Amtrak EMPIRE BUILDER Sleeper Train (Seattle to Chicago)

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 8 июн 2024
  • Watch this video in order to experience the Amtrak Empire Builder train as it crosses some of the most dramatic land in the United States, passing through Washington State, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois
    Thanks to a delay, we saw more than most passengers would expect, including some of the most stunning scenery we’ve ever encountered in Northern Idaho.
    The entire Amtrak Empire Builder route is scheduled to take 46 hours, but our trip ended up taking a lot longer. We were supposed to leave Seattle at 4:55 in the afternoon, but didn’t get going until nearly 8:00 at night.
    The Amtrak Empire Builder is certainly one of Amtrak’s most iconic routes, passing through the very heart of Glacier National Park. My first experience onboard an Amtrak overnight sleeper train was this route, but Westbound back in 2020. It felt incredible to be back onboard!
    In this video, you’ll see the unmatched scenery and spectacular sights along the route, get a tour of Amtrak’s Bedroom, learn the history of this route, and we’ll even answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get asked about Amtrak Train Travel.
    We’ll also showcase Amtrak’s Traditional Dining, which has (finally) returned to their long-haul western routes like the Empire Builder!
    The Amtrak Empire Builder route traces its heritage back to 1929 when it was the flagship route of the vaunted “Great Northern Railway.” In the early part of the 20th century, railroad companies were the airlines of their time. Perhaps none were as storied as the Great Northern Railway.
    The Amtrak Empire Builder is the latest incarnation of a route The Great Northern Railway operated. This is the northernmost transcontinental railway in the country and was also the only privately funded transcontinental railroad in the nation’s history. Unlike every other one, it was built without any federal funding.
    Today, Amtrak is the only passenger operator the Empire Builder route and, as with nearly all of Amtrak’s operations, we competed with freight traffic, which always takes priority because the freight lines own the track on this route. Amtrak is just borrowing it for the Empire Builder, which means delays are very possible. But, it turns out, our delay was the best thing that could have happened on this journey…
    Watch this video to see one of the most luxurious experiences available on the rails in the United States: Amtrak’s Empire Builder in an Amtrak Bedroom!
    0:00 Introduction
    2:04 Boarding the Amtrak Empire Builder
    3:28 Wake Up Day Two
    7:14 Getting Ready on Amtrak
    11:44 Amtrak Bedroom Tour
    16:28 Amtrak Dinner
    19:37 Amtrak FAQ's
    28:44 Bloopers
    Check out Miles in Transit here:
    / @milesintransit
    And here’s a link to Simply Railway:
    / @simplyrailway
    For more trip reports, please subscribe to my channel!
    www.JebBrooksFlies.com
    Here are my other Train Videos:
    Jeb.Flights/Trains
    Check me out on Instagram:
    / jebbrooksflies
    Check me out on Twitter, too:
    / jebbrooks
    And don't forget to take a look at my travel blog:
    greenergrass.com/
    MUSIC:
    I Will Be Gone (Instrumental Version) - Vicki Vox
    First Glimpse of You - Victor Lundberg
    A Sweet Dream - Victor Lundberg
    A Dance in the Sun - Erik Fernholm
    The Sun Will Shine (Instrumental Version) - The Eastern Plain
    Free Mind - Wildflowers
    Summer Love (Instrumental Version) - Kylie Dailey
    Calming Rain - Candelion
    Swaying - Candelion
    I Wish (Instrumental Version) - Mindme
    If I Wrote You a Song (Instrumental Version) - Melanie Bell
    Songs for a Mockingbird (Instrumental Version) - Gabriel Kelley
    This Poor Love Song (Instrumental Version) - Sture Zetterberg
    On and On (Instrumental Version) - Lars Eriksson

Комментарии • 1,3 тыс.

  • @MilesinTransit
    @MilesinTransit Год назад +304

    Whoa, thank you so much for the shoutout, I really appreciate it!!!! It's fitting that I'm typing this from on board the Amtrak Palmetto 😂

    • @GreenerGrass
      @GreenerGrass  Год назад +61

      You bet! Loving your channel! Have a great trip!!

    • @djohn118
      @djohn118 Год назад +43

      Please do a trip together. Chaos meets control. One way go the Miles path, come back the Jeb way.

    • @nyc90
      @nyc90 Год назад +18

      @@djohn118 I would literally pay to watch this

    • @NJTrain
      @NJTrain Год назад +8

      My favorite guys to watch ride the trains!

    • @eddog6666
      @eddog6666 Год назад +3

      When I went on a road trip with my dad to glacier National park we were a little surprised to see the Amtrak right above the entrance to the park.

  • @netjetman360
    @netjetman360 Год назад +349

    My grandpa is buried just north of Sand Point, so it was nice you guys mentioned it and showed just a tiny clip of it. I miss him

    • @RnW9384
      @RnW9384 Год назад +8

      💟

    • @Interesting_Banana
      @Interesting_Banana Год назад +13

      @@Cheesemo Yikes that was insensitive, unnecessary, and unfunny.

    • @Cheesemo
      @Cheesemo Год назад

      @Interesting_Banana ur lame as heck it's true. Bird breath

    • @greenvillegodzilla
      @greenvillegodzilla Год назад

      @@Cheesemowym he didnt say how he passes

    • @buttfucker911
      @buttfucker911 Год назад

      ​@@Cheesemo have you ever been with an older guy?

