Important to mention that for long train trips on Amtrak, early booking is essential to avoid disappointment because there are too few trains running, especially on the Cardinal and Sunset Limited, to accommodate demand.
My favorite is the Southwest Chief. Its on almost all on the old line that the Super Chief and El Cap ran on. (Amtrak runs on the same route the Zephyr runs to Galesburg and the the line between San Bernardino to LA via Pasadena, is no longer in existence. Part of it is used by LA Metro's Light Rail line and by Metrolink trains) The Southwest Chief goes across the Mississippi river at Ft Madison. It goes throughout Kansas City and down kansas and Colorado into Raton Pass. From there it drops down theough the Sangria De Christo mountains and Apache canyon. In Albuquerque, the train stops for a while and passengers can deboard to enjoy souvenirs and trinkets sold by locals train side. A tradition that continues from the days of the Super Chief. From there, the train travels across Northern New Mexico and Arizona. It follows along route 66 into California. I think you should swap out the Sunset Limited for the Southwest Chief.
Hi, Thibaut, Greetings for Argentina, I’m a former follower of your Chanel and in september 23 i’ll finally will ride an Amtrak train for my first time to celebrate my birthday. i’ll be going from New York to San Francisco in different traías, such as Northeast Regional to Washington, Cardinal to Chicago , and the wonder California Zephyr to San Francisco during 7 días to know Washington and Chicago as well.And thanks to your wonderfull videos i will enjoy the roomette, the coach section and the observation car. Thank you for showing me that incredible Journey!,🤗
I traveled a couple of the best Amtrak lines during a cross country trek as a student. I would say this order for the top 3: 3. Southwest Chief - great views in the New Mexico-Arizona part. Great wide landscapes and sunsets. 2. Coast Starlight - one of the most picturesque train rides up the pacific coast with ocean views thru Cali to some woodlands in the northwest. I did L.A. to S.F. then S.F. to Seattle as a student. This line was unavailable recently due to fire damage but it is back now. 1. California Zephyr - Spectacular views, a long train ride where you get the Colorado RIver and the rockies as well as the views in Utah and Colorado before the great plains. Don't expect to be on time, just expect a stunning train ride and views.
@@qjtvaddict Unfortunately Amtrak trains run on freight railroads tracks whose dispatchers know who puts butter on their bread. Hint, it isn't Amtrak. While all but one of Amtrak's overnight sleeper trains run on the mail lines of these freight railroads, all it takes to lose a lot of time is one hot axle of a freight train in front of a Amtrak train, or some idiot getting run over by a train at a crossing... Fate... It isn't as if the airlines have a spotless record either, I have had flights delayed by hours and/or cancelled too...
I actually took the Silver Meteor Sleeper from NY to FL after watching your video in 2001 and it is now my favorite form of travel when time permits. Thank you!
Since no one has mentioned it, the Cascades from Seattle to Vancouver, BC is absolutely stunning for about 2/3 of the trip leaving Seattle, as the train hugs Puget Sound. Bald eagles aplenty.
Glad you mentioned the Big Ten Curve. Virtual Railfan has just brought precision-focus cameras online there within the past two weeks and the views have been stunning, whether it's trains, deer or elk. Magical spot I hope to ride through on Amtrak someday!
A few others in the northeast worth mentioning: 1) northeast corridor Boston to NYC has some gorgeous views of the coast and some fun fast sections 2) Vermonter especially from Hartford north along the gorgeous Connecticut River valley 3) NYC to Albany on the gorgeous old Hudson River line. Unforgettable views.
You should take a train up the Hudson River from NYC to Albany, a very scenic route. You can take the Lake Shore Limited, the Adirondack or the Empire Service trains, and the view will be better in the morning.
I’ve been riding Amtrak since 1974. My favorite train is the Southwest Chief. There are portions of this route that takes you back to the old Santa Fe Days. Very Nostalgic along with the Empire Builder.
My favorite route is the Empire Corridor. From Moynihan Train Hall in New York City to Albany, sit on the left side of the train to see the Hudson River and the Palisades. Beautiful in the fall. Past Albany, sitting on the right for the Mohawk River. Although it's all Amfleet I's, the scenic routes more than make up for it.
Thankyou for reviewing so many train routes in the United States. I have been fortunate enough to have ridden many of these, both before and after Amtrak started operating them. Almost all of my trips were in coach, but they were still very memorable. Coach or sleeper, food service was always very good, and as you have said, there is no experience that compares to enjoying good food and drink while the world is passing by your window!
Calif. Zephyr outclasses all the others...daylight crossings of the Rockies and Sierras just can't be beat. The Empire Builder would be competitive if not for the WB nighttime Rockies crossing through Glacier Park. If you're in the Portland section, you do get to see the spectacular Columbia Gorge. SW Chief is not bad for scenery. I still need to ride the Cardinal, but I did ride a steam train excursion up the New River Gorge once. AutoTrain on-board service is easily the best, but there's no scenery. One of my earlier AT trips, the train still had a dome.
I've been on the Lake Shore Limited. Goes through the heart of the Rust Belt, so you're not missing much, but by god, is it the cheapest way to get from where I live to New York City. Also, the Hudson River Valley is definitely gorgeous, the scenery and dense, modern developments being quite a make-up sight from endless railyards and dying/dead mills and factories. That said, it _does_ go to show how far American rail travel has fallen, taking most of the former New York Central "Water Level Route". You can see remnants of what was once a wonderful 4-track mainline all through the Adirondacks.
I travel Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliners between San Diego, Los Angeles & Oxnard,CA when I’m home in Chula Vista,CA for up to a week. I alternate my visits between Los Angeles & Oxnard every other visit home in Chula Vista,CA. I have traveled on Amtrak 75 times since January 31,1974. Amtrak is my most preferred way to travel. My most favorite long distance routes are the Pacific Surfliner/Coast Starlight/Capital Corridor/Cascades corridor and the Cardinal. I rode on the Cardina Lon October 3-4,2012 from Wilmington, DE to Chicago. Great route.
Very good! In 2003, I went from Boston to the Bay Area and back via the Lake Shore Limited, Southwest Chief, California Zephyr, and then back to the Lake Shore Limited. The scenic highlights on the two western trains were too innumerable to mention, but the scenery on the Boston Section of the Lake Shore Limited through the Berkshires of western Massachusetts was really pretty, as was the combined train west of Albany as it made its way along the Mohawk River and Erie Canal. In 2017, I took the Empire Builder from Chicago to Portland, the scenery along the Columbia River Gorge was just our of this world. One train I do very highly recommend is the Adirondack between New York City and Montreal. It too has a varied landscape: the New York Metro area and the Hudson River south of Albany, the mountains and small towns in upstate New York and the scenery across the lake in Vermont, and then the the sudden change of landscape, similar to the Midwest, north of the US/Canada border. Tip: sit on the right side north of Albany for the best views of Lake Champlain and a wonderful view.
I and really happy you made this video because people really need to learn that Amtrak is a much more fun way to go than driving or flying. One thing people don't seem to understand is that for long distance journey, Amtrak is considerable faster than driving traveling all day and all night.
The Texas Eagle is really the only route I've traveled on when it comes to Amtrak. The Eagle seems to be relatively neglected in the Amtrak train fleet, sadly, but let's hope they give it some love here soon. It's an interesting route, for sure! Coming out of St. Louis, you cross the Mississippi River and pass by the Gateway Arch. You also go through a lot of forests and plains, so a lot of flat out running, but it is still a pretty interesting train to travel. I encourage you to take a ride when the Sightseer Lounge car comes back onto the train, and when Amtrak upgrades the food selection.
Just rode the length of the Eagle a couple of weeks ago. Good route for travel between the cities it stops at; just not enough "wow" factor compared to the others. They definitely need to bring back a full diner car on the route at a bare minimum.
