That probably has something to do with the price. You could make this trip on a plane for a quarter of the price and maybe 4 hours. You could drive it in half the time for even less money. Train travel has turned into a rich person's hobby. ("Rich" in both money and available time.)
Amtrak does this at other stations and depots that have a small sidewalk/platform, especially for sleeper cars and coaches with handicap accessible accommodations... Wheelchairs do not fare well over the rocky ballast... The Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, and the Texas Eagle/Sunset Limited shunts a sleeper(and coach) as the last car on the consist... It is a shame folks don't listen to the announcements...
I'd freak out too. Once in Whitefish MT where I got off the train took off and left a woman on the platform who was continuing on the train. She was a foreigner and did not speak English well. We helped get her a taxi to the next realistic station she could meet the train.
@@craigsmith6446 While the large cities have long platforms, these small depots in rural America don't. Even Europeans have to ask themselves how do handicap people get on and off a train without a large platform?
It's amazing to know that these views of the open countryside are the same views passenger saw when the first cross country rails were introduced. I think accommodations have improved since those early days. Thank you for the wonderful and relaxing journey.
One doesn't realize how large and tough the Continental Divide is for the railroads to cross until you see there are only five major east west main lines presently, and Amtrak uses four of the five. The former Great Northern, Union Pacific, Denver & Rio Grande, Santa Fe, and Southern Pacific. Previously the Northern Pacific and Milwaukee Road had main lines. All of these main lines required a tunnel somewhere along their routes...
Less than an hour behind for the SL is fantastic! My Dad (RIP) worked on the route (Sleeping Car Porter) in the summer during the late 60's and we were usually 3 hours behind getting to New Orleans and 3-4 hours behind coming back into L.A. I usually take the SL once every two years. I hadn't rode on it since 2018. Now that the dining car experience is back. I will make reservations to ride it out to L.A. for my birthday in April. Then take the Coast Starlight to Seattle. Thanks for the video~~!!
Iive 65 miles north of San Francisco in the center of the Sonoma Vineyards. I had intended on riding a lot in my retirement. However, a health issue arose and I can't anyonger. However, before that occurred I used to take the AMTRAK vacation package into Yosemite National Park. It is a spectacular trip. Buses and trains for the entire experience I suggest you try that for at least 3 days. Then explore the Bay Area Regional Trains. We have a new one in my neighborhood called SMART. I cannot imagine any other train being so luxurious for basic coach. It passes right through a North Bay Estuary with thousands upon thousands of aquatic fowl right outside your window. And, I want to thank you for your videos. At least I can stay home and watch what I had so much hoped would occur in my life at this stage.
What an awesome report on an amazing train!!! So glad to hear that the dining car is back...an overnight train without one is insupportable. Wonderful shots from you and the others. That shot coming into Houston was fantastic.
Wow, I never expected you to review the Sunset Limited...I was born and raised in El Paso. You left out one of the best views of the journey: crossing the Rio Grande as the train departs Texas for New Mexico on the twin high bridges (the north bridge was built by the Southern Pacific, and the south bridge was built by the El Paso and Southwestern). Beautiful view there
good info. Everyone has heard of El Paso, that's where Marty Robbins fell in love with a Mexican girl, isn't it?! So many town end up in songs, add Phoenix, Galveston, San Antone(io), Abilene,... could almost make a train trip out of the lot!
Thank you for the review. As someone who takes a long haul train in the U.S. a few times a year I am so glad to see the dining car is back up to speed. As a matter of fact looks better than before covid. again thank you and keep up the great work.
Thanks for the video. It's good to see things are starting to get back to normal. My daughter and I have ridden the other half from Illinois. We've ridden it twice to Fort Worth an once all the way to LA. Being on the Texas Eagle, we were in the last car and had that neat view out the back. If I knew I was going to be in the front sleeper, I made sure I had the yellow roll up ear plugs. We had the most extraordinary Red Cap service in LA. Not only did he get us to the first class lounge, but he came back to take us to our train to San Diego. He asked when we were coming back and was waiting for us when we got back to LA.
Wonderful trip you've posted here. One could sit in the observation car and just watch the land pass by. Wait I did do this! I've taken the train from Waterbury, VT to Redlands, CA and years later, Rouses Point, NY (where VT, NY, and Canada meet) to Glacier National park which arrived at 3:55 AM - 19 hours late. To be honest, as you point out, the rails belong to other RXR's and this trip was during the early oil boom in North Dakota back in '09. Thank you for sharing...
You are so fortunate to be able to afford these beautiful trips. I'd love to take a train out to the west coast on a southern route, and another one back to the east coast on a northern route. It would be SO beautiful.
10:22 reminds me at my cross America trip back in 2015, when we were in Grand Junction with the California Zephyr there were 2 or 3 tracks full of engines that were put to side over there. Each track must been over a mile long, each! And all UP.
Thanks for the report. Exceptional as always. Pre-Katrina the Sunset Limited ran east to Orlando, FL via Mobile, AL, Pensacola, FL, Tallahassee, FL and Jacksonville, FL along with other stops. Would be nice if Amtrak could bring that back...
It would be nice but don’t think it will ever be coming back since Amtrak suspended service after Katrina. Plus most of the line between Pensacola and Jacksonville isn’t CSX trackage anymore
There are currently efforts being made to extend it to Mobile, AL, but the railroads are fighting it, saying it will disrupt freight rail service to the port of Mobile. The problem is that Mobile would be a terminal and turn-around point which would require a lot of track space. If Amtrak were to extend to say, Pensacola, for example, there would probably not be so much resistance.
