24 hrs in Amtrak BUSINESS CLASS - San Francisco to Seattle Coast Starlight
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- I spent 24 hours in Amtrak Business Class, riding the train from San Francisco to Seattle. Honestly, the Business Class Section wasn't much different from the regular coach class on the Amtrak Coastal Starlight. Would I recommend the train? Yes. But for a trip that long, I'd recommend a sleeper car, maybe.
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My only criticism on this video is that you never showed the business class seat, legroom, amenities or anything. Maybe next time.
And he didn't give the price of the ticket
robert alanis he did say it was the price of a plane ticket. $200? Maybe $300?
@@nickb7089 😁🍻yea i heard that part.......i watch another dudes travels once in awhile and he tells you the prices for everything...its just nice to know actual price..🍻✌thanks
Prices vary. I looked it up on the web site. LOL easy peasy lemon squeezy
@@DestinationsChronicles lol..yup!😁🍻✌thanks..
It's an absolute shame that Amtrak and passenger train infrastructure is underfunded. there is so much potential in America to have a robust rail network.
@SHRAVAN KUMAR "why Railways are getting sidelined in Western countries"? Most western countries are increasing investment in railways.
Wonderful!
Agreed. Especially since trains were the first mode of nationwide public transportation in American history dating back to the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era.
@SHRAVAN KUMAR The problem for any train network is aircraft not cars. You only use a train these days to commute a short distance, to see the country with the sole purpose of seeing the country, don't like flying or cannot afford the flight fare.
You would be crazy to drive.
Not really. With the exception of a few markets distances are to far in the US
The 200 mile route between Klamath Falls and Eugene, Oregon takes you through 21 tunnels, all built in the 1920’s and 30’s. The views of the Cascades cannot be beat along this route.
"If you are not worried to be anywhere on time, Amtrak is fantastic" - this is just precious !
You can be on time with Amtrack just plan ahead
@@Ryan_Rail I agree! Even planes aren't 100% on time...far from it!
@@Ryan_Rail lol nothing is more American than defending a crap service. When you compare our trains to Japan we look like a joke. Why not want better? Why be satisfied with sub par. Oh because Merica.
@@pacificH2O why not want better? Why be satisfied with sub par?
@Angus MacFrankenstein What? So a plane lands right at the place you want to go?
Never taken a train overnight, but have taken Amtrak from Eugene, Oregon to Seattle, WA a number of times. I always booked BUSINESS CLASS because I wanted the comfort and it came with a meal (this was a few years back). While coach was packed with families/screaming kids/whatnot, Business Class was maybe two or three people besides myself in the entire car. Then of course, you had leather seats, and nothing but deafening silence. While my trips were relatively short and local, the experience of going by train is incomparable. You get the incredible views, you get reasonably decent food (better than airplane food), and best of all you get to meet new people. With train travel, it's not just about getting from point A to point B. It's about the journey. There is something so sentimental (even romantic?) about traveling by train - even doing it solo. Both cruising and traveling by train are very similar, and my absolute FAVORITE ways to travel.
I absolutely think there's something romantic about train travel!
I've ridden this train, but in a sleeper car. One of my favorite all time trips.
The reason for the track delays is that Amtrak doesn’t own the actual track. The freight train companies like Union Pacific own the track, so freight travel has the right of way.
I work for the railroad on a class 1. Amtrak trains almost if ever wait for us. They always get priority , I can only think of a few times where Amtrak waited for us and it was not for a long time and just a situation where it could not be avoided. On the other hand I've waited 1h+ just to stay out of their way.
CloudyBubble890 that's probably something that varies from railway to railway.
The real reason is not any BS like that. Those are tiny side issues. The real issue is that REPUBLICANS slash funding for trains whenever they can. Then blame those same trains for not operating at max efficiency.
You can thank the U.S. Government for that.
@@CloudyBubble8390 I’ve ridden Amtrak a lot, and in many cases we have stopped or slowed down for freight. Happens at lest once every day on a long distance trip
As a major Canadian railway said a few years ago, It's not as much about the destination, as it is the journey.
Im 17 I go from Martinez, California to Eugene, Oregon, for percussion camp and its always a blast to ride the train.
Ghost of Reagan Yeah I’m sure!! Went on a chartered bus Vancouver to LA and return a couple times but that was with a youth group in the ‘80s and was fun for us at the time
take credit from a stolen german quote... "Man reist ja nicht, um anzukommen, sondern um zu reisen." original from goethe j. w.
oh mei, Canadian Railways are like 100 Years ago ;-)
The section between Klamath Falls and Seattle is especially scenic in summertime, with the longer hours of daylight. It is like a continuous highlight film the whole way!
Ricardo Juliet the section from San Francisco to LA has great ocean views, one of the most beautiful train rides in the world
Yes! More of this! America needs more trains and more people riding trains.
They already have much of it.. They just need to upgrade it.