@@mikeschumacher Unfortunately Amtrak is in the process of refurbishing their entire fleet of Superliner cars. While there are numerous extra sleepers and coaches, diners and sightseeing lounges there aren't numerous extra cars. Until the entire fleet has been refurbished, the shared trainsets of the Texas Eagle and Capitol Limited will have to soldier on without diners and sightseeing lounges. Obviously, Amtrak prefers the western trains have a higher priority than the routes with a bit less scenery, and being a single night sleeper train instead of a two night sleeper train. That day will come when all of the Superliners have been refurbished... Amtrak has to pull precious cars somewhere to refurbish... I find the Capitol Limited route through the Appalachians and the Texas Eagle route through the Ozarks scenic as well... Too bad the Eagle has to be running very late for passengers to see the Ozarks after dawn or before dusk...
Great video with lots of historical & relevant information. Your top 5 match my 'Bucket List' of Amtrak trains yet to experience. Whilst many criticize Amtrak as a slow & at times unreliable mode of transport - it does provide an extensive array of train destinations across most of the USA. Sure it is not the quickest but it provides the best opportunities to see the vast expanse of America as your video showed, it also provides different options (coach & business on some trains, roomette, sleeper, family & mobility restricted), plus on the long distance the dining car with traditional dining is exceptional & the observation car is a unique way to see the fantastic scenery. Apart from this one gets to walk around, you can socialize if you choose, and experience fresh air stops & those in sleepers have access to Lounge Rooms in the major cities & use Red Caps to assist with baggage, etc. The best thing is that the train starts & ends in the center of most major cities & no need to go through security checks. That's why I prefer train travel to air or bus anytime
Some of the amtrak routes I remember taking are the Lincoln Service to Springfield, the Southwest Chief to La Plata, MO (Stayed at the Depot Inn), the Now Defunct Hoosire State (Indianappolis), and the Lakeshore Limited to Boston. When travelling the Lakeshore Limited to/from Boston, be ready for some heavy delays, because most of the route is a single track line, and there would be freight trains almost constantly, before uniting with the Penn Station portion in Albany.
The Southwest Chief is my favorite route. The scenery is amazing as well as all the towns you go through. My favorite part is the Glorietta Pass. I love the Sangre De Cristo mountains and there's just no other scenery that is like them. There's also Raton Pass, The deserts and Cajon Pass. The California zephyr come in just behind the Chief which is just an amazing ride. Number 3 is the Coast Starlight, but 4 is the Sunset Limited, number 5 is the Empire Builder.
My favorite Amtrak route was the Zephyr and the discontinued Pioneer, which went from Seattle to Denver. The Pioneer route was breath taking. It is sad it is not in service anymore. It went through Washington and Idaho to Salt Lake and then to Denver.
Frankly I miss the former Burlington Texas Zephyr train Amtrak has never operated from Denver to Houston through Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Amarillo, Wichita Falls, Fort Worth, and Dallas... I do recall the Burlington T-bone steak for dinner... Bringing this route back would allow Amtrak to finally serve a daily train from Dallas to Houston, surely the two largest metros not being served with a direct Amtrak train today... Amtrak you should be ashamed, start serving Texas better please! Another train through Raton Pass Amtrak please... While Amarillo saved the Santa Fe station, Burilington sadly nearly demolished all of its depots on the Texas Zephyr route...
I'm a regular on Amtrak Regional (BOS-NYC-WAS), which is why I love the east coast USA. Did Amtrak Cardinal & Silver Meteor in Viewliner roomettes. Love them both. i know I don't live in Europe, except for riding a couple of UK London-area trains, but i still like Amtrak.
We have been on all of these routes except the Auto Train (but we have been on the Silver Star). We actually went on the Sunset Limited all the way from Florida to California. Your ranking is pretty much spot on! This was one of your best videos explaining the different routes and what they have to offer.
I love the train, and have riden many routes, before Amtrak existence. My favorite was the Fast Mail train between Whitefish MT and Minot ND, in the late 40s and 50s. It had 1 passenger coach used mainly for Great Northern Railway employees deadheading. Our father worked for the Great Northern Railway in Whitefish MT. The great thing about the Fast Mail train is us 5 kids got a whole seat, and there was a confectioners corner that sold sodas and snacks. We had our own porter. Also was great fun to watch the mail sorting coach grab the mail bags off a hook while passing through towns. Was sad when it was discontinued about the same time as the last steam engine.
I lived in northern Virginia for a couple years, and early one February I spent a week in Miami Beach. I wish I'd known about the Autotrain, because I wasn't far from Lorton, and I would definitely have taken it! I was really struck, too, by how it felt like I was going from winter to fall to summer, the further south I got, and then the reverse on my way back home. (This is definitely off-topic now, but during the time I lived in the US, I wound up covering I-95 from DC to its southern terminus in Miami Beach, and from DC to upstate NY, and on the other coast, I-5 from the Mexican border to Los Angeles, and from San Francisco to the Canadian border. I never did the LA-SF stretch, though.)
Very well done. Last September I rode, in succession, the Sunset Limited (westbound), the Coast Starlight (northbound) and the Empire Builder (eastbound). Of the three, I'd pick the Starlight as the first choice because of the variety of scenery, as you pointed out. I have the Cardinal and the Zephyr on my bucket list, for obvious reasons.
I have only ridden Amtrak on the Northeast Regional, the Capitol Limited and a portion of the Empire Builder. Your video reminded me of how much I want to do the full rides on your top five. Thanks for the great videos especially the videography and commentary on your impressions and likes. Well done!
Thank you Thibault for this video. I like this new type of présentation (and the « old one » too 😅 ). I rode only one Amtrak route in my life: The Adirondack between Montreal and New York. it's a must see especialy in fall. You should try it…
I would amend your comment to: Amtrak is a GREAT way to discover the US. I dislike traveling at night. I don't see any scenery. There are of course advantages to travel by train -- you can look out the window, no driving required, the food is on the train, the bed is on the train but you are limited to "their" schedule. In 1965 I went on a 14 day vacation by car from Route 66, starting in Chicago and getting off 66 in Amarillo, TX. Somewhere in Texas I was astounded by how flat the countryside was: 360 degrees recorded on my 8mm camera and not a single pile of dirt higher than 6 feet (some might find that lame, but I was amazed that a country could be that flat as far as the eye could see). On we went to Carlsbad Caverns, NM; El Paso, NM; White Sands, NM; Petrified forest, AZ; Painted Desert, AZ; Grand Canyon, AZ; Hoover Dam, AZ; Bryce Canyon, UT; Natural Bridges Park, UT; Aspen, CO; Independence pass, CO; Royal Gorge Bridge, CO; Garden of the Gods, CO and back on I80 to Chicago. Can your train trip match that? (also cost wise?).
Awesome review!! The original Empire Builder was a product of the Great Northern Railway. In the 80-90s the Zephyr used to get split up into three trains in Ogden Utah. The Desert Wind went through Los Angeles via Las Vegas. The California Zephyr followed the same route. The Pioneer would connect to Portland, Oregon. That is and was my favorite Amtrak route as is skirted the Columbia River Gorge and through the Blue Mountains and into Boise and eventually linked up. I agree that Denver Rio Grande journey though the Rockies is a highlight of the Amtrak network. I am going to be taking the Via Canadian this summer from Vancouver to Jasper and very much looking forward to that trip.
I've ridden the Zepher several times, but my favorite was The City of New Orleans from New Orleans to Chicago. Riding across Lake Pontchartrain with no land in sight was a thrill.