Amtrak's original transcontinental "Sunset" ran between Los Angeles and Miami. When the train was cutback to Orlando Amtrak didn't even try to maintain Miami service by rescheduling a "Silver Meteor "connection at Orlando or Jacksonville. When I asked then Amtrak President David Gunn why, he replied the Sunset's timekeeping was to unreliable to establish a smart connection to maintain Miami-LA service. I was pissed because the eastbound "Sunset" to Orlando was scheduled to arrive in Jacksonville less then 30 minutes after the south-bound "Silver Meteor"departed for Orlando and Miami.
Traveling „the beautiful south“ is an absolutely great way to discover the United States. Great people as well and I loved the different ancestry of them. French, German and other heritages.👍😎🇩🇪
Love this review! Thanks 👍 Space is at such a premium on all modes of transport so to have such space and views is truly unique. Always why I think trains are the best 😊
The different change of views and the food service looked better than what you get on an airplane! Also impressive if you think of those who worked to connect such a railway to some of these destinations
@@EdithmedjdoubFlying maybe cheaper and quicker, but for every night you ride on a train is one less night at a expensive hotel... Plus you get to see America at leisure, not flying over it...
Amazing trip report video! I was in no hurry to finish watching this! You had so much to say, great dining, sleeping car accommodations, views etc! That was something how when the train had to stop twice at Alpine as passengers didn’t know what was going on and thought the train was leaving without them which wasn’t true, lol! I am happy to see the traditional dining car menu they had before Covid return! I believe it’s only for sleeping car passengers right now(correct me if I’m wrong), but the fact that they at least brought back the stuff that was on the old menu is a great sign and I think that would be worth me taking a sleeper! They even started having some appetizers on the menu which I don’t remember them doing in the past, and one more additional dessert item! They kept the chocolate cake and cheesecake, but also added a carrot cake which is a plus and I’m pretty happy about this!
You make the best RUclips Amtrak videos.Whenever I miss traveling by Amtrak I have these RUclips Amtrak videos to watch to make me smile and thank you and God bless you.
You do more to promote train travel - and Amtrak - than Amtrak does . They should be giving you free travel for all you do for them. Also like your European trips, but I don't think I'll ever be going back to Europe at this point in my life. Everything you do does allow me to remember my past experiences. Thank you.
@@samizdat_ Back to Europe? My age, plus I've had cancer, and am dealing with other health problems. Long flights sitting are considered bad for me now. Trains are OK because I can get up frequently and walk around.
Did travel on the Sunset Ltd in 1996, my first trip to the USA from Namibia, but in the other direction LA to NO, the train was longer as it had many more sleeping cars, the dining experience was excellent, interesting all the people you met at the table and in the lounge... and the delay due to storms was only 12 hours.....quite an experience
I took the Sunset Limited from New Orleans to LA after taking the Crescent to New Orleans from NYC, it was a fantastic journey, I was in a roomette both times. I was 9 hours late into LA due to an unfortunate incident but it didn't put that much of a damper on my trip, I still had the best time. It's the only long distance trip I've done on Amtrak so far but I definitely want to do many more including this route again. Keep up the great work with your videos, they're such a travel inspiration for me.
I absolutely loved the Sunset Ltd. It will be even better when it is fully restored to its original starting point, Jacksonville Florida on the east coast. Everyone is waiting to get on board when this update takes place. I took a trip down to New Orleans on the Crescent out of Baltimore, and spent some time running around beautiful New Orleans before heading west to Los Angeles. If you can afford it, Spring for a roomette or room. You’ll rest better. However you travel, this a great train to take. Don’t expect to be on time, just enjoy the journey.
I've done this route several times and it's my favorite out of all the Amtrak routes. Your videos are far superior and truthful. I love that you use subtitles. It allows the viewer to immerse themselves in the journey. Thank you ❤❤❤❤
I took this one from LA to Jacksonville when I was a little kid. It’s felt crazy long and it was! Great video and great camerawork Thibault. The dining and views make the experience worth it.
Great trip report for the Sunset Limited!! I was in the travel industry and saved our corporate travelers money by booking and ticketing connecting flights. Thank you Thibault for a perfect report.😀😀♥️♥️
Great job on this video!! I rode this route with my parents in the 50's when Southern Pacific owned it. I took this route again in '84 from L.A. to Birmingham, AL when Amtrak had a transcontinental heritage through sleeper car which continued on to New York from New Orleans on the Crescent. It eliminated having to detrain in New Orleans & wait on the Crescent to leave the following morning. This single level sleeper car was placed at the front of the consist behind the baggage car & in front of the repurposed step down crew dormitory coach car (formerly used on ATSF's El Capitan trains) to access the 2nd level of the Superliner I cars. It was sad to see these older cars & convenient feature go.
Awesome! So happy to see full dining again on the train! Many years ago I rode the Zephyr from Sacramento to Reno and had a great dinner on board. This makes the ride special. I’m going to check now to see if full dining is back on the East bound Zephyr. Thanks again!
We in Europe are accustomed to high speed train and truth is to be said :the scenery at 300 kph does not offer the charm and interest that you get with a slow train! Thanks for sharing such beautiful images.
I get to see this train often, as it runs right through my town. It's a very nice train. And yes, Tabasco sauce is made in New Iberia, about a 15-30 minute drive from New Iberia out on Avery Island.
