24 hours in Amtrak COACH CLASS - The Sunset Limited Train
I spent 24 hours in Amtrak Coach Class, riding the train from New Orleans to Austin, with a 6 hour layover in San Antonio, Texas. Honestly, the Coach Class Section had tons of room and was very comfortable on board the Sunset Limited Train. Would I recommend the train? Yes. I think everyone should get to travel by rail at least once in their life.
Have you watched my 24 hrs in Amtrak Business Class video yet?
• 24 hrs in Amtrak BUSIN...
New Adventure and Behind-The-Scenes videos every Saturday.
I don't know where I'm going next, but I know I want you there with me, so subscribe to DownieLive and come along for the adventure.
Instagram: @DownieLive
Patreon: / downielive
My favourite underwear: amzn.to/2FmpMcV
My Gear List: www.amazon.com...
DownieLive WIRTH Hat (Proceeds Supporting Mental Health through a Counselling Fund): wirthhats.com/...
All music by Epidemic Sound - FREE 30 Day Trial for you here: mbsy.co/epidem...
(I earn a small commission when you buy or join through my links, but it doesn't cost you anything extra.)
Music:
Haystack by Biddy Sullivan
Spinning Around by Colton Walls
Southern Sundown by Colton Walls
Who's Lovin Me by Curtain Peepers
I've partnered with Epidemic Sound to get you a FREE 30 Day Trial here: mbsy.co/epidem...
(I earn a small commission when you join through my link)
DownieLive is a canadian behind-the-scenes adventure channel, hosted by me, Michael Downie. Thanks for watching (and reading all the way to the bottom). As always, I don't know where I'm going next, but I know I want you there with me.
See you in the next one.
-Mike
Пікірлер: 6 500
'You meet some interesting people" is an understatement. I met one woman who only rode the train because the food was so good. She'd get on in the morning, ride the train from one stop to another, ride the return train, and go home in the evenings. all because of the food
@jimmyseaver3647
4 жыл бұрын
Praxus May'Salkiriiss I met a guy who did both the pyrotechnics and merch for a rock band, and a DJ who's _name_ was DJ while on the _Capitol Limited._ Earlier during dinner, I had a conversation with a geneticist from India and an off-Broadway stage actor. You don't get these interactions with these kinds of people while flying.
@golpop
3 жыл бұрын
ya im gonna call bullshit lol
@user-do5zk6jh1k
3 жыл бұрын
Has she never heard of a restaurant?
@Praxus42
3 жыл бұрын
@@user-do5zk6jh1k she liked the amtrak food.
@jaredharris1970
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds like if she can afford to do that means she’s rich and u should be friends 😎 lol
When I was 25 I took the train from Los Angeles to Chicago by myself. It was a 3 day trip and I rode in coach. To be honest I loved it. I had my pillow and blanket. I had clothes to change into and food, basically everything I needed. It was the most affordable means for me to get there and I truly enjoyed it so much.
@scottvelez3154
3 жыл бұрын
Right the main advantage planes have over Amtrak is speed. That trip from LA to Chicago would've taken maybe 5 or 6 hours. Maybe a bit more.
@lindacollins6939
2 жыл бұрын
It is great! Bring your comfort things, enjoy the beautiful ride and talk to people!,
@andrewdewberry9215
Жыл бұрын
25, and all by yourself?! What a big girl! 👏
@brittanylynn5494
Жыл бұрын
Can u bring your own food on the train?
@josephforest7605
2 ай бұрын
@@brittanylynn5494 Yes and alcohol .
As a pilot, I can honestly say that my family and I are excited about our upcoming spring 2022 trip on Amtrak. We would like to thank all of the you tubers who spend many hours preparing these videos for our viewing pleasure. My family and never would have considered using the train if it were not for all of your hard work you have all done to get the public aware of the enjoyment of Amtrak and their services. Amtrak should get all of you together to make an Amtrak anniversary commercial.
@HowardT1879
2 жыл бұрын
Please let us know how it went?
@taemorrow1
Жыл бұрын
How was the trip???
The US needs an infrastructure update with high speed trains.
@LXW-Arts
2 жыл бұрын
That's a lot rail upgrades and some millions of bucks
@DiogenesNephew
2 жыл бұрын
@@LXW-Arts It'd be many billions.
@peterharper8216
2 жыл бұрын
@@LXW-Arts Although honestly, that money won’t really be going to the long distance trains like the one in the video. It will be going toward the Northeast Corridor and other intercity lines, because they have been proven to actually turn a profit.
@ellisjames7192
2 жыл бұрын
High speed trains will never happen in the US. It would cost too much and Congress is not about to go along with it as long as Amtrak keeps losing the money it does. Forget about high speed trains. It is nothing but a dream.
@ellisjames7192
2 жыл бұрын
@@peterharper8216 Exactly. The money will go to the area with the highest ridership.
When I was young.......my mom was terrified to fly, so we would ride Amtrak from Alabama to Hartford Ct to visit my uncle and family. It was a long ride but being that you could walk around and move. Made it a fun way to travel. I miss those summers, I miss my mom
@DaLoganFrost
4 жыл бұрын
I miss my mom too. The memories become more gold as the years pass by without her. I miss and love you so much Mom.
@sophyedavey8573
4 жыл бұрын
I’m from Darien CT! Wishing you the best and sending prayers for you and your mother❤️
@faruqal-amin1993
4 жыл бұрын
@@sophyedavey8573 thank you.
@emilyelizabeth4365
4 жыл бұрын
That was such a sweet story
@faruqal-amin1993
4 жыл бұрын
@T MH yes they are. No bills, no politics, no worries at all.....just live carefree. Only thing you worried about was bad weather that could keep you inside all day. I grew up in a time when kids went outside and actually played physical activities
America was built on this, I feel like people should cherish this more. Great video.
@DownieLive
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks man. I agree!
@richardharris6058
4 жыл бұрын
the best trains are real It’s hard to cherish the train ride when it’s more expensive than flying in a plane you can fly to New Orleans to Austin on Southwest for $74 takes about one hour or so so why would someone want to go on a train except for just the experience which is a very small percent of the people it’s mainly for drug traffickers and people that don’t wanna go through a big TSA checkpoint from what I understand
@richardharris6058
4 жыл бұрын
DownieLive Southwest 74 bucks do you nonstop 65 minute flight that’s why people don’t take trains anymore it’s more expensive to take a train then flying
@coppercassiecampbell6077
4 жыл бұрын
@@richardharris6058 But, you can never top the experience of travel by rail. Too many people in a hurry.