Hear, hear! 😉👍
like india 🤣
I used the Coast Starlight a number of times when I lived in Santa Barbara. My parents were in Sacramento and my sister in Seattle. I had purchased a cheap seat for a Seattle trip and while on board I discovered I could pay the porter a bit extra and get a sleeper for the night. Since meals are included with sleeper, the price is based on the number of meals. I included breakfast, so I had a really nice sleep and food in the morning, then switched back to coach. It was something like an extra $50. Well worth it.
Mike, you are a real Canadian. Always in good mood, never complaining about anything :) You look at life only positively, and most likely you are not familiar with the word “stress”. Keep living this way, man! God bless!
Stress?? Never heard of it 😆👍🏼
Thanks Harry, I’m glad you agree with this point of view 👌🏼
Agree with you very much Harry. Canadians are so delightful because they are so easy going. I often wonder if the fact that they are not policemen for the entire world as something to do with their positive outlook.
DmY808 what has Iceland done?
Canada is cool except dirty ugly toronto
I did the sleeper Seattle to LA in a roomette. It was as fantastic! Brilliant scenery and a great experience.
we just took this exact train ride from emeryville to seattle and back this week and i was very happy with the ride. unlike you, we took the coach and was fortunate to be seated at the last row at the end of the train so we had a ginormous amount of space for us. plus, we can stand up and move about freely without disturbing anybody and we have views on both sides of the train plus the view to end via the window on the door. from what i have read, business class seats and coach seats are almost the same except that in business, the arrangement is 2 to 1 while in coach it is 2 and 2. plus business class have the dining option.
the train ride was a bit long but it was worth it. i was also surprised that there were many other who took the train from emeryville going to either portland or seattle, instead of taking the plane. my thoughts. while i enjoy the super spacious seats, it was not friendly to those people who are vertically not gifted. the foot rest was quite hard to reach and one had to really slide down forward to be able to put their foot. i was not really able to sleep well during the ride because of this plus, unlike planes where it is smooth, trains, as you said, tend to sway side to side and it was a bit noisy. what i could probably have done was put my carry on suitcase and put it in front of me and use it as a foot rest. another thing that i love about the train ride is that you can bring your food if you want to. you can fill a carry on suitcase with all the food and drink you want.
i was telling my uncle, if this was a high speed rail, it would have been much much better, compared to a plane ride. with flights nowadays getting longer and longer, airports getting more crowded and delays happening more often, a high speed train will really help a lot.
If you made the choice to ride this train ride again, would you choose coach or business? (Aside from the rooms)
The views from a train are spectacular no matter what part of the country you’re traveling in.
I rode the Coast Starlight a few years ago from Los Angeles to Seattle, and it was the best travel experience I ever had! I Had a full room with its own shower/bathroom. The bed was about queen size which really filled the room when opened and all the meals (and drinks) were included with a first class ticket!
Slept well and the staff were all very accommodating. With the room you also get in room meals and cocktails if you prefer, Each sleeper car has an individual attendant. The Parlor Car which had a decent buffet all day, was nice to visit between meals, a wine tasting one night and a visit to the Cinema Car (if available) movie showings fill up fast, were more than fun!. The meals were better than you would think with entrees featuring fresh ingredients picked up in towns along the route. Frankly three full meals a day plus beverages got to be overwhelming after a bit so I skipped some meals and had small snacks in my room as the gorgeous scenery went by. There were delays along the route, I learned the freight carriers have the "right of way" over passenger trains, so what's to be done? Taking Amtrak for travel is about the ride (not getting there in a hurry stuffed into a tiny uncomfortable seat). Even coach seats are way better (much more leg room) pitch? then any airline I've ever been on, but having a private bed, bathroom and shower makes it a really great experience.
Nicholas! That experience sounds amazing! I’ve never heard of a cinema car. I can’t wait to try all of that.
Plus, you’ve given me a great idea for a few videos (comparing train travel to flying).
Thank you!
Freight trains do not have the right of way over passenger trains, they just disrespect the law.
@@DownieLive The Parlour Car (R.I.P.) had a movie theater downstairs. Very cool!
What?!!! That’s amazing.
But then you’d be watching movies with others?
Everyone just watches movies on their own devices now I guess.
I've taken every Amtrak long distance route except the Sunset Limited. So I am pretty familiar with the offerings. Your trip report was spot on. Very nice job!
For scenery it's widely held in the rail fan community that the California Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco) is the most scenic. Going west out of Denver through the Rockies and West out of Reno through the Donner pass of the Sierra Nevada range is breathtaking.
But the Coast Starlight from sun up in Oregon to Portland is also quite beautiful. I consider that part to be the third most scenic route behind the California Zephyr and Empire Builder.
For a special treat take the Vermonter from Burlington to NYC during peak foliage in the fall.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Wow Jeff! You sure have added a few trips to my list.
I think next I want to ride the VIA Rail from Vancouver to Calgary through the Rockies.