Another great informative and fun video, thanks for posting, Sir! I have to agree, NOLA's Amtrak station doesn't have the splendid near-grandeur of some other stations (Chicago is still my favorite so far), but it does have a certain comfortably informal, homey feel to it. Extremely happy to see they've brought back the traditional dining, can't wait to take another trip just for that! Definitely, the long Long Bridge is pretty impressive...ironically, I got to see a similar view coming from the opposite direction because the eastbound Sunset Limited was delayed several hours and we got into NOLA in the morning instead of the night before. That meant I didn't get to see a lot of the bayou country west of NOLA because it was predawn, so your video is showing me what I and fellow passengers missed. Great twilight view of the Houston skyline! We rolled in from the west after dark on a rainy evening on my trip, which gave a somewhat muted but interesting view, too. Didn't get a good look at the station that night...even though we were there for a long break, it didn't seem like a good night to stroll around! I was a bit surprised on my trip to see how small the SA Amtrak staton seemed, for such a large city. It's clean and efficient, though. and of course, it really only handles the TX Eagle/Sunset Limited...no regional rail that I know of. I really don't understand why some people knock the scenery on the TX Eagle/Sunset Limited trip...it's definitely different from what one sees on the Zephyr, SW Chief, and Empire Builder, but it has its own charm (I may be biased because I lived in Texas for many years)! A really excellent video as always...and may I say, I like the fact that you don't use a music bed. Some train videos on RUclips use music well, some do not, but in any case, I prefer the ambient sound and your captions. Another observation: I'm impressed with your network of rail fans who provide video of the trains on which you're traveling; that really adds a little something to the whole video. Thanks again, and well done, Sir!
I had the pleasure to ride the Sunset back in the late 1980's. It was longer then, and was not connected to the Texas Eagle. I also had the Luck to be on it when one of the old Santa Fe Hi-Level Lounges was used for the Lounge Car. The Surface Materials had been updated, but it was still in the classic Santa Fe Configuration (before the "Pacific Parlour" butchering) with the Cocktail Tables, and the Hammered Copper Mural behind the downstairs Snack Bar. We were pulled by GE P30CHs, and arrived into New Orleans right before a Hurricane. Ahhh… Memories.
I haven’t had traditional dining in like 10 years I was like 8 years old but the French toast was to die for it was my favorite as a young kid and I miss it
Looking at the scenery which is great, I still noticed vehicles passing the train. It is a shame SlamtraK can't get the railroads to upgrade the track to allow faster speeds. Again it is why Europe is so far ahead of us. Great video again, really enjoyed. This is my third viewing of it and I see new things with each viewing!
"You'll feel like you're in your home recliner, with a better view, of course." Sitting in my home recliner I have a view through double sliding glass doors of the Colorado National Monument...not bragging, just saying. Love your vids...blessings and safe travels!
Impressive video. Really shows the experience along with your background information. You had pleny of sunshine that is always good for a trip to see The West. My last of 5 weekend to weekend trips was in 2013 starting with the first one in 2001 to ride all the routes west of St. Louis I took the Missouri train to Kansas City to make connection with the Southwest Chief yet again. In L.A. once more I already knew from a prior trip the AMTRAK station is right across the parking lot from Angels stadium in Anaheim on the Surfliner. Saw a daytime baseball game prior to heading back and connection with the Sunset Limited later taking it to San Antonio. I did spend one full day in San Antonio to see The Alamo and Riverwalk. Then completed my last long distance AMTRAK trip on the Texas Eagle back to St. Louis. This was my only time on the Sunset Limited and the Texas Eagle south of St. Louis. Thanks for placing on RUclips.
I've taken that trip twice in the last 20 years ( Springfield Mass to Tucson Az) and it was amazin, even in coach seats for 5 days! Just watching this video brought back some really special memories- I can't believe the burrito lady is still out there in El Paso selling food! I can tell you that it's an amazing treat to have authentic Mexican food! I learned to run when you get off the train cuz she sells out fast! Also, when you come in on the Texas Eagle you have enough of a layover to walk around San Antonio, and there's a Dennys and a few convenience stores (and a couple of local bars!) you can walk to! (that's important when you need a pack of smokes and cheap beers for the ride !) These trips were the best $232 I've ever spent in life- Thanks for this!
Very envious. I only managed to get as far as Tucson when I took the Sunset Limited in 2018. Like you, I rode in coach for the first part, going as far as San Antonio before switching to a sleeping car.
Took Amtrak from Chicago to San Antonio in 2005... best experience. Former gf had never taken the train, so we enjoyed the trip. Want to do it again...
Another wonderful video! I love your enthusiasm. During the pandemic I have watched a lot of rail videos, especially of Amtrak, and I must have seen ones of the Sunset Limited but I don’t remember them - I feel like I’m seeing it here for the first time. You managed to capture the variety and vastness of the scenery. And I’m one of those Virtual Rail fans who watches the Tucson site but I missed the day you were on camera. 😥
Enjoyed your video very much. I have taken this train as well. It's fascinating to see America from ground level, far different than flying. I have also taken the train, round trip from Emeryville to Chicago. That is also most enjoyable with scenery which varies and is fascinating. Sad to see so many empty seats.
I’ll be taking this trip from NOLA to El Paso with an overnight in EP,TX Christmas night this year combined with a return trip back to NOLA the following day thus completing my first solo train trip. 58 plus hours of pure fun…possibly I’ll report back sometime late December 2022
Having ridden the entire route from LA to NO several times I can truthfully say this video is the best I've seen. It perfectly captures the experience both inside the train and outside. Speaking of which, how do you get those exterior shots from the moving coach. Don't worry, I'm not going to risk it myself, just curious
In the 90s , I took the Sunset LTD from Los Angeles to El Paso and from New Orleans to El Paso. Great train. Great food. The French Toast is amazing. And from New Orleans, their blackened cat fish. It was so good, I remember them 30 years ago. Glad the dining car is back.