@coppercassiecampbell6077
4 жыл бұрын
@Brian Landers Brian lets travel.
As a flight attendant I feel airline traveling is the fastest way to go and I like that. But the romance of trains has got me. You channel have really inspired me to do it. And after we no longer have a shelter in place I believe I will book a train ride.
@BETTERWORLDSGT
3 жыл бұрын
Trans are nice, rode the train a few times when I was in Germany!
@ellisjames7192
2 жыл бұрын
You know, I just do not see the romance of trains. They are seldom on time, long distance trains can by 10 hours late. I guess that is just me. To each his own.
@MrGoodnplenty1957
2 жыл бұрын
Hi Judy. I was a flight attendant for 5 years and a train fanatic. I remember trying to JS from IAD-LGA or JFK. I ended up going IAD-HPN, then a train back to Queens. If i thought about the train, it woulda been faster and cheaper to have went to DC's Union station, then a train to NY Penn Station. i learned my lesson real quick. LOL .... wherever you are.. Safe flying always.
@evaharris6450
2 жыл бұрын
@@ellisjames7192 i love this video. great to see, but, i am not a "romance-type woman for a train ride, not romantic, just a regular nice train ride, clean, charge mi cell phone or i-pad, and i m good." so i agree, with ELLIS and STEVE Jackson. lol i love to fly too, and like yourself, shorter flights, are easy, to just sit back and enjoy, i fly like yourself few x a year.
@bretcantwell4921
2 жыл бұрын
As I've gotten older and Ankylosing Sponylitis has robbed me of the ability to turn my neck, a long distance train ride seems more appealing. Did several in my youth living in Europe and remember all of them fondly.
Couldn’t agree more- travel solo! It is so liberating - just don’t give in to your fears. Plan ahead, then be willing to change & you’ll be fine!
@toplarry
6 ай бұрын
No price breaks for SOLO TRAVELERS.
Of course, traveling by train is slow but for people who like sightseeing and enjoying seeing the country, the train is the best route.
@TheDrumminguy
4 жыл бұрын
traveling by american train is slow... 24 yours for 800km... jesus, would take me 7 or 8 here in germany
@zipitshut3572
4 жыл бұрын
I enjoyed it so much. Sleeper car 💕
@bones0070
4 жыл бұрын
@@TheDrumminguy I like that the train is going slow simply because I like to sightsee. Your not going to see much if you are going 200 miles per hour (or 322 km/h). It's the little things in life.
@chrisinnes2128
3 жыл бұрын
I'm in Scotland near Edinburgh and I could get to Germany in less than 24 hours
The space available in the Amtrak Coach Class would be a dream-come-true for any coach airline passenger.
@LetsgowithHyro
4 жыл бұрын
True haha
@taolang1089
4 жыл бұрын
jacksan1, nah! That ain't gonna happen dude! USA is getting far behind nowadays. America still don't have bullet trains, or any trains that travels fast, as fast as the Ferrari, a Bugatti, a Lamborghini, a Hayabusa or an H2. America don't have those. Unlike Japan have bullet trains, France and Germany have one! And also some other Countries in Europe also have bullet train. China have one! But why America don't have one? America, The mighty USA which is the most powerful and the most warfreak in the World don't have Bullet Train?! but only have Amtrak Train and a Rusting Greyhound Bus.
@israelCommitsGenocide
4 жыл бұрын
Only reason all these failing shithole yurocuck states can even function like that is because the us covers their defense costs
@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive
4 жыл бұрын
I would be riding Amtrak all the time, instead of a plane if I was not in a hurry. And if only Amtrak would announce stops.
@gabelogan56
4 жыл бұрын
Agreed you can fully recline, more than enough legroom. Coach train travel is basically first class in most airlines.
I am a 19 year old, and don't know anyone who likes train travel as much as me, so I am always alone, but it is worth it!
@josiasajvix9129
3 жыл бұрын
Bro I’m 24 and I’m traveling for my first time this in 2 days I’m fucking excited affffff!!!!!! I love trains!!
@jesusvalencia4347
3 жыл бұрын
I’m 19 as well but never have gotten on a train and I’ve always wanted to I just want to get out of Texas and travel
@saffirenn1437
3 жыл бұрын
I’m 23 and today will be my first time on train! I’m super excited 😁
@bobthreetimes2286
3 жыл бұрын
I pretty young and I love train rides and so when ever my family goes on a trip I always want at least one part to be on train.
@richardpodnar5039
3 жыл бұрын
I traveled on Amtrak for the first time when was 19 years old --- in 1971 when the system and I were both very young. The trip from Union Station in Los Angeles to Oakland/San Francisco was horrible. Didn't impress me at all. Swore I'd never do it again. Waited until 2021 --- aged 69, to take it up again. It is much improved, even with pesky drawbacks, but now I'm addicted to domestic train travel. For some of us it takes a while to chill.
Hey Mike! I retired from Amtrak about two years ago. Your Amtrak videos are on point. I worked in the sleeper for 32 years.
@DownieLive
3 жыл бұрын
Cool! I wish we had gotten to meet on a train at some point.
I took a greyhound once - I repeat ONCE ! This train looks way more fun.
@robinruano2554
3 жыл бұрын
I had a 56 hours greyhound trip 😂🤣
@skyangelthefan
3 жыл бұрын
I did a Greyhound once and I adamantly admit it will be that only once time. Train 🚂 is the way to travel in slower mode.
@rayselM
3 жыл бұрын
Same. I took a greyhound from NYC to Cincinnati OH. 3 busses over 17 hours. Really interesting people but won’t be doing it ever again.
@tonymurphy6986
3 жыл бұрын
Lol man I took one from Colorado to Atlanta never again
@heidiburkard7464
3 жыл бұрын
Know the feeling
I lived in Chicago for 18 years and taking the Amtrak from Union Station was so convenient to travel around and cost effective. I love taking the train and wish the US had a better train service.
@johnepants
4 жыл бұрын
That’s fortunate for someone that likes taking the train as Chicago is a major rail hub and you can go anywhere on Amtrak from Chicago.