Thanks for this review. I've been on all these routes and generally agree with your ranking although I would rank the Coast Starlight first because of the spectacular scenery for almost the entire route. Actually, when Amtrak created the Coast Starlight it combined the overnight Cascade between Seattle and San Francisco, and the Coast Daylight daytime service between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Starlight was an overnight coach train on the San Francisco to LA route that was a companion to the all Pullman Lark, then discontinued I believe in the late 1950's.
The California Zephyr, is the best one I have done; did it in late February. Temperature in Chicago, were savagely low and everywhere was covered in snow. We crossed the Rockies, though heavy snow and travelled into the deserts on the other side. The snow was gone until we hit the Sierra’s. We coasted into Sacramento and the temperatures were perfect, skies blue and sun shining.
My favorite is the Adirondack train between New York City and Montreal. I haven't yet taken a train coast to coast but I will eventually. I also want to ride the Alaska Railroad.
Slight correction: 6:14 the Sunset Ltd. travels west from New Orleans, and does not now travel any distance within the State of Mississippi, since the time of the 2005 hurricane track damage.
When the AutoTrain and the Sunset Limited's derailments damaged many of the Superliner rolling stock fleet, Amtrak no longer had sufficient rolling stock to sustain the Sunset Limited's six train sets. Cutting the route east of New Orleans allowed Amtrak to cut that number of train sets to three... Amtrak is not blessed with numerous extra Superliner rolling stock...
I did the Zephyr west to east to Denver. I arrived in Denver at 2am. It was still cool- I ate breakfast on the salt plains, which is really cool and doesn't happen unless you are late. I missed the best part. My advice- coast starlight- South to North. The best part is Oxnard to San Luis Obispo (BTW- it's also part of the Surfliner) and it's a must
Awesome job @Simplyrailway And I have taken Amtrak before and enjoy it alot. I haven't been on any of the Amtrak routes on your list but since you mentioned the Silver Service with Star and Meteor. The long distance train service I been on with Amtrak was the Silver Meteor. I find it incredible on how you go from Florida to the colder temperatures of the northeast. I haven't gone all the way to NYC but to DC. I will want to travel across other routes on Amtrak but I say one of my favorites I been to but its more of a regional rail is the Pacific Surfliner in southern California its one of my favorite Amtrak routes it goes by the pacific ocean coast so beautiful with beaches and all. Also I would like to see the Corridor based Amtrak routes list as well since now you did of the long distance Amtrak routes from your own perspective and experiences.
Similar with the Texas Eagle as well. In early May wearing shorts and a t-shirt in Texas sweating in 90 degree Fahrenheit heat to the Windy City of Chicago with temperatures below freezing.... Needing to buy quickly at a Walmart a winter coat and blue jeans.
I’ve only been on two long distance trains: The Capitol Limited and The California Zephyr. The CZ has the most gorgeous views and it takes me perfectly from my home in Chicago to visit my family in Davis, CA.
Of the ones that I've ridden, the Coast Starlight is probably my favorite. Especially between Seattle and Eugene, Ore., and between the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Going along the coast northwest of L.A. is my favorite part. It's such an amazing experience to look out at the water. (I also like the Pacific Surfliner, necessary to go the rest of the way south to San Diego, much of that along the ocean too.) I have never ridden the Empire Builder. I need to one day.
What the Great Northern Railway did for Glacier National Park, my father's employer for 45 years, the Northern Pacific Railway, did for Yellowstone National Park in southern Montana. The two railroads were rivals in the Minneapolis/St. Paul to Seattle route. Finally, in 1969, the two merged with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy RR (" Burlington" colloquially) to form Burlington Northern. When Amtrak came along, it chose the Great Northern's route through the Rocky Mountains and kept the name of the Great Northern's premiere train, The Empire Builder . My first visit to Yellowstone National Park was over 70 years ago, thanks to the Northern Pacific!
Having just rode the Southwest Chief and the Texas Eagle, I'd recommend the Southwest Chief going eastbound out of LA. That way you catch Arizona and New Mexico during the daylight, plus the run up the Cajon Pass. I did westbound from Chicago and it was nice but it was almost dark by the time we made it to Arizona. You're not missing much scenery on the Eagle, and flex dining is acceptable, though it can be very time-effective if you need to visit any of those cities along the route. The Lake Shore Limited has its moments and potentially a better schedule depending on your circumstances, but I don't think it would beat the Cardinal for scenery. Without having a Zephyr run under my belt my order would be Coast Starlight - SW Chief - Empire Builder - Sunset Limited - (Cardinal) - Lake Shore Limited for long-distance routes. Hoping to get a ride on the Zephyr soon.
Fantastic routes, despite seen only in videos. Most of this services are now changing locomotives, replacing old and polluting P42DC with new and more enviromentally friendly Siemens ALC-42
My favorite Amtrak trains definitely are The Capitol Limited and the Lake Shore Limited. They both go through Toledo, Ohio, which is awesome for someone who lives in the area, the only trains that serve the city.
i took texas eagle down to austin on new years, i was sad when there was no happy new year announcement for 2024 but its a beautiful route, unfortunately i wasn't really able to see arkansas because both ways (south and north) meant that arkansas we traveled through in the dead of night, plus no data there... but it's absolutely wonderful to see the change in environment, and when you pass by st. louis you get a really good view of the arch. i bet its more beautiful during summertime, as i traveled during winter, but the experience of traveling south and seeing all the grey skies and snow turn into green and beautiful sunny skies was absolutely wonderful. i hope i get to travel amtrak again, though... with my insomnia, it's difficult to sleep in a regular seat. i'll figure it out though 😭😭thank you for ur vids always
One small niggle: For the Empire Builder your captions say Great Western, it should be Great Northern. Very good introductory video. I just this morning got in to Los Angeles at 0445 having ridden from Chicago in what they call the 421 sleeper car. It's on the back of the Texas Eagle from Chicago to San Antonio, then switch and hooked onto the Sunset Limited. Three nights onboard from 1352 in Chicago Tuesday to (scheduled) 0535 in LA. Friday morning. Blessedly, the Metropolitan Lounge was open to greet us. I get on the Coast Starlight in the morning.
The Southwest Chief Chicago to LA is my favorite. I took the coastal train up to San Fran then the Zephyr back. From Chicago I took the Lake Shore home and I was pleased that we actually got to see Lake Erie! I've also been on the Capitol WV to DC.
Great video. Even though i haven't try Amtrak and haven't going to US, i definitely agree with all on this list. In addition on this list is Southwest Chief, faster train service between Chicago and Los Angeles.
Beautiful! I really wish that more people would take advantage of these routes while they're still running. You never know when they could be cancelled. These trains are subsidized up to $400 dollars per ticket on some routes. So don't feel bad if the tickets cost more than you expected. Consider that you contribution to keeping these fantastic trains around for future generations! And damn is that Zephyr ride incredible! That's definitely a bucket list item for any rail fan!
@@qjtvaddict Strongly disagree. Generally, long distance Amtrak is pretty pleasant and even somewhat bougie. They brought back fine dining and the cars are pretty well maintained even though they're very old school. On-time performance is heavily undermined by the freight railroad's shenanigans. But let's face it, no one is taking a picturesque long distance trip on the California Zephyr because they need to be anywhere in a hurry. These are "experience trips" not actual transportation and pretty much everyone understands that when they're booking their tickets.
@@TohaBgood2 If you are in a hurry, FLY... Riding Amtrak is a journey in itself. Enjoy the ride and behold America's beauty... While Amtrak may not be breaking any speed records, riding Amtrak is much more enjoyable than riding on Greyhound...
Northeast Regional/Acela is definitely the best way to travel to any East Coast destination from Boston to DC (I wouldn't recommend the full distance on Amtrak as flying is usually a better option). Driving along I-95 pretty much parallels the NER, is faster in some parts but brutally slower in others.
You have not yet done an Amtrak trip on the Vermonter. The scenery is best in the fall, right around late September - early October at the peak of foliage.