You do such an AWESOME job in your filming on every trip !!! You are right the food looks wonderful and I can't wait to try it again. I'm in Tampa and will have to drive to New Orleans to try the Sunset Limited to LA. Keep up the great work you are doing, your videos take us along for a beautiful trip each time.
One "excellent" item that happens in "Simply Railway' that I have never seen on any other video 'system' of either trains or planes, is the 2nd person-supplied video of the train the video is about, very neat', thanks. JMS
I watched your New York to Miami video and remembered all the complaints you had especially on the food. I'm glad that has been rectified! I'm one who doesn't sleep on moving Vehicles (Bus Jet, etc,,,) so while I enjoy your videos I'm not sure I could do a cross country 1+ day travel on a train! Thanks for showing these as I enjoy them immensley!
Thanks for uploading! I'm new to rail travel and have a lot of train trips coming up soon (including the Sunset Limited), so this helps me kind of get my bearing ahead of time with how the stations and trains work
I really started enjoying train rides when I took a train from Geneva, Switzerland to Sarlat le Canada, France. They had a Spectacle Car featuring an Edith Pilaf sound alike. I loved it!
I rode the sunset from LA to New Orleans. Went over the bridge at night so didn't get to the the view. So happy you shared this so I get to see what I missed. Love your videos. I've been riding trains since I was two and remember when Amtrak started!
I think that when the Southern Pacific was operating the Sunset Limited the trains were #1 and #2. The whole route from Los Angeles to New Orleans was referred to as the Sunset Route.
Absolutely brilliant presentation. The scenery was gorgeous. I've never ridden the Sunset Limited but may have to now. I'm back on the Southwest Chief again this summer. It will be a joy to have regular dinning back.
Great video, have traveled parts of that route myself, great views. I never realized you could go all the way to the back of train, great view from there, you can bet next trip I will venture back there. Thanks.
Hello, I am currently on the eurostar this video was amazing you included a clip from someone else nice! including the sunset was beautiful keep up the good stuff!
i rode the Sunset from New Orleans to Los Angeles in 1964. Then In 1967 I was at Ft Bliss in El Paso. I am disappointed that you showed nothing of the El Paso station. Also, riding in the summer is way different from this December video. The Sunset had a lot more passengers in 1964 than I saw on this train, but by 1967 it was down to one engine and one car. The past is like another country.
Good video. I rode the Sunset Limited West to East back when it went east all the way to Jacksonville, Florida. Great scenery. After Katrina they never rebuilt the route from New Orleans to Florida that was washed out by the hurricane.
In my books when even I take this train if your 40 minutes delayed that’s good in my books. Because I was stuck In El Paso for almost 3 hole hours! Thanks UP!
I love the style of your videos. No annoying music, clear and informative text. Nice!
Train travel is strangely underrated in the U.S. being that it's perfect for viewing the especially vast natural beauty of the land.
I agree... when I visited the US in 2018, I rode on the Pacific Surfliner
That probably has something to do with the price. You could make this trip on a plane for a quarter of the price and maybe 4 hours. You could drive it in half the time for even less money. Train travel has turned into a rich person's hobby. ("Rich" in both money and available time.)
I prefer it stays that way. Have you seen the crazy people on the planes in the last few years? The only thing low riderships means more cuts.
Big business land= gasoline consumption,, 7 Sisters...,see Europe,, Morocco!!!, Asia for comfortable, odern payable train travel.......
@@carriebartkowiak Where did you get a quarter of the price?
The people freaking out when the train started moving in Alpine made my morning 😆
Amtrak does this at other stations and depots that have a small sidewalk/platform, especially for sleeper cars and coaches with handicap accessible accommodations... Wheelchairs do not fare well over the rocky ballast... The Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, and the Texas Eagle/Sunset Limited shunts a sleeper(and coach) as the last car on the consist... It is a shame folks don't listen to the announcements...
@@ronclark9724 Also, the Southwest Chief sometimes makes two stops at La Plata, MO, which is fun to watch on the Virtual Railfan cameras there.
@@ronclark9724 In Maricopa they took on coach and first class passengers by moving the train similarly. Such a small station and a long train.
I'd freak out too. Once in Whitefish MT where I got off the train took off and left a woman on the platform who was continuing on the train. She was a foreigner and did not speak English well. We helped get her a taxi to the next realistic station she could meet the train.
@@craigsmith6446 While the large cities have long platforms, these small depots in rural America don't. Even Europeans have to ask themselves how do handicap people get on and off a train without a large platform?
It's amazing to know that these views of the open countryside are the same views passenger saw when the first cross country rails were introduced. I think accommodations have improved since those early days. Thank you for the wonderful and relaxing journey.
One doesn't realize how large and tough the Continental Divide is for the railroads to cross until you see there are only five major east west main lines presently, and Amtrak uses four of the five. The former Great Northern, Union Pacific, Denver & Rio Grande, Santa Fe, and Southern Pacific. Previously the Northern Pacific and Milwaukee Road had main lines. All of these main lines required a tunnel somewhere along their routes...
@@ronclark9724 And the Miwaukee Road even used to be electrified...
Less than an hour behind for the SL is fantastic! My Dad (RIP) worked on the route (Sleeping Car Porter) in the summer during the late 60's and we were usually 3 hours behind getting to New Orleans and 3-4 hours behind coming back into L.A. I usually take the SL once every two years. I hadn't rode on it since 2018. Now that the dining car experience is back. I will make reservations to ride it out to L.A. for my birthday in April. Then take the Coast Starlight to Seattle. Thanks for the video~~!!