  • @csbrooks
    @csbrooks Год назад +128

    Jeb's humble and positive attitude is why I keep coming back, and Suzanne is also a top notch travel buddy. All the best, cheers guys.

  • @Navyuncle
    @Navyuncle 3 дня назад +1

    My granddaughter was two or three at the time, she really loved her Amtrak ride. She loved the fact that she wasn't confined to a car seat. She was able to walk from parent to grandparents while the train was moving. We did a short 100 mile day trip from Alton, IL to Springfield, IL .I was impressed how quickly we got to our destination. Our tiny granddaughter slept all the way home.

  • @cherishb6227
    @cherishb6227 Год назад +29

    My father worked for Amtrak. I used to travel from Spokane to Chicago on the Empire Builder every summer. Great memories!

    • @tayh3168
      @tayh3168 Месяц назад

      Can I bring my foldable electric scooter onto the train from Seattle ? Its 67 lbs but I also have one that is 44 lbs.

  • @KwakuAddoDanquah
    @KwakuAddoDanquah Год назад +16

    One day, I would love to travel across the United States on an Amtrak... You make me fall in love with trains every time I watch.

  • @susanclubb7175
    @susanclubb7175 День назад +1

    Just ending a wonderful Empire Builder trip from Seattle to Chicago. I was all set for everything that happened because I watched your video several times. My husband kept saying, “How do you know that?!”😊
    We left 3-4 hours late so I told him that it was OK because we would see Idaho in daylight.
    I knew there wasn’t food at the station in Seattle … and I knew it was going to gorgeous.
    I told him what to order on the train.
    We brought a power strip and duct tape
    I pointed things out along the way.
    He thinks I have super powers
    Thanks so much!
    Best wishes to you and Suzanne - hope you have as happy a life as we’ve had.

    • @GreenerGrass
      @GreenerGrass  День назад +1

      Suzanne and I are so stoked to know you found our tips useful. Also, secret’s safe with us. We won’t tell him where you learned your secrets!

  • @alanjay35
    @alanjay35 Год назад +27

    As a huge fan and also an Amtrak Employee aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Thank you for this awesome video of the train I work on!!!! Hope you had a wonderful experience!!!!!

  • @lindawheeler3242
    @lindawheeler3242 Год назад +40

    I am a mobility impaired senior citizen and traveled the City of New Orleans by myself in an accessible room. No problems. Staff was attentive and very helpful.....if you want to take a trip, do it.....very well worth it.....

    • @robpittstop1797
      @robpittstop1797 Год назад +3

      Yes I agree, my ex took a trip to I think ark. to see her ex. a month later she came back to cleveland. (Shes gone now - in Iowa since 2011) She was on wheelchair.

    • @Bigfoot-px9gj
      @Bigfoot-px9gj 2 месяца назад +1

      Did you leave the traditional KFC bucket of Chicken Bones in the aisle? I sure did. :)

    • @chrisdobrowolski2783
      @chrisdobrowolski2783 2 месяца назад

      Sorry for your loss!!

  • @stephenartner
    @stephenartner Год назад +166

    I can't BELIEVE Amtrak schedules trains to pass through that incredible Idaho scenery at night!

    • @davidm4689
      @davidm4689 Год назад +14

      Absolutely agree. Some really stupid people failing the tourists on train.

    • @David-dx5wz
      @David-dx5wz Год назад +35

      They only have 12-16 hours of daylight to work with and 40+ hours of riding to do. There has to be almost half of the ride at night lol.

    • @thetrainhopper8992
      @thetrainhopper8992 Год назад +9

      The Great Northern ran a secondary train called The Western Star through their during the day all the way to Chicago. Most routes had 2-7 runs per day at one point. Amtrak axed a bunch of them when they were created, including the Western Star.

    • @marcykaren
      @marcykaren Год назад +6

      @@David-dx5wz This happens when you only have one train per day.

    • @briguy070
      @briguy070 Год назад +6

      the train to Cincinnati arrives at 3:30 am, it's the only train that comes there. no trains leave during the day. Expand Amtrak!

  • @1firstchef
    @1firstchef 11 месяцев назад +10

    My wife and I took the same trip many years ago. We had a blast. One lesson I learned was pack light, less is more.

  • @daniellemarie1299
    @daniellemarie1299 11 месяцев назад +17

    I've taken the Amtrak from NY to FL and back again many times, and love it. I always have a sleeper unit. It helps to think of it as a "glamping" experience. Bring food, a small blanket, a book,, maybe a tablet or some device, and be flexible-minded about your schedule.

    • @rexremedy1733
      @rexremedy1733 6 месяцев назад +1

      Also water, boots, jacket, tent, cooking stove, food, disinfectant, water filtration, and anything else required for a heavy duty exploratory assignment. :-)

  • @Shadowlegend25
    @Shadowlegend25 Год назад +100

    I really enjoy how you both travel together and show what it means to find joy in the smallest moments. I am looking forward to making this trip with my wife one day!

    • @williamhunt2647
      @williamhunt2647 Год назад +9

      Yikes. He already has LOADS of money. Ask for a refund!