@theduckchick
4 жыл бұрын
I love taking the train, too! The Amtrak station in Fort Worth is great, clean, and I can go a lot of places!
@insideoutsideupsidedown2218
4 жыл бұрын
Saw your Grandad's show on METV....it was a riot.....
@nicollevandyke5950
4 жыл бұрын
InsideOutside UpsideDown Thank you.💫
I did this as a child and it was one of the greatest experiences I've ever had. I went from Vermont to Utah and it was wild and unpredictable.
My dad was a railroad cop and retired. He talked about doing a trip like this but sadly passed away before he had the chance. I tell my wife that I would love to do this now.
I would take 24 hours on Amtrak before I ever took 24 on a Greyhound bus ever again. THAT was pure torture.
@HomesteadHopefulTara
4 жыл бұрын
I said the same thing until I priced them for a trip once. The bus was going to be something like $60 per person and the Amtrack was over $200 per person for the exact same trip. I was just... 🤯 I ended up NOT making that trip because I couldn’t afford Amtrack and didn’t want to deal with Greyhound again. And this was only one state away.
@ravynnemorrigan6065
4 жыл бұрын
You couldn't pay me to take Greyhound again
@Dani-it5sy
4 жыл бұрын
Holly sh't. 24 hours on a bus? I feel tortured only after 30min on a bus. You are a tough guy.
@fignewton1425
4 жыл бұрын
Omg! I hear sooo many horror stories about GreyHound and I've rode them sooooo many times and never had any issues. I'm grateful for that lol sucks so many people have had such horrible experiences.
@Dreamprism
4 жыл бұрын
Greyhound - where 3 hours late is "on-time" by their standards
The ladies lounge is a MUST if you’re traveling with kiddos it has a large sink vanity area with a couch, and a separate toilet. You can take your kids in change diapers wash them up and dress them in the morning if you’re on an all night trip. Awesome!
@DownieLive
4 жыл бұрын
Dorothy, sounds great. Thanks for the insight, since I’d never know.
@intercityrailpal
4 жыл бұрын
@@DownieLive You can see them when the train is not in service. They used to have national train days with equipment open for viewing. But that encouraged too much business. They can sell out anyway with advertising. So there are NO more national train days by Amtrak.
@densealloy
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Amtrak should re-label those to "family-lounge" since some of us fathers have those duties as well, may not know the rooms intent and would miss out on the much needed accessories. Have a great day!
As a born and raised Virginian (over 20 years), I have to admit: I didn't know cross country train travel was an option. My family travels a lot, but it's always been travel through car. Yes, I've seen train tracks and crossings, but my mind always assumed that it was supplies that were transported via railroad these days. (The tracks that I saw probably were only for supplies.) Thanks for letting me know about this option.
"Here's my tip for making the most out of coach class; GET OUT OF COACH CLASS." died laughing
@badguy1481
2 жыл бұрын
Absolutely...The club car is "where its at"! WHY book an expensive "private room" when the best part of the trip is the scenery you can see (both sides)... and the interesting people you meet there?
When I was 21 I took Amtrak from California to North Carolina, with a layover at Union Station in Chicago. I did it in Coach. I would love to see what the sleeper cars are like. I regret not getting one. But the people all along the way were incredible, that was a time when there were no cell phones, no social media, no real electronic distractions. The sound of the train on the tracks is still one of my favorite relaxing/white noise sounds. The view was always amazing. Thank you for doing this, I may have more train adventures now.
In the early 60's my parents would send me to my grandmothers cottage in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for the summer. I raveled alone on the train from Chicago at 10 years old. My dad would give the conductor a $5 tip to assure my passage. I had a blast. I can still hear the conductor calling out the cities as we traveled.
Traveled Amtrak last year from Chicago to Atlanta with a five hour stop in DC. Watching the scenery was just lovely and sleep came pretty easily in coach class, especially since I had an empty row to myself. Spent the five hours walking around capitol hill for the first time in my life. Took two days but 100% would do it again. Edit: Also met a dude that all but broke up with his gf over my phone.
Dude I love your travel attitude. You nailed why I love train travel. You have to talk to people and there are some really cool and interesting people who travel by train. It's all about the journey and not just the destination....
For a long ride, roomette is the way to go. Snuggle in your bed and let the train rock you to sleep. Wake up and you're 500 miles along. Time for a shower, a sit-down breakfast and some conversation. It's the most civilized way to travel.
@japanismyhobby7886
3 жыл бұрын
It is a lovely way to travel !
@bravoprojectrunwayfans
3 жыл бұрын
How much is it?
@kadiestarr9770
3 жыл бұрын
@@bravoprojectrunwayfans it can get pretty expensive depending on what trip you take. for my trip it would be a few hundred
@scottvelez3154
3 жыл бұрын
How does Amtrak do it? You get a 1st class Delta ticket and your space is dirty, food is shoddy and there's little leg room. You get a coach Amtrak ticket and they have burgers and stuff, you can walk around instead of being seated for hours on end, you can see the landscape you are travelling through and not just clouds, much bigger windows, you can stretch your legs in your seat, and if I recall correctly you don't have to stay in the seat your ticket gets you. Plane is faster though. An Amtrak ride that would take 8 hours would take maybe 2 hours by plane.
Started on the Amtrak California Zephyr in San Francisco, had a layover in Chicago, stopped in Buffalo NY 2 days later. One of the best trips of my life.
@melissajennings7085
4 жыл бұрын
Mine was the same except I went from Chicago to Memphis. Best four days of travel ever!!
Man traveling by Train is the way to go.
Took the overnight train from Chicago to Rochester NY.... had a roomette..... I have never ever traveled in such a state of relaxation in my life. It was fantastic!
I'll never travel on a greyhound bus 2000 miles ever again, ..Amtrak is the way to go if you're traveling by ground in the continental United States!..
@rolandtours8404
4 жыл бұрын
I travelled on Greyhound in Florida. Every route lays over in Orlando. Noisey, chaotic, poor visual information for foreigners or hearing-impaired, you have to retrieve your bags, load them on your new bus or they end up in the wrong place.
@Meekerextreme
4 жыл бұрын
My trusty vehicle gets me to where I need to go, but I'm not a broke POS either...LOL Plus I enjoy long trips I get s a nice Hotel with a pool and hot tub and live it up. Oh I also see the back country as I take dirt roads and stuff for the hell of it.
