I Took America's LONGEST Sleeper Train: 3 Days!

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  • Опубликовано: 23 дек 2023
  • This week I take a ride on America's longest train ride - the Amtrak California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco in First Class in their Bedroom Suite.
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Комментарии • 1,4 тыс.

  • @sailor4116
    @sailor4116 5 месяцев назад +1064

    Even with the terrible pizza, the trip was so much better than the cross country Greyhound nightmare. 😬

    • @rkgaustin9043
      @rkgaustin9043 5 месяцев назад +126

      That should be Amtrak's advertising slogan. Amtrak! At least we're not Greyhound. Also, Greyhound Nightmare is a cool band name.

    • @rocketamadeus3730
      @rocketamadeus3730 5 месяцев назад +47

      I'd take a cattle car over a Greyhound.

    • @germyw
      @germyw 5 месяцев назад +43

      Crawling on your knees across the country is better than Greyhound was.😂

    • @jackdobson1992
      @jackdobson1992 5 месяцев назад +20

      Train always better than the bus 😂

    • @shayne87
      @shayne87 5 месяцев назад +8

      I'm from North Jersey so I'm officially a pizza expert and whatever that was, was not pizza. Legally it can only be called "Peetzah' Similar to wyngz and Cheez Whiz

  • @lunasspecto
    @lunasspecto 5 месяцев назад +326

    That cold Pizza Hut dinner doesn't look fantastic but it does look a lot better than Greyhound leaving you outside a gas station in the Utah desert at 3am

  • @LordFalconsword
    @LordFalconsword 5 месяцев назад +208

    It's a crime that Amtrak retired most of the glass top observation cars because the views from the upper deck were unbelievable.

    • @sfmc98
      @sfmc98 5 месяцев назад +8

      What were they? Vista domes?
      The observation cars now aren’t too bad.

    • @candichapman6786
      @candichapman6786 4 месяца назад +3

      The Empire Builder still has theirs.

    • @instadc
      @instadc 3 месяца назад +3

      The Zephyr has an observation car. I saw it in the consist during the video, so it was on their train. Amtrak retired some of the dome cars that were used back east-those were really old.

    • @Whyzee12
      @Whyzee12 8 дней назад

      Oh wow I didn’t even realize that

    • @maryrafuse2297
      @maryrafuse2297 3 дня назад

      I think you need a Via journey through the Canadian Rockies to enjoy these observation cars.

  • @kaisair3190
    @kaisair3190 5 месяцев назад +157

    I traveled on this route in August this year in Coach. It was a great experience and all the people I met on my journey were soo nice. Being only 18 I felt very safe at all times and the staff was very kind. (Still had an 8 hour delay 😂)

    • @sfmc98
      @sfmc98 5 месяцев назад +7

      They do have delays for sure, but the thing I’ve noticed is that unlike a plane, no one seems to mind! No one is in a hurry on a train. In fact, I’ve kind of welcomed the delays-more meals! lol

    • @cheftruvii6146
      @cheftruvii6146 4 месяца назад +1

      I did this in August as well!

  • @williamalford4248
    @williamalford4248 5 месяцев назад +1494

    It is inexcusable that they left Chicago without a chef. Amtrak is more expensive than flying in first class, when you're in a sleeper. The backup plan to feed dinner to passengers who've paid a few thousand dollars for a bedroom should not be random pizza delivery. i find it very hard to believe other kitchen staff couldn't step in and cook dinner that night. It's not like they serve gourmet french cuisine. It's all very basic food, and much of it is frozen and prepared. This type of service has always been a huge problem for Amtrak. They just don't seem to value their first class passengers.

    • @007knick
      @007knick 5 месяцев назад +112

      From what I have read as well this is a regular occurrence

    • @dustinmasters6951
      @dustinmasters6951 5 месяцев назад +89

      I enjoy your videos when you are by yourself, more enjoyable

    • @markjoseph196
      @markjoseph196 5 месяцев назад +57

      2 chicken wings and a slice of cold pizza is way cheaper than a proper hot meal
      Amtrak - $
      Passengers- 0

    • @sailor4116
      @sailor4116 5 месяцев назад +42

      I agree. Some of the staff should be cross trained to atleast a cook.

    • @kail.1428
      @kail.1428 5 месяцев назад +71

      Maybe a union issue that the staff can’t cook?

  • @larrypicard8802
    @larrypicard8802 5 месяцев назад +215

    Been on the Zephyr twice, beautiful trip. There's actually four types: bedrooms, roomettes, family room and accessible room. I'm a retired sleeping car attendant who worked mainly on the Capitol Limited between DC and Chicago. I must say you took that first night VERY well. You can ring for your attendant to make your beds up although many people do their own. A power strip and extension cord are helpful on train trips.