Iive 65 miles north of San Francisco in the center of the Sonoma Vineyards. I had intended on riding a lot in my retirement. However, a health issue arose and I can't anyonger.
However, before that occurred I used to take the AMTRAK vacation package into Yosemite National Park. It is a spectacular trip. Buses and trains for the entire experience I suggest you try that for at least 3 days. Then explore the Bay Area Regional Trains. We have a new one in my neighborhood called SMART. I cannot imagine any other train being so luxurious for basic coach. It passes right through a North Bay Estuary with thousands upon thousands of aquatic fowl right outside your window.
And, I want to thank you for your videos. At least I can stay home and watch what I had so much hoped would occur in my life at this stage.
What an awesome report on an amazing train!!! So glad to hear that the dining car is back...an overnight train without one is insupportable. Wonderful shots from you and the others. That shot coming into Houston was fantastic.
It is so good to have you back, Thibault. Outstanding report on a great train. You are second to none. Thanks. Good on you.
Wow, I never expected you to review the Sunset Limited...I was born and raised in El Paso. You left out one of the best views of the journey: crossing the Rio Grande as the train departs Texas for New Mexico on the twin high bridges (the north bridge was built by the Southern Pacific, and the south bridge was built by the El Paso and Southwestern). Beautiful view there
good info. Everyone has heard of El Paso, that's where Marty Robbins fell in love with a Mexican girl, isn't it?! So many town end up in songs, add Phoenix, Galveston, San Antone(io), Abilene,... could almost make a train trip out of the lot!
Thank you for the review. As someone who takes a long haul train in the U.S. a few times a year I am so glad to see the dining car is back up to speed. As a matter of fact looks better than before covid. again thank you and keep up the great work.
YOU HAVE TO APPRECIAE FOR THE REAL FLOWERS PLACED ON THE DINNING TABLE!! I CAN'T EXPRESS HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE IT!!
Thanks for the video. It's good to see things are starting to get back to normal. My daughter and I have ridden the other half from Illinois. We've ridden it twice to Fort Worth an once all the way to LA. Being on the Texas Eagle, we were in the last car and had that neat view out the back. If I knew I was going to be in the front sleeper, I made sure I had the yellow roll up ear plugs. We had the most extraordinary Red Cap service in LA. Not only did he get us to the first class lounge, but he came back to take us to our train to San Diego. He asked when we were coming back and was waiting for us when we got back to LA.
The beds look extremely comfortable. Traveling such a distance by railway is always so gorgeous to me.
Wonderful trip you've posted here. One could sit in the observation car and just watch the land pass by. Wait I did do this!
I've taken the train from Waterbury, VT to Redlands, CA and years later, Rouses Point, NY (where VT, NY, and Canada meet) to Glacier National park which arrived at 3:55 AM - 19 hours late. To be honest, as you point out, the rails belong to other RXR's and this trip was during the early oil boom in North Dakota back in '09. Thank you for sharing...
You are so fortunate to be able to afford these beautiful trips. I'd love to take a train out to the west coast on a southern route, and another one back to the east coast on a northern route. It would be SO beautiful.
The base rate for this journey is $142USD in coach, and it's much more spacious than on a plane. :) That's a pretty great price for 46hrs travel. :)
Nice shot of the view of the passing train between the cars on your train in Beaumont. What a beautiful view of Houston! Perfect timing!
10:22 reminds me at my cross America trip back in 2015, when we were in Grand Junction with the California Zephyr there were 2 or 3 tracks full of engines that were put to side over there.
Each track must been over a mile long, each! And all UP.
Thanks for the report. Exceptional as always. Pre-Katrina the Sunset Limited ran east to Orlando, FL via Mobile, AL, Pensacola, FL, Tallahassee, FL and Jacksonville, FL along with other stops. Would be nice if Amtrak could bring that back...
It would be nice but don’t think it will ever be coming back since Amtrak suspended service after Katrina. Plus most of the line between Pensacola and Jacksonville isn’t CSX trackage anymore
There are currently efforts being made to extend it to Mobile, AL, but the railroads are fighting it, saying it will disrupt freight rail service to the port of Mobile. The problem is that Mobile would be a terminal and turn-around point which would require a lot of track space. If Amtrak were to extend to say, Pensacola, for example, there would probably not be so much resistance.
Amtrak's original transcontinental "Sunset" ran between Los Angeles and Miami. When the train was cutback to Orlando Amtrak didn't even try to maintain Miami service by rescheduling a "Silver Meteor "connection at Orlando or Jacksonville. When I asked then Amtrak President David Gunn why, he replied the Sunset's timekeeping was to unreliable to establish a smart connection to maintain Miami-LA service. I was pissed because the eastbound "Sunset" to Orlando was scheduled to arrive in Jacksonville less then 30 minutes after the south-bound "Silver Meteor"departed for Orlando and Miami.
@@samtrak1204 Amtrak has a way of just shooting themselves in the foot too often.
@@GLICKMIRE CSX wants the Amtrak run between NOLA/Mobile to terminate at the airport, not downtown Mobile at the new/old terminal and station as well.
Traveling „the beautiful south“ is an absolutely great way to discover the United States. Great people as well and I loved the different ancestry of them. French, German and other heritages.👍😎🇩🇪
Really enjoy the tours through the country with you. You are one of the few that focus on the landscape and provide information on what we are seeing.
Love this review! Thanks 👍 Space is at such a premium on all modes of transport so to have such space and views is truly unique. Always why I think trains are the best 😊
The different change of views and the food service looked better than what you get on an airplane! Also impressive if you think of those who worked to connect such a railway to some of these destinations
exactly if you got the time the best way to travel
@@EdithmedjdoubFlying maybe cheaper and quicker, but for every night you ride on a train is one less night at a expensive hotel... Plus you get to see America at leisure, not flying over it...
