Travel by Amtrak & Chicago

Factual Questions
1

I’ve got to make a trip. Flying is out since I can’t get close enough to my destination by plane.

One option is via Greyhound bus. It’ll take almost exactly 24 hours and cost $135. I hate the bus - it’s always been packed tight and the on-board bathroom stink. My surrounding seatmates have always been, shall we say, interesting people (at least interesting in ways that I think that I am not).

I found that for $10 more, and an extra 8 hours (most spent on layover in Chicago) I can travel by Amtrak.

I’ve never traveled by train before and I have some questions.

  1. Are the seats bigger than airline & bus seats (I’m a large economy-sized person)?

  2. The “accomodations” (ie: beds) are too expensive so is it practical to sleep in your seat?

  3. What about food? A dining-car is mentioned - is that a practical option? Should I just load up my travel bag with cereal-bars before I go?

  4. How does the whole baggage check thing work?

  5. The reservation system lets me reserve an upper or lower coach seat. Is there a desirable choice?

  6. My layover in Chicago is almost 5 hours, right at the dinner hour. Is the station in such an area that I could leave and walk to a decent (and not overtly expensive) dinner?

  7. What about on-train music, video, movies, etc. like on airplanes. Anything like this?

What else?

2

I’ll answer what I can, but it’s been several years since I made a long distance train trip on Amtrak. I can’t see them changing things that much though. I know nothing about Chicago though.

1. Are the seats bigger than airline & bus seats (I’m a large economy-sized person)?

I don’t know where you’re coming from/going to, but since it sounds like it’s a long distance trip, you probably won’t be on the metroliner trains between DC and NY. The seats in the coach section of an overnight trip between DC and Atlanta were MUCH better than the seats on the NY/DC portion of my trip. Wider, better padded and they recline fairly well. I found them better than airline seats - I’ve never taken a long distance greyhound trip.

2. The “accomodations” (ie: beds) are too expensive so is it practical to sleep in your seat?

Yes, especially if it’s just one night. There will be people around you, so taking a small tape/cd/mp4 player with headphones may be helpful. I also found that the train gets chilly, and unlike airplanes, they didn’t pass out blankets. A small travel pillow can be helpful too.

3. What about food? A dining-car is mentioned - is that a practical option? Should I just load up my travel bag with cereal-bars before I go?

Either way is fine. One of my trips I got a sleeper, and meals were included with the cost of that. On the coach trip, some guy I met paid for my meal, so I don’t really know how much it was. I’d take enough cereal bars so that you don’t have to, but also some cash so that you can get a hot drink or meal if you want one. Eating on a moving train is an interesting experience - if you’re alone, they will seat others with you and you can have some interesting conversations along the way.

4. How does the whole baggage check thing work?

I don’t know.

5. The reservation system lets me reserve an upper or lower coach seat. Is there a desirable choice?

I never had that choice

7. What about on-train music, video, movies, etc. like on airplanes. Anything like this?

Not in my experience. Bring a book, music, whatever you need to keep yourself occupied. I’ve met some fascinating people on trains - and some odd ones too, but mostly very nice. I’d love to take a train cross country, but I haven’t had the time yet. Soon though!

3

If you’ve not slept on a train before, bring earplugs - many people find the sounds of a moving train conducive to sleep, but sod’s law you’ll find the opposite.

The other advantage over buses (and to a lesser extent planes) is that you can get up and walk around as much as you want.

4

I love travelling by train, but it just takes too long for me. The seats should be good enough for sleeping in if it’s just a one day trip. Bring books, music and snacks.

The food car servers expensive snack bar burgers and such. Last time I took a train, the food was like what you would get out of vending machines.

Upper or lower seats shouldn’t matter.

Nice thing about trains (besides the lack of interesting characters sitting around you), is that you can get up and move around. And they have a nice way of rocking and clacking that is very condusive to sleep.

If you can’t fly, and it’s only a few dollars more than the bus, go with train.

Oh, baggage check: It’s like gate checking on an airline. You give it to them before you board and they stow it. You pick it up on the platform when you get off. Mileage might vary depending on station. Ask when you get the ticket.

5

1. Are the seats bigger than airline & bus seats (I’m a large economy-sized person)?

Yes. And often, you’ll have a seat to yourself. The center arm rest raises as well.

2. The “accomodations” (ie: beds) are too expensive so is it practical to sleep in your seat?

Yep. Especially if you do have the whole bench to yourself. I have curled up and slept across the bench before. (and I’m also economy-sized ;o) )

3. What about food? A dining-car is mentioned - is that a practical option? Should I just load up my travel bag with cereal-bars before I go?

Load up with snacks. You’ll be able to get drinks there, but they, too, are fairly pricey.

4. How does the whole baggage check thing work?

It doesn’t. You lug your luggage (heh. I made a funny) with you, and store it in overhead bins. A standard rolling suitcase will fit up there, as will long, thick duffels. Don’t worry about not having space for your stuff. If you get a seat that’s at the very front of the car, there will often be space there for you to put your huge bags.