    • @mholtebeck
      @mholtebeck 5 месяцев назад +1

      I've never made my own. I'm not all that sure how to do it.

    • @Warszawski_Modernizm
      @Warszawski_Modernizm 4 месяца назад +4

      I rode Capitol Limited from South Bend IN to DC in around 15-20th December 1998, I was 14. The train was suppose to arrive in SB around 11pm and had a 2-2.5hr delay, because The Zephyr arrived late in Chicago, and some passengers were getting from CZ to CL, do the train waited accordingly. It arrived around 1-1.30 pm, I slept through IN, OH, parts of PA, I woke up some time way before Pittsburgh, being able to see the appalachian and all the countryside to DC. It was an amazing perspective, to see that backroad US not seen before in movies as a I kid. Plus thebrought in some hired clown who blew baloons for kids, sorta like to make up for the delay? I rode CL back to South Bend on 1/2 jan 1999, arrived to a city covered by 30 inches of lake blizzard. Amtrak seemed marvelous in comparison to Polish postcommunist railways I rode as a kid in the 90s broke-ass-public-transit Poland. Thanks for bringing back the memory of America 25years ago. Magnificent time that was, especially being 14-15 and being able to see America at its best BEFORE 9/11, 2008 etc etc.

  • @mtbcroatia2011
    @mtbcroatia2011 5 месяцев назад +251

    I love Noel he’s just a humble northerner who always dresses for comfort not to impress, and not pretending he’s an astronaut. You could give him first class food but he will settle for a bag of monster munch! Definitely one of my favourite RUclipsrs have a good Christmas Noel 🎉

    • @uzmaahmed.catmoon
      @uzmaahmed.catmoon 5 месяцев назад +5

      Yes he's genuinely a good guy!

    • @clvrswine
      @clvrswine 5 месяцев назад +2

      Nice comment, but your sentence structure is embarrassing. Please brush-up on basic syntax. Punctuation matters. Use it like an adult.

    • @karens170
      @karens170 5 месяцев назад +20

      no one asked @@clvrswine

    • @ronan5427
      @ronan5427 5 месяцев назад +23

      ​@@clvrswine Brother its a youtube comment section not a bachelor paper

    • @LordWarden76
      @LordWarden76 5 месяцев назад +13

      ⁠@@clvrswine give your head a wobble, it’s really not polite to call someone out over Grammer. It says more about you than it does them, it’s not clever, just rude!

  • @lilypoppy3388
    @lilypoppy3388 Месяц назад +6

    You’ve been to more states than I have and I’ve lived in America my whole life! Living vicariously through you with these videos, I love watching people travel.

  • @jessebrueshaber6915
    @jessebrueshaber6915 5 месяцев назад +12

    I work part-time time for Pizza Hut. When warm & fresh, their pizza is among the best. When burnt & cold, it truly does transform itself into flavored cardboard.
    We do however have a few customers who request their pizza be slightly burnt.

    • @joshrobinson6785
      @joshrobinson6785 2 месяца назад +2

      Pizza hut is too greasy. I have to sop the grease up with multiple paper towels just to be able to stomach it.

    • @jasonsmith2439
      @jasonsmith2439 Месяц назад +1

      I’m that guy 😂

  • @user-ge5wj3ko7r
    @user-ge5wj3ko7r 2 месяца назад +13

    Nothing like cold burnt pizza, and a glass of wine! Amtrak is cutting new ground!

  • @richardpurves
    @richardpurves 5 месяцев назад +187

    No matter what happens on Amtrak (I once had a nine hour delay because some idiot tried to beat the train to a crossing and failed), you're not going to lose a kidney like Greyhound!
    Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year mate!

    • @lo1bo2
      @lo1bo2 5 месяцев назад +16

      Whenever a train and car tie, the tiebreaker goes to the train, haha.

    • @willee5348
      @willee5348 5 месяцев назад +12

      Or lose a head. Check it out. A true Greyhound story

    • @Thatguyjack758
      @Thatguyjack758 5 месяцев назад +4

      @@willee5348it happened in Canada in 2008, dude who did it was convinced the guy he killed was a zombie.

    • @sherrita80548
      @sherrita80548 5 месяцев назад +1

      ​@@willee5348 I was just thinking that

    • @rkgaustin9043
      @rkgaustin9043 5 месяцев назад +9

      Amtrak! At least we're not Greyhound.

  • @shaneD7378
    @shaneD7378 5 месяцев назад +73

    It looks like a much better experience than the Greyhound bus

    • @mrvwbug4423
      @mrvwbug4423 4 месяца назад +5

      Few travel options in the world are worse than Greyhound. Buses in developing countries are usually better than Greyhound

    • @MichaelSeaBelA
      @MichaelSeaBelA 3 месяца назад

      Yeah with Amtrak making less stops than Greyhound.