    • @tryphineshumba1181
      @tryphineshumba1181 Год назад +8

      I know right....I love this channel, and I too look forward to doing this with my husband one day.

    • @GreenerGrass
      @GreenerGrass  Год назад +28

      Wow! Thank you so much Kevin!!

    • @DMAJOR2K
      @DMAJOR2K Год назад +2

      I live in Greensboro 🎉

    • @LuisUrbieta
      @LuisUrbieta Год назад +2

      ​@@GreenerGrass What if Amtrak had a 100% perfect schedule?

  • @fantuabadir8151
    @fantuabadir8151 7 месяцев назад +6

    I am sure the life lesson you mentioned is that you should always look for silver linings in every situation.
    Wow! That was some incredible landscape. Thank you for sharing it with us.
    Peace to all

  • @sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401
    @sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401 Год назад +10

    I grew up on trains...any situation is acceptable. It is really a mindset. As an adult, I gave up flying, except for emergencies, and settled back to always give myself time and enjoy the journey, meeting new people from all over the world, and getting work done as our great country rolls by in all it differences and greatness. No other way to achieve this !

  • @salmanalibhai9148
    @salmanalibhai9148 Год назад +6

    Hey man, love the videos and you are very lucky that you have a wife who can support you when u do the videos, it's just amazing to see that. Love from Canada

  • @catylynch7909
    @catylynch7909 Год назад +10

    Good call ... taking some wine on board! I love to sit in my roomette, and sip wine. They do the driving, and I relax and enjoy seeing the country go by.

    • @codytylek7836
      @codytylek7836 Месяц назад

      I take the Northeaster all the time. You can bring your own booze on board even in coach.

  • @mcain2911
    @mcain2911 Год назад +12

    I love how you can take multiple inconveniences that would piss anyone else off and make the best of it.

    • @firstlast1282
      @firstlast1282 Год назад +5

      Yup, they turn the not so positive, into positive. They really just enjoy the trip as a whole. Great content and great people.

    • @ronclark9724
      @ronclark9724 Год назад +1

      Frankly when you consider how old the Superliner cars are, nearly 50 years, Amtrak has done a good job just keeping them running. It isn't easy keeping equipment 50 years old running. Not a refrigerator, HVAC, or the hot water tank... Railroads are linear, not point to point like airlines, so every mechanical issue of any train on that route will cause delays on the entire route. Those freight train cars may be even older than Amtrak Superlliner or Viewliner cars. European trains outside of Russia have considerably shorter routes of a 300 hundred miles, 450 kilometers at most, whereas Amtrak and Via have transcontinental routes from coast to coast of around 4 thousand miles, 6 thousand kilometers... When your route is ten times longer, well, there are more chances of things going wrong, ten times more...

    • @sturmovik1274
      @sturmovik1274 Год назад +5

      You don't take Amtrak to get there, you take Amtrak for the experience of getting there. I remember one trip I took years ago, Denver to Iowa on the California Zephyr. They'd had a fire in the dining car kitchen somewhere in Nevada that had contaminated all their pre-loaded ingredients and destroyed their freezers. So, they called ahead to every place the train stopped and, at every station, there was a truck from the local supermarket to load whatever they had been able to throw on the truck at short notice. Sure, the chefs had to improvise, but they adapted and kept everyone fed.

  • @suelandis4511
    @suelandis4511 9 месяцев назад +6

    I loved this route. I did it from Portland in 2021. I didn’t want to fly during the pandemic and I was going to meet my new granddaughter and a bedroom was the perfect way to minimize contact. I ate in my room and only left my room to stretch my legs during longer stops.

  • @csunil9963
    @csunil9963 Год назад +32

    That delayed departure actually turned out to be a "Blessing in Diguise" for you guys as you got to witness some awesome scenery (to say the least.) in Idaho and elsewhere ...

  • @nuckyduk15
    @nuckyduk15 Год назад +12

    I used to ride the Empire Builder from Wisconsin Dells to St. Paul monthly when I went to school in Minneapolis. The views of SW Wisconsin and the Mississippi River throughout Minnesota are pretty remarkable.

  • @maxandmyamom
    @maxandmyamom Год назад +16

    As a former Minnesotan, I enjoyed those views!

    • @robrmartin9369
      @robrmartin9369 Год назад +1

      Hi Cat, I'm North St. Paul....living in Washington State now. Moving home next year!

  • @JuanJimenez-od1ho
    @JuanJimenez-od1ho Год назад +5

    Montana in the winter is not matched in it’s beauty. Did Yellowstone tour two February ago, and it was a life changing event. The beauty is only magnified by the amazing snow cover.

  • @bryanmathison1754
    @bryanmathison1754 4 месяца назад +4

    My grandfather was a conductor on the Burlington Northern based in LaCrosse WI. Your LaCrosse & Wisconsin Dells shots brought back good memories. 💚

  • @okeesmokee6658
    @okeesmokee6658 Год назад +53

    Born and raised in Idaho. Sandpoint is a very nice town/area. Couer D' Alene is spectacular - northern Idaho has some fantastic scenery. Thanks for taking us along.