Thanks for the tips. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Mike, many years ago I took the train from Calgary to Toronto because, in those days, it was cheaper than flying (!). All I can say is that there's not much scenic beauty in Winnipeg! 8-) Now I'm retired and living in California you've made me think that this trip could be an interesting adventure, thanks for posting!
Don't forget the Adirondack from New York to Montréal, one of the most scenic train ride on the East Coast.
I’ve always heard the cardinal is the most scenic east of the Mississippi
I’m Australian and have travelled with Amtrak twice on both our visits to the USA. We did this trip but the reverse. I think Amtrak is a great way to travel. The trains can run hours late sometimes but our cabins were clean and comfortable and the staff are always friendly. The only thing I would like an improvement on is the food. We found it extremely salty and sugary but it’s only a few meals.
About 20 years ago I took this train from los angeles to Seattle..I had a sleeper bunk..so had my own cabin...one of the funniest things I've ever done..met people from all over the world
I was hoping I could see more of how the Business Class seats in Amtrak look like, hope you can show more of them in future videos!
think of a first class recliner on an US airline.. with more legroom
Yeah, why even include "business class" in the title of the video when you don't even show what it's like???
@@fenryrtheshaman "Business Class" on AMTRAK is very close to 'regular coach class' with the seating; deep recline, leg rests, long leg room, wide seats. Maybe Business Class allows people there to have a better time slot for the dining car? Otherwise, it's virtually the same as 'standard class.'
I’ve been on an Amtrak once. From NC to NYC. I enjoyed it. My wife .. not so much. It was more expensive than flights but I wanted the experience. I LOVED IT!
When choosing to take Amtrak you have to remember that sometimes the best part of a trip isn't your destination it's about the journey to get there!!
Absolutely Mike! That’s exactly what I was trying to get across.
I'm a Canadian and I have traveled on Amtrak for nearly 40 years and it's the only way to see the "USA" !!!
Do it now while you can before the politicians take it away from us:(:(:(
Be a sad day if amtrak is done away with. update the equipment and make it more affordable.
@SHRAVAN KUMAR I have great train journeys in Germany, a "car land", the youth of today in Germany(like me 24) don't see a divers license as a must have, my village 3500 people has a train station(train 2x per hour(rush hour 3x), there are the potential routes in the USA where starting a rail service relay make sense, like Concord NH, Manchester NH, Nashua NH, Lowell MA, Wilmington MA, Boston MA this approx 80mile(130 km) would be with update on the track, allow times for approx 1:20, 15 min faster than the bus, but 2 min slower than the fastest car(near by route via US-3 N, I-93 N). The Boston area has so many traffic jams in rush hour by preventing people from NH driving by their own car into Boston, makes a big difference because traffic jams are created by the last 10% because they are exponential.
@SHRAVAN KUMAR That's so true! They have to invest otherwise they will fall more behind(to Europe and China).
SHRAVAN KUMAR Feel Free to donate your money to the American government. I don’t want a single dollar of my hard earned money to go to fund Amtrak. It should be privatized, not subsidized by me. You can send money to Washington’s General Fund if you feel so inclined.
Fabian R. Let private investors do so, why are you so willing to use Taxpayer money to maintain what should be private rail companies duty and responsibilities? Are you a socialist that loved big overbearing government to wipe your ass for you?
It's an adventure everyone should do at least once in their lives.
I will be taking a amtrak in the near future to my new town.
Took the Coast Starlight , from Tacoma Wa, to Los Angeles, California back in '93. It was so amazing, I didn't take my vacation, I rested for one day, came right bff ago and got my 10 year old daughter, so she can ride it back with me, to experience the migration of whales I saw in Monterey bay. Also, at that time, a 1,000 year old tree in Oxnard, wild baby piglets, snowy mountain rivers, etc. WE HAD ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE TIME OF OUR ADVENTURES ON AMTRAK. THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEO🤜🤛
Great work Michael. Flying absolutely sucks anymore, Amtrak is awesome. I recently traveled from Vancouver Washington to Spokane, the Columbia gorge is incredible, only $58. I've also traveled from indianapolis to Spokane and when I was a kid many times from Salem Oregon to Glendale California. Flying is hectic, traffic, scanned, cramped, stuffy, and you never really see America. To truly see America you need to get down at ground level. Amtrak, I highly recommend it.
Absolutely agree. It just takes more time. And not everyone has that opportunity.
Glad you enjoy it!
Geoff Waller.... is it because you can’t afford flying
@@DownieLive By a updated Infrastructure the trains could easy reach 125 mph/200 kmh
P.S. America go Metric 100cm=1m 1000mm=1m 1000m=1km its so easy, why don't switch?
P.P.S. 36 inch = 1 yard, 12 inch= 1 feet, 1760 yard= 1 mile so complicated...
Lol, I have no idea. I’m Canadian so I’m with you with the metric. 👌🏼
People don't fly to see the sights lol. People fly to make a trip in 2 hours instead of 22 hours.