  • @walterfillingham
    @walterfillingham 5 месяцев назад +105

    Thanks Noel, stuck on an oil rig in the North Sea, fantastic to see the scenery, looks like a fabulous trip. Merry Christmas to you and your family :)

    • @imarobotking
      @imarobotking 5 месяцев назад +8

      jeez dude, must be rocking and rolling with the weather out there

    • @donnarupert4926
      @donnarupert4926 5 месяцев назад +7

      @walterfillingham527….Awww, Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 up at the COLD 🥶 North Sea 🌊 my friend!! Sending you sunshine and warmth from Arizona 🙋🏽‍♀️🌵🌞💕

  • @shimonsieskel8487
    @shimonsieskel8487 5 месяцев назад +13

    Great to see Rachel again. Hope Amtrak gave some sort of discount for the trouble you went thr.

  • @neveralone7
    @neveralone7 5 месяцев назад +12

    So happy to hear how your wife, loved spending time with you.

  • @billmorris8358
    @billmorris8358 4 месяца назад +27

    As ever Noel, a well polished travelogue, every bit as good and enjoyable as the old BBC Holiday reports. You’re delivery gets better and better, and it was so nice to see Rachel steal a bit of the limelight! Well done again mate, really enjoying watching you on your travels.

  • @rosellacobiskey2484
    @rosellacobiskey2484 5 месяцев назад +9

    I have Fibro and muscular pain that I have to take pain medicine for, and Crohn's. Rachel is so strong for agreeing to go on this trip. I've been and it's some incredible strength with that kind of nerve pain because sleeping on a moving vehicle is so uncomfortable and painful with Fibro--the ache feels like laying on concrete that's also too hot. I don't think I could do it in my 30's. She's amazing

  • @JenniferinIllinois
    @JenniferinIllinois 5 месяцев назад +5

    Oh Amtrak. Always putting the passengers first. 🤣🤣🤣
    "Bloody hell man!". OMG, Rachel is amazing!!!

  • @paulm8796
    @paulm8796 5 месяцев назад +14

    Hello from New York. We have taken the Auto train the last 2 years staying in a roomette which is the size of a small closet. Last year the train was delayed 7 hours ,and they bought in Pizza Hut to eat in station 😅. This year we have a bedroom,looking foward to extra space. Terrible about the cold and burnt dinner. If u call Amtrak customer service they might issue future credit

  • @endeavor6307
    @endeavor6307 5 месяцев назад +31

    Hi Noel! when you mentioned that you liked the leather on the seats and it reminded you of Delta, there’s actually a reason for that. For a couple of years, former Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson was placed in charge of Amtrak to help aid in the company’s recovery. During his time in the company he incorporated some of the Delta flair at Amtrak. Happy travels!

    • @MarceloBenoit-trenes
      @MarceloBenoit-trenes 5 месяцев назад +1

      But he has no idea about how to operate a RR... and he doesnt understand the market of the long distance trains.

    • @mrvwbug4423
      @mrvwbug4423 4 месяца назад

      And unsurprisingly the new Venture cars that are eventually going to replace the Amfleets have seat material that looks quite similar to Delta seats, though it's the exact same seats which are on the brightline trains (which is a good thing as those seats are exceptional).

  • @speedbird643
    @speedbird643 5 месяцев назад +16

    Had a similar issue on the Empire Builder last year - electrical fire in the kitchen car shortly after leaving Chicago, so no food for the entire trip. The crew did pretty well organising pizza and Subways to be delivered as well as pastries for breakfast but it was a bit disappointing given the food on board is supposed to be pretty good!
    And because it was a fire we couldn't eat in the dining car so had to go and collect food and eat in cabins

    • @mrvwbug4423
      @mrvwbug4423 4 месяца назад +1

      Yeah, they can't replace those superliner cars fast enough, the newest ones were built in the early 90s, most were built in the 80s.

  • @cozsolo
    @cozsolo 5 месяцев назад +18

    I've taken this twice from Grand Junction to Denver and finally last December from Emeryville to Denver. Such a beautiful stretch of scenery

  • @bweaver760
    @bweaver760 3 месяца назад +7

    Supposedly, there is a location in the Rocky Mountains where the campers, hikers like to moon the Amtrak trains!😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

  • @seanwagner6992
    @seanwagner6992 5 месяцев назад +19

    I love your videos because you tell it like it is. I've been on the trains of Europe, Japan and here in the US. And your Amtrak experience is very similar to the ones I have had. Just add on the Amtrak employee who barked at us as if we were cattle at the Los Angeles station and our Los Angeles to Seattle trip would have been nearly identical to yours. Every few years I get the urge to take a long trip on Amtrak thinking surely the service has gotten better. And every few years I discover it's the same. I'm thinking of taking the NYC to Chicago route someday. Hopefully, Amtrak will finally get it's act together by then.