A very interesting video of your favorite Amtrak trains. My only overnight journey was on the Spirit of St Louis from Philadelphia to St Louis on a cold snowy night. Highlight was rounding the Horseshoe Curve. My favorite trains are the speedy Northeast Corridor trains. Thanks Thibault😀💚
Thank you for this video and your recommendations. Before I retired, I traveled many business trips on Acela NYC to WAS DC. As a lover of trains, I’m anxious to take a trip on Amtrak. A friend had a bad experience on the Auto-Train Lofton VA to FL both southbound and northbound. Anyhow, thanks again and look forward to more of your videos.
At about 21:15 you say that in the summertime on the Zephyr you will be “flashed”. We call it “mooned”, and on my many trips across Colorado on the Zephyr I have seen a lot of mooning, just not in the winter. One of those canyons (between Moffat Tunnel and Glenwood Springs) was even known as “Moon Canyon”. A small minority of travelers are offended by it, but most have a sense of humor about it!
Which Amtrak route do you like most? I remember, that their flagship service is Acela Express, which is high speed train, which serves across the BosWash. Outside of BosWash, Amtrak also operates the routes across the ChiPitts, as well, as Silicon Valley (with San Francisco).
I’ve been on north regional from Philly to Boston. Silver meteor Philly to North Charleston SC and the Crescent from Philly to Greenville SC . Pennsylvanian from new York to Pittsburgh.
Your video is very interesting, I have had the opportunity to do some Amtrak tours, some of them in the Capitol Limited, Texas Eagle, Lincoln Service, Lake Shore Limited, Hiawatha, Metroliner, Wolverine Among some others and it has been one of the best ways to get to know the country. Greetings!!!
I like the Zephyr! ❤ I like to do Amtrak for the scenery, the people you meet and the lack of stress that I get with driving and stressful air travel due to several reasons: Unruly passengers, cramped seating, and frequent delays. Air travel has gotten clise to being bus travel. UGH!
Been on the Sunset Limited, the Coast Starlight and the Zephyr. The Zephyr would have been great if we didn’t leave Emeryville six hours late and lose enough time that we crossed the Rockies in the middle of the night. We took the Starlight from San Jose to LA and a second trip from Seattle to Emeryville. The LA segment was gorgeous along the coast south of San Luis Obispo, but what I remember most was going through a series of tunnels in the mountains north of LA while a wildfire burned on the top. That was surreal. From Seattle, the ride was beautiful most of the way. The highlight there was waking up in the middle of the night in the Oregon Cascades with the train stopped because of a freight train that had broken down, looking out the window and seeing a snowstorm raging. Absolutely beautiful and so peaceful. The Sunset was supposed to be round trip LA to New Orleans (where we would rent a car to drive on to Disney World). Lovely, stark scenery through the desert. We ran into a problem on the return though. A hurricane was forecast to hit the eastern coast of Florida and affect Orlando, so we cut out early. Problem was the hurricane changed course and was then going to hit New Orleans the day we were due to depart on the Sunset. So we kept the car and went further west. And the damn thing changed course again. We were in San Antonio when evacuees started coming in from Corpus Christi. The storm finally made landfall west of Corpus Christi and by that time, we were well west. We finally caught up with the Sunset in El Paso. Stunning scenery on all three routes, though.
Unfortunately Amtrak is a victim most of the time from events beyond its control. Flooding on the tracks, freight trains with a hot wheel bearing, trains hitting vehicles at railroad crossings, tornado warning stopping all rail traffic, etc., etc. Unlike the airlines, Amtrak may not have an extra trainset nearby... There is only so much rolling stock in the fleet...
I travelled to the US twice, last year and this year. Sadly, I couldn't convince the others to join me on a train trip, especially as they were very expensive, so we travelled by car. We also visited the Glacier NP and it is honestly so stunning, nearly better than Yellowstone. In West Yellowstone, we went to the train station as I at least wanted to see the Empire Builder Train. We met a really nice Mother with her 10 y/o son from Britain and they invited us into their sleeper room to take a look at it. The son was a real train fan, he explained all different electricity systems in Europe to me. It's a bit sad that we couldn't ride that train but I will sure catch up on that one day, as soon as I can afford it 😅
The Only Long Distance Amtrak routes I’ve been on is the Lake Shore Limited (2X) and Cardinal (Once). Since then I’ve only taken the NEC to Philly, DC, & Boston along with the Pennsylvanian from Greensburg, PA and Empire Service to Albany & back. I enjoy my experience on Amtrak and I want to go back to long distance which means I’d like to visit Chicago by train (Lake Shore Limited here we come!).
The view of Lake Champlain and the view of the Hudson River for most of the trip. "10 hours The Adirondack travels from New York City, through the lush wine country of the Hudson Valley, into Montreal."
Looooooove your Amtrak video, keep making more with Amtrak, I'm a Model Railroader and i have a large Amtrak collection, The California Zephyr is #1, it's sad The Southwest Chief, isn't on your list, the Chief makes a S Curve, if you're in the Lounge Car, you can see the front and the back of the train 👍🚅😊
My favorite is the Southwest Chief. I've taken it dozens of times through the decades. My other favorite is the California Zephyr, but I've only made 3 trips on it. I really want to take the Empirer Builder someday. 😊
I knew the Zephyr would be #1. Emeryville is not to far from me so it's easy to get to. #3 Coast Starlight runs right past my neighborhood so I see it and all the Capital Corridor commuter trains all the time.
The Southwest Chief is by far my favorite route. Yes, the coast starlight, empire builder and California Zephyr are very pretty, but I don't think they're nearly as cool as the Southwest Chief. From the Colorado high plains, to Raton Pass, to Wagon Mound, to Glorieta Pass, to the high desert, to prettified forest national park, to the mojave desert, and finally cajon pass. I still agree the Zephyr is a great ride, but I'm just one of the few who prefers the desert views on the Chief.
The Coast Starlight is the best from Los Angeles to the Bay Area with ocean views! A day on the train, coach is no issue!
Wonderful that you created this video, Thibault, the world needs to know about the experiences of Amtrak's best trains!
Important to mention that for long train trips on Amtrak, early booking is essential to avoid disappointment because there are too few trains running, especially on the Cardinal and Sunset Limited, to accommodate demand.
Booking early is also key to saving hundreds of dollars as the longer you wait, the higher the fares get.
En septembre prochain, je ferai le trajet de San Francisco à Washington DC avec le California Zephir puis le Cardinal.
My favorite is the Southwest Chief. Its on almost all on the old line that the Super Chief and El Cap ran on. (Amtrak runs on the same route the Zephyr runs to Galesburg and the the line between San Bernardino to LA via Pasadena, is no longer in existence. Part of it is used by LA Metro's Light Rail line and by Metrolink trains) The Southwest Chief goes across the Mississippi river at Ft Madison. It goes throughout Kansas City and down kansas and Colorado into Raton Pass. From there it drops down theough the Sangria De Christo mountains and Apache canyon. In Albuquerque, the train stops for a while and passengers can deboard to enjoy souvenirs and trinkets sold by locals train side. A tradition that continues from the days of the Super Chief. From there, the train travels across Northern New Mexico and Arizona. It follows along route 66 into California. I think you should swap out the Sunset Limited for the Southwest Chief.