@@ronclark9724 ah yes forgot its one night less hotel
I really enjoyed no talking and just taking in the sights and reading the captions. Thanks much.
I loved that shot of the train pulling into Houston with the night skyline in the background!
Amazing trip report video! I was in no hurry to finish watching this! You had so much to say, great dining, sleeping car accommodations, views etc! That was something how when the train had to stop twice at Alpine as passengers didn’t know what was going on and thought the train was leaving without them which wasn’t true, lol! I am happy to see the traditional dining car menu they had before Covid return! I believe it’s only for sleeping car passengers right now(correct me if I’m wrong), but the fact that they at least brought back the stuff that was on the old menu is a great sign and I think that would be worth me taking a sleeper! They even started having some appetizers on the menu which I don’t remember them doing in the past, and one more additional dessert item! They kept the chocolate cake and cheesecake, but also added a carrot cake which is a plus and I’m pretty happy about this!
You make the best RUclips Amtrak videos.Whenever I miss traveling by Amtrak I have these RUclips Amtrak videos to watch to make me smile and thank you and God bless you.
I have never had a train journey in the US, you have inspired me to give it a go, thank you
You do more to promote train travel - and Amtrak - than Amtrak does . They should be giving you free travel for all you do for them.
Also like your European trips, but I don't think I'll ever be going back to Europe at this point in my life. Everything you do does allow me to remember my past experiences. Thank you.
why wouldn't you go, if I may ask?
@@samizdat_ Back to Europe? My age, plus I've had cancer, and am dealing with other health problems. Long flights sitting are considered bad for me now. Trains are OK because I can get up frequently and walk around.
@@chrish7694 Interesting! I bet you have a lot of interesting stories to share
Did travel on the Sunset Ltd in 1996, my first trip to the USA from Namibia, but in the other direction LA to NO, the train was longer as it had many more sleeping cars, the dining experience was excellent, interesting all the people you met at the table and in the lounge... and the delay due to storms was only 12 hours.....quite an experience
Great show! I like how you can see the French influence in Louisiana and the Spanish influence out west.
I took the Sunset Limited from New Orleans to LA after taking the Crescent to New Orleans from NYC, it was a fantastic journey, I was in a roomette both times. I was 9 hours late into LA due to an unfortunate incident but it didn't put that much of a damper on my trip, I still had the best time. It's the only long distance trip I've done on Amtrak so far but I definitely want to do many more including this route again. Keep up the great work with your videos, they're such a travel inspiration for me.
Very good video. Riding coach to HOS was a smart move. I will look into that option next time I travel on Amtrak. Thanks!
I absolutely loved the Sunset Ltd. It will be even better when it is fully restored to its original starting point, Jacksonville Florida on the east coast. Everyone is waiting to get on board when this update takes place. I took a trip down to New Orleans on the Crescent out of Baltimore, and spent some time running around beautiful New Orleans before heading west to Los Angeles. If you can afford it, Spring for a roomette or room. You’ll rest better. However you travel, this a great train to take. Don’t expect to be on time, just enjoy the journey.
I've done this route several times and it's my favorite out of all the Amtrak routes. Your videos are far superior and truthful. I love that you use subtitles. It allows the viewer to immerse themselves in the journey.
Thank you ❤❤❤❤
Just finished watching this great video again! I will be travelling on it in July of 3 months! I can't wait !!! :):):)
I took this one from LA to Jacksonville when I was a little kid. It’s felt crazy long and it was! Great video and great camerawork Thibault. The dining and views make the experience worth it.
Great trip report for the Sunset Limited!! I was in the travel industry and saved our corporate travelers money by booking and ticketing connecting flights.
Thank you Thibault for a perfect report.😀😀♥️♥️
Great job on this video!! I rode this route with my parents in the 50's when Southern Pacific owned it. I took this route again in '84 from L.A. to Birmingham, AL when Amtrak had a transcontinental heritage through sleeper car which continued on to New York from New Orleans on the Crescent. It eliminated having to detrain in New Orleans & wait on the Crescent to leave the following morning. This single level sleeper car was placed at the front of the consist behind the baggage car & in front of the repurposed step down crew dormitory coach car (formerly used on ATSF's El Capitan trains) to access the 2nd level of the Superliner I cars. It was sad to see these older cars & convenient feature go.
Thoroughly enjoyed this video trip on the Sunset Limited!❤️
Awesome! So happy to see full dining again on the train! Many years ago I rode the Zephyr from Sacramento to Reno and had a great dinner on board. This makes the ride special. I’m going to check now to see if full dining is back on the East bound Zephyr. Thanks again!
Quel formidable voyage par lequel on mesure bien l'immensité des USA. Bravo pour cette magnifique séquence.👍🙏
I love the melancholy sound of American train horns. The sound would actually help me to sleep. Much better than the beep-beep of trains in the UK.
I wouldn't wanna do it over multiple nights, but nobody does coach better than Amtrak does coach!
Very good video; gives me the urge to travel by train again. And Amtrak has brought back the full diner, good on them.
We in Europe are accustomed to high speed train and truth is to be said :the scenery at 300 kph does not offer the charm and interest that you get with a slow train! Thanks for sharing such beautiful images.
It would literally take a 300 kph no stops nearly 11 hours to complete this journey.
Flying is far more efficient, faster, and cheaper.
I get to see this train often, as it runs right through my town. It's a very nice train. And yes, Tabasco sauce is made in New Iberia, about a 15-30 minute drive from New Iberia out on Avery Island.