  • @AJFreeman-oj4rp
    @AJFreeman-oj4rp 5 месяцев назад +4

    The California Zephyr is a wonderful train, it is one of my favorite Amtrak Routes. The scenery between Denver and Salt Lake City is awesome.

    • @noelphilips
      @noelphilips  5 месяцев назад +2

      Couldn't agree more!

  • @markclayton626
    @markclayton626 5 месяцев назад +12

    Well done Noel & Rachel, That was a journey, despite the lack of a chef for the 1st 24 hours you guys made it seem so relaxing….. thank you for sharing.

  • @hoorootv1
    @hoorootv1 3 месяца назад +2

    6:20 I am so wise up to that when it comes to train travel, I always carry a few mixed sandwichs & fruit & a bottle of soft drink because I have, over time, become so accustomed to potential dissapointment. Better to be fully prepared than unfed 👀👍❗

  • @Thetimecapsuletx
    @Thetimecapsuletx 5 месяцев назад +11

    I took Amtrak from NY to Austin TX a few years ago. Got a roomette with my daughter and I got to wiggle into the top bunk and I’ll tell ya, it was tight. I don’t think I could do that again. Otherwise, I loved riding Amtrak. They treat you very well.

  • @gobuflo
    @gobuflo 5 месяцев назад +15

    Glad you got to go on this trip - you got authentic Amtrak there. Amtrak is one of those things in the US that is both amazing and terrible at the same time. The scenery and staff are almost always amazing. The fellow passengers are almost always great people. But the rail cars are in terrible condition and the administrative staff - it leaves a lot to be desired. If anything goes wrong with the food, you're on your own. Which at $1k per person, is inexcusable.
    Amtrak could be so much better if they actually invested in the hard product and the food. But good luck with that.

  • @tangokilo4140
    @tangokilo4140 5 месяцев назад +28

    Love seeing you guys make the best of every situation! Merry Christmas to you and yours, Noel! Thanks for all of the great content!

  • @mamasinger49
    @mamasinger49 5 месяцев назад +12

    I love your reactions, this one was extra funny with the two of you trying to do the beds after wine lol. The music as you both are trying to do the beds fits perfectly. Wonderful duo you are!

    • @noelphilips
      @noelphilips  5 месяцев назад +1

      Glad you enjoyed it

    • @ishabrown
      @ishabrown 5 месяцев назад +1

      Funny part of the video 😅

  • @biking-viking-claus-andersen
    @biking-viking-claus-andersen 5 месяцев назад +7

    Nice video mate. I absolutely love these long train journeys. I recently took the old iron ore train from Narvik in Norway, to Luleå i Sweden. Great trip as well, through some very barren land.

  • @kevincurry4735
    @kevincurry4735 5 месяцев назад +7

    Merry Christmas Noel and family. This video is a gift as it was my parent’s favorite trip on Amtrak.

  • @frostyfly31122
    @frostyfly31122 5 месяцев назад +10

    was on the zephyr early nov, absolutely loved it. beautiful views, gd meals and most importantly, a nice comfy spacious seat. loved how the conductors introduced the famous scenery with little jokes and stuff to make it even more entertaining. btw, i would consider the texas eagle to be the longest route, a couple cars splitting off midway to join the sunset limited doesnt discount the rest of the train still making the 65hr journey from chicago to LA..

  • @munz1870
    @munz1870 5 месяцев назад +3

    You deserve a medal with what you willingly subject yourself to with the various means of travel across the globe. And you never break the positive attitude!! Keep up the great work!

  • @lisaa8795
    @lisaa8795 5 месяцев назад +6

    Union Station is one of the gems in Chicago architecture - glad you were able to see it. Hope to take the Zephyr trip one day. Merry Christmas Noel! And Rachel! Hope you enjoyed the trip.

  • @trainboy1979
    @trainboy1979 5 месяцев назад +15

    Texas Eagle is longer, as you don't change trains, so you have the same sleeper all the way. They add cars or combine, but as a passenger, you don't change anything.

    • @theodorabruin4601
      @theodorabruin4601 5 месяцев назад

      I took the Texas Eagle 2 years ago and a month ago and loved it. Enjoy traveling on Amtrak cross country. Food was great!
      Why didn't they just have the porter make up the beds?

    • @NozomuYume
      @NozomuYume 5 месяцев назад

      Was looking for this comment, lol. Texas Eagle longest route. =P

  • @rayplaysen9936
    @rayplaysen9936 5 месяцев назад +9

    Great video as always Noel! Merry Christmas and a happy new to you and your family.