Hi, Thibaut, Greetings for Argentina, I’m a former follower of your Chanel and in september 23 i’ll finally will ride an Amtrak train for my first time to celebrate my birthday. i’ll be going from New York to San Francisco in different traías, such as Northeast Regional to Washington, Cardinal to Chicago , and the wonder California Zephyr to San Francisco during 7 días to know Washington and Chicago as well.And thanks to your wonderfull videos i will enjoy the roomette, the coach section and the observation car. Thank you for showing me that incredible Journey!,🤗
I traveled a couple of the best Amtrak lines during a cross country trek as a student. I would say this order for the top 3:
3. Southwest Chief - great views in the New Mexico-Arizona part. Great wide landscapes and sunsets.
2. Coast Starlight - one of the most picturesque train rides up the pacific coast with ocean views thru Cali to some woodlands in the northwest. I did L.A. to S.F. then S.F. to Seattle as a student. This line was unavailable recently due to fire damage but it is back now.
1. California Zephyr - Spectacular views, a long train ride where you get the Colorado RIver and the rockies as well as the views in Utah and Colorado before the great plains. Don't expect to be on time, just expect a stunning train ride and views.
Most people like trains that run on time
@@qjtvaddict Unfortunately Amtrak trains run on freight railroads tracks whose dispatchers know who puts butter on their bread. Hint, it isn't Amtrak. While all but one of Amtrak's overnight sleeper trains run on the mail lines of these freight railroads, all it takes to lose a lot of time is one hot axle of a freight train in front of a Amtrak train, or some idiot getting run over by a train at a crossing... Fate... It isn't as if the airlines have a spotless record either, I have had flights delayed by hours and/or cancelled too...
I think its interesting you ranked the Southwest Chief as 3 because it's numbered as train 3 heading westbound.
I actually took the Silver Meteor Sleeper from NY to FL after watching your video in 2001 and it is now my favorite form of travel when time permits. Thank you!
Since no one has mentioned it, the Cascades from Seattle to Vancouver, BC is absolutely stunning for about 2/3 of the trip leaving Seattle, as the train hugs Puget Sound. Bald eagles aplenty.
i have done all the cross country routes. Best is California Zephyr between Denver and Salt Lake City. Second best is the Coast Starlight.
Glad you mentioned the Big Ten Curve. Virtual Railfan has just brought precision-focus cameras online there within the past two weeks and the views have been stunning, whether it's trains, deer or elk. Magical spot I hope to ride through on Amtrak someday!
A few others in the northeast worth mentioning: 1) northeast corridor Boston to NYC has some gorgeous views of the coast and some fun fast sections
2) Vermonter especially from Hartford north along the gorgeous Connecticut River valley
3) NYC to Albany on the gorgeous old Hudson River line. Unforgettable views.
You should take a train up the Hudson River from NYC to Albany, a very scenic route. You can take the Lake Shore Limited, the Adirondack or the Empire Service trains, and the view will be better in the morning.
I’ve been riding Amtrak since 1974. My favorite train is the Southwest Chief. There are portions of this route that takes you back to the old Santa Fe Days. Very Nostalgic along with the Empire Builder.
I am fond of the Sunset Limited route through west Texas and New Mexico deserts... Cactus Jack country, Judge Roy Bean country...
My favorite route is the Empire Corridor. From Moynihan Train Hall in New York City to Albany, sit on the left side of the train to see the Hudson River and the Palisades. Beautiful in the fall. Past Albany, sitting on the right for the Mohawk River. Although it's all Amfleet I's, the scenic routes more than make up for it.
Thankyou for reviewing so many train routes in the United States. I have been fortunate enough to have ridden many of these, both before and after Amtrak started operating them. Almost all of my trips were in coach, but they were still very memorable. Coach or sleeper, food service was always very good, and as you have said, there is no experience that compares to enjoying good food and drink while the world is passing by your window!
Love this style of videos! Congrats on getting a sponsor ❤
Great choices! Your explanations of what makes these routes the best is very balanced and insightful. Thanks for providing your expertise!
Calif. Zephyr outclasses all the others...daylight crossings of the Rockies and Sierras just can't be beat. The Empire Builder would be competitive if not for the WB nighttime Rockies crossing through Glacier Park. If you're in the Portland section, you do get to see the spectacular Columbia Gorge. SW Chief is not bad for scenery. I still need to ride the Cardinal, but I did ride a steam train excursion up the New River Gorge once. AutoTrain on-board service is easily the best, but there's no scenery. One of my earlier AT trips, the train still had a dome.
I've been on the Lake Shore Limited. Goes through the heart of the Rust Belt, so you're not missing much, but by god, is it the cheapest way to get from where I live to New York City. Also, the Hudson River Valley is definitely gorgeous, the scenery and dense, modern developments being quite a make-up sight from endless railyards and dying/dead mills and factories. That said, it _does_ go to show how far American rail travel has fallen, taking most of the former New York Central "Water Level Route". You can see remnants of what was once a wonderful 4-track mainline all through the Adirondacks.
I travel Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliners between San Diego, Los Angeles & Oxnard,CA when I’m home in Chula Vista,CA for up to a week. I alternate my visits between Los Angeles & Oxnard every other visit home in Chula Vista,CA. I have traveled on Amtrak 75 times since January 31,1974. Amtrak is my most preferred way to travel. My most favorite long distance routes are the Pacific Surfliner/Coast Starlight/Capital Corridor/Cascades corridor and the Cardinal. I rode on the Cardina Lon October 3-4,2012 from Wilmington, DE to Chicago. Great route.
The Pere Marquette and the Michigan High speed lines. 110 mph!
Very good! In 2003, I went from Boston to the Bay Area and back via the Lake Shore Limited, Southwest Chief, California Zephyr, and then back to the Lake Shore Limited. The scenic highlights on the two western trains were too innumerable to mention, but the scenery on the Boston Section of the Lake Shore Limited through the Berkshires of western Massachusetts was really pretty, as was the combined train west of Albany as it made its way along the Mohawk River and Erie Canal. In 2017, I took the Empire Builder from Chicago to Portland, the scenery along the Columbia River Gorge was just our of this world. One train I do very highly recommend is the Adirondack between New York City and Montreal. It too has a varied landscape: the New York Metro area and the Hudson River south of Albany, the mountains and small towns in upstate New York and the scenery across the lake in Vermont, and then the the sudden change of landscape, similar to the Midwest, north of the US/Canada border. Tip: sit on the right side north of Albany for the best views of Lake Champlain and a wonderful view.
I and really happy you made this video because people really need to learn that Amtrak is a much more fun way to go than driving or flying. One thing people don't seem to understand is that for long distance journey, Amtrak is considerable faster than driving traveling all day and all night.
The Texas Eagle is really the only route I've traveled on when it comes to Amtrak. The Eagle seems to be relatively neglected in the Amtrak train fleet, sadly, but let's hope they give it some love here soon. It's an interesting route, for sure! Coming out of St. Louis, you cross the Mississippi River and pass by the Gateway Arch. You also go through a lot of forests and plains, so a lot of flat out running, but it is still a pretty interesting train to travel. I encourage you to take a ride when the Sightseer Lounge car comes back onto the train, and when Amtrak upgrades the food selection.
I'll be on Texas Eagle end of sept. Will see if you are right
Just rode the length of the Eagle a couple of weeks ago. Good route for travel between the cities it stops at; just not enough "wow" factor compared to the others. They definitely need to bring back a full diner car on the route at a bare minimum.
@@mikeschumacher Unfortunately Amtrak is in the process of refurbishing their entire fleet of Superliner cars. While there are numerous extra sleepers and coaches, diners and sightseeing lounges there aren't numerous extra cars. Until the entire fleet has been refurbished, the shared trainsets of the Texas Eagle and Capitol Limited will have to soldier on without diners and sightseeing lounges. Obviously, Amtrak prefers the western trains have a higher priority than the routes with a bit less scenery, and being a single night sleeper train instead of a two night sleeper train. That day will come when all of the Superliners have been refurbished... Amtrak has to pull precious cars somewhere to refurbish... I find the Capitol Limited route through the Appalachians and the Texas Eagle route through the Ozarks scenic as well... Too bad the Eagle has to be running very late for passengers to see the Ozarks after dawn or before dusk...