@randallwest1572
4 жыл бұрын
melvin jones I took greyhound from mobile, al to Oakland, ca when I was fifteen back in the late 80’s. ThAt sucked.
@deborahrepash4843
4 жыл бұрын
I took Greyhound from Pennsylvania to California and back. It was hell. Greyhound is awful. Won’t ever Er do that again.
@melaninblessed1106
4 жыл бұрын
Exactly
My dad was an engineer for Penn Central for years, then he drove for Amtrak until he retired. We got to ride for free as kids. I love to ride the train, it's very soothing.
I'm riding from Los Angeles to Houston. In Koreatown, I'm going to the mall across the street to get a supply of food and drinks. Watching the scenery is a plus.
Great video… you do a good job. I’m 76 and riding a train is tops on my bucket list. I’m just beginning my research and train travel education. Really enjoyed your video.
God I love Amtrak. And I also 100% understand anyone's hesitation about taking it. You either love it or you don't; this video is pretty much spot on. Also: if you haven't done it yet, I highly recommend the Empire Builder route from Chicago to Portland or Seattle. When I took it, the observation car had an old timer from the Park Service narrating the western landscape; then an acoustic country trio played for a while, and some guy fishing in a canoe mooned us. It was amazing.
@randemness2680
4 жыл бұрын
I love the empire builder, ive taken it many times when I was in north Dakota and would go back to Wisconsin or to Oregon to visit a buddy. The guys on the obersavtion car are part of the trails and rails program between the national park service and amtrak. They do between lacrosse Wisconsin and st Paul Minnesota, then also through glacier national park in montana
@ghassedir
4 жыл бұрын
@@randemness2680 Cool! great to hear that's a regular thing. It was my first Amtrak trip and I was just delighted.
Awesome video. I love watching stuff and meeting people who appreciate Amtrak - it seems to be a niche pursuit in the USA. Train people are my kinda people.
@charlenekelley7268
3 жыл бұрын
Love everything train related!!!
@kellyplumb7024
3 жыл бұрын
I do so agree!! I love the train!!!
@alex2777
2 жыл бұрын
You should do some Amtrak train videos.
@backupaccount2394
2 жыл бұрын
@IAXEL LESSS GOOOO SI PAPI SHARK MAN BOY IMBOTMWAHA does anyone know how good amtrak wifi is?
@TheCcentury1
2 жыл бұрын
Compare to the waiting times for air travel and increased costly driving, train travel becomes a better option.
I was suprised at how much I enjoyed riding amtrak from Florence,sc back up to Richmond,va. It was like a 70.00 ticket and only took about 5.5 hours.
You sir are a LIVING LEGEND! Thank you for this KZread video!
This is pure nostalgia for me, when I was little, me and my brother would go to New York to stay with our grandmother for the summer and we would take these 24 hour Amtrak train rides each summer from Alabama to New York with her coming to ny and the train rides there were so peaceful and interesting, seeing the places we would pass by through the window, eating and conversating with each other at the diner, napping and waking up to the new scenery outside the window, I miss these, I’m 19 now and I’m going to be taking an Amtrak train there by myself for college and I can’t wait to relive the nostalgia.
Amtrak is fine as long as you don't have to be where you're going on time.
@generatorx
4 жыл бұрын
Or if the darn thing is not filled to capacity.
@cw7784
4 жыл бұрын
I know that's right I took it from El Paso to San Antonio took 12 hrs. What i hated the most is when it gets dark outside you cant even see out of the windows cause of all the interior light reflections. Then it's boring from there lol
@kathleenhenry6600
4 жыл бұрын
MoneyIsSilver that is correct. Trains are notoriously late, because freight trains have priority to the tracks, so you often have to wait for freight to pass. But Amtrak often does make up time.
@cw7784
4 жыл бұрын
@@kathleenhenry6600 Amtrak sued Union Pacfic a few years ago for delaying them and won now U P has to let Amtrak go first but the still run behind but not always there fault lol
@kristie9144
4 жыл бұрын
THIS! SO MUCH THIS!!!!!! San Jose to Boston - total flipping nightmare. Due to delays, I missed my connection in Chicago, had to stay the night in Chicago, and lost a day in Boston. Coming into Boston, my train was supposed to arrive at 9pm. We arrived at 1am - which, by the way, makes it VERY difficult to find a cab. Then, on the way home, we were delayed outside Chicago which meant, you guessed it - I missed my connection AGAIN. But, because I had a sleeper car and they were sold out for the next connection, I could get a voucher and take the 4 day journey via coach, wait in Chicago until a sleeper opened, or suck it up and fly home. Because my dates weren't flexible, I had to fly home and was not refunded.
My wife, children and I have taken Flagstaff AZ to Syracuse NY and back and Buffalo NY to Flagstaff AZ once. Its worth it in coach class, like you said you meet so many interesting people, in spite of train delays and missing your greyhound connection to Phoenix.
Train travel sure beats taking the Greyhound!
Train travel is something everyone should do at least once.
@Misterkill800
4 жыл бұрын
i am planning on it this coming summer.
@nathanswenson1887
4 жыл бұрын
i like this guy can i share a train cabin with him and he can have his way with me?
@nickhill8612
4 жыл бұрын
@@nathanswenson1887 Haha are you the caboose Chew Chew 🛤🚄🚅🎢
@nathanswenson1887
4 жыл бұрын
@@nickhill8612 that would be fiiiiine
@nickhill8612
4 жыл бұрын
@@nathanswenson1887 Haha okay okay Happy New Year 🎆✨📆🗓 2🎈2🎈
Yes, would love to see what sleeper units are like. ✌❤🌎
@caulkins69
4 жыл бұрын
You can check out Reviewbrah's take on it: kzread.info/dash/bejne/aKikz9ygndWYctY.html
@dennissalamone5794
4 жыл бұрын
here is my advice I have been on many trips on Amtrak sleeper car is very good if you are travaling for more then one day like across country.sleep car to tx and back 1200 dollars you get dinner reservations if you have a sleeper very nice
@Mister006
4 жыл бұрын
Sleepers are FANTASTIC, the folks working the cars are pretty great, and it's worth every penny! Plus there's SHOWERS in the sleeper cars!