  • @ninettemurk7492
    @ninettemurk7492 5 месяцев назад +2

    "How's the pizza?" "Cold." ROTFL Disabled too, so no idea how I will get up again ;-)

  • @tojomelville3120
    @tojomelville3120 5 месяцев назад

    certainly different from London to Brighton!!!! So envious to see the amazing views and the lovely sunsets....Thank you.....Lovely to see the both of you looking so well!

  • @mamaninacooks
    @mamaninacooks 5 месяцев назад +15

    This is a trip I’d love to take! Thank you for such an entertaining and detailed video! Merry Christmas to you and Rachel! ❤

    • @noelphilips
      @noelphilips  5 месяцев назад +4

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @6680thSOG
    @6680thSOG 5 месяцев назад +6

    Thank you for posting and doing this trip! You've convinced us to do it...hopefully with a chef onboard!

  • @JessicaPratt-gb1fy
    @JessicaPratt-gb1fy 5 месяцев назад

    Happy Christmas Noel, Rachel and family - hope you have a lovely break. Loved the scenery in your video. We’ve done a similar trip by road and recognise the Utah and Colorado bits especially. Thank you for the escapism provided in your videos and wishing you a very happy 2024!

  • @chriswatchingponies9877
    @chriswatchingponies9877 5 месяцев назад +6

    Much better than the Greyhound 😆 This could be quite enjoyable i think.
    I ''attacked'' Denver from both LA and Frisco by car years ago, and both were my favorite trips in the US.
    Just the beauty and change in landscape, absolutely spectacular. I can highly recommend.
    Take your time, 3 or 4 weeks. Easy to find cheap motels.
    Thank you ! Fun video !

  • @94Beenjammin
    @94Beenjammin 5 месяцев назад +5

    Winter Park resident here! I've been watching your videos for a couple of years now and it's awesome to see you passing through my neck of the woods. Cheers and happy holidays Noel and Rach!

    • @noelphilips
      @noelphilips  5 месяцев назад +4

      Thanks for watching!

  • @timorvet1
    @timorvet1 3 месяца назад +3

    Travelled on the Ghan from Adelaide to Darwin in the NT last year. I can sympathize with you on the bedding arrangements as I to drew the short straw and ended up with the top bunk and the gymnastics required to climb onto it. When it came to the sleeping car, the five star dining car, and the lounge car, they were leaps and bounds ahead of what Amtrak seem to offer. If in Australia sometime take the trip, you wont be disappointed.

  • @darrengrainger8663
    @darrengrainger8663 3 месяца назад +1

    This trip is on my bucket list! I could sit for hours watching the sunset over the small towns

  • @christopherten-eyck4473
    @christopherten-eyck4473 5 месяцев назад +1

    Yea hello Rachel great to see you again. This is the trip I am thinking of going on in the spring. Awesome job. Hello from Pa USA. ❤❤❤❤

  • @jaynehopkins9745
    @jaynehopkins9745 5 месяцев назад +4

    I actually took that same train from Grand Junction Colorado to Ottumwa Iowa a few years ago. It was before I had my spine surgery so I was already in horrible pain but by the time we got where we were going (both ways as we took the return trip as well) I was in excruciating pain and could barely walk. It was so rough we couldn't sleep. I hope Rach didn't experience pain like I did. Love to see her travel with you. Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year to you both and to your family! Looking forward to more great videos.

  • @willee5348
    @willee5348 5 месяцев назад +3

    Glad to see Northern California added to your bucket list. That Truckee stop remains on my mind from my Zephyr trip in 2000. I guess that's why it's called the California Zephyr and not the Colorado Zephyr

  • @markstedman4592
    @markstedman4592 5 месяцев назад

    Loved this Noel and Rach, thank you. Merry Christmas to you both and your family.

  • @NickP16
    @NickP16 5 месяцев назад +5

    The only time I’ve been on an Amtrak train where they had catering brought to us. We were running 14 hours late from glacier Park in Montana heading into Portland.
    When we got to Pasco, Washington, they had KFC brought to everybody on board. Great memory now, and it was a great experience, because I got to see Idaho in the daylight.
    So I feel your pain a little bit on not being able to get real meals on the train

  • @SamMurphyHSV
    @SamMurphyHSV 5 месяцев назад +45

    The banter between you and Rach is absolutely hysterical and wholesome. Glad she is doing better and seems to be back to her normal self!
    Also I have seen some properly nuked pizza hut, and what y'all ate made what I have consumed look raw. Apparently they are cremating pizza in Iowa.

  • @davidmaclachlan
    @davidmaclachlan 5 месяцев назад

    Merry Christmas! Thanks for all the entertainment and education throughout the year.

  • @terrymanning1
    @terrymanning1 5 месяцев назад +4

    Happy Christmas Noel to you & your family. Thank you so much for another year of superb videos. Keep up the good work. Hope you have a brilliant 2024.