Great video with lots of historical & relevant information. Your top 5 match my 'Bucket List' of Amtrak trains yet to experience. Whilst many criticize Amtrak as a slow & at times unreliable mode of transport - it does provide an extensive array of train destinations across most of the USA. Sure it is not the quickest but it provides the best opportunities to see the vast expanse of America as your video showed, it also provides different options (coach & business on some trains, roomette, sleeper, family & mobility restricted), plus on the long distance the dining car with traditional dining is exceptional & the observation car is a unique way to see the fantastic scenery. Apart from this one gets to walk around, you can socialize if you choose, and experience fresh air stops & those in sleepers have access to Lounge Rooms in the major cities & use Red Caps to assist with baggage, etc. The best thing is that the train starts & ends in the center of most major cities & no need to go through security checks. That's why I prefer train travel to air or bus anytime
Some of the amtrak routes I remember taking are the Lincoln Service to Springfield, the Southwest Chief to La Plata, MO (Stayed at the Depot Inn), the Now Defunct Hoosire State (Indianappolis), and the Lakeshore Limited to Boston. When travelling the Lakeshore Limited to/from Boston, be ready for some heavy delays, because most of the route is a single track line, and there would be freight trains almost constantly, before uniting with the Penn Station portion in Albany.
The Southwest Chief is my favorite route. The scenery is amazing as well as all the towns you go through. My favorite part is the Glorietta Pass. I love the Sangre De Cristo mountains and there's just no other scenery that is like them. There's also Raton Pass, The deserts and Cajon Pass. The California zephyr come in just behind the Chief which is just an amazing ride. Number 3 is the Coast Starlight, but 4 is the Sunset Limited, number 5 is the Empire Builder.
My favorite Amtrak route was the Zephyr and the discontinued Pioneer, which went from Seattle to Denver. The Pioneer route was breath taking. It is sad it is not in service anymore. It went through Washington and Idaho to Salt Lake and then to Denver.
Frankly I miss the former Burlington Texas Zephyr train Amtrak has never operated from Denver to Houston through Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Amarillo, Wichita Falls, Fort Worth, and Dallas... I do recall the Burlington T-bone steak for dinner... Bringing this route back would allow Amtrak to finally serve a daily train from Dallas to Houston, surely the two largest metros not being served with a direct Amtrak train today... Amtrak you should be ashamed, start serving Texas better please! Another train through Raton Pass Amtrak please... While Amarillo saved the Santa Fe station, Burilington sadly nearly demolished all of its depots on the Texas Zephyr route...
I'm a regular on Amtrak Regional (BOS-NYC-WAS), which is why I love the east coast USA. Did Amtrak Cardinal & Silver Meteor in Viewliner roomettes. Love them both. i know I don't live in Europe, except for riding a couple of UK London-area trains, but i still like Amtrak.
the California zephyr, simply for the stunning scenery after Denver
We have travelled on the Silver Star along the East Coast and later this year are doing the California Zephyr. By booking in advance got a good deal.
We have been on all of these routes except the Auto Train (but we have been on the Silver Star). We actually went on the Sunset Limited all the way from Florida to California. Your ranking is pretty much spot on! This was one of your best videos explaining the different routes and what they have to offer.
Great video and I like to hear you talk about each train. I could listen to your accent all day...really great!
I love the train, and have riden many routes, before Amtrak existence. My favorite was the Fast Mail train between Whitefish MT and Minot ND, in the late 40s and 50s. It had 1 passenger coach used mainly for Great Northern Railway employees deadheading. Our father worked for the Great Northern Railway in Whitefish MT.
The great thing about the Fast Mail train is us 5 kids got a whole seat, and there was a confectioners corner that sold sodas and snacks. We had our own porter. Also was great fun to watch the mail sorting coach grab the mail bags off a hook while passing through towns. Was sad when it was discontinued about the same time as the last steam engine.
I lived in northern Virginia for a couple years, and early one February I spent a week in Miami Beach. I wish I'd known about the Autotrain, because I wasn't far from Lorton, and I would definitely have taken it! I was really struck, too, by how it felt like I was going from winter to fall to summer, the further south I got, and then the reverse on my way back home.
(This is definitely off-topic now, but during the time I lived in the US, I wound up covering I-95 from DC to its southern terminus in Miami Beach, and from DC to upstate NY, and on the other coast, I-5 from the Mexican border to Los Angeles, and from San Francisco to the Canadian border. I never did the LA-SF stretch, though.)
Very well done. Last September I rode, in succession, the Sunset Limited (westbound), the Coast Starlight (northbound) and the Empire Builder (eastbound). Of the three, I'd pick the Starlight as the first choice because of the variety of scenery, as you pointed out. I have the Cardinal and the Zephyr on my bucket list, for obvious reasons.
I have only ridden Amtrak on the Northeast Regional, the Capitol Limited and a portion of the Empire Builder. Your video reminded me of how much I want to do the full rides on your top five. Thanks for the great videos especially the videography and commentary on your impressions and likes. Well done!
Thank you Thibault for this video. I like this new type of présentation (and the « old one » too 😅 ). I rode only one Amtrak route in my life: The Adirondack between Montreal and New York. it's a must see especialy in fall. You should try it…
I would amend your comment to: Amtrak is a GREAT way to discover the US. I dislike traveling at night. I don't see any scenery. There are of course advantages to travel by train -- you can look out the window, no driving required, the food is on the train, the bed is on the train but you are limited to "their" schedule. In 1965 I went on a 14 day vacation by car from Route 66, starting in Chicago and getting off 66 in Amarillo, TX. Somewhere in Texas I was astounded by how flat the countryside was: 360 degrees recorded on my 8mm camera and not a single pile of dirt higher than 6 feet (some might find that lame, but I was amazed that a country could be that flat as far as the eye could see). On we went to Carlsbad Caverns, NM; El Paso, NM; White Sands, NM; Petrified forest, AZ; Painted Desert, AZ; Grand Canyon, AZ; Hoover Dam, AZ; Bryce Canyon, UT; Natural Bridges Park, UT; Aspen, CO; Independence pass, CO; Royal Gorge Bridge, CO; Garden of the Gods, CO and back on I80 to Chicago. Can your train trip match that? (also cost wise?).
Awesome review!! The original Empire Builder was a product of the Great Northern Railway. In the 80-90s the Zephyr used to get split up into three trains in Ogden Utah. The Desert Wind went through Los Angeles via Las Vegas. The California Zephyr followed the same route. The Pioneer would connect to Portland, Oregon. That is and was my favorite Amtrak route as is skirted the Columbia River Gorge and through the Blue Mountains and into Boise and eventually linked up. I agree that Denver Rio Grande journey though the Rockies is a highlight of the Amtrak network. I am going to be taking the Via Canadian this summer from Vancouver to Jasper and very much looking forward to that trip.
I like the simply railway voiceover and informational videos, its cool!
I've ridden the Zepher several times, but my favorite was The City of New Orleans from New Orleans to Chicago. Riding across Lake Pontchartrain with no land in sight was a thrill.
Not much elevation of the swamp around New Orleans for nearly a hundred miles... You being to realize how mighty the Mississippi River IS...
Thanks for this review. I've been on all these routes and generally agree with your ranking although I would rank the Coast Starlight first because of the spectacular scenery for almost the entire route. Actually, when Amtrak created the Coast Starlight it combined the overnight Cascade between Seattle and San Francisco, and the Coast Daylight daytime service between San Francisco and Los Angeles. The Starlight was an overnight coach train on the San Francisco to LA route that was a companion to the all Pullman Lark, then discontinued I believe in the late 1950's.
Great report! I am determined to ride the California Zephyr. Thanks & safe travels.