I love travel by train. makes airline travel feel like a cattle call into a sardine can. i've taken the Coast Starlight to Seattle. Go in the wintertime and see the snowcovered Cascades, and all those tunnels, so many tunnels. Mount Shasta in the morning. it's a great ride.
Really angers me that this country has such limited train service routes. When i look at Europe and Asia, America's service and infrastructure is rather shameful. And why isn't that, well, go ask the oil boys and the airline industry.
I'm a Flight Attendant and these days I'd much rather go by train than being squished in a cramped coach seat on a plane
Absolutely love Amtrak. People think I am nuts because I take the train wherever I go. I do not fly so I love Amtrak.
JC I recently took a trip on Amtrak from Boston to San Antonio Texas and back (I don’t fly anymore) and I loved it! It was fun and I met some great people. and I was able to see my son graduate from BMT at Lackland AFB! Fantastic!!
I also do t fly, so it’s the train or drive.
@@BabiBoi357 ok great, I'm glad I'm not there only one.
I don't fly either. Wish there was a route in Washington State to Las Vegas. I'd go there all the time if there was.
JC I think it’s great!
I hate to fly, so I was thinking of taking the train from Maryland to Nevada to see my cousin. You have convinced me to take the train trip!!! Thank you!!!
Do it!
Did the sleeper car w/my hubby from Los Angeles to Seattle on the same train. It was beautiful and the people were amazing , but I’m glad we flew home first class.❤️
I am 67 years old. I "accidentally" discovered Amtrak when I was 28 years old, and was totally impressed, and I have always taken Amtrak when I don't wish to drive my car somewhere. I have done both coach class and sleeper car/first class, and have liked both modes depending on length of trip. Food in both the dining car and the lounge car is very good. I have met lots of nice people on the train. It is very relaxing, and it is very easy to be "in the now" when traveling by rail....unfortunately it is funded by the federal government, and a lot of short-minded politicians are always trying to get rid of it or down-size it. The funding Amtrak gets is a drop in the bucket when compared to the total federal budget. We need a balanced transportation infrastructure in this country, not all highways and airports
Michael! (Great name by the way) I couldn’t agree with you more. Amtrak connects parts of the country that aren’t easily connected in any other way. They need to protect and preserve that.
@SHRAVAN KUMAR I'm not sure where you live but in Europe there is huge funding and commitment to the railway networks, I live in the UK and despite all the moans about our rail network it's bloody good, I can get from home to London in around 3 hours by rail, some 295 miles, by road this would take around 5 or more hours.
@Digong DU30 well that happened in the Uk, the service is rubbish, and the costs are horrendous.
Apparently Amtrak has a new CEO now according to this video, Wendover Productions ruclips.net/video/dSw7fWCrDk0/видео.html. I don't know if Amtrak will ever actually make a profit but we'll see.
"short-minded politicians". You mean Republicans.
5 Lines USA Needs.
East Coast Line ( Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, DC, Richmond, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa)
West Coast (San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland,Seattle)
Southern(Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Phoenix, San Diego.
Other Lines
(Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles) Virgin Trains USA
Midwest (Minneapolis,Des Moines,Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Houston)
Eastern Midwest (Chicago, Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach)
They have service up and down the east coast. Traveling from Boston and down the coast. They called it the northeast corridor. The northeast corridor is the most congested corridor in the United States.
Don't forget the Amtrak Empire Builder between Seattle (or Portland, Oregon) to Spokane and then on through Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota to Chicago, Illinois. One day, I want to try that one out.
The train Mike took runs from Los Angeles to Seattle. Amtrak California's Pacific Surfliner runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo and stops in Los Angeles.
I remember meeting the sweetest elderly lady on Amtrak. Trying to set me up with her grandson. Lol bless her little heart. I wonder where she is now...
Thats the biggest compliment honestly
That was my sweet ol’ grandma 😂
My most productive hours I've ever had was on a train. To me its not just a mode of transport its an office.
Anything over 12 hours, go sleeper.
I've ridden the Coastal Starlight from Klamath falls Oregon to L.A. and back twice(once in business class & once in a sleeper cabin). It is a beautiful ride. Business class had a roomier seat, wifi, bottled water(one trip I got giant monster cookies) and a meal voucher. Im a nervous flier anyway so the train has become my favorite way to travel.
I love traveling by Amtrak. I do whenever I possibly can. I so very much prefer it to air travel.
Absolutely love taking the Amtrak! I would take it often from Chicago to Detroit and back. I also hate being crammed into airplanes. I wish there were more funding for a high speed railway system.
I'm from the east coast and use the train for nearby cities. no traffic !!! Esp to NYC Boston etc and during holidays. Love it. Always worth first class with extra legroom, personal conductor, free beverage, and that car is QUIET. LOVE IT.
I road the train from Portland to San Francisco when I was 15. About 1990. It was awesome. The days before cell phones. hung out in the smoking car most of the trip playing spades and learned to play rummy. Met and socialized the whole trip. I recommend everyone should have at least one train trip under their belt.