@nanidogmomstevens6386
4 жыл бұрын
Yes please! Have fun. Be blest☦️👩🏻🦳🐾 💫✨🇺🇸
@seanriley1603
4 жыл бұрын
I’d also like a review of the sleeper cars. I want my own compartment but it’s a good bit of money.
Love the train!!!! Grew up riding it, first trip 1 month old, with a steam engine. My Father worked for the Great Northern out of Whitefish MT. Last great trip, bedroom accomodations ( bucket list) from Fullerton CA to Chicago, then business class to Syracuse and return. Next trip Pomona, CA to New Orleans to Clemson SC to Delaware to Syracuse to Chicago to Whitefish MT to Seattle to Ventura CA. Can't wait.
This video was suggested to me, and I thought why not check it out. I am glad I did. I have seen other train reviewers, but just this video alone makes me want to watch more of your videos. You are engaging, charismatic, not annoying, and talk (unlike some who just use text). You aren't obnoxious with the usual "like, subscribe, comment" which I really appreciate. I have only taken Amtrak a couple of times, with my longest being Chicago to DC (which was hell for me), but you make the journey seem fun. I highly doubt you will read this as the video is a half a year old, but the off chance you do, I hope to see a lot more of theses videos in the future.
@DownieLive
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Austin! I'm glad you're here! Thanks for the nice comment and I hope you get to experience it again. Once I can travel again, I'll be back down there to take a different Amtrak trip.
Dude, I did 61 hours in coach class. A damn nightmare, in terms of time taken to get from A to B. Spent as much time as possible in the lounge car. But the views, and the people, and the places you get to see make it worth it.
@ryansadventurepage7336
2 жыл бұрын
Doing 74 in august. If I don’t sleep well fuck it I’ll rest upon arrival at my hotel lol
Relaxing, plenty of legroom, able to get up and walk around, photo-ops, no crying babies or sick children. Lots of positives. The food could use help, but then again so could the airline food.
@PostcardCathy
3 жыл бұрын
I’ve had kids sitting behind me constantly kicking the back of my seat. So maybe we’ve been on different trains.
@DownieLive
3 жыл бұрын
Cathy, that could equally happen on a plane or when driving a minivan. It’s people.
@PostcardCathy
3 жыл бұрын
@@DownieLive yes, but the way the original post was written, it sounded, at least to me, that crying babies and sick children don’t ride Amtrak and I was simply commenting that they do.
Being able to see the view is what makes train travel so great. Cheers.
I take a twelve hour Amtrak train tomorrow morning to New Orleans. I have never been on a train before and I'm so excited! Thanks for showing us your experience!
@livelovelaugh7431
3 жыл бұрын
Please share your experience
I’d love to be in that observation car during a wicked storm ,thunder ,lightning the whole nine.....!
@jackiehoward7300
4 жыл бұрын
Scott McCullough That would be awesome
@SpankinHands
4 жыл бұрын
Lightning can still strike you through glass. I've never been on a train in a thunderstorm, I wonder if they evacuate?
@Miakois
4 жыл бұрын
Steve Denver It’s perfectly safe to be in a train car during storm - the train acts like huge faraday cage - nothing can happen to you and they certainly do not evacuate the train. In fact you would be in danger if you left the train during a storm.
@SpankinHands
4 жыл бұрын
@@Miakois -- Thanks. I'd never heard of a faraday cage -- apparently the same applies to airplanes and most motor vehicles. I just wondered if the observation car was evacuated, not the entire cage.
I used to travel frequently with one of my jobs, and traveling alone is a great way to get to know yourself. Nothing wrong with that.
@donnawentz7079
4 жыл бұрын
greeleyman I always travel by myself and love it. I only travel by train now.
My father worked for Union Pacific railroad. One of the perks was railroad passes for him and his family. If we wanted to ride in coach class all we had to do was show up with our pass. In a room or roomette we would have to make a reservation and sometimes pay a nominal fee of between $5. And $50. The fee was determined by distance and if our travel included nonunion pacific trains. Since most of the car attendants knew me by sight, they would put me in a private room and within less than an hour either a snack or full meal would show up. Needless to say, I loved train travel. For me it was all about the travel and not the destination.😊
If you haven't already, I highly recommend the Coast Starlight. I took it from Oakland to LA about 10 years ago, and it's a train ride I would do again in a heartbeat. A solid 6 hours of the trip rides the Pacific Coastline, and it takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery California has to offer.
Me 20 minutes ago: Huh this doesn't look like my kind of thing Me now: I will watch everything on this channel and I am booking train tickets now
@carryeveryday910
4 жыл бұрын
It’s the best way to travel if you have time. I travel from Dallas where I currently live back to New York where I’m from and it’s great.
@stgraham111
4 жыл бұрын
Don't do it. Amtrak is DISGUSTING and the service is terrible. They don't even make an effort. The whole train smelled like a bathroom. The experience was a complete lie from what I was told we were getting. My 11-year-old and I had a 7'x7' suite to ourselves on our cross country trip and it was still so bad we bailed in Milwaukee and got a rental car.
@kamallb4650
4 жыл бұрын
Um. The video is way short than 20min.
@carryeveryday910
4 жыл бұрын
Steve Graham Well first off don’t lie lol one bad experience doesn’t mean it’s like that everywhere. I’ve taken cross country Amtraks a dozen times and each one was great. Delays were the only thing that ever went wrong the staff always works hard and puts out good effort considering they’re doing 15-18 hour shifts.
@shinigamilee5915
4 жыл бұрын
ScamTrack isn't for me. I hate to travel.
Would absolutely love to see the sleeper cars and overnight accommodations.
@ellisjames7192
4 жыл бұрын
There a plenty of videos on KZread about the sleeper car.
@bether2game797
4 жыл бұрын
They are very small... all bed... but so worth it! The bathrooms are communal unless you get a very expensive large room. But if you are traveling more than 24 hours it is well worth a sleeper. :)
@421Reacts
4 жыл бұрын
They're nice, but very small. Former Amtrak employee here. 😂
@retroguy9494
4 жыл бұрын
I hear there are 3 options and only the "roomette" has a communal toilet. I hear the other 2 have their own toilet and the biggest one is rather roomy but VERY expensive.
@BixbyConsequence
4 жыл бұрын
@@421Reacts Good use of space though. Plenty of room for sitting during the day, and 2 bunk beds at night.