The US has some fantastic scenery, especially out west. It's well worth any trip. My favorite is Sedona, Arizona with it's rusty red landscape.
The California Zephyr, is the best one I have done; did it in late February. Temperature in Chicago, were savagely low and everywhere was covered in snow. We crossed the Rockies, though heavy snow and travelled into the deserts on the other side. The snow was gone until we hit the Sierra’s. We coasted into Sacramento and the temperatures were perfect, skies blue and sun shining.
I'm doing empire builder, coast starlight and California zephyr how would you
Suggest I pack
Good stuff as always!
Thanks. That's helping plan a bucket list trip. 👍🏽
I commuted for years on the City of New Orleans between Chicago and Champaign IL
My favorite is the Adirondack train between New York City and Montreal. I haven't yet taken a train coast to coast but I will eventually. I also want to ride the Alaska Railroad.
Slight correction: 6:14 the Sunset Ltd. travels west from New Orleans, and does not now travel any distance within the State of Mississippi, since the time of the 2005 hurricane track damage.
When the AutoTrain and the Sunset Limited's derailments damaged many of the Superliner rolling stock fleet, Amtrak no longer had sufficient rolling stock to sustain the Sunset Limited's six train sets. Cutting the route east of New Orleans allowed Amtrak to cut that number of train sets to three... Amtrak is not blessed with numerous extra Superliner rolling stock...
I did the Zephyr west to east to Denver. I arrived in Denver at 2am. It was still cool- I ate breakfast on the salt plains, which is really cool and doesn't happen unless you are late. I missed the best part.
My advice- coast starlight- South to North. The best part is Oxnard to San Luis Obispo (BTW- it's also part of the Surfliner) and it's a must
On the Coast Starlight I enjoyed the winter wonderland after a snowfall between Eugene and Redding and Mount Shasta...
Awesome job @Simplyrailway And I have taken Amtrak before and enjoy it alot. I haven't been on any of the Amtrak routes on your list but since you mentioned the Silver Service with Star and Meteor. The long distance train service I been on with Amtrak was the Silver Meteor. I find it incredible on how you go from Florida to the colder temperatures of the northeast. I haven't gone all the way to NYC but to DC. I will want to travel across other routes on Amtrak but I say one of my favorites I been to but its more of a regional rail is the Pacific Surfliner in southern California its one of my favorite Amtrak routes it goes by the pacific ocean coast so beautiful with beaches and all.
Also I would like to see the Corridor based Amtrak routes list as well since now you did of the long distance Amtrak routes from your own perspective and experiences.
Similar with the Texas Eagle as well. In early May wearing shorts and a t-shirt in Texas sweating in 90 degree Fahrenheit heat to the Windy City of Chicago with temperatures below freezing.... Needing to buy quickly at a Walmart a winter coat and blue jeans.
I’ve only been on two long distance trains: The Capitol Limited and The California Zephyr. The CZ has the most gorgeous views and it takes me perfectly from my home in Chicago to visit my family in Davis, CA.
Superb descriptions, merci!
I really like this style of videos! Very informative. Thank you for that and keep up the good work!
Of the ones that I've ridden, the Coast Starlight is probably my favorite. Especially between Seattle and Eugene, Ore., and between the Bay Area and Los Angeles. Going along the coast northwest of L.A. is my favorite part. It's such an amazing experience to look out at the water. (I also like the Pacific Surfliner, necessary to go the rest of the way south to San Diego, much of that along the ocean too.)
I have never ridden the Empire Builder. I need to one day.
Do so during the summer months, as the winter months bring a lot of drizzle and snow along the Puget Sound and into the Cascades before dusk...
What the Great Northern Railway did for Glacier National Park, my father's employer for 45 years, the Northern Pacific Railway, did for Yellowstone National Park in southern Montana. The two railroads were rivals in the Minneapolis/St. Paul to Seattle route. Finally, in 1969, the two merged with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy RR (" Burlington" colloquially) to form Burlington Northern. When Amtrak came along, it chose the Great Northern's route through the Rocky Mountains and kept the name of the Great Northern's premiere train, The Empire Builder . My first visit to Yellowstone National Park was over 70 years ago, thanks to the Northern Pacific!
Thank you for posting this. I learn a lot from your videos. Will take the Empire Builder in August.
Having just rode the Southwest Chief and the Texas Eagle, I'd recommend the Southwest Chief going eastbound out of LA. That way you catch Arizona and New Mexico during the daylight, plus the run up the Cajon Pass. I did westbound from Chicago and it was nice but it was almost dark by the time we made it to Arizona.
You're not missing much scenery on the Eagle, and flex dining is acceptable, though it can be very time-effective if you need to visit any of those cities along the route. The Lake Shore Limited has its moments and potentially a better schedule depending on your circumstances, but I don't think it would beat the Cardinal for scenery.
Without having a Zephyr run under my belt my order would be Coast Starlight - SW Chief - Empire Builder - Sunset Limited - (Cardinal) - Lake Shore Limited for long-distance routes. Hoping to get a ride on the Zephyr soon.
Unfortunately the most scenic part of the Texas Eagle route is in the Ozarks which the Eagle sees after dusk and before dawn...
Fantastic routes, despite seen only in videos. Most of this services are now changing locomotives, replacing old and polluting P42DC with new and more enviromentally friendly Siemens ALC-42
While they maybe clean, the old P-42s aren't as nasty as earlier diesels and steam locomotives...
My favorite Amtrak trains definitely are The Capitol Limited and the Lake Shore Limited. They both go through Toledo, Ohio, which is awesome for someone who lives in the area, the only trains that serve the city.
The Zephyr was my first and favorite so far
i took texas eagle down to austin on new years, i was sad when there was no happy new year announcement for 2024 but its a beautiful route, unfortunately i wasn't really able to see arkansas because both ways (south and north) meant that arkansas we traveled through in the dead of night, plus no data there... but it's absolutely wonderful to see the change in environment, and when you pass by st. louis you get a really good view of the arch. i bet its more beautiful during summertime, as i traveled during winter, but the experience of traveling south and seeing all the grey skies and snow turn into green and beautiful sunny skies was absolutely wonderful. i hope i get to travel amtrak again, though... with my insomnia, it's difficult to sleep in a regular seat. i'll figure it out though 😭😭thank you for ur vids always
One small niggle: For the Empire Builder your captions say Great Western, it should be Great Northern. Very good introductory video. I just this morning got in to Los Angeles at 0445 having ridden from Chicago in what they call the 421 sleeper car. It's on the back of the Texas Eagle from Chicago to San Antonio, then switch and hooked onto the Sunset Limited. Three nights onboard from 1352 in Chicago Tuesday to (scheduled) 0535 in LA. Friday morning. Blessedly, the Metropolitan Lounge was open to greet us. I get on the Coast Starlight in the morning.
The Southwest Chief Chicago to LA is my favorite. I took the coastal train up to San Fran then the Zephyr back. From Chicago I took the Lake Shore home and I was pleased that we actually got to see Lake Erie! I've also been on the Capitol WV to DC.
Amtrak palmetto is my favorite route
Great video. Even though i haven't try Amtrak and haven't going to US, i definitely agree with all on this list. In addition on this list is Southwest Chief, faster train service between Chicago and Los Angeles.
Beautiful! I really wish that more people would take advantage of these routes while they're still running. You never know when they could be cancelled. These trains are subsidized up to $400 dollars per ticket on some routes. So don't feel bad if the tickets cost more than you expected. Consider that you contribution to keeping these fantastic trains around for future generations!
And damn is that Zephyr ride incredible! That's definitely a bucket list item for any rail fan!
Cause most people are just not interested. Service is just too poor no real loss.