    • @braun3659
      @braun3659 Год назад +4

      Sandpoint and CDA are beautiful. Great places to explore

    • @wingflex5367
      @wingflex5367 Год назад +2

      I was born and raised in Boise/Nampa :)

    • @Hoovie9596
      @Hoovie9596 Год назад +4

      We go every summer from Calgary. 5 hour drive

    • @DaveChamberlain-DTSinIdaho
      @DaveChamberlain-DTSinIdaho 8 месяцев назад +1

      Shush!!!

    • @okeesmokee6658
      @okeesmokee6658 8 месяцев назад

      @@DaveChamberlain-DTSinIdaho Yeah - good point 😁.

  • @eddalexander9005
    @eddalexander9005 Год назад +5

    My first train trip included the Great Northern Empire Builder from Williston, ND, to St. Paul. This was in 1966 and the train was completely full. I was traveling in "steerage" and had to sit on a stool in the restroom for part of the trip. Still, it was an exciting adventure!

  • @teazerfemi
    @teazerfemi Год назад +3

    From the comfort of my room here in Nigeria, I sincerely enjoy your voyages I often daydream of being tagged along with you fantastic couple, America is such a great country with lovely scenery

  • @danielmoose1273
    @danielmoose1273 Год назад +9

    "She didn't say 'Uno'" LOL(!!) 🙂 ... As always, Thank You Both for the informative and entertaining videos. Traveling always presents unexpected setbacks, and your thoughtful videos with thorough evaluations prevent countless unsavory surprises for vacationers. Very Well Done(!!) 🙂 ...

  • @matthines4748
    @matthines4748 11 месяцев назад +3

    I’ve been on The Empire Builder about ten times. It’s why I love trains.

  • @MatthewSmith-cv7op
    @MatthewSmith-cv7op 10 месяцев назад +4

    Seeing this video inspired me to take the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle in September!!!

  • @theathjr
    @theathjr Год назад +1

    Love your channel. Who’d have thought Amtrak would have a great steak. It looked amazing

  • @raykrv6a
    @raykrv6a Год назад +2

    Interesting video. My grandfather on my dad's side was an engineer for Great Northern. I grew up in St. Paul where my dad's family lives and worked downtown St. Paul for years. Used to walk a couple of blocks down to the river during lunch when the weather was nice and watch the trains and barges on the river. Funny you mentioned Cutbank. I met a guy in school and he was from outside of Cutbank where his family had a 17,000 acre farm. Blew my mind. He only came to the university during the winter as he was busy on the farm the rest of the time.

  • @carolyncornelius1492
    @carolyncornelius1492 Год назад +23

    Suzanne And Jeb Brooks, I absolutely always look forward to your truly exciting and humorous travel videos. .. You both always make me smile and I do enjoy the wonderful descriptions of the lovely scenery as the train rolls on!! . ... I shall always enjoy travelling on Amtrak no matter how late it always is (fact)!! .. Thank you again for this lovely journey across our amazing country!! .. God Bless You, CC 🥰

  • @sweetpea8091
    @sweetpea8091 Год назад +11

    The Amtrak trip was both beautiful, and very interesting. Thank you Jeb and Suzanne.

  • @user-ch1ld9ou2d
    @user-ch1ld9ou2d 3 месяца назад +1

    Please God look down upon this Empire Builder track and bless all of their adventures. This Amtrak line has been the key to my survival more than once. Each and every time they were always loving and supportive. I do miss them, and hopefully one day I will be able to ride again. Thank you Jeb, you and your wife are dictating/conveying far more dreams than you know. One day very soon I hope to cross paths with you all and tell you how much you truly have helped me during this down time. To Infinity and Beyond!!! I also must add that the lack of services at the King Street Station adds to the calmness and peacefulness that we all used to have whilst travelling. Suzanne, you are riding for me, and I thank you so much. I pray that all of your adventures are fondly looked down upon from above. We all love you, and we are are grateful for your work.

  • @rickibelden986
    @rickibelden986 Год назад +2

    As a child I took the amtrak train from spokane to Seattle, Seattle to Portland and Portland back to spokane.
    It was unforgettable for sure and has left me with a want to travel by train again.
    The trip from spokane to Chicago would be awesome for sure.
    Maybe someday I will get the chance to travel by train again. ❤

  • @wesleyhunter2834
    @wesleyhunter2834 Год назад +5

    I took this same trip over 20 years ago during the winter months, and it was magical outside. Going through Glacier National Park was like being in a snow globe. Enjoy.

  • @nickpapagiorgio5056
    @nickpapagiorgio5056 Год назад +57

    Delays usually stink but sometimes they also remind us it’s time to slow down and enjoy are surroundings and this video seemed to be perfect example of that notion. Thank you so much for sharing Jeb the views were absolutely majestic! I also have to add that those new Siemens locomotives are gorgeous!

    • @lyndastarwriter8507
      @lyndastarwriter8507 Год назад +2

      Yes...whether you're on your bicycle, in a taxi, a bus, an aircraft, a train, a car, delays happen - and most of the delays aren't related to something disastrous. A true blessing to have so many modes of transportation - if one or all doesn't work, most people and service providers are resourceful.

    • @justmeandthethree
      @justmeandthethree Год назад

      What if you really wanted to use the bathroom in a certain city and the train was late? You'd have to hold it maybe a long time, and that is not very romantic.