  • @DonDPaul
    @DonDPaul 5 месяцев назад +3

    As you paid for the bedroom, I don't understand why you didn't ask for the attendant to prepare your beds. You've paid for that, plus a little tip. Also, if you had purchased the trip INTO San Francisco, there is a bus that takes you from Emeryville to downtown SF. Then a cheaper Uber ride to the DoubleTree.
    I take the Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to San Francisco every year. I use the through service to downtown SF. I love Amtrak.
    Please don't misconstrue these comments. I truly enjoy your travels. I follow with much contentment!

  • @IzzemMA
    @IzzemMA 5 месяцев назад +8

    Done Chicago to LA with my wife in a roomette 8 years back and it was a nice experience to enjoy once. We still talk about it fondly. Respect to the attendants who just did an amazing job.

  • @user-ze7ij7ei8y
    @user-ze7ij7ei8y Месяц назад +1

    Very enjoyable vlog Rachel and Noel…..would love to see more train journeys…

    • @noelphilips
      @noelphilips  Месяц назад

      Thank you. You can see more of my train journeys here ruclips.net/p/PLguXYxAmlm-aZg2dxnSH_GD3fL6VzKjoU

  • @NotMyProblem711
    @NotMyProblem711 5 месяцев назад +2

    1. I understand stuff happens, but leaving without a chef that takes the cake even by Amtrak circa 1995 standards.
    2. Tip: when me and then now, Mrs., took the train on 2019, we made it a point to drop our bags early in the morning, have an early deep dish pizza lunch and then proceeded to the nearest Trader Joe’s to stock up on wine and snacks for the trip ahead. When I took the southwest, chief solo in 2015, I also followed the same formula. Preplanned the nearest convenience store on on a smoke break(in that case it was Albuquerque) and then run to the nearest convenience store to restock.

  • @stevehofer3482
    @stevehofer3482 5 месяцев назад +3

    My grandfather was an Amtrack engineer for 40 years and - just kidding. Good video.

  • @marcchristoph8270
    @marcchristoph8270 5 месяцев назад +3

    Nice video! Wish you'd been able to see more of Reno as they lowered the station below street level and you only see the old parts of town. Though you did get a nice picture of where we board our dog in Reno (Pet Playhouse) and thought that was funny. We have been planning to take the Zephyr from Reno to Emeryville and back just for a fun weekend. Gonna definitely do thanks to your video! Awesome as always!

  • @RavynMancer
    @RavynMancer Месяц назад

    you guys are so awesome. my mummsy and I just decided tonight that we are going to go to Alaska on the ferry. Your channel really inspires me to make the most out of life.

  • @DestinationFawked
    @DestinationFawked 5 месяцев назад +2

    Finally a travel RUclipsr who took the California Zephyr and mentioned the crappy tracks. We took this last year and we were delayed over 12 hours so they were going 80mph in some parts and the train was shaking so violently while trying to sleep that a few times my wife and I thought we for sure had derailed. The grill was also broke the entire trip so we had all microwave food. Worst trip ever

  • @AymeeDonovan
    @AymeeDonovan 5 месяцев назад +17

    Noel I love when you ride Trains and Buses , this is a real Xmas treat ! Merry Christmas from my family to yours ! X

  • @didierdt5420
    @didierdt5420 5 месяцев назад +4

    You know it's going to be a good one if the title says America, train and 3 days :D.
    I wish you and your fam good holidays and best wishes for the new year!

  • @DCinchi
    @DCinchi 5 месяцев назад

    Lovely video! Thanks for your shout out to my town, Chicago!

  • @anthonymillard951
    @anthonymillard951 4 месяца назад +1

    LMAO 🤣 burnt and cold pizza is something I've never seen before 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

  • @himbourbanist
    @himbourbanist 5 месяцев назад +3

    ive never heard of Amtrak leaving without a chef, that's pretty rough sheesh

  • @user-gs9rv9zu5f
    @user-gs9rv9zu5f 5 месяцев назад +9

    Fantastic video. Great to see Rachel joining you on this occasion. Here's wishing you and your family a happy Christmas. 😊😊

    • @noelphilips
      @noelphilips  5 месяцев назад +2

      Thanks so much! 😊

  • @ThomasSchick
    @ThomasSchick 5 месяцев назад +2

    …don’t forget the fictitious ‘Bundy’ family ‘Married With Children’ that was set in the city of Chicago 😂😂😂

  • @Numbers1877
    @Numbers1877 5 месяцев назад +1

    Thanks for the video. Yeah there is a CVS two blocks away from Union Station, stock up on booze, ecigs and snack/food cause its $10 for a beer at the cafe car. There is a room thats a little bigger however very expensive. Spent most of my time in the lounge car, and make sure you have lots of "Hot-spot" time cause there is no wi-fi

  • @cyoohoos
    @cyoohoos 5 месяцев назад +5

    I thought this would be just another zephyr video. However, you (and Amtrak) managed to make it unique. Nice.