@@qjtvaddict Strongly disagree. Generally, long distance Amtrak is pretty pleasant and even somewhat bougie. They brought back fine dining and the cars are pretty well maintained even though they're very old school. On-time performance is heavily undermined by the freight railroad's shenanigans. But let's face it, no one is taking a picturesque long distance trip on the California Zephyr because they need to be anywhere in a hurry. These are "experience trips" not actual transportation and pretty much everyone understands that when they're booking their tickets.
@@TohaBgood2 If you are in a hurry, FLY... Riding Amtrak is a journey in itself. Enjoy the ride and behold America's beauty... While Amtrak may not be breaking any speed records, riding Amtrak is much more enjoyable than riding on Greyhound...
USA is a good big country to explore, I would love to travel there one day
Northeast Regional/Acela is definitely the best way to travel to any East Coast destination from Boston to DC (I wouldn't recommend the full distance on Amtrak as flying is usually a better option). Driving along I-95 pretty much parallels the NER, is faster in some parts but brutally slower in others.
You have not yet done an Amtrak trip on the Vermonter. The scenery is best in the fall, right around late September - early October at the peak of foliage.
Thank you, that was really informative.
California Zephyr, hands down.
A very interesting video of your favorite Amtrak trains. My only overnight journey was on the Spirit of St Louis from Philadelphia to St Louis on a cold snowy night. Highlight was rounding the Horseshoe Curve.
My favorite trains are the speedy Northeast Corridor trains.
Thanks Thibault😀💚
Thank you for this video and your recommendations. Before I retired, I traveled many business trips on Acela NYC to WAS DC. As a lover of trains, I’m anxious to take a trip on Amtrak. A friend had a bad experience on the Auto-Train Lofton VA to FL both southbound and northbound. Anyhow, thanks again and look forward to more of your videos.
At about 21:15 you say that in the summertime on the Zephyr you will be “flashed”. We call it “mooned”, and on my many trips across Colorado on the Zephyr I have seen a lot of mooning, just not in the winter. One of those canyons (between Moffat Tunnel and Glenwood Springs) was even known as “Moon Canyon”. A small minority of travelers are offended by it, but most have a sense of humor about it!
I’m currently on a railpass trip around the perimeter of the country, stopped in Tucson at the moment! :3
Which Amtrak route do you like most? I remember, that their flagship service is Acela Express, which is high speed train, which serves across the BosWash. Outside of BosWash, Amtrak also operates the routes across the ChiPitts, as well, as Silicon Valley (with San Francisco).
Outstanding video. The best. Thanks so much for the hard work you had to make this. Nice to see pics of you, Thibault. Good on you.
Wow. That’s really impressive from you and Amtrak.
I’ve been on north regional from Philly to Boston. Silver meteor Philly to North Charleston SC and the Crescent from Philly to Greenville SC . Pennsylvanian from new York to Pittsburgh.
Your video is very interesting, I have had the opportunity to do some Amtrak tours, some of them in the Capitol Limited, Texas Eagle, Lincoln Service, Lake Shore Limited, Hiawatha, Metroliner, Wolverine Among some others and it has been one of the best ways to get to know the country. Greetings!!!
I like the Zephyr! ❤ I like to do Amtrak for the scenery, the people you meet and the lack of stress that I get with driving and stressful air travel due to several reasons: Unruly passengers, cramped seating, and frequent delays. Air travel has gotten clise to being bus travel. UGH!
Been on the Sunset Limited, the Coast Starlight and the Zephyr. The Zephyr would have been great if we didn’t leave Emeryville six hours late and lose enough time that we crossed the Rockies in the middle of the night.
We took the Starlight from San Jose to LA and a second trip from Seattle to Emeryville. The LA segment was gorgeous along the coast south of San Luis Obispo, but what I remember most was going through a series of tunnels in the mountains north of LA while a wildfire burned on the top. That was surreal. From Seattle, the ride was beautiful most of the way. The highlight there was waking up in the middle of the night in the Oregon Cascades with the train stopped because of a freight train that had broken down, looking out the window and seeing a snowstorm raging. Absolutely beautiful and so peaceful.
The Sunset was supposed to be round trip LA to New Orleans (where we would rent a car to drive on to Disney World). Lovely, stark scenery through the desert. We ran into a problem on the return though. A hurricane was forecast to hit the eastern coast of Florida and affect Orlando, so we cut out early. Problem was the hurricane changed course and was then going to hit New Orleans the day we were due to depart on the Sunset. So we kept the car and went further west. And the damn thing changed course again. We were in San Antonio when evacuees started coming in from Corpus Christi. The storm finally made landfall west of Corpus Christi and by that time, we were well west. We finally caught up with the Sunset in El Paso.
Stunning scenery on all three routes, though.
Unfortunately Amtrak is a victim most of the time from events beyond its control. Flooding on the tracks, freight trains with a hot wheel bearing, trains hitting vehicles at railroad crossings, tornado warning stopping all rail traffic, etc., etc. Unlike the airlines, Amtrak may not have an extra trainset nearby... There is only so much rolling stock in the fleet...
I travelled to the US twice, last year and this year. Sadly, I couldn't convince the others to join me on a train trip, especially as they were very expensive, so we travelled by car. We also visited the Glacier NP and it is honestly so stunning, nearly better than Yellowstone. In West Yellowstone, we went to the train station as I at least wanted to see the Empire Builder Train. We met a really nice Mother with her 10 y/o son from Britain and they invited us into their sleeper room to take a look at it. The son was a real train fan, he explained all different electricity systems in Europe to me. It's a bit sad that we couldn't ride that train but I will sure catch up on that one day, as soon as I can afford it 😅
The Only Long Distance Amtrak routes I’ve been on is the Lake Shore Limited (2X) and Cardinal (Once). Since then I’ve only taken the NEC to Philly, DC, & Boston along with the Pennsylvanian from Greensburg, PA and Empire Service to Albany & back. I enjoy my experience on Amtrak and I want to go back to long distance which means I’d like to visit Chicago by train (Lake Shore Limited here we come!).
Great video Thibault, I would agree with your ranking... although I'm a little biased as the C.Z. passes less than 50 miles from me.
My favorite Amtrak route would be the Auto Train because it is a perfect way to bring a car onboard the train from Florida all the way to Virginia!
Going to dc from Boston, well the northeast regional line
The view of Lake Champlain and the view of the Hudson River for most of the trip.
"10 hours The Adirondack travels from New York City, through the lush wine country of the Hudson Valley, into Montreal."
I have traveled a few AMTRAK routes but like the Cardinal the best. AMTRAK needs to upgrade most their train cars though.
Looooooove your Amtrak video, keep making more with Amtrak, I'm a Model Railroader and i have a large Amtrak collection, The California Zephyr is #1, it's sad The Southwest Chief, isn't on your list, the Chief makes a S Curve, if you're in the Lounge Car, you can see the front and the back of the train 👍🚅😊
My favorite is the Southwest Chief. I've taken it dozens of times through the decades. My other favorite is the California Zephyr, but I've only made 3 trips on it. I really want to take the Empirer Builder someday. 😊
I knew the Zephyr would be #1. Emeryville is not to far from me so it's easy to get to. #3 Coast Starlight runs right past my neighborhood so I see it and all the Capital Corridor commuter trains all the time.
Ive been wanting to travel the US by rail for the longest time now...
The Southwest Chief is by far my favorite route. Yes, the coast starlight, empire builder and California Zephyr are very pretty, but I don't think they're nearly as cool as the Southwest Chief. From the Colorado high plains, to Raton Pass, to Wagon Mound, to Glorieta Pass, to the high desert, to prettified forest national park, to the mojave desert, and finally cajon pass. I still agree the Zephyr is a great ride, but I'm just one of the few who prefers the desert views on the Chief.
thank you for this video, I now want to travel by train 😁
I love this voiceover/ narrative style video!