Another great informative and fun video, thanks for posting, Sir! I have to agree, NOLA's Amtrak station doesn't have the splendid near-grandeur of some other stations (Chicago is still my favorite so far), but it does have a certain comfortably informal, homey feel to it. Extremely happy to see they've brought back the traditional dining, can't wait to take another trip just for that! Definitely, the long Long Bridge is pretty impressive...ironically, I got to see a similar view coming from the opposite direction because the eastbound Sunset Limited was delayed several hours and we got into NOLA in the morning instead of the night before. That meant I didn't get to see a lot of the bayou country west of NOLA because it was predawn, so your video is showing me what I and fellow passengers missed. Great twilight view of the Houston skyline! We rolled in from the west after dark on a rainy evening on my trip, which gave a somewhat muted but interesting view, too. Didn't get a good look at the station that night...even though we were there for a long break, it didn't seem like a good night to stroll around! I was a bit surprised on my trip to see how small the SA Amtrak staton seemed, for such a large city. It's clean and efficient, though. and of course, it really only handles the TX Eagle/Sunset Limited...no regional rail that I know of. I really don't understand why some people knock the scenery on the TX Eagle/Sunset Limited trip...it's definitely different from what one sees on the Zephyr, SW Chief, and Empire Builder, but it has its own charm (I may be biased because I lived in Texas for many years)! A really excellent video as always...and may I say, I like the fact that you don't use a music bed. Some train videos on RUclips use music well, some do not, but in any case, I prefer the ambient sound and your captions. Another observation: I'm impressed with your network of rail fans who provide video of the trains on which you're traveling; that really adds a little something to the whole video. Thanks again, and well done, Sir!
I had the pleasure to ride the Sunset back in the late 1980's. It was longer then, and was not connected to the Texas Eagle. I also had the Luck to be on it when one of the old Santa Fe Hi-Level Lounges was used for the Lounge Car. The Surface Materials had been updated, but it was still in the classic Santa Fe Configuration (before the "Pacific Parlour" butchering) with the Cocktail Tables, and the Hammered Copper Mural behind the downstairs Snack Bar. We were pulled by GE P30CHs, and arrived into New Orleans right before a Hurricane.
Ahhh… Memories.
I always look forward to Friday. I never know where I get to "travel" and it's always a great trip. Thank You!!
I haven’t had traditional dining in like 10 years I was like 8 years old but the French toast was to die for it was my favorite as a young kid and I miss it
25:55 - 26:20 I feel so proud to see my beautiful Juarez🇲🇽 by the american side. Greetings from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico🇲🇽✌
Merci Thibaut pour cette super vidéo très passionnante et parfaitement présentée.
Making the trip in August from Los Angeles to New Orleans...thanks for the insight on what to expect.
Looking at the scenery which is great, I still noticed vehicles passing the train. It is a shame SlamtraK can't get the railroads to upgrade the track to allow faster speeds. Again it is why Europe is so far ahead of us. Great video again, really enjoyed. This is my third viewing of it and I see new things with each viewing!
When it comes to leisure travel on trains, speed is not the greatest concern but it's the experience.
That's awesome, I wish I have time to take a long trip like this. But for now, the travel videos like this scratches the itch.
"You'll feel like you're in your home recliner, with a better view, of course."
Sitting in my home recliner I have a view through double sliding glass doors of the Colorado National Monument...not bragging, just saying.
Love your vids...blessings and safe travels!
Wow, beautiful scenery and landscapes, and the Houston skyline looked amazing. This is the one train journey I would love to do in the US.
Impressive video. Really shows the experience along with your background information. You had pleny of sunshine that is always good for a trip to see The West. My last of 5 weekend to weekend trips was in 2013 starting with the first one in 2001 to ride all the routes west of St. Louis I took the Missouri train to Kansas City to make connection with the Southwest Chief yet again. In L.A. once more I already knew from a prior trip the AMTRAK station is right across the parking lot from Angels stadium in Anaheim on the Surfliner. Saw a daytime baseball game prior to heading back and connection with the Sunset Limited later taking it to San Antonio. I did spend one full day in San Antonio to see The Alamo and Riverwalk. Then completed my last long distance AMTRAK trip on the Texas Eagle back to St. Louis. This was my only time on the Sunset Limited and the Texas Eagle south of St. Louis. Thanks for placing on RUclips.
Bonne année. Je fais le vœux, très égoïstement, que vous nous fassiez plein de belles vidéos, comme celle-ci, pour 2022.
4:13 nice you caught the p42 the was involved in the point defiance bypass wreck
The quality of this video is outstanding.
Oooooh yes I’ve been waiting for this one! Great video Thibault :)
I liked the way you presents your videos, simple and quiet.
I've taken that trip twice in the last 20 years ( Springfield Mass to Tucson Az) and it was amazin, even in coach seats for 5 days! Just watching this video brought back some really special memories- I can't believe the burrito lady is still out there in El Paso selling food! I can tell you that it's an amazing treat to have authentic Mexican food! I learned to run when you get off the train cuz she sells out fast! Also, when you come in on the Texas Eagle you have enough of a layover to walk around San Antonio, and there's a Dennys and a few convenience stores (and a couple of local bars!) you can walk to! (that's important when you need a pack of smokes and cheap beers for the ride !) These trips were the best $232 I've ever spent in life- Thanks for this!
Very envious. I only managed to get as far as Tucson when I took the Sunset Limited in 2018. Like you, I rode in coach for the first part, going as far as San Antonio before switching to a sleeping car.
