Amtrak Cross Country Train Trip - Florida to Oregon
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- Опубликовано: 10 ноя 2024
- Taking the train cross country was something I'd always wanted to do. A bucket list trip. So, I booked a one way ticket to Florida, and traveled back home to Oregon on the rail.
My goal was to document the trip, but it's hard to capture the full experience.
I talked a lot about my trip on the Experiences You Should Have podcast: experiencesyou...
I thought it would be helpful to answer some questions:
// What Music Did You Use? //
Andy White:
/ andywhitemusic-1
www.reverbnati...
/ channel
Gramatik: / gramatik
AllttA: / drugs-instrumental-20syl
// How much did the trip cost? //
The train ticket was $369, coach seats the whole trip. Sleeper cars can range anywhere from $200 to as much as $1,000 per leg of the trip, depending on the time of year.
// How long did it take, and what was the route? //
The train left Orlando, Florida on Monday evening, and it arrives in Portland, Oregon on Friday Morning. So 4 nights total. My trip was a bit farther as I had to go from Portland, Oregon to Chemult, Oregon, which arrived Friday evening.
Orlando---Washington DC---Chicago---Portland
// Were you on the train the entire time? //
No. There were two extended layovers - one in Washington DC for about 9 hours. There is a metro station at Union Station - so easy access to get anywhere you need to go. In Chicago, my layover was about 5.5 hours. Enough time to get out, see some sights and get some food. You can check your bags at the train stations as well, for about $10.
// What were some must have items on the train? //
Ear plugs. Eye mask. Those two in particular. Ear plugs to drown out the noise of other passengers, the noise of the train on the rails, the train horn. Crucial. Eye mask because there are lights in the train at night. It's dim like an airplane would be, but still lighting here and there.
Snacks. Tablet. Headphones. Chargers. Each seat has 2 110V outlets, and each of the tables in the observation cars do as well, so power is never an issue. Neck pillow. Blanket.
// You didn't mention the food. How was the food? //
I would say that train food is slightly better than airplane food. The menu in the dining car on all of the trains was the same - so it did get a bit old. For breakfast, prices ranged from $8 to $14, lunch $12-$15 and dinner $16-$25. There is also a snack bar that has candy, snacks, drinks (beer and wine), as well as some sandwiches and burgers. The service in the dining car was very good, and the staff were all very friendly. Traveling alone, meals in the dining car were always fun because you're typically paired with 1-3 strangers. So you're typically exchanging stories for around an hour. Here is a link to the dining page on Amtrak: www.amtrak.com...
// Sleeping in coach. Was it that bad? //
I'd say, yes. If it were an overnight trip, not so bad. Even 2 nights. But by night 3 and 4 - it started to take a toll. The first 2 nights of the trip I had someone in the seat right next to me. That changes the experience quite a bit, as it's pretty close quarters. Having two seats to yourself makes a pretty big difference. Not in comfort as much as just feeling a bit of privacy. Comfort wise, it's just difficult to really get comfortable in those seats. There's not really any getting around that. Ear plugs and and eye mask are pretty invaluable.
// How were the bathrooms? Were there showers? //
The bathrooms were similar to an airplane bathroom. And there were plenty of bathrooms, so you never felt like you had to hurry, or had someone waiting for you. There was also a larger bathroom with a bit more space with a changing area. No showers. There are showers in the sleeper cars if you went that route.
// What about your belongings? Were they safe? //
I had a backpack with camera gear, tablet, headphones, chargers, etc. that I kept with me 90% of the time. Generally, I felt like my things would have been safe on my seat - but better safe than sorry. My carry on luggage (airplane overhead bin size) - I kept in storage racks on the bottom level of the train. In theory, anyone could have grabbed it and stepped off the train at their stop, but it made it with me the whole trip.
Hi Luke this was great. I like to chill at night and go on RUclips to watch these kind of travel videos because it's like getting away without getting away plus you get to see different places. I loved how you showed everything, you picked great human moments. I like the sequence of the guy with the uke and how you showed him and then continued on but kept that audio of him playing going over the scenery and your narration, it really tied it all together and made it complete. Anyway great editing work and content it was great to watch.