What a story 👍🏼
Love it!!! Absolutely love it. I did a 17 hour train ride from New York to Atlanta a few years back. I barely slept cause I was watching the changes in States, towns, and cities. Just wonderful. Oh I would absolutely take this ride.
Alexis Lane I’m doing that almost same ride alone, any tips?
In the early 90s I took the train from Denver to LA granted it was coach but it was absolutely wonderful
Sounds like it’s time for you to try it again!
In the late 70s or Mom would put us on the train to go see my dad in Nebraska. I loved the adventure. They don’t even run passenger trains on those lines anymore. It’s an experience that every kid should have.
Seems to be an adventure of scenery and getting to know other people, and who wouldn't enjoy that! Your video showed less of the accommodations yet a very nice experience!
I did the same trip from San Luis Obispo to Portland. It was a JOURNEY but it was the best trip of my life.
I am a train guy, and I would love to actually would prefer to take trains anywhere in the country. It's a shame that the trains are not easily accessible and tickets prices are a bit on the higher side. I just found your channel a couple of days ago and I am binge-watching your train videos. One of your videos gave me an idea to plan and celebrate my 10-year anniversary, so thank you :)
If you're young and flexible, a seat might be fine. For the rest of us, sleeping horizontally is a must - and that's the trouble with Amtrak - the rooms are insanely expensive. I just priced a trip last night - the coach seat was $130, a business seat was $198, and a roomette was $510! If I'm gonna spend that sort of money for a one-way ticket, I might as well fly first class!
RAH520 No kidding, I agree!
What you're not taking into account is the $510 charge can be split between 2 people (2 beds in the roomette), and all dining car meals are included in that price. So if 2 people travel together, by your figures it's actually $385 for all-in room and board.
@@ZagnutBar Which is still ridiculous - and if you've ever tried to put two people in a roomette, it's darned near impossible. It would work only if they had no belongings at all.
@@rah62 It's not accurate to equate your roomette ticket with an airplane ticket. It would be more accurate to equate it with a cruise ship, because on Amtrak the journey is part of the reason why you do it.
@@ZagnutBar Being trapped on a slow-moving train for two days with a bunch of yakky strangers? They should be paying ME, not the other way around. That's the reason I'd want a room, to stay away from those people - but not at the expense of multiple paychecks. You're on Mute!
I opt for Amtrak trains when traveling solo since driving means I don't get to enjoy the views. On some routes there are National Park Service volunteers in the observation car with information about what are seeing. These volunteers have books on birds, rock formations and trees which are quite informative. I do miss the Parlor Car and afternoon wine tasting.
The los o the Parlour Car was tragic. 😢
The National Park volunteers are awesome. Great information for those who want to learn about the countryside. I miss the wine tastings in the Parlor Car.
Wow awesome, dude! Nice to watch someone with a decent attitude and an open mind, trying something new.
Thanks man. I’m glad you appreciate it as much as I do. 👍🏼
There were a lot of stops on that route.
There's a great California coastal trip from Oakland to Los Angeles.
You leave Oakland at 5:30 am and arrive at the Los Angeles Union Station at 5:30 in the evening. There are beautiful day time views of the California coast and mountains. 🌞🌊🌊🏄♂️
In 1979, I rode Greyhound from Charlottesville South Carolina to San Francisco. Five days, down to my last dollar, memorable trip. Shed tears when parting company with my Philippino seat-mate for most of the journey. Public transit is a social event.
Last year I took a high speed train from Madrid to Malaga, Spain. We hit speeds of 295 kph (183 mph). 2 1/2 hours. Smooth ride. If the US had this I would take the train over flying for trips under 500 miles.
The US is a much bigger country so the same economies don't apply. California tried this and may end up with a high speed rail that goes from Merced to Bakersfield instead of SF to LA, if they finish it at all. Tens of billions wasted.
Planning to go to Europe next year, did you buy your train ticket ahead of time and so where?? Would love to know for future reference! (:
@@melissafloriano3 Rick Steve's Travel website has the best links to prebuying your tickets in Europe. Checkout his very informative website. We pre bought many and bought others along the way based upon his recommendations. He saved us $$$$ and most of all time.
I think you missed the "Laid Back" qualification
Melissa Floriano my sister in law bought them ahead of time. Very type A person.
The train is my favorite way to travel! Just wish it had more destinations.
That's a large part of the problem- if you can't get to where you want to go you simply have to use another more viable means of transportation. About 500K people in my vibrant and growing boomtown which is directly on the main N-S eastern rail line, but only two Amtrak trains per week actually stop here even though dozens go through.
Compared to other developed countries, the Us is in the Stone Age for trains.
One thing to take into account with that statement is just the enormous size of the U.S. in comparison to Europe where travel via rail is much more feasible.
We've been to both Italy and France and their train systems were phenomenal. I would totally ride them here if we had a system as good.....but 24 hours to get somewhere that would've taken 2hrs on a plane just isn't worth the savings. If you're retired and have nothing better to do, it's fine.....but when you're on a schedule, it won't work.