    • @badguy5554
      @badguy5554 11 месяцев назад +1

      I've NEVER complained about a schedule slip...especially when I'm on board. Rail trips are like land cruises. The longer the better!

  • @jimbernard71
    @jimbernard71 4 месяца назад +2

    Hello from Hendo NC- Love your content!!! Will be taking 1st Amtrak trip in over 20 years again. Your an inspiration to venture throughout America with Amtrak at the wheel...

  • @gkhutch
    @gkhutch Год назад +5

    I did the same trip last summer. Summer was beautiful too. The mountains still snow on the mountain peaks. One thing I found that was very interesting was, many of the small towns in the plains all had gambling houses.

  • @thomaskessler2596
    @thomaskessler2596 Год назад +17

    Jeff, my oldest brother and me are taking the C.Z. the 2nd week of May. Thank You for sharing all these Amtrax videos. I love my several trip to Seattle areas. Beautiful country there. America is so Great! God Bless.

  • @stetsonmcelhaney2312
    @stetsonmcelhaney2312 11 месяцев назад +1

    Jeb I grew up in North Idaho in Clark Fork, 20 miles east of Sandpoint on the Montana boarder. It was so wonderful to see we’re I grew up for 18 years. Made me cry, such a beautiful area!

  • @lindawatkin8577
    @lindawatkin8577 Год назад +3

    Another nice trip with the Brooks couple.

  • @brianglass-ex9gi
    @brianglass-ex9gi Год назад +15

    Great video. You two need to more of the back and forth commentary. Suzanne is a wonderful addition to the videos and has real charisma and charm.

  • @drewrydell27
    @drewrydell27 Год назад +5

    I miss my solo trip to Chicago last summer from St. Cloud, MN. It was the most peaceful and life just slowed down. Only thing I wish I would’ve done is explore the train more like dining car and bedrooms. Brings back amazing memories

  • @badguy5554
    @badguy5554 11 месяцев назад +2

    I've taken the Empire Builder many times...and will again take it next month. As you point out, UNFORTUNATELY, the timing of the train's schedule places it in some of the most beautiful parts of the country...AT NIGHT. I PRAY for a schedule slip for my coming trip!

  • @s.macintosh-jc9rf
    @s.macintosh-jc9rf 6 месяцев назад +2

    Hi Jeb,
    Thank you for your reply to me recently. I really appreciate your humble attitude and your ability to connect with the camera. Suzanne is a pure delight with her indescribably and wonderful attitude about travel!
    Thank you again for the pleasure that you two have given me and many others.
    Have a great evening, and Merry Christmas to you and Suzanne,
    Peter

  • @mdotto9
    @mdotto9 Год назад +10

    If you loved what you saw in Minnesota, you should definitely adventure along the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers and head up to the North Shore. Absolutely incredible scenery! We have a beautiful state if you don't mind the weather. 🙂

  • @christopherhuggins3212
    @christopherhuggins3212 Год назад +4

    I have taken my first ride with my children on Amtrak today and even though we only went to 1 town over it was an amazing experience seeing things with a different perspective than my normal commute to work

  • @pamelaklemp5615
    @pamelaklemp5615 10 месяцев назад +2

    So very great to see the Empire Builder again! What a treat, our son regularly traveled from our home in Minneapolis to Chicago on it and also on the Zephyr. He loved it them both. Bummer about the Observation Deck car on the Empire Builder being absent for repairs on your trip. He used to take a deck of Tarot Cards and do "Readings " for a fun pastime for anyone who wanted one, free of course. As a college student he meet many other travelers doing that and laughed saying it was a "babe magnet " to meet beautiful college girls from different schools traveling to and from. 😄😁😅😍😂.

  • @gregadams6827
    @gregadams6827 Год назад +2

    Great Video!!!! Interesting seeing the Mississippi up north, unlike my hometown of Memphis and my second home town of New Orleans. Try the City of New Orleans, very festive crowd on that train. To Chicago to Minot. Wisconsin was just beautiful on the Empire Builder. Again just a great video. Greg Adams, Springfield, Louisiana and 31 year retired Federal Express (Fedex Express) employee.

  • @granthaynes2213
    @granthaynes2213 Год назад +3

    Saint Paul Union Depot is beautiful, 10/10 do recommend visiting it.

    • @tomfields3682
      @tomfields3682 Год назад +2

      Built by the guy after whom this train was named, James J Hill, the empire builder himself!

  • @XOkie
    @XOkie Год назад +4

    Incredible travel journal. I did the Empire Builder last year (Sept 2022) in roomette and will be doing it again in April on a 6000 mile Amtrak journey! I really appreciate your enthusiasm for Amtrak and train travel. Thanks!

  • @GNoteSmith
    @GNoteSmith 4 месяца назад +2

    More great information and photography especially the "Get ready with me". Amtrak addition. LOL. My wife liked that one. She wasn't sure how her "mornings" would proceed. Thank you guys. Great video as usually. 👍

    • @GreenerGrass
      @GreenerGrass  4 месяца назад

      🤣glad she enjoyed that segment!