Great to see this, I traveled with the Sunset Limited from New Orleans to Los Angelas in 2008, as part of a travel story I did for a Dutch newspaper, back when I was working as a journalist. I did have a bedroom which made the trip very comfortable. Years later I still think about the trip once in a while, seeing the country change from the swamps of Lousiana to the dessert of California and was quiet a experience.
I like this guy he's alright. He seems like he's at least trying to make the best of it I respect that
The Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle is the greatest Amtrak journey in my opinion. Two and a half days across the top of America. Such amazing scenery, especially once you are in the mountains. If you can have a sleeper car trip you will be able to see what luxery travel is.
@nicholasbarranco3879
4 жыл бұрын
Cyn Haston yes it it! I’ve taken it several times at least and it’s by far the best!
@DownieLive
4 жыл бұрын
Okay, sounds perfect. I’ll add it to the list for me to travel in 2020. Thanks for the recommendation!
@larrybrennan1463
4 жыл бұрын
@@DownieLive The Builder is a beautiful route, but I prefer it eastbound. Due to the tender mercies of the BNSF, over whose tracks it runs, its ontime record westbound is atrocious. Unfortunately, this means you arrive at Glacier National Park at or even after sunset. You won't see much until dawn in far western Washington. Eastbound gives you a chance to see more. You miss seeing your train's shadow from the trestle over Gassman Coulee west of Minot (which is a boon for an acrophobe, as it's a third of a mile long and over 100 feet high!) but you get Glacier in the morning, gas flares at sunset near Williston, and a daylight ride along the Upper Mississippi the next day. I wish it weren't so, and it's still a great way to see the country just south of the Canadian border, but I don't recommend the westbound Builder.
@Distantwizard
4 жыл бұрын
California Zephyer
@grey3977
4 жыл бұрын
Allow me to retort.....the California Zephyr is awesome.
"You start to talk to people" That can be a double edge sword. My experience with an Amtrak train was wonderful. My experience with the guy sitting next to me was awful.
@pbase36
4 жыл бұрын
I was sitting next to a drug addict for 8 hours, wouldn’t shut up about his addiction. I then invented a philosophy that separated his addiction from language. He was a bit quieter after that 🤐😉
@livingcorpse5664
4 жыл бұрын
@@pbase36 The guy next to me was bragging about how he was in a race while driving & drinking, got in a crash and a dirty cop was too lazy and let him and the other guy go. And he found me to be obnoxious? What an asshole.
@jaycarl1562
4 жыл бұрын
It's hard to have a good conversation with a Living Corpse!
@justmeandthethree
4 жыл бұрын
When I was in college many years ago I took a trip with a bunch of fellow students to a journalism conference. We took along lots of booze and threw a small party for everyone on our train car. It was great fun, but we arrived drunk in NYC, and our advisor -- who drove and got there a few hours earlier -- was not happy when we showed up wasted at the hotel. I don't even know how we got to the hotel. We had ZERO regrets.
@livingcorpse5664
4 жыл бұрын
@@justmeandthethree You weren't driving drunk.
Made the same trip in November, 1986. The layover in SA was spent sitting at Denny's as there is nothing open except Denny's, about a quarter mile away from the station! Things don't change much
I love Amtrak. I have rode it so many times starting off as a baby. Getting on it again soon
I love train travel. Wish the US had a better rail network - I'd see the entire country a hundred times over! :)
@im1who84u
4 жыл бұрын
I'd love to take a train from Raleigh to Cleveland but it just doesn't seem to be in cards. The schedule times are crazy.
@ECsponger2
4 жыл бұрын
We DID have a great rail network.. but the automobile and the interstate highway system led to it's demise.
@KRAFTWERK2K6
4 жыл бұрын
Big Oil didn't want better rail networks. This is why the USA has such a poor network of railways. And building highspeed trains like in China is probably not going to happen anytime soon either.
@ricochetey
4 жыл бұрын
@@ECsponger2 yah thats a load of crap
@Leo-nine
4 жыл бұрын
ricochetey must work for big oil, lolol
I love train travel. For me, being retired, it’s an opportunity to meet people. I have a friend, whom l met on Amtrak from El Paso to San Antonio. As he was my seat mate, we hit it off right away. That has been over 10 years ago. So whenever I’m Amtraking through San Antonio, he and his wife pick me up and we go to dinner and catch up. Happy rails and trails!!
@DownieLive
4 жыл бұрын
Oh that’s a fantastic story! So great to hear that. Thanks Curt! All the best and happy rails!
I took a bus once from Paducah KY to Washington D.C. back in 81 and I would have to say that a train trip I took from utica N.Y. to Ocala FL was a lot more relaxing and comfortable. You could get a drink or food anytime on train. A lot more accommodating on Amtrak.
Oh, I've experienced the same feeling after an extremely long flight. You experienced 'land sickness'. One time, after a 13-hour flight, I had it for two days. A pharmacist recommended a decongestant and I was cured instantly.
@MairaBay
3 жыл бұрын
I get that even after 3h car rides and even after short plane rides. If decongestant helped then it must be related to circulation. I usually just deal with it. After long flights I just stay in bed for 2 days, lol.
@mamabear3887
2 жыл бұрын
Oh snap. I get land sickness from boats now that im older. 9 hours in a boat gave me 2 weeks of intense land sickness. I hope the train will not do that to me. 36 hours is our trip time.
@somamute
2 жыл бұрын
@@mamabear3887 Recommend taking a decongestant with you on the trip. I had no idea what was happening until i went to a pharmacist and told them I had been dizzy since my flight and they immediately knew what was wrong. It has something to do with your inner ear canals being affected which affects your equilibrium. A decongestant can help balance it out.
You are an incredibly optimistic person and passionate about your choice of travel. This was a fun video and I'm a new viewer, be safe and keep traveling!
@DownieLive
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Vanessa! I take that as a compliment. Happy Holidays and I’ll keep the videos coming for you! 😄
@kettle_of_chris
4 жыл бұрын
Totally agree.... BTW; Is it possible to hire you to write positive comments [on youtube] for me?
@DownieLive
4 жыл бұрын
Chris, anything is possible. Email me at michael@downielive.ca
@topvictor34
4 жыл бұрын
He's extremely handsome with those beautiful eyes. I'm sorry I had to say it.