BlueStang19 if you have fast trains like in France that travel at over 300 Kph you get that fast. And if you remove the 2 to 3 hours you have to get in the airport before your flight then in a lot of casses it’s better with the train.
@@BlueStang19 that's what he said in the closing of the video, if you got time on your hands, you don't need to get from point A to B on any sort of schedule, a 24 hour ride on a train where you're taking in the views is pretty much what this trip can be. I mean, same can be said about driving. You could drive the major interstates to get to somewhere more efficiently and usually in a very very boring straight line, but there's always the much longer and windy-ier drive with all the views.
@@danielmurphy1100 ??? The size of Europe compared to the size of US, my friend.
The Coast Starlight is my favorite! Back in the older days in case you didn’t know, they used to have another lounge car on many of their trains that was called” the pacific Parlour car which they discontinued in early 2018 because those cars were older than most of Amtrak’s other equipment. When they had that, it was used for sleeping car passengers where they did wine tasting etc, light meals were served in there during lunch and dinner, and a small movie theatre on the low level! Wish they would bring that back as it was such a great addition for the sleeping car passengers!
I took that train on my first trip to the US when I was 17. Best memories. Thank you!
I love riding on Amtrak I've done since I was a kid with my parents and now with my kids, they should try to upgrade some things a attract more people.
Although I am on the Eastern seaboard. I love Amtrack. I love the rooms they are super cool. I have taken the business class. Very very comfortable.
Fun Fact: The US Government spends almost twice as much to subsidize air service on money-losing air routes that carry far less people than Amtrak.
Ya, spends twice as much OF OUR MONEY ! We fund EVERYTHING "The Government" just spends it. Its our money, NEVER forget that people.
@The Outlaw Torn You obviously have never heard of the EAS program. The U.S. government subsidizes the OPERATION of flights, not just airport operation.
@The Outlaw Torn Amtrak is not a "waste of money" or an "economic black hole." You're argument is based on a false presumption, and is therefore fallacious.
@The Outlaw Torn I don't work for Amtrak. Rail is the most energy efficient form of motorized land transportation there is. You dont know anything but what Fox News tells you.
@The Outlaw Torn You must have learned your ignorant prejudice from somewhere .
I didn't know there was a business class car. I've taken the Coast Starlight many many time but always from LA to Seattle. I take the Empire Builder all the time from Seattle to Michigan now, to see family. But my favorite is the California Zepher. You'd see things you can't see from a plane or car. Try it..
Nancy Ogard I love the Empire Builder. I always get a sleeper car room or roomette. What accommodations do you prefer?
I rode Amtrak for five days and by the end of the journey, I was done. I'm not one of those who sleeps on planes or trains, so I was completely whacked by the time I rode from SF to Clemson, SC. The other thing is that the menu doesn't change at all so by the time day three arrived, I'd sampled just about everything they had. A good video that shows what it's like.
You need to talk about the ticket price. Also show the seat and leg rooms in your video. Thanks.
I’ve ALWAYS wanted to travel by train. Fantastic video!
Thanks Izzy!
I can only imagine the train ride between Vancouver and Calgary! 👌🏼
We should do it together sometime.
Test some tech on the train. Haha
You have to try it at least once ! I loved it (calif to iowa) 👍👍👍
@@DownieLive i once been on a go train from toronto union to eglington go
@@DownieLive and where i live the trains might shake a bit at high speeds or at trap points but they are nice and in my lcoal town the speed limit is 180 kmph
That’s fast!
Awesome!
this looks so comfy an relaxed. if i ever travel to US, i will take such an amtrak-ride.
Thank you for this impressions from germany.
You’re very welcome! Enjoy your travels.
There seems to be something romantic about a train ride. Maybe it’s all the things you get to see out the window that you would not normal see on a car ride. The red wood forest sounds amazing to wake up to.
Back in 1958 I took a cross country trip on the Empire Builder. I have wanted to take that trip again, but have not made it. I have taken the Crescent to New Orleans and Washington DC. My 2 boys are also hung up on train travel, one does work for a major airline. There is nothing like to see this wonderful country we live in.
Oh yes,, almost forgot. When u go first class, all of your mesls are included. I litterally ordered the $30 fillet mignon at no extra cost.. so delisious. Its a five course meal in the first class dinning car; superb desert included. Nothing like going First class with Amtrak.
Simply Loving The Simple Life that was an Angus flat iron steak. We don’t serve filet mignon
I road AMTRACK from Florida to Kansas city mo. I lived it, met come nice people and loved exploring the train (where I could of course). The terminals at Chicago and Washington DC were huge and amazing with lots of shops and places to eat and drink
I would use Amtrak cuz train is great for the environment plus it helps you not to rush
Couldn't agree more! 👌
The P42 he is on is a diesel train. Not electric
The train still had a smaller carbon footprint than a plane.