  • @sethamtrak
    @sethamtrak 5 месяцев назад +5

    Although the food experience wasn’t what you paid for and expected, I’m glad you got one of Amtraks “refurbished” sleepers with an updated cabin.

    • @tomulator
      @tomulator 5 месяцев назад +1

      How many sleepers on the Zephyr are the “renovated” ones? Taking the CZ from Chicago to Emeryville in early Feb. Reserved a bedroom and would love to have a refurbished one!

    • @sethamtrak
      @sethamtrak 5 месяцев назад +4

      @@tomulator they are mixed up system wide. No way of knowing if you will get one until you board. They are doing a handful of refurbishments per month on sleepers, diners, lounges and coaches. Maybe another year or two until the whole fleet is done.

  • @JuniorJr_23
    @JuniorJr_23 5 месяцев назад

    I will have to do this trip soon. Thank you for sharing your adventures.

  • @bill1036
    @bill1036 5 месяцев назад

    Great trip report Noel. Enjoyed watching as always. Merry Xmas to you and Rach and the kids. Looking forward to 2024's adventures.

  • @TrooperClerk
    @TrooperClerk 5 месяцев назад +36

    First Jeb Brooks, then Will from Trek Trendy, and now Noel! Amtrak Trains are very underrated and deserve some love!

    • @acatic80
      @acatic80 5 месяцев назад +4

      Even Eva zu Beck has done an Amtrak video a few years back.

    • @shsd4130
      @shsd4130 5 месяцев назад +4

      Safiya just posted an Amtrak review too!

    • @ItzChickenYall
      @ItzChickenYall 5 месяцев назад +1

      U just listed all the travel RUclipsrs I watch, except for Kara and nate

    • @angelagendreau3586
      @angelagendreau3586 5 месяцев назад

      @@ItzChickenYall me too.

    • @austin.draude
      @austin.draude 5 месяцев назад

      I think Paul Lucas from Wingin It has done Amtrak videos too.

  • @1dkappe
    @1dkappe 5 месяцев назад +8

    Best thing about Reno? Only 40 miles from Lake Tahoe. That is a truly gorgeous part of the country.

  • @danielvallelunga1596
    @danielvallelunga1596 5 месяцев назад +1

    Hey Rachell !!!!! Hey Noel !!!!! Great to see you out and about Rachelle. Im PROUD of you!!!!! ❤😊

  • @harveyh3696
    @harveyh3696 5 месяцев назад +2

    24:00 Several years ago I stayed at the Westin, down the road from the Doubletree. Had a short layover there after our co-pilots windscreen cracked and we diverted to SFO. It was a charter flight from Vegas to Honolulu so I don't know how a commercial airline would've handled the situation.
    Luv your presentations!

  • @PCBill0622
    @PCBill0622 5 месяцев назад +4

    The lack of a chef was bad enough but where was your sleeping car attendant to make your beds? I hope you didn’t tip him or her!

  • @SikandarDurrani
    @SikandarDurrani 5 месяцев назад +3

    Noel you would never make it on a naval ship where the midshipmen had bunk beds with half the space

  • @rileygilles2736
    @rileygilles2736 5 месяцев назад +1

    I had the pleasure of taking this train durning the pandemic from Sac Valley Station all the way to Osceola, Iowa station where a cousin picked us up. I shared a little room with my sister. Being gen z in the moment I hated not having any cell coverage but in retrospect it was a much needed break. Didn’t have the food experience you did but overall quite a beautiful experience to take in.

  • @cornishdiaspora918
    @cornishdiaspora918 5 месяцев назад

    How lovely to have a video on Christmas Eve. Made my day. More train videos.....yes! Try the Spanish ones, super fast, smooth and clean.

  • @Canleaf08
    @Canleaf08 5 месяцев назад +3

    I just took that train from San Francisco to Reno, NV in standard and it took me 10 hours to get there. We had a delay of 5 hours. Made the delays of the Deutsche Bahn look tame. For you it was the chef! I got an email that there will be reimbursement for the delay.
    At least you got the chance to take images from the Donner Pass by daylight...

    • @MarceloBenoit-trenes
      @MarceloBenoit-trenes 5 месяцев назад +1

      Delays are mostly (but not all) an issue of the host freight railroad.