@jaywatt8728
4 жыл бұрын
Victor Thomas 😳😳😳
Took a Sleeper from Chicago to Fargo once. The only time I was up was during the included dinner and of course when it was about time to get off. Extremely cozy. I wasn't expecting to sleep due to how rocky it seemed but it seemed to make me sleep faster.
@stageluvr91
4 жыл бұрын
RootPC Sales ah, train 27. That was the one I went on.
I know I'm late to comment but "ladies lounge" most likely means a place for mother's go to feed their babies.
36 hours...Amtrak coach-class. Ventura to Seattle in February. It was the best and worst of times. Never again! Lovin' your videos. Thank you!
I really appreciate how you're a straightforward guy whose enjoying this trip. So tired of "HEY KZread LMAO ELITE TRAVELLER HERE". It feels like I'm listening and watching a genuine person instead of a detached pseudo-celebrity. Just enjoyable.
@David_P132
4 жыл бұрын
Yes, well said.
I luv taking the Train. I took the train with my daughter from Buffalo, NY to Phoenix Az. We traveled Coach to Chicago and transfered in Chicago, and had a small sleeper the rest of the way. The only thing that was a bit of a hassle was the Train only goes to Flagstaff and you have to take a bus into Phoenix from Flagstaff....which is included in the price of the ticket...but you need to get a taxi to be taken to the bus station. Other than that the trip was quite enjoyable, the food was good(which is also included in the price of your ticket) and I luv that fact there are other cars you can go to so you don't have to spend all your time in a seat. I highly recommend travel by Train. And Yes...I'd love to see a video done on the Sleeper Cars as well because there are several different choices to be made when choosing a sleeper as well. Thank you.
I took Amtrak from Spokane WA to Atlanta Georgia... In coach lol.. took 3 days and several long layovers. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Met some amazing people and saw things a lot of people never will 😁
My dad was a railroader, and Sunset Limited was his home line (we lived in El Paso). The Sunset used to run from LA to Tallahassee most of my life. PS I now live in Austin (90 minutes from San Antonio). No one said train travel was efficient, just romantic! 😁
I would definitely enjoy seeing a sleeper car experience on Amtrak.
I wish we had a more thorough train system here in the US.
@mroceans8336
4 жыл бұрын
кคקק๏гtєг no point. Domestic flights are just as cheap.
@retroguy9494
4 жыл бұрын
We DID at one time. There was a time you could go just about anywhere in the US by train. But the private railroads went bankrupt because of 2 things. The interstate road system where families wanted to drive themselves on their own schedule and for cheaper and the increasing affordability of air travel (which, by the way, put travel by ship out of business). Amtrak is subsidized by the Federal Government and there are NO plans to expand it.
@ashleylords8910
4 жыл бұрын
retroguy94 there’s more to that story
@JohnDavis-yz9nq
4 жыл бұрын
кคקק๏гtєг we did have years ago.
@retroguy9494
4 жыл бұрын
Ashley Lords. Yes I know. But this is supposed to be for brief comments. I very well cannot write a documentary delving into it here. I just wanted to make a succinct point that we DID have a better rail system and a basic overview of what happened.
U hit the nail on the head in my opinion rail travel is better than air travel if your not in a hurry to get to your destination u see things u would never see from a plane u get to stretch your legs your not confined to your seat the entire trip on a plane u can only go as far as rest room can’t step out for fresh air for obvious reasons lol
I like looking out train at the countryside. Beautiful!!! I agree you would get those view any other way.
I love traveling by train. I once took a 50 hour trip from NY to WA. I spent most of the time getting drunk in the dinning car with a lesbian couple from Minnesota
@monizdm
4 жыл бұрын
You really are just too cool.
@zacharythomas7789
4 жыл бұрын
@@monizdm This is actually a pretty typical way to spend time on the Empire Builder.
@Jobother
3 жыл бұрын
That's the dream right there
@biancamorgan396
3 жыл бұрын
This just took me tf out 😆😆😆
@stephanlopez2244
3 жыл бұрын
How much are the drinks usually?
The best trips are solo. You do what you want when you want. I'm starting the 96 mile Lone Star Trail solo tomorrow morning.
@dfwquiltr37
4 жыл бұрын
are you going to blog about it? would love to follow along, I am in Texas right now Colleyville till I go up towards Eastland in the next couple of days
I love to travel in coach class. Every year I go to Chicago (not on 2020) to see my grand dad after a week, I take the train to Little Rock to see my grandma and it's awesome.
@DownieLive
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds great! Thanks for sharing.
Amazing. 02:42 a glimpse of a washroom for Amtrak locomotives. Loved your video. I subscribed. Thank you.
@DownieLive
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks David!
"if you don't have anyone else to go with... Go alone." #facts
The slowest way to travel...greyhound bus, then the train, LOL!
@Fuzzy_Spork
4 жыл бұрын
I was just thinking Greyhound definitely has the train beat for slowness! And it's probably the most uncomfortable way to travel, followed by airline economy class. :P
@AltCTRLF8
4 жыл бұрын
I've taken the Greyhound from Pensacola, FL to San Diego, CA....it took about 48 hours...I was amazed by how the bus arrived right on time, despite all the stops and transfers.
@johnworth7012
4 жыл бұрын
NEVER, NEVER, NEVER go Greyhound! ( unless you're poor, like me )
@TheConsciousEvolutionchannel
4 жыл бұрын
@@johnworth7012 that's exactly how I know how slow they are, LOL!
@jeffwolfe4058
4 жыл бұрын
Can almost bicycle as fast
train is definitely my choice when sight-seeing and travelling.
Great channel! I am a FA/Nurse and watching your train 🚂 video’s has inspired me to go back to do some slow leisure traveling by train. The rocking of the train is soo peaceful. Great video! 👏🏼👍👏🏼
I love to travel by train. I wish the USA had decent rail service (like the used to). Most all other countries put the USA to shame when it comes to affordable public transportation.
@1rockcrawford
4 жыл бұрын
Car companies ruined it for us.
@GregNixon
4 жыл бұрын
I spent 2 years in Germany back in 90-92 and rode them in Europe. It's crazy that even nearly 30 years later the trains from then are still leaps and bounds better than a present-day train in the US.
@wulfone5961
4 жыл бұрын
America uses cars. Mass transportation is never going to be a big thing in the US.
@badgerwijohnson4081
4 жыл бұрын
We traded being stuck on rails for the freedom of the open road.