@@DownieLive that is true
@@Avionicx I thought that train is electric :( But yeah It would be even better if it is electric :-)
I’ve taken several train trips. Growing up my dad worked for Santa Fe we took the Southwest Chef round trip from Chicago to LA union station several times. Had sleepers, Amtrak is still a great way to travel and see our great country.
I taken the train many times. Last few years from Portland Oregon to Seattle. I have gone from Portland down to California in the past long ways but I loved it
That is an amazing ride. I took that with my wife in my three-year-old son. I would love to do that in the fall in the winter and spring.
Romanian trains go faster than Amtrak and that’s saying something.
That's so they can out run Count Dracula.
I'm surprised to hear that Romanian trains take 800 mile trips.
The Continental US is 3,119,884 square miles and Romania is 92,046 square miles, that is saying something.
Here is the problem with that, Amtrak doesn't run on its own track. America's rail infratructure is really well developed and has some of the best but the key difference is that it is used almost entirely by freight. Nearly all the track is owned by freight companies which means that Amtrak has to wait if a freight train rolls through and they have to follow the usually slower speed limits put in place by the freight company. The only way to fix that is either buy the track, which is horribly expensive, or build your own track, which is horribly expensive, so Amtrak just deals with the delays and focuses on providing a great service.
If you need to get somewhere fast in the U.S. you fly. If you want to have a journey instead of a destination, take the train.
Some 16 years ago, I took this train with my family from Seattle to L.A. Mom and dad were in the disabled sleeper room, and I was in a roomette (eh, it did the job). It was certainly nice enough and the amenities were cool, but I got to admit I thought it was a bit of a downgrade from the single I had on the VIA Rail from Toronto to Vancouver (same trip...took a bus from Vancouver to Seattle). That train was from the 50's, but that bed was comfy. :-)
I think it’s the best way to travel if you’re not in a hurry to be somewhere. It’s by far more environmentally friendly than flying too.
I am a locomotive engineer for the largest US Railroad, so I may be a little biased. All of the Amtrak people I’ve interacted with have been very polite and friendly too. By far my favorite way to deadhead anywhere too.
Yes I would love to see you travel in a sleeper car! I have fond memories of my childhood in the 50s traveling in sleeper cars watching the lights go by and listening to the Thump Thump thump of the wheels
I struggle with insomnia sometimes but never when I'm traveling sleeper car. That rocking and rhythmic clanking just sends me off almost immediately 😪😊
This is so weird. I'm going on this train, in business class, in 2 months. Super stoked for this experience.
Awesome! You’ll love it. Just sit back and relax.
You didn’t actually travel through the redwood forest in Calif. the Redwoods are more on the northern Calif coast. The forest area north of Redding into Oregon is just pine , cedar and other evergreens.
imagine electric powered trains, with good wifi service, modern bathrooms and sleeper wagons plus great restaurant...i would even go east to west coast with those
how would the batteries get charged?
@@joedoe1723 forget batteries
Just power lines or whatever they're called
american trains have sleeper cabins
Long haul train travel in the US has a serious drawback when it comes to the restroom. The toilets need servicing a few hours after the trip starts but don’t receive it. A clogged toilet in the same car that you sitting in calls attention to itself.
Go to Europe or Asia
One of my favorite stretches of track. This route goes right past our former home town, which is now still only 40 minutes from us. The views are amazing but I don't recommend it in the winter. I once had a 22 hour delay due to storms.
i've taken this train to Seattle twice and I love it. And the Seattle station is beautiful...I went at for Christmas and it was jaw-dropping.
The Seattle station was redone several years ago. You should have seen it before the remodel....what a toilet!
@@mppaloha Lol! Glad I missed that part.
Nice job and it looks like a Fun Ride. I can’t believe how many folks have not been on an Amtrak Train. 🚂 ALL Aboard! 👍
I live in Western Australia 14 hours drive from the closest train so that looks great to me. Thanks DownieLIve
Unfortunately, in the last few years (decades?) many areas of the US that once had train, or even bus service are no longer served by either. The small town in Florida where I live was served by trains at one point, now the nearest station is 40 minutes drive away.
The town in Pennsylvania where I grew up was served by trains AND buses, now the nearest station for either is 60 miles away.
bro you never actually showed the seat.... lol
That's why I came here dammit!
😂
I love taking the train! I've ridden the Coastal Starlight, California Zephyr, and the Sunset Limited
Wow! You’ve done so many. Which one is next? The Texas Eagle?
Please tell me all about the Zephyr. Which seats are good and everything. It's hard to get real info on it.
We took the California Zephyr from San Francisco to Chicago this past fall. Beautiful leaf turning vistas. Trains aren’t for everyone, but they do give the real USA travel feel.
I would definitely travel by train after seeing this video. The food looked yummy & I loved the seats that turned toward the windows for viewing.
That was EMERYVILLE, CA not San Francisco. Emeryville is across the bay from San Francisco and shares a border with Oakland on one side and Berkeley on the other.