Thanks for the kind words, glad you liked it!
Jerry M I agree with you
Jerry M if you’re interested I made a travel video. I’m actually making one today as well so maybe check it out?
Most of the videos I have seen has been from the "rich prospective" yours actually shows what its like from the regular human being enjoying every day life. Thank you my friend for showing this was so interesting.
Andy White's song was very comforting...
He was a super nice guy, too...it was fun meeting him
This has always been a dream of mine. I’ve struggled with sever anxiety and panic disorder my whole life. I’ve always wanted to do this by myself to really overcome the personal obstacles of spending years of my life afraid to get out of my comfort zone.
Omg same, I cant wait to take trips like this.
I’m planning something like this alone because nobody will come with me. I hope you get to go !
Truly beautiful
Thank you!
This captures Amtrak Coach Class very well! If you're in a hurry take the plane. In need of privacy and/or have to work consider a roomette. The journey on Amtrak "brings out the best in people" is what it's all about. Roughing it cheap in coach class!
I found this unbelievable satisfying.🤗. The picture of Arlington made me teary eyed, and the music provided by the string player made me feel nostalgic. Your voice was just right, and you are an Excellant guide. Thanks for the ride. 🤗
Thank you!
You bought back great memories. Two years ago I traveled from Miami to DC, DC to Chicago, Chicago to LA, and finally LA to Dallas. It was incredible. I flew to Miami. I'm older so it's hard for me to sleep in coach and I booked roomettes the entire trip.
Glad I could help bring back the memories :)
An across country train trip is on our Bucket List. The musician playing in the background while watching the scenery brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing.
Tamiko Rodriguez you're welcome 😁
Thank you for this! I’m taking a trip from Sacramento to Chicago to DC to my home town in NC. Very excited. You made it look great
I hope you had a great trip!
I live in the UK, and travelling by train has always been a favourite way of travelling. Besides the expensive prices and delayed trains, it can be an extremely comfortable way to travel.
Luke, you have the perfect commentary voice. I was excited to hear about this trip and the video did not disappoint. What a great experience!
Thanks Sarah! It sounds like something you would do, too.
Train travel should be more popular
Agree!
Beautiful. Worked only a few years in the US, but this video made me home away from home sick.
Such an inspiring video. Thanks! 👏👏
Very nice
Thanks!
I am traveling to Oregon to retrieve my sons ashes. I intend to take this trip home to leave his ashes along the way. He used to hop trains all across the country, so this is going to be my way of memorializing him. Thanks for sharing. I struggle with physical challenges in sitting for longs periods of time. Is it easy to get up and about? Any specific ideas you can recommend for comfort? Thanks again for this great share. Peace!
From Oregon to FLorida....will travel from Florida back to Oreogn. Sorry...brain is mush dealing with my loss
Check out Frugal Travel Guy on RUclips. He has some good tips regarding trains
I'd recommend a seat on the bottom level - the stairs are pretty steep to get up and down. Otherwise, moving about the train isn't too bad. You can always spend a lot of time in the lounge car - where it's easier to move around and not be as stationary. Best of luck in your journey!
Great video. Thanks for sharing with us.
You touched my heart with your sincere observations.
Thank you
Thank you so much!
great job. been on those route but in roomette. your so right about the human element. loved the journal idea and gonna do it on all future train trips
Thanks! Yeah, I definitely recommend the journal.
Agree with Jerry M., I know I'm a late watcher as this was posted prior to Covid-19. Trust me, train travel now is really tough, my wife and I just did East Coast to West Coast (DC to LA), and we had a bedroom. Trust me, sleeping in there was not the best either and don't get me started on the pre-made meals, terrible! I spent close to 4k for that trip including flight back, and I vowed to do it again post Covid. Your comments about train travel were spot on. I noticed that people stop being something other than human once you are confined to a small space for several days. It amazes me how much in common we all have but we allow so many other things to keep us apart. What a great country this could be if only people respected one another!
This is on my bucket list to do
Go for it!