I can’t wait, taking this trip in August, to Chicago 😊
The lounge area is just outstanding 🙏🏽
Took Amtrak from Chicago to San Antonio in 2005... best experience. Former gf had never taken the train, so we enjoyed the trip. Want to do it again...
With your new gf????😄😄😄
Thanks for the ride, I'm glad to see the Dinning Car back in use, the food looked great, and thanks for the tip on tips.
Love your videos. Years ago use to take Amtrak from Battle Creek Michigan to Toronto Canada. Cross over into Canada from Port Huron. 😎
Thank you for filming this! It was such an amazing video!
Another wonderful video! I love your enthusiasm.
During the pandemic I have watched a lot of rail videos, especially of Amtrak, and I must have seen ones of the Sunset Limited but I don’t remember them - I feel like I’m seeing it here for the first time. You managed to capture the variety and vastness of the scenery.
And I’m one of those Virtual Rail fans who watches the Tucson site but I missed the day you were on camera. 😥
Enjoyed your video very much. I have taken this train as well. It's fascinating to see America from ground level, far different than flying. I have also taken the train, round trip from Emeryville to Chicago. That is also most enjoyable with scenery which varies and is fascinating. Sad to see so many empty seats.
I’ll be taking this trip from NOLA to El Paso with an overnight in EP,TX Christmas night this year combined with a return trip back to NOLA the following day thus completing my first solo train trip. 58 plus hours of pure fun…possibly I’ll report back sometime late December 2022
I remember back when I used to live in Florida, seeing this run thru Orlando back and forth to Miami.
Nice video.my grandfather was an engineer for the katy railroad back in the 20s until he retired in the 60s.he was french.he was born in Paris france.
I made that trip in 1996 nothing change beautiful trip good memories
Having ridden the entire route from LA to NO several times I can truthfully say this video is the best I've seen. It perfectly captures the experience both inside the train and outside. Speaking of which, how do you get those exterior shots from the moving coach. Don't worry, I'm not going to risk it myself, just curious
That spotter in Houston did a great job!
In the 90s , I took the Sunset LTD from Los Angeles to El Paso and from New Orleans to El Paso. Great train. Great food. The French Toast is amazing. And from New Orleans, their blackened cat fish. It was so good, I remember them 30 years ago. Glad the dining car is back.
You do such an AWESOME job in your filming on every trip !!! You are right the food looks wonderful and I can't wait to try it again. I'm in Tampa and will have to drive to New Orleans to try the Sunset Limited to LA. Keep up the great work you are doing, your videos take us along for a beautiful trip each time.
Nice ride all the way through! Been thinking about catching a train for a different type of date than I’m used to doing. You might’ve just sold me!
One "excellent" item that happens in "Simply Railway' that I have never seen on any other video 'system' of either trains or planes, is the 2nd person-supplied video of the train the video is about, very neat', thanks. JMS
In Poland unboarding at crossing was at Gierłoż- Wilczy Szaniec, that was no platform, and in some narrow guage railways its normal.
I took this trip in 2015 as part of a Washington-New Orleans-Los Angeles-Seattle marathon. Every leg was great.
I watched your New York to Miami video and remembered all the complaints you had especially on the food. I'm glad that has been rectified! I'm one who doesn't sleep on moving Vehicles (Bus Jet, etc,,,) so while I enjoy your videos I'm not sure I could do a cross country 1+ day travel on a train! Thanks for showing these as I enjoy them immensley!
Omg I love your channel and I’ve been following for a while. I’m so glad you did the sunset limited and took a stop in my hometown on Beaumont Tx!!
Thanks for uploading! I'm new to rail travel and have a lot of train trips coming up soon (including the Sunset Limited), so this helps me kind of get my bearing ahead of time with how the stations and trains work
I’ve taken this train route and it’s spectacular.
I really started enjoying train rides when I took a train from Geneva, Switzerland to Sarlat le Canada, France. They had a Spectacle Car featuring an Edith Pilaf sound alike. I loved it!
I rode the sunset from LA to New Orleans. Went over the bridge at night so didn't get to the the view. So happy you shared this so I get to see what I missed. Love your videos. I've been riding trains since I was two and remember when Amtrak started!
I think that when the Southern Pacific was operating the Sunset Limited the trains were #1 and #2. The whole route from Los Angeles to New Orleans was referred to as the Sunset Route.
Absolutely brilliant presentation. The scenery was gorgeous. I've never ridden the Sunset Limited but may have to now. I'm back on the Southwest Chief again this summer. It will be a joy to have regular dinning back.
You have a spiritual bondage with the rails, my friend!
Great video, have traveled parts of that route myself, great views. I never realized you could go all the way to the back of train, great view from there, you can bet next trip I will venture back there. Thanks.
Hello, I am currently on the eurostar this video was amazing you included a clip from someone else nice! including the sunset was beautiful keep up the good stuff!
i rode the Sunset from New Orleans to Los Angeles in 1964. Then In 1967 I was at Ft Bliss in El Paso. I am disappointed that you showed nothing of the El Paso station. Also, riding in the summer is way different from this December video. The Sunset had a lot more passengers in 1964 than I saw on this train, but by 1967 it was down to one engine and one car. The past is like another country.
Another excellent video 👌; two great sunsets aswell 🌅. Thanks for sharing your trip. Looking forward to more in 2022 👍
Good video. I rode the Sunset Limited West to East back when it went east all the way to Jacksonville, Florida. Great scenery. After Katrina they never rebuilt the route from New Orleans to Florida that was washed out by the hurricane.
In my books when even I take this train if your 40 minutes delayed that’s good in my books. Because I was stuck In El Paso for almost 3 hole hours! Thanks UP!