The Emeryville Amtrak station services San Francisco via a coach shuttle. There is no San Francisco Amtrak station.
@@niteflitetheknitter I live here, so yeah, I'm aware of this. I see those buses at least once a week. I also see the buses that connect elsewhere. It's still Emeryville station and the station code reflects that. There is also a stop in Berkeley and one at Jack London Square on either side of the Emeryville stop, and none of them are San Francisco.
@@niteflitetheknitter He never says that there is a San Francisco Amtrak station or that is where the train is leaving from. Its quite clear the train is leaving from Emeryville as thats what it says @ 1.29. It is a misleading title.
@@le_th_ If you live there & your aware that its a coach shuttle out of San Francisco to Emeryville why not say so in your first comment. Who cares what borders Emeryville is shared with. If Berkeley & Jack London are on either side Emeryville, I think we understand that there not San Francisco as its on the other side of the bay remember.
@@LUREDADDY52 Because it's NOT a coach of out San Francisco. Again, it's Emeryville. It borders Berkeley and Oakalnd....and neither of the places are San Francisco or even on the same side of the bay as San Francisco.
So yeah, that's why.
...and if you had any idea of the simple geography of the area you wouldn't ask such a ridiculous question and attempt to make me look stupid when YOU are the one who is uninformed.
It’s interesting to see, that the American railway infrastructure is like 50 years behind the European.
Tim Burgtorf thats what came to my mind. Here in Germany wifi is standard on the long distance trains and they look a lot comfier than amtrak
More like 70 years behind. It's a real shame.
Yeah it sucks. The main reason why that is is because Amtrak doesn’t own most of the tracks they run on. Unlike the rail network in France where every passenger line is owned by the national rail company, Amtrak runs on rails owned by freight companies like CSX and Grand Pacific. Because of those lines being owned by the freight companies, the freighters have more right of way which is why sometimes Amtrak trains are stopped to let the freights pass. Amtrak also has to rent out the rails every time they run a train on them which costs a big chunk of their spending budget.
And there are complete regions of the USA with NO passenger train service at all. I'd have to drive 250 miles (402km) to Dallas to find the nearest train connection.
We once had the greatest railway network in the
world. It's because of the aerospace/defense industry, promoting the idea that you need to fly everywhere.
I took Amtrak from St. Louis to Boston when I was 20 and had a fantastic trip. I loved the atmosphere, the people I met, the scenery and avoiding the hustle and bustle of the airport. I travel by train whenever possible. I've found the leg room even in coach is quite nice the seats are comfortable and it's great being able to get up and walk around the train when you need to stretch! Thanks for sharing these fun adventures with us!
just when i thought i had watched every last downie video i find this! My favorite kind of downie video too, riding the rails across America!
I can't believe how expensive the train is. Almost always more expensive than flying. Add to that the fact that they are seldom on time and are often dirty (in my experience) and you won't find me on Amtrak anytime soon.
Yep. I did it coast to coast a few years back...never again.
@@RealityIsTheNow well your crazy. coast to coast in a sleeper is one of the best experiences ever. do it every year.
@@lizatoft3057 you realize almost nobody pays the outrageous cost of a sleeper car right?
@@RealityIsTheNow yeah there expensive, but a roomette cross country costs about $450, expensive but not outrageous
@@lizatoft3057 I travel from England every year to do an Amtrak trip , always get a roomette, (If there are two of you it's Cheap) !
People should also join the Rail Passengers Association to help maintain our trains and expand/improve them! Amtrak is the least subsized mode of transit!
I love traveling on the train
On East Coast trains - in business - free soft drinks, cleaner bathrooms, and a dedicated attendant.
That being said, I would still love to take the Amtrak across the country. America's natural beauty is truly amazing.
i loved this video....makes train travel look really fun!
It was fun. You should try it!
It’s the COAST STARLIGHT, not “Coastal”
Yes, I realize my mistake now. Thanks for the correction. 👍🏼
my girlfriend rode a train from Cleveland to Las Vegas and loved it.
?
@Kyle Ignaitis apologies for weird response. Definite evidence of how unreliable any online representation can be. I inadvertently left a question mark after deciding not to ask an (innocent) question. I'm 65, sometimes my ability to get my actions/fingers on phone in perfect behaviour....well sometimes I get it wrong. Your response concerned me in case you felt personally focussed upon. It's so easy, I feel, for this to happen. Put this down to an 'oops' moment.
Yep, it was a good place for her to meet guys.....lol
@Tucson Jim she did it 20 years before she met me,dickhead
I get seasick but the train movement is very different. I've taken the CA Zephyr several times, The Empire Builder twice, Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle, Capitol Limited, Coast Starlight, and and several other shorter routes on the Northeast Corridor and loved every trip.
Although I find trains inefficient I will admit that the journey of a train ride is bar none. So much of America is overlooked from planes or passed by on the road. The train can show you so much away from the roads, beautiful riverside, forests, or mountains.