  • @cthulhuismychild
    @cthulhuismychild Год назад +2

    I've taken the Empire Builder 4 times. 2 times from Milwaukee to Seattle. And last 2 times, Hiawatha to Chicago to ride it the entire route. Just such a peaceful, relaxing way to travel. Yes old cars, but the pace and scenery make it so worth it. I always travel alone hoping someday to travel bring someone with me to share the trip. Thank you for all your Amtrak videos. Makes a long day at the office so much better

  • @Kimbuucha
    @Kimbuucha 10 месяцев назад +3

    I took this route once many years ago and we were delayed by about 7 hours and let me tell you, it was worth it. Montana looks like something out of a story book in the winter. Such a beautiful state and not having cell phone reception makes it so you get up and talk to others. Would happily do it again. Thanks for sharing

  • @balesjo
    @balesjo 11 месяцев назад +8

    The Empire Builder is the Amtrak route I'd love to travel. A trip in the winter would be spectacular, but I imagine any season would be an adventure. I'd also love to do some of the Canadian trans-Canada routes as well.

  • @kennethwu115
    @kennethwu115 10 месяцев назад +1

    Jen has a very soothing voice. Great for relaxing before a long trip.

  • @ianscott3180
    @ianscott3180 9 месяцев назад +2

    We live in the UK and use trains regularly across Europe. The biggest thing for us is to see the counrty not from 35000 feet and no airports. I have always wanted to cross the USA by train and you have got us seriously thinking about it. Your trip to NC may be a clincher as my wife's brother lives in Hickory NC. I will start planning a visit, thanks guys.

  • @DC-id2ih
    @DC-id2ih Год назад +8

    Another great rail journey!! Thanks Jeb and Suzanne for sharing the trip! As someone who grew up in Canada - I love Winter landscapes (from the mountains to the plains)!! Don't get me wrong - Summer is great and all - but there is really something special about fresh/deep snow covering both the ground and the trees under a brilliant blue sky....and even though the late start was probably inconvenient for everyone - you really can't beat those views that would normally have been hidden in the dark (also loved the scenes you captured of wildlife near the tracks!).

  • @SD45-ET44AC
    @SD45-ET44AC Год назад +4

    The best thing about ALL my vacations, and that includes a 9 hour ride on a beat up old train that leaked exhaust into the carriage which replaced a 4 hour high speed train (in the U.K.) on a bank holiday, is having someone to share it with (28+ years). Great video, as always!! 👍🏼👍🏼

  • @shanepalmer887
    @shanepalmer887 Год назад +2

    Hi there, I’m from Sydney, NSW, Australia 🇦🇺
    My wife and I really enjoyed your rail adventure. Thank you for your efforts and sharing your trip. The scenery was beautiful….

  • @graceverssen5651
    @graceverssen5651 3 месяца назад

    Loved how relaxed you guys were, and the casual banter. It really added to the train content. Thanks for sharing. 🙏

  • @heyaswinp
    @heyaswinp Год назад +14

    This is so beautiful! Hopefully Trains become more commonplace and efficient sometime soon.

  • @maynard_ross
    @maynard_ross Год назад +7

    I live in Spokane, thanks for saying our name right, by the way. The Empire Builder is one of the most scenic trips in the country. I really hope Amtrak will offer a day trip through the Cascades, now that would be a trip to enjoy.

  • @russellcronk1224
    @russellcronk1224 Год назад +2

    I enjoy watching your videos. Over the last several years, I have gained a renewed enthusiasm for train travel. In June 2021 I went on a cross country vacation to coastal Washington and Oregon state. I started off on the Michigan Blue Water from Flint, Michigan to Chicago, and after a 2 hour layover, went on Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle. 5 days later I went back on Coast Starlight from Tacoma, Washington to Sacramento and then a 5 hour layover and went on California Zephyr from Sacramento to Chicago. And then returned home on the Michigan Blue Water. It was a vacation of a lifetime.

  • @quasarsavage
    @quasarsavage 11 месяцев назад +1

    that loco is pretty the paint scheme is wonderful.

  • @jonbradshaw3385
    @jonbradshaw3385 Год назад +5

    That is a trip I would love to take someday! I used to live in Williston, ND and would see the train coming into town often. I also picked up lots of friends from the train station.

  • @nightbird4747
    @nightbird4747 Год назад +7

    Thanks for sharing your trip!
    Living in Minne-snow-ta during this time was no treat for me to see all that snow, we're into our 4 month of winter now. And we just got another 4.5" of snow over the last two days. I'm so ready for spring weather, temps in the 40's would be wonderful at this point!
    Taking my Grandson on a trip for graduation this summer, not sure of the direction yet....
    Hoping to see sunshine, green grass or an warm ocean view!
    "See you on the rails!"

    • @lizcademy4809
      @lizcademy4809 Год назад +3

      I was amused when Jeb said a 39°F temperature in St. Paul was chilly ... for us locals, that's a warm day!
      Nice to see my office building through the train window.

    • @aldelvex233
      @aldelvex233 Год назад +3

      I thought I was the only one from St. Paul watching this 🤔

    • @lizcademy4809
      @lizcademy4809 Год назад +3

      @@aldelvex233 You might be ... I'm in Minneapolis 😀

    • @nightbird4747
      @nightbird4747 Год назад +2

      I'm down by Iowa border, getting more snow right now!

  • @Leonardo-cq4zd
    @Leonardo-cq4zd 9 дней назад

    You guys are so informative, and also so upbeat no matter what the situation. Thoroughly enjoy your videos!!

  • @noemi8346
    @noemi8346 24 дня назад

    I like when you guys mention the fare, it's always a better way for us to plan.

  • @seanromeo7916
    @seanromeo7916 Год назад +5

    Jeb and Suzanne, your videos are beautiful. Your original Amtrak stuff was a huge part of the inspiration for my own cross country Amtrak trip last summer! What an amazing experience it was! Thank you so much for your work! (The videos also convinced my skeptical mother to go as well!)

  • @justinnielsen8756
    @justinnielsen8756 Год назад +6

    Grew up right next to Elk River MN so seeing the water tower made my day!! Was happy to hear about the delay at the beginning of the video, because otherwise the train normally goes by pretty early in the morning.

    • @sturmovik1274
      @sturmovik1274 Год назад +1

      Coon Rapids here. "Hey, I know that apartment complex! That's Fridley!"

    • @AndrewOsborne
      @AndrewOsborne Год назад +2

      I live in Saint Cloud AND I work for Amtrak as a conductor on the Builder! I see that water tower often driving through Elk River or passing through on the train!

    • @justinnielsen8756
      @justinnielsen8756 Год назад +1

      @AndrewOsborne okay question for you!! You probably have no idea but I gotta ask. A handful of years ago I saw Amtrak westbound pull out of St. Cloud around midnight, pulling like 50 intermodel cars. Any idea what that might have been about? I managed to film it with my potato iPod at the time, its the first video on my RUclips channel if you want to see it.

  • @luismunguia7738
    @luismunguia7738 Год назад +2

    Amtrak is awesome

  • @nick_kaamos
    @nick_kaamos 4 месяца назад +1

    I took a sleeper from Seattle to Minnesota during the fracking boom. It was pretty wild. One of the best experiences of my life

  • @newzealanddoesntexist7505
    @newzealanddoesntexist7505 Год назад +3

    I’ve used the Empire Builder to get from one side of Wisconsin to the other (Milwaukee to La Crosse) to see family. Even in a Coach car it was comfortable for that 2-2.5 hour trip, no delays either which was lucky. Besides just being a great way to see the country, trains also provide reasonably priced travel to smaller towns that may otherwise not be serviced by planes or other systems of transportation. I saw a lot of college students like myself along with some Amish getting off at my stop, reminded me of that.

  • @seangenson721
    @seangenson721 Год назад +3

    Loved the longer video on this trip...the scenery and your comments justified it very well. Thank you for all your videos!

  • @Zachinthus09
    @Zachinthus09 Год назад +2

    My wife and I did the Empire Builder in 2021 from Portland to Chicago. It was the best vacation we ever did! Next time, take it from Portland so you can see the Columbia River Gorge. That was up there with Glacier for views. And Portland Union Station has a Metro Lounge. Cheers!

  • @jhunjhunu1
    @jhunjhunu1 Год назад +1

    Awesome Bedroom View of Snow Capped Mountains and Rivers

  • @lemonlemon7968
    @lemonlemon7968 Год назад +7

    Amazing! I would love to see more longer videos like this, it's always nice to see you upload. Amtrak really looks nice.

  • @ultraviolettas
    @ultraviolettas Год назад +27

    Ugh, I love all your Amtrak videos, but I especially loved this one so much!! Y’all’s excitement and enthusiasm had me smiling the whole way through. The terrain was gorgeous and I loved Suzanne’s impromptu professional beauty RUclipsr get ready with me! So excited to see the rest of your Amtrak journey!! 🥲🥰

  • @adamjacquez9495
    @adamjacquez9495 Год назад +4

    Possibly the most amazing scenery from one of your travels yet! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us!

  • @jenniferkneller1228
    @jenniferkneller1228 Год назад +6

    If you love the Empire builder and it’s amazing views, I highly encourage you to ride “The Canadian”. A very similar trip but a little more elegant with vintage equipment. I’ve taken both trains and love the majestic Rockies and serene prairie views.

    • @robrmartin9369
      @robrmartin9369 Год назад +3

      Bonjour Jennifer: My husband and I are planning that next year!

  • @maritasue5067
    @maritasue5067 Год назад +4

    In the FAQs section you mentioned “it’s not the most efficient”. Well, in one way it is. I read an article a couple of years ago that compared the amount of fuel per passenger per mile. Trains were the most fuel efficient way to travel.

  • @priscillawakefield8439
    @priscillawakefield8439 Год назад +4

    It is soo fun to virtual travel with you both. Much work is put into these videos. Thank you both.

  • @grtoocool
    @grtoocool Год назад +2

    Been binge watching almost all your videos over the last few months Jeb. I just wanted to comment to say that I like how you and Suzanne are answering subscriber questions in your videos now. That's a pretty cool addition to the video!

    • @GreenerGrass
      @GreenerGrass  Год назад +1

      Appreciate the feedback, glad you enjoyed it!

  • @alexanderacostaosorio
    @alexanderacostaosorio 2 дня назад

    I did Seattle to Montana in Amtrak. West Glacier. And then the whole U.S a few months later. What an amazing experience. 45 days total. New York, Chicago, Eagle Vail, Seatle, San Francisco, LA. San Diego and back.

  • @dianeschroeder3980
    @dianeschroeder3980 Год назад +7

    Such beautiful scenery. Your videos make me smile. Thanks for doing this guys!❤️✈️

  • @TheLewistownTrainspotter8102
    @TheLewistownTrainspotter8102 Год назад +5

    9:13 - 11:44 Gives me memories of driving trains in Microsoft Train Simulator through these mountains.

    • @grandtrunk5416
      @grandtrunk5416 Год назад +1

      Open rails can return you to that 👍it's great and it's basically just upgraded msts
      Doppler is better and updated models, but you can still get the og trains

  • @nathansyoutubeaccount
    @nathansyoutubeaccount Год назад +2

    I rode this one last year with my wife, such a beautiful ride through glacier national park during our dinner!

  • @zquark1
    @zquark1 Месяц назад

    Suzanne is a great travel partner...and a good sport for taking the top bunk! Plus she's as cute as a bunny (beautiful smile)!

  • @DannyA3579
    @DannyA3579 Год назад +4

    I absolutely love train travel. I love Amtrak. One day I WILL try one of the longer routes and maybe get a roomette / bedroom.

  • @mygillian
    @mygillian Год назад +5

    48 hours on the train is a really crazy amount of time! it's something that I would want to experience though if ever I'll visit the US. Thanks for sharing the experience Jeb!

  • @katielouise3924
    @katielouise3924 Год назад +2

    Great video & such gorgeous scenery! I’d be overjoyed for that delay, too! 🎉

  • @johndoyle3514
    @johndoyle3514 Год назад +2

    I love your Amtrak/train journeys in addition to your air travel...THANK YOU!

  • @user-wt3rq1ic2u
    @user-wt3rq1ic2u 3 месяца назад +5

    11 months ago a roommette for two was about 700...now it's over 1400...that's a hell of a price hike.
    But my God Havre MT... my parents where stationed there back in the lat 80s... it's a beautiful part of the country.
    My dad and I spent so many hours down at the station and yard railfanning. That is a busy yard and at one point my Dad and I where invited up into the cab of a GN GP-38 yard switcher...best day of a young boys life... got to help push some engines into the service shack... back before litigation ruined everything.

  • @nathanjiang100
    @nathanjiang100 Год назад +6

    I’m currently on Amtrak’s westbound Pennsylvanian right now. This video is seriously a life saver since our engine broke down in Harrisburg and we’ve been stuck here for 2 hours and counting. Not gonna lie I wish this was longer because I still have an hour to kill before they can send another engine up here from Philly.

    • @GreenerGrass
      @GreenerGrass  Год назад +1

      What good timing…hope you made it and thanks for watching!

    • @nathanjiang100
      @nathanjiang100 Год назад +1

      @@GreenerGrass still on the train over 4 hours late on a scheduled 9-hour train. fell a sleep for about 2 hours though

    • @stevendelavaux1426
      @stevendelavaux1426 Год назад +1

      Amtrak is kind of in a state of purgatory right now with their engines. The P42s are way past their expiration date and are breaking down. Not to mention all the freight engines that are increasingly breaking down today. There have been significant teething issues with the ALC-42s. They are making software improvements and handling these as they come up. Hopefully, in a year or so these issues will be resolved and we will see far better reliability with the ALC-42s.

    • @nathanjiang100
      @nathanjiang100 Год назад +2

      @@stevendelavaux1426 funny enough, I was chatting about this very issue with the head conductor during this whole layover. she said that all the protect power in Harrisburg also broke down, so that's why they had to send a diesel all the way up from Philly. the ALC-42s have also had many issues so she was wondering why Amtrak spends so much money with stupid things like battery-electric cars for the Empire Corridor rather than putting focus on the boring but important issues of everyday operations

    • @gchampi2
      @gchampi2 Год назад +1

      @@nathanjiang100 Public Relations. Adding "Shiny & New!" to a system looks better than fixing "old & familiar", especially if they can add a few buzzwords. Battery electric? That's "Environmentally friendly" (supposedly), and "forward looking". Diesel? Not so much...

  • @hansTrauwitz
    @hansTrauwitz Год назад +1

    Miss, the look he gives you at 8:02, is from a man in love, don't let him go nice video!!

  • @janncarden2873
    @janncarden2873 Месяц назад

    Decades ago when I was 14, Amtrak had a route from Chicago west through Arizona with two overnights at the Grand Canyon (spectacular!) and on to and through Southern California, all the way up the West Coast with stops in LA and San Francisco and a day trip out to the islands off Washington State’s mainland and then back across passing Mt. St. Helen and on back toward Chicago. What an amazing journey. I will never forget it. I had always traveled by train from the time I was 3, and that trip at 14?..I was hooked! Trains for me! Always!

  • @dexteralexander2437
    @dexteralexander2437 Год назад +6

    Yes! Just as I was looking for another Jeb & Suzanne Amtrak video you delivered. Thank you. We rode the EB from Chicago to Seattle in June ‘22 and rolled in about 10 minutes late, so we were glad to see Idaho in this video, a state we traveled through asleep. Keep up the great train videos!