@HK-uj9qc
4 жыл бұрын
Boy aint that the truth!
“It’s not the destination but the journey”
@ArtesianFalma
4 жыл бұрын
It is the journey AND the destination 😉💋
@dwphillips42
4 жыл бұрын
very true
@Peter-bg5gy
4 жыл бұрын
Much as life eh?
@iluvatar2239
4 жыл бұрын
thats how a human would say it ... or you could say "IT IS THE TRAVEL...This is part of the trip"
@Spider-Too-Too
4 жыл бұрын
the journey is shit
You just did. BUT IS WORTH IT!!!!!! THE AMTRAK MENU STINKS.
Thank you for this video! Taking the Amtrak for the first time in 3 days from one side of NY to the other.
I’ve done coach and sleeper.. it’s a blast and I enjoyed every minute of it.. usually I grab the southwest chief to California and the scenery is probably some of the best! Wish more people would experience it.
@kingcoheed1208
4 жыл бұрын
It seems for a comparable price Amtrak should be pushing the facts that its more personal, you're handed paper tickets, and it's less abuse. I never want to get poked and jabbed by TSA again, so it may take me a number of extra hours to get where I'm going... Better for the Environment better for my Temper
@hoebylife
4 жыл бұрын
Kid Coheed lol
Long distance train travel is about the journey, not the destination.
@rock3tcatU233
4 жыл бұрын
Especially on the Auschwitz trains.
@tiny5500
4 жыл бұрын
Man O man that's true! Reno to Richmond CA. A 3.5 hour drive, train took 9.5 hours!!! Of course I had to under my situation but it was worth it. Never would have seen the High Sierra's in the back view👍👍. Oh alot of the folks were tweakers and homeless looking. However given my departure local and destination local no shock 😲🙄
@amostake
4 жыл бұрын
Which is about as much a reason to never ride a train as you can get. I'm not traveling, in order to have my body be moved. I'm traveling to get somewhere. I find nothing great about something off in the distance going by. I find something good about actually being at that something, and walking around looking at it.
@sushi_wolf
4 жыл бұрын
Andrew Ekleberry exactly it’s about the trip? Bitch I’m trying to get there so I can enjoy my trip. All those great sights, gas stations,cemeteries, woah.
@ll5104
4 жыл бұрын
Thought about taking an Amtrak across country and back . Just for the ride
Trains are the best way to get your pending work done or read your books or prepare for an exam
I took a train from Omaha to San Diego in 1967, before AmTak. Was terrible then no better now. I have taken buses, driven flown and hitch hiked. Driving is best, no difference between buses and flying anymore other than time. I going to try train, but only by sleeper.
8:08 YES, I'd love for you to do a video on the sleeper cars.
I'm old enough to remember the REAL Sunset Limited when Southern Pacific ran it. The red, orange and yellow markings on the cars were distinctive!
Round tripped from Austin Texas to LA caliiiifornaaa baby!!!! This brings me back memories thank you!!
“Id love to sleep but im still enjoying it” new motto for life
Have always loved the train. End of month going to NYC from Rochester, NY. 6+ hour ride right into Penn Station. I pay the extra bucks for the business car. One side has single seats, and the other side has two. Business car is the last car on train. No one walks through it. Snack/Bar car is next. You get complimentary soft drinks and sometimes the New York Times. It travels along the Hudson, after many quick stops. The Empire Line. The seats have all the outlets for your devices, etc; large tray table, ans seats that are similar to a recliner. I have the time, so I love it. It would take just as long to fly to NY from Rochester, and getting up much earlier,, TSA, etc, etc.......As a "senior" I get a seat discount. Love it.
@TheMoises1213
3 жыл бұрын
I’m taking that too but are the seats comfortable??😭 they wanna charge 160$ extra just for a bed
One thing about trains: It doesn't matter where they're going. What matters is deciding to get on.
@essbee2334
4 жыл бұрын
Great quote from Polar Express. Through traveling I've found it's very true--I remember the journey to just as much as the time spent as the destination.
@richardharris6058
4 жыл бұрын
bond1j89 @downie live I don’t want to burst your bubble but Southwest flies from New Orleans to Austin for $74 in an hour and 20 minute flight just so anyone who reads this knows that
@intercityrailpal
4 жыл бұрын
@@richardharris6058 Except there are 200 other cities with NO air services on the Sunset Limited route that air never has nor will serve. There is no problem getting people on the comfortable fun way to travel. Trains the dream machines. Instead of 737's
@richardharris6058
4 жыл бұрын
intercityrailpal I’ve toured all over Europe and I feel bad for people that travel in the United States on trains. trains in Europe are so much more comfortable that’s why people don’t care so much in the United States about trains. Your video made me never want to get on a train ever! uncomfortable takes too long way more dangerous by 30% fatalities
@intercityrailpal
4 жыл бұрын
@@richardharris6058 That's OK enjoying driving or flying...! Someone else will take your space on the train. There is no problem filling trains today. Fuel is not 20 cents a gallon. And if not for the government there wouldn't be any air service ...under $10,000 a ticket. Charter a plane for your next trip and find out the true costs of flying.
I enjoyed your enthusiasm in the video. I was inspired by watching a PBS show on the Great Rail journeys of the World, and my wife gave me the OK to do 5 weekend to weekend trips between 2001 and 2013 to see The West by riding all AMTRAK rail routes west of St. Louis. All trips were in coach except for twice getting free upgrades to a sleeper car due to late trains and great AMTRAK customer service. My last trip in 2013 was the Southwest Chief to L.A.. I saw an Anaheim Angels day game knowing their station was practically in their stadium parking lot. After the game I returned via Surfliner to the station and enjoyed another Mexican meal on Olvera strett across from L.A. Union station. I then took the Sunset Limited to San Antonio where I enjoyed seeing the Alamo and Riverwalk for a day. I then took the Texas Eagle back home to STL to complete all the AMTRAK routes of The West. It was fun meeting people in the Lounge car and dining car as you mention. On one of my AMTRAK trips going through Seattle I included taking VIA Rail back and forth between Vancouver and Jasper before heading East. The scenery is especially awesome on The California Zephyr and Coast Starlight. Thanks for placing your experience on KZread.
I had that “moving” feeling for hours after my last long distance trip as well. Toronto to Halifax. It was gone by next morning.