5. The reservation system lets me reserve an upper or lower coach seat. Is there a desirable choice?

Neither is better than the other. Though I will warn you that the stairs that lead down into the dining car are often very narrow and a bit steep. If you’re stair-cautious, best to just stick with the lower car.

6. My layover in Chicago is almost 5 hours, right at the dinner hour. Is the station in such an area that I could leave and walk to a decent (and not overtly expensive) dinner?

Yes. If memory serves, the Chicago terminal is either very close to many little franchise dealie-boppers, or they’re housed in the terminal building itself. Though I may be confusing the DC terminal with the Chicago terminal.

7. What about on-train music, video, movies, etc. like on airplanes. Anything like this?

Bring your tunes. Bring your laptop if you wanna. If you bring something that uses a/c, there are plug ins on the outer wall of the cars, so that if you’re sitting, get a window seat. All they ask is that you keep your headphones on.

The ride itself will be long, but the people you’ll meet on a very long trip are often pretty interesting. I once met Michael Douglas’ young cousin, a brit who was on his way from LA to New York to take a flight back home to England. We exchanged addresses and still keep in touch via christmas cards, yearly updates, etc. (we met 12 years ago).

And have fun! Watch the scenery as it goes by. Bring books that you like, or crafts, or whatever.

6

Unless you are a very odd person, you didn’t need to ask if a long bus or train trip would be better. Take the train:D

The Amtrak website seems to hide their super discount offers. If you are very lucky, your route may be on the rail sale page. I’m not positive, but I believe you can reserve any shorter route on those paths for the same money within what is shown:

http://tickets.amtrak.com/Amtrak/railsale

It’s been quite a few years since my last trip. My impression was the dining car menu was limited, but I must say the best prime rib I ever had was on that trip.

7

You will probably have at least one thing in common with most people on the train: You don’t like to fly :slight_smile:

There are two train terminals in Chicago. I believe Amtrak comes into Union Station. Both train depots have excellent food shops right in the depot (we used to head down there for lunch). I’m not sure how late they are open though.

Yummy: Chicago, IL Metro City Guide - Citysearch

If you are going to be in Chicago for 5 hours, you might as well take a look outside the station. When you leave the station you will see the Chicago river, if you don’t, then you are going the wrong way. Right across the river, take a look up, you will see the Sears Tower. If you walk towards the Sears Tower, you will be right in the heart of the Chicago financial district. This part of town really closes down after the rush hour though, there are a couple bars and restaurants around, but nothing really worth the walk to find them.

You may want to take a cab, ask any employee at Union Station, they will know where the cab stand is. Greek Town is only a few blocks away, if you like Greek food. If you want to mill around the swanky shops on Michigan Avenue, that’s a short cab ride away. One other area, not far away, has all the tourist stuff and places like the Hard Rock Cafe. Right across the street from the Hard Rock is a place called the Chicago Chop House, if you are a steak person, this is the place. Just a block or so away is Portillo’s, great sandwiches, pasta and ribs, very casual. You’re not going to go hungry in Chicago :slight_smile:

Make sure you remember Union Station for your cab ride back. The Northwestern station is couple a blocks north of Union Station, just incase you end up at there.

8

I took my wife and daughter (toddler at the time) on vacation by Amtrak train from Chicago to Washington DC about five years ago. We left Chicago in the evening switched trains in western Pennsylvania in the morning and arrived in late afternoon. On the way back, we left DC in late afternoon and arrived in Chicago the next morning (non-stop). We would have flown, but the vacation plans were not finalized until the last minute, making airline tickets horribly expensive. On the first half of the trip we had a cabin, regular seats accross PA, then a cabin all the way home.

  1. Are the seats bigger than airline & bus seats (I’m a large economy-sized person)?

Yes, significantly larger and more comfortable

  1. The “accomodations” (ie: beds) are too expensive so is it practical to sleep in your seat?

The tickets for the our accomodations cost about as much as reasonably priced airline tickets. As I mentioned above, we didn’t have enough advance notice to purchase reasonably priced airline tickets.

  1. What about food? A dining-car is mentioned - is that a practical option? Should I just load up my travel bag with cereal-bars before I go?

Meals were with the sleeping accomodations, otherwise, the food was a little pricey. If you layover at Chicago Union Station, there are several places to eat in the second level of the station, most of which are reasonably priced. In addition, if you are a fan of Greek food, Greektown is about three blocks west of the station with many restaurants of varying prices.

  1. How does the whole baggage check thing work?

Lug it yourself.

  1. The reservation system lets me reserve an upper or lower coach seat. Is there a desirable choice?

I ride a Metra commuter train from the suburbs to the loop every work day. I always ride on the upper level. The view, such as it is, is better.

  1. My layover in Chicago is almost 5 hours, right at the dinner hour. Is the station in such an area that I could leave and walk to a decent (and not overtly expensive) dinner?

Yes, See my response to Item 3.

  1. What about on-train music, video, movies, etc. like on airplanes. Anything like this?

There was a separate lounge area where they showed movies, accessible for all passengers. I think it was in the upper level of one of the coach cars.

What else?

