11–20 of 40 posts
From my experience taking Amtrak in California, a 30-day pass sounds just about long enough to cover the delays on a single ride.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I have to imagine that just running along the Northeast Regional is the big one. Its the most profitable line of Amtrak for a reason. Norfolk Virginia is just a short bus-ride to Virginia Beach and serves as either the starting point, or ending point of the journey. Travel north to Washington DC, then Philadelphia, then New York City, and then Boston. That takes you across a major cultural center of the USA that pret…
I would counter that the Starlight Express on the West coast as well as the California Zephyr between Emeryville, CA and, say, Denver, CO are probably two of the more stunning routes for the scenery?
From my experience taking Amtrak in California, a 30-day pass sounds just about long enough to cover the delays on a single ride.
What years was this? I’ve ridden the Pacific Surfliner a bunch, and have only had minimal hiccups. And a bunch of interactions with the mentally unstable, but that’s not Amtrak’s fault.
Train Rides seem to be ideal for any trip less than 4 hours. You don't have as much security concerns, you have far more legroom, and the constant ability to walk around the cabin at all times (often to the dining car where you can get overpriced beer / light meals, but... better than nothing at all). Hour-for-hour, a train ride is far more comfortable than a plane ride. However, once we start looking at 4-hour or 8-…
For now. I feel that it's only a matter of time before the TSA gets involved, and that train ride that was hyped up as being quicker than a plane ride will suddenly no longer be as quick.
Japan's system was a lot easier to use than the Railpass though: reservations were not required, you just took whatever seat was available, and Japanese trains are structured so there are a lot more seats.
Gallery of posters for the service: http://www.satou3.com/railways/18kippu2.html
Train Rides seem to be ideal for any trip less than 4 hours. You don't have as much security concerns, you have far more legroom, and the constant ability to walk around the cabin at all times (often to the dining car where you can get overpriced beer / light meals, but... better than nothing at all). Hour-for-hour, a train ride is far more comfortable than a plane ride. However, once we start looking at 4-hour or 8-…
I would say the convenience it’s highly dependent on the destination. Here the train station it’s often near the city center while to get to the airport you need additional transportation, As you said you have more legroom but also there is enough space to use a laptop and actually work connected to Wi-Fi. I’m not limited in what and how much I can carry with me, and the train is much quieter than a plane. And finally, the train is much less stressful and traveling time doesn’t really matter when is the company’s time.
I would say that if you don’t have an airport in a 30km radius from the destination, the train still wins around until 8hours trips. Above, I would consider travelling with the airplane.
Train Rides seem to be ideal for any trip less than 4 hours. You don't have as much security concerns, you have far more legroom, and the constant ability to walk around the cabin at all times (often to the dining car where you can get overpriced beer / light meals, but... better than nothing at all). Hour-for-hour, a train ride is far more comfortable than a plane ride. However, once we start looking at 4-hour or 8-…
Living in Europe and traveling by train for 7/8 hours every two months for work. What kind of shitty train does only 50mph? I would say the convenience it’s highly dependent on the destination. Here the train station it’s often near the city center while to get to the airport you need additional transportation, As you said you have more legroom but also there is enough space to use a laptop and actually work connecte…
In the US, Amtrak shares rails controlled by the freight operators. Amtrak trains can be delayed indefinitely, as the freight trains always get priority, even when they are off schedule. These delays are unpredictable in timing and length.
I used to do the Seattle/Portland route regularly and 1 - 2 hours extra/unplanned travel time wasn't uncommon. Average speed was well less than 50mph.
Train Rides seem to be ideal for any trip less than 4 hours. You don't have as much security concerns, you have far more legroom, and the constant ability to walk around the cabin at all times (often to the dining car where you can get overpriced beer / light meals, but... better than nothing at all). Hour-for-hour, a train ride is far more comfortable than a plane ride. However, once we start looking at 4-hour or 8-…
When I did my post-secondary Eurotrip I purchased the Euro pass and scheduled my train travels to be overnight such that I could wake up in a new city. Leave Sweden to wake up in Berlin, leave Berlin to wake up in Nürnberg, etc. Made for a great form of travel IMHO. Got to wake up and watch the sunrise over the countrysides was beautiful. Though I do love your point, I’d love to travel the “Wild West” regions via tra…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Living in Europe and traveling by train for 7/8 hours every two months for work. What kind of shitty train does only 50mph? I would say the convenience it’s highly dependent on the destination. Here the train station it’s often near the city center while to get to the airport you need additional transportation, As you said you have more legroom but also there is enough space to use a laptop and actually work connecte…
> What kind of shitty train does only 50mph? In the US, Amtrak shares rails controlled by the freight operators. Amtrak trains can be delayed indefinitely, as the freight trains always get priority, even when they are off schedule. These delays are unpredictable in timing and length. I used to do the Seattle/Portland route regularly and 1 - 2 hours extra/unplanned travel time wasn't uncommon. Average speed was well l…
I would happily spend 12hrs on a train to do that trip -- even 18hrs overnight -- but 36 is way too much.