  • @ThemeParkBazza
    @ThemeParkBazza 5 месяцев назад +3

    Both burnt and cold, that takes quite a skill 😂

  • @neilmcleod6105
    @neilmcleod6105 5 месяцев назад

    Thanks Noel, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your family

  • @Powerhouseched77
    @Powerhouseched77 5 месяцев назад

    Merry Christmas Noel to you and your family. Love the videos may the new year bring more excitement and more brilliant content

  • @thecinesister
    @thecinesister 3 месяца назад +5

    In the early 2000s I spent 30 days doing a figure 8 around the USA on Amtrak. Started in LA and finished in LA 30 days later.
    LA - Chicago - Boston - Philadelphia - Atlanta - New Orleans - Memphis - Chicago - Seattle - LA. I slept on the train the whole time…but not all fancy like you did! 20 year old me is jealous haha. I just slept in my seat. It was a trip of a lifetime though. Just me, my backpack, a handwritten journal, and a camera. I think about it often!
    I do remember we got delayed for 12 hours in Albuquerque on the LA to Chicago route! So that was fun haha on the bright side I had 12 hours to learn how to spell Albuquerque because I was staring at the sign from the train window.

    • @No_ReGretzky99
      @No_ReGretzky99 Месяц назад

      I live in Memphis currently 😅❤🎉

  • @terrythompson3823
    @terrythompson3823 5 месяцев назад +10

    As an airline family, we do travel more via airlines but I love train travel. Wish the US had more!
    I personally love seeing Rach on trips with you!
    Happy Christmas to you and your family!

  • @shonen84
    @shonen84 5 месяцев назад +1

    Another Sunday, another Noel adventure! Season’s Greetings. All the best from Belgium!

  • @GregCheekSpeaks
    @GregCheekSpeaks 5 месяцев назад

    Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 Mate and thanks for the always uplifting content! Let’s go in 2024

  • @kyle604
    @kyle604 5 месяцев назад +7

    You'll have to come up and do the Rocky Mountaineer train between Vancouver and Banff in Canada one summer. It's SPECTACULAR and the service is unparalleled. Full recommendation!

    • @frederickvondinkerberg7721
      @frederickvondinkerberg7721 5 месяцев назад +1

      Isn't a sleeper though...

    • @kyle604
      @kyle604 5 месяцев назад +1

      @@frederickvondinkerberg7721 Never said it was. The onboard experience is one of the best (if not the best) you’ll find in North America though.

    • @frederickvondinkerberg7721
      @frederickvondinkerberg7721 5 месяцев назад

      @@kyle604 which is it's main problem... turn it in to a sleeper and cross the entire country

    • @kyle604
      @kyle604 5 месяцев назад

      @@frederickvondinkerberg7721 It's a daytime leisure train route for tourists. Past Banff is boring and non-scenic on a train line. It's also extremely expensive as it is. If you want to go across the country, Via Rail exists. You may see it as a "problem", but it's extremely popular because of it's length and route.

  • @doodles3075
    @doodles3075 5 месяцев назад +11

    Its lovely to watch you both travelling.
    I think my husband and myself would have been arguing who wasn't sleeping on that top bunk😂

  • @NE-Media.inc.
    @NE-Media.inc. 5 месяцев назад

    Merry xmas noel and rach! Great to see you back on a video since the scare in vegas - happy new year to you both!

  • @jamilb4856
    @jamilb4856 5 месяцев назад

    You guys are the loveliest couple. Always enjoy when you bring along Rach!

  • @slargo83
    @slargo83 4 месяца назад +2

    6:51 Wow, you managed to film a Mercury Marauder driving. That's a pretty rare sight anymore.

  • @ddwag1
    @ddwag1 5 месяцев назад +3

    I did this, this summer. Had a really great time. So many landscapes.
    I did Montreal -> NYC -> Boston-> Chicago -> Sacramento-> Portland> Seattle ->Vancouver all over a few weeks and all via Amtrak.

    • @apara2005
      @apara2005 5 месяцев назад

      That sounds AMAZING!!!!!

  • @DodLDec
    @DodLDec 5 месяцев назад

    I love the trains. You could take a train anywhere and i would love it. I love seeing Rachel with you. The video was very nice, even though the chef was not scheduled correctly in Chicago. I live in central Illinois and i like taking the short Amtrak rides from Bloomington to Chicago.

  • @ozgirl45
    @ozgirl45 4 месяца назад

    Love your videos ! I just found them. You have a lovely perspective on cross country travel by rail (or by bus, for that matter). So much fun to see you travelling together. Many many years ago I travelled across Canada by rail with my husband and we brought our own (shh) alcohol. It really helped lol!
    Loved your scene of going across the bridge into San Francisco!

  • @duanestanton3738
    @duanestanton3738 5 месяцев назад +3

    I’ve traveled Amtrak and never had such food served. Part of the cabin experiences all sleepers is the food. It’s very good. I think Amtrak should refund 50% for that miss.

    • @sfmc98
      @sfmc98 5 месяцев назад

      Definitely. And especially since so many people will see this, find a way to essentially over correct with Noel and any passenger really on that train. The food is surprisingly good-although not a ton of variety if you ride for long periods or frequently. I did a 4 day journey and had steak every night haha. No complaints though.