Hope you enjoyed! By the way, the conductor from Chicago to Winona on your Empire Builder trip, his name is Jon. He’s an awesome guy and his announcements are everything.
Loved how you did the scenes with the dude singing the background! (:
Thanks!
@@LukeMenasco I agree. It added a really cool atmosphere to the whole segment.
Gotta be honest: At first I wasn't really sure, but after a few seconds I knew that song had to be there. Great job keeping it in there.
Cool video man. Very cool. Thanks for sharing that.
James Powell glad you liked it!
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I died laughing with your dad’s advice. He’s right! I live in Orlando but thank god I’m moving to lake oswego in 1 week. Let’s see how it goes!
Cool video I did the Amtrak from Cleveland Ohio to Chicago then on the southwest chief all the way to l.a. love the train
How much whole trip?
Thanks!
Great footage, awesome images ... and esp interesting the sound of the train horns while u where on the train.
Take air freshener.amtrak is better than being 30 thousand feet in air crazy people fighting
Great Video Luke!!!! The man with the ukulele is a godsend!
Michael Capps he was awesome 😁
Nice vlog
Thank you!
Great work! Enjoyed this piece and now I am ready to hop on the train and take a trip.
Go for it!
Going to El paso from Boston, usually we take bus to TX or NM...my son is going to have a blast! It is our first train trip!
Planes, trains, and automobiles....hahaha! Scratching trains of the list finally, and that completes the "means of travel bucket list "
Fantastic epic journey you will never forget...now you have to hit the southern part of the US...ORL-DC, DC-NOL(New Orleans)-LA...It's a reach but you can do it in coach, just prepare. Earlier this year I did CHI-SAC(roomette), and CHI - JAN (Jax Miss)coach...The Zeyphr was unbelievable !!!Dont stop traveling.
Definitely want to hit the southern route!
Luke, excellent video. You have a gift. I am planning a cross country round trip via rail. One of my few bucket list items. Although being physically challenged I will need to do a sleeper. My only regret of doing that would be a lack of shared experiences with fellow travelers. Thank you.
Thank you very much! And if you get a sleeper, you can still hang in the observation car / dining car to chat it up with other people on the train.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 from a brotha... your dad is freaking awesome. Thanks for the video I've been waiting to do this for years
No kidding
Nice video great job. And good music selection.
leroybigs97 thank you!
Hi Luke. You're the EXACT type of traveler, i needed to hook-up with. Same story as Urs, my friend. ALWAYS wanted to Travel the Rails "somewhere!!" West or at least Mid-West fron Pgh. Your VERY informative, video covered the BASIC's! No frills. Less BS. Aware this trip was couple yrs.ago. i DID Travel by Rail w my Brother once.. 2 winters ago. Desination Melbourne, fl. From PA. Fantastic ride BOTH ways. 😉 Nothing is perfect on a train or a bus. Be prepared ahead of Time. MAYBE , there are more travels you've filmed?!? Thank You VERY much for your "Hands On " JUST DO IT..attitude. 😘Love from Pgh..sincerely tj
Glad you enjoyed it, Terrie!
Luke thank you for this video I really enjoyed it and I hope that one day when I get older I can go on a trip like this one.
Thank you - and yes, take that trip one day!
cool video loved it ive travled by train over the years loved it
Very cool Luke thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing and can’t wait to see more videos ! We subscribed 🙋🏼♀️🙋🏼♂️♥️
Thank you!
Nice vid, I'm taking mostly the same route this coming fall. Staying a couple of days in Portland before heading down to LA. Getting a roomette, though, my 60+ year old back would be destroyed sleeping in a coach seat that long.
Lawrence Westby have fun!
Bro I want to do this so bad. You make it look incredible great job 👏
OMG!! Love it, I want to do it tooo
thank you!