I didn’t sleep particularly well due to the motion of the train, but I rarely if ever sleep on airplanes or buses.

The motion of the train made showering an interesting experience also.

On the whole, a very pleasant experiece. I would definitely recommend coach train it over taking a bus.

9

It’s been a few years since I rode Amtrak, but I used to be a fairly regular rider between Chicago and Detroit.

I took a Greyhound. Once.

Take the train.

Yes. Especially in the older coach cars.

Depends. I’ve slept in the seats - but I can sleep just about anywhere. If you plan to sleep sitting up or semi-reclined there are little inflatable pillows you can buy to fit around your neck so you don’t get a kink

I never had a problem bringing my own food, but I never ate it in the dining car. The food for sale various from vending machine quality to airline food to decently edible. The menu is limited, but hey, it’s not like you’re on board forever.

Never used it, I’m strictly a carry-on traveler. However, it’s not that much different than on an airplane.

I like upper seats, but I have found that the stairways on trains are often narrow and tight, even for a small, skinny person. Also, if you’re not used to the motion of a moving train going up and down while in route might be troublesome.

You’ll arrive at Union Station. The Station itself has a few eateries, ranging from hot-dog stand to actual restaurant. As mentioned, it’s right next door to the financial district. If your layover is daytime there are plenty of restaurants available from fast-food to sit-down. Suggestions to go to Greektown, River North (where the Hard Rock and Chop House are), or along Michigan Avenue are all good, and a short ($5 or less) cab ride away. You can also check out the “Museum Campus” - Art Institute, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and Shedd Aquarium. That’s a little further away, but hey, it’s five hours, right? After 5 pm, or on weekends, your best choice for a meal is Greektown or River North. If you like Middle Eastern I think Reza’s is still in the Presidential Towers complex just west of Union Station.

Nada. Bring your own entertainment.

Although I’ve often found fellow travelers to be quite entertaining. The dining cars often become gathering spots for those feeling social.

As also mentioned, you’re pretty free to move around, visit the bathroom, etc. on a train.

Most people either love the experience or hate it.

10

The train is a great way to go and everyone has given you great advice-except for the food. You can find a Hard Rock and a steakhouse just about anywhere…the Greek food is great…but right by Greektown is a Girodano’s (unless is has shutdown since I’ve been there). It is wonderful and now that I am living in TX again, believe me when I say-YOU CAN ONLY GET CHICAGO STYLE PIZZA IN CHICAGO! Have a nice trip

11

Just to add my $0.02.

I have found that there is a good chance that you will have the 2 seats (per side) to yourself. You can catch some zzz’s by curling up and facing the seat back lying across the 2 seats. If forced into a single seat the relicne is much better then any caoch airline and does not really crowd the person in back.

You have access to 120 v outlets (household current) and standard plugs.

The dinning car is like a snack shop and you can survive on it easily, but nothing great (they do have starbucks coffee, but IMHO that’s not all that good).

There is no video or audio provided.

The ride is lightyears ahead of bus travel

IIRC you can bring 2 carryons up to 50 lbs each.

12

I just have a couple things to add (I’ve took Amtrak home for the holidays just a couple weeks ago).

I grabbed a snack at the snack bar, but didn’t have a meal in the dining car. I’m sure you could bring on food more substantial than cereal bars if you wanted. There’s plenty of room to store it.

My train back was an evening train, and they played two movies (Pirates of the Caribbean and Freaky Friday).

The seats are huge, compared with buses or planes. If I’m sitting upright in my seat, I can stretch my legs out without hitting the seat in front of me.

13

just out of curiosity, Belrix, what is your reason for traveling? I read your post and it was strange because I have to make a similar trip myself. I also looked at Greyhound and Amtrak. Where are you going?

14

Western Kentucky, Paducah to be specific. I have family there and I thought this might be more interesting, and significanlty cheaper, than flying.

Best you can do for flying is to arrive in Nashville or Memphis. The train goes to Fulton, KY. It’s a shame, one conflict is that the bus drops directly in Paducah while Fulton is maybe 40 miles down the road. I don’t think my family would mind driving to pick me up, though.

15

They do have flights directly in to Paducah.

But why not take the train if you have the time :slight_smile:

16

If you are going to Union Station in Chicago, you must watch (or rewatch) the staircase scene in The Untouchables first.

17

Belrix thank you for posting this thread, I’ll be taking a train from Memphis to Chicago in 3 weeks (overnight) since we don’t want to chance driving in that weather, especially if there’s ice. Now I know what to expect on Amtrak!

18

I’ve seen it and usually cringe at it. It’s such a rip-off (or perhaps an homage (sp?)) to the The Battleship Potemkin and the big Odessa steps sequence.

And ccwaterback, I should’ve qualified that one-way flights (driving back with the wife & kids) to Paducah are expensive & long (Expedia has it between roughly 4 & 9 hours of travel). Besides the train seems comfortable and interesting in comparison.

-B

19

Or “On The Right Track”

20

OK, yeah I am sure there aren’t many flights into Paducah, but I know there are a few out of St. Louis and Memphis. I would take the train if I had a choice too. :slight_smile: