Great video, and I love your shirts! I'm planning a trip to the US in a couple of years, and was looking at a cross country trip on the Empire Builder, but after watching this, I think I may have to change that!

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much! Hawaiian shirts are a lot of fun. Not sure how much time you're planning in spending, but my dream trip would be to take the CZ from Chicago to San Francisco, the Coast Starlight from San Francisco to Seattle, then the Builder from Seattle back to Chicago

@therunningwes

3 жыл бұрын

@@SignalLightProductions I’m hoping 3 weeks. I have family in NYC and friends in SF, so what better way to get from the east coast to the west coast than spending a week crossing the United States in the moat relaxed way possible

@Cal90208

3 жыл бұрын

@@therunningwes The California Zephyr has better views

@flarrfan

3 жыл бұрын

I did the Empire Builder to Essex MT/Glacier Park, two nights at the marvelous Izaak Walton Inn and rental car, though a combination of cloudy skies, pandemic closures and late June snow blocking the Going to the Sun Road made my day with the car underwhelming. Then to Portland, Coast Starlight to Sacramento and Cal Zephyr back to Chicago. All the western trains have great scenery to offer, but the Zephyr over the Rockies and Sierras in daylight is by far the best. Roomette or bedroom offers the maximum isolation for travel in these challenging times, and I did miss the human interaction that made train travel even more fun before the pandemic. As I noted here, the menu has drastically changed for the worse, though, and now Amtrak has cut back all the long-distance trains to tri-weekly, which makes trip planning for multiple routes difficult. But the experience of crossing the western U.S. on any train is still well worth it!

@flarrfan

3 жыл бұрын

@@SignalLightProductions I did the SW Chief to LA in January, Sunset Ltd. back. I think the SW Chief is a close second to the Zephyr for scenery. I've ridden Amtrak more than a dozen times over the past four years...On the western trains in particular, your description of the crew is right on...For eastern trains, car attendants and dining service can be hit or miss...

I think many of America's problems could be solved if we traveled more by train. Slowing down, talking to people, and actually seeing the area between the coasts. Awesome video! It's on my bucket list!

@cats0182

3 жыл бұрын

Your longing for the past is admirable, though misplaced. I want to get where I'm going and then take my vacation. I don't want to spend my vacation time on a train.

The best Amtrak cross country vlog trip I've watched! Thanks for sites, images, narration and stops.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

Fantastic video Thankyou . Myself and wife are taking the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco next March for my 50th it’s always been a dream to do it . Also how nice to see a son take his mum and enjoy this together . Family is everything and should be treasured 👍🇬🇧 Thankyou it was a lovely video

@SignalLightProductions

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! I hope the two of y'all enjoy your trip as much as I did!

Love the video buddy My wife and I will be taking this trip in 2023. I’m also a huge auburn fan. I screamed “WAR EAGLE” as I was watching this and saw that au

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! You'll really enjoy it. War eagle right back at you!

My son and I rode from Emeryville California to Denver Colorado in 2017, the best experience ever!

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

That's great! I'm sure the two of you have done wonderful memories from the trip.

we just booked our CA Zephyr trip. its a 2 for 1 deal until july 17. ive wanted to do this for decades. thank you for sharing

@SignalLightProductions

4 жыл бұрын

Fantastic! You'll love every second of the trip. That deal Amtrak is running right now is phenomenal.

Thank you for this excellent tour! Planning this very trip in October. Cheers to your next adventure!

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! Hope you have a wonderful trip!

Want to do NY to LA next year with my wife So thanks for posting Love that your doing it with your mum

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

That sounds like a lot of fun! Glad you enjoyed the video!

From 2001 to 2013 I rode all the long distance trains west of St. Louis ( 5 separate trips with connections in Chicago or KC) including some others like the Surfllner and the Canadian between Vancouver and Jasper. I really enjoyed this video. The Zephyr and Coast Starlight trip (SEATTLE to LA) on AMTRAK are the best. These long haul trips are not for everyone such as my wife, but for me they were an amazing way to see the West

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Thanks for sharing this fantastic video of your trip. My oldest son has bought tickets for him and I to take Amtrak from Tucson to Emeryville and Emeryville to Chicago. We depart next Thursday evening from Tucson. Thanks for Ephesians 3:19😊

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

So glad you enjoyed the video and the verse!

This was such a nice video. My favorite Amtrak video. Well done! Thank you, so much!

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

Well thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

Excellent report! Thanks for sharing. A CZ trip is definitely on my list of things to do at least once in a lifetime.

@SignalLightProductions

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Santiago!

Excellent job with your vid, well done. Sounds like a great trip. Gotta love train trips.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! It was a great time!

Great video my friend! Let me give you a little tip… If you ever decide to take this trip again next time get off at Glenwood Springs,Colorado and spend about three days there! You will not be disappointed I promise you!🤗

@SignalLightProductions

Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! It did seem like a really cool town. I'll have to check it out!

Wow thank you for taking me on your trip. My dream is do a cross country train trip.

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! I highly recommend going!

While I will not be considering a cross-country ride, I would love a decently long ride with Amtrak. I've watched videos a few different people, and the information you provide in this ONE video is unmatched. It's like I just watch this one video and I can understand how the ride is, like, completely. The most informational video about a long Amtrak ride I've ever seen.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I'm glad it was helpful!

Thanks Mom! You are awesome

I loved the California Zephyr too. Nice work. 👍

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Great video! I took the trip (Sept. 2018) from Martinez, CA. all the way to Chicago...about 57 hours. I'm single and was so happy I chose tp get my own "Roomette." I can't imagine taking that trip in Coach..."no way." You need your own small private room.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I've done overnight trips in coach before and a room is definitely nice if you can spend the money.

Great video. Thanks for sharing.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Thanks Mom. You're the best!

Car Attendant “JR” is the best. I did the Zephyr where he worked as well.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

He's phenomenal! Very attentive to his passengers and has lots of interesting stories. I spent an hour or two chatting with him one night and he's a great guy.

Great video...Thank you.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Great video! I would love to take this trip. You have a great channel. Thanks for putting out such great content.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

@GfwTrains

3 жыл бұрын

@@SignalLightProductions you are welcome

This is fabulous!

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

i like watching amtrak travel video to cut down my anxiety from traveling alone lol

@SignalLightProductions

4 жыл бұрын

Traveling alone can be really fun. You can do whatever you want on your own schedule

I would really love to ride Amtrak one day! In the UK, our intercity rail consists of high speed rail, so Edinburgh to London takes only 4 hours!

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

I've ridden high speed trains in Italy and they are remarkable! I still really enjoy the more classic tail experience on Amtrak too though.

@TheMrPeteChannel

3 жыл бұрын

Are trains maybe slow but you can see the country better!

I’ve gone round trip on the CA Zephyr twice when I was young. It’s been 30yrs since my last trip but I was a very memorable and fun trip

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

I'd definitely recommend doing it again!

@faithfamilyandcountry7452

3 жыл бұрын

@@SignalLightProductions I’d love too but next time I’m not going coach. I’m getting a roomette.

Awesome stuff. Loved the video. Also enjoyed the video where you and your friend went from Pensacola to Mobile and back to see trains. If yall ever decide to come back give me a shout. I'd love to meet you guys.

@SignalLightProductions

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

God bless your Mom!

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

She's pretty great!

Amazing video and narration

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Wonderful video! I'm trying to convince my wife to take the Zephyr with me once COVID is over. We both want to go when the dining car starts its traditional service again. Also, it's wonderful you went with your mom. I went on the Coast Starlight with my mom a few years ago after my high school graduation.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! The dining car really adds a lot to the trip. The Coast Starlight is high on my to do list

@salag13

3 жыл бұрын

@@SignalLightProductions It’s half the reason I take Amtrak. I definitely recommend the Coast Starlight when you get the chance. I’ve taken it twice from Portland to Salinas and back to visit my grandma.

Great video. I just booked a trip on the Zephyr, so I'm watching all of the youtube videos to get pumped up and also for any tips that you guy have. Random note: I have a [Bernie Dexter] dress that matches the orange shirt you were wearing in Chicago.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm sure you'll have a great time! I'd just say bring your own pillow for something a little more comfortable than what's provided. Amtrak is rolling out a new menu next week so the food should be exciting.

So cool!!

@SignalLightProductions

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mac!

i Looooove your video 👍🛤️🚂🇱🇷 back in 2003 i rode the Zephyr from Chicago to Glenwood springs it was in October i call the Zephyr the Silver Lady.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! Glad to bring back some memories for you!

My ideal train trip would be done in 5 segments. 1. Empire Builder from Portland Oregon to Chicago Illinois. 2 Lake Shore Ltd. from Chicago to New York City. 3. The Crescent from New York to New Orleans, La. 4. The Sunset Ltd from New Orleans to L.A. and 5, Coast Starlight from L.A. back to Portland Oregon. It should be somewhere around 276 hours cover 7925 miles and 24 states(if correct count) and 11.5 days. May take a day or two in each of the cities for some sightseeing which would push the length to 18.5 days. BTW glad you went with your Mom.

@SignalLightProductions

Жыл бұрын

That would be incredible! If you're willing to go in coach, Amtrak has a USA Rail Pass which is a great deal for multiple segments. Always a fun trip however you do it though!

@timfranklin937

Жыл бұрын

@@SignalLightProductions I had planned on either a roomette or a bedroom

@SignalLightProductions

Жыл бұрын

@@