A train station that requires two hours to access is a prime example of a failed transportation system. Enlarge the railroad system, extend it to smaller, more accessible stations as was the norm before the railroad system was privatised and slashed to fit stockmarket requirements, and you regain a fiunctioning railway system that will be frequented by lots of customers. If you want an example of a functioning, state-run (!) railway system, look to Switzerland, this hub of conservatism. Whenever it makes sense, they have no problem prioritising state-run businesses over privately run for profit companies, because they don't provide good service to their customers. And it pays off, too. The Swiss system doesn't need any state funds.
Very cool, keep on travelling
Thank you!
I like traveling on a train cause I'm afraid of the air now. I will take my chances with train travel going forward
hey man! great video! your content and videography is very cool
I wish you still made more.
Thank you! And working on making more!
I did the trip from NY to Portland I was having a rough time when I ended up in NY had no clue how I was going to get didn't have a lot of money thank God for the Taxi driver that told me to take the train home. That was one of the best damn trip of my life met a lot of Nice people on the train and a couple of jackasses who had way to much to drink they were kicked off but the rest of the trip was amazing see parts of the country you just don't see from a car or plane. I did it during the summer so the trip threw Glacier National Park was a treat looking out the window and pointing out the bears to people looking in the train and other wildlife. Met and nice girl from NY moving to my home town Portland she was going there to work for the forest service and a guy name Mike he was on the train at Georgia going to Cali LA that's a long trip lol. I plan to travel again on a train in Europe well that's the plan.
Sounds like a great trip!
Get a sleeper cart. It's like a tiny hotel room.
For some reason, they were astronomically expensive when I booked my trip - so I figured I'd rough it. But I'd love to do another trip in a sleeper.
@@LukeMenasco Around how much?
He’s my dada! Good job dada
What a well made video! Love it
Thank you!
Last year I was travel from Alabama back to oregon by myself too
Nicely done. I have traveled some smaller segments on Amtrak (Santa Barbara- San Diego in CA) and (Altoona PA -NYC ), but still hoping to do a cross country or at least a long enough trip on Amtrak at some point of time.
Of course, being from India (a completely different and lot busier train experience), I have done many long distance trips there growing up, and most recently one when I visited in 2017.
Loved it! Thanks for sharing
✌️🙌♥️
🙏
Most ppl going more then 24 he's get sleeper it's just overall better meals included and better sleep then in coach for sleeping. But I know you did couple stops where trying save little cost.
Agree completely. When I was traveling, the sleeper car prices were extraordinarily high for whatever reason. I would definitely recommend a sleeper if you can swing it.
Not sure how I came upon this video, but enjoyed it. My question to you, could you have done this same trip with all sleepers instead of coach?
Yes, definitely. See my notes in the description. Sleepers were just really $$ at the time I booked...
I'm gonna go from San Diego to Florida on a train and I'se wondering can I bring a rolling suitcase as a carry on
Rode from DC to NC like 30 years ago - nothing but a weed train. Took my Dad to Hamlet NC to go to Fl... they told us to move our car, they have regular drug busts. Apparently it’s a dope mode of transportation. Plus, they were working on the tracks and my dad had to get off and ride a grey hound bus like 1/3 of the way with no discount! What a joke!
I've done a trip that involved an unplanned bus ride as well...
Did you buy one ticket at the beginning or did you get off the train periodically and then buy a new ticket to the next city? Did you plan each leg of it yourself? I'm confused. Did you get some kind of room? Could you take a shower?
Kathy Radford Read the description
I bought one ticket in advance. There were extended layovers in DC and Chicago. No showers on the train, and I didn't get a sleeper car. If you're thinking about booking, and the sleeper car prices are reasonable, I would recommend one. :)
Didn’t they have sleeper cars? Also wondering why you didn’t do this trip during warmer weather? Thanks for the video!
They did, but they were extra expensive because of the time of year. January is what worked best for my schedule - but would have preferred to have more light in the day for viewing.
I would like to have heard you talk more about the actual train ride--the facilities, comfort, etc.
Right, I probably didn't do enough of that. I did try and add some of that detail in the video description, though.
Loved this, I recently went from Tampa to Raleigh on Amtrak and it was an experience I won't forget. I think everyone should travel by train during some point of their life. It was a nice sight to see, I had never left Florida before so the change of scenery really wowed me. Awesome video!
