a mile from the station--phone (801)-355-1210). Maybe others can help with more alternatives.
You might want to consider a budget motel for your layover. I've used the Super 8 at 616 S 200 W for that very reason.
As far as the area around the station, I've walked to and from there to my motel in the wee hours. But I suggest taking a cab. Cab fares in SLC are very reasonable, and it'll only set you back $6 or so to get to the above mentioned Super 8 or Denny's. Cabs usually await you upon arrival at the station.
MontanaJim Member # 2323
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thanks zephyr, hey i was wondering, i notice the zephyr schedule is really padded between slc and elko. I wonder why????
zephyr Member # 1651
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SLC to Elko=263 miles. Dep SLC 11:59pm, Arr Elko 3:19am=3.33 hours plus 1 hour time zone change=4.33.
263 miles/4.33 hours=60.74 miles/hr=Not bad.
Track work caused delays this summer (and still may be going on).
MontanaJim Member # 2323
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oh, i forgot about the time change.
notelvis Member # 3071
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MJ -
I concur with those who recommend a budget hotel for your SLC layover. The SLC station, while not unsafe per se, is small and in a fairly desolate area of town......rail yard, warehouses, etc. It's been my experience that SLC in the wee hours is pretty darned chilly in March. I'd hate to be a pedestrian there at 2:00am in December.
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