Thank you!
Did they even sleeper cars available? And meals, what about those? Was there a dining car? Was there an eating schedule you went by? Or did you have to provide your own ? So many details you did not answer.
Hi Gary, check out the Q&A in the video description...my goal was to provide more detail there around things I didn't cover in the video.
Wheres that birds flying high track fro.?
Love the ukulele guy anymore information about him???
Jeremy Wendelin there is a link to some of his social media profiles in the description 👍🏻
such a shame that you have to go up the east coast to get to the west coast.wish there was a train from where i live in florida that goes across america without having to go north first
that would be really nice
think i;ll call penn station and get the price for a month roundtrip baltimore city to washington state with a private sleeping car,need a vacation i have not been offf a balto city corner since 1991 and thats 365 days a year and them its mind boggling i am still alive, but thats in the book iam writing now the trip is the end of those years life on the most volient corners of baltimore city
GOOD VLOGGING
we did it too in August 2018 Los Angeles to NYC
Would be fucking awesome to go on a trip like this! This just got up to my bucket list :)
Did you get to spend as much time at each stop? Or were there specific times that you had to return to the station?
I think it was about half a day in each spot - enough to do some running around. Yeah, you had to be back before the train left without you! :)
Dang that's gotta be Fun uh except i do get car sick sense I can't hang my head out the window do you ever see people get train sick I wonder ?
I didn't. It doesn't rock too bad.
I live in Portland
Me too.
Great idea Luke I have to do this.
Thank you! I hope you do.
Supre cool, Luke. If you don't mind me asking what was the total cost to ride a train from FL to OR? I would imagine there are people watching this video who might be interested in a similar adventure and would benefit from knowing the cost -- though I doubt you can put a value on some of the views of that terrain.
Nevermind. Found it in the description. Really cool stuff you're up to.
Thanks, Brett - glad you liked it. And good to hear from you!
how long did you have to wander around other cities?
BLEACH DAZE maybe 6-7 hours each in DC and Chicago.
Great video of you had to do it again would you have paid more for the room?
Thank you. :) Generally, I would definitely recommend a room for such a long trip. But at the prices they were when I traveled, I couldn't justify it.
Luke what is the song on the guitar called? I liked it.
I believe he said it was called 'Last Song for Becky' by Andy White. Great, comforting tune. I plan on looking for it myself...
@@positively_broad_st3780 Yes, there are some links in the description
Can't wait till I get back home where I can check on the Aliens !
👽
Amtrak in the west is not great. Are you an Amtrak Employee?
I'm not
Did you see Jermaine?
My dreams
Do you like Oregon better than Florida?
Yes. :) Florida is nice, though.
Hope you stayed in a roomette all those days;)
Carmine Cuzzo I didn't. If I did it again, I'd definitely give it some serious thought.
The music was too loud please dial it down
That’s just way to far
I’ve couldn’t do that.
It’ll take to long from Florida to Oregon
That’s a long trip on the train.
well it is a nice journey
It was a long trip
No kiddin’.
>> That would literally take days.
Yes it did.
So...how do you shower
TheGrandRevo On the train....
You realize there’s showers right?
No showers in coach, though. :(
On long haul take spray air freshener
Love this video. We do train videos too. Go check it out.
You kinda look like the LA Beast.
Ha, I had to look him up...
The human element was nice, played on a switch with a 13 year old and talked to people that have a passion for traveling as much as I do.
Then Their were others, a loud obnoxious family who flat out stole me view seat, and getting paired with a ghetto hoodlum twice wasn't pleasant (not fun sleeping next to someone who smells like weed)
Thank god for the viewing cabin, was my bad 80% of the time and my escape from my idiotic passenger mates
..
Never again. It was three days of living in a ghetto and hearing the "F" word every five minutes.
Music was so distracting!
One train trip and you'll never ride a train again.
Hmmm....agree to disagree. :)
Darlingg, you really need to fly First Class.
This is just SO terribly ugly
Dude, sounds like you’re not cut out for experiences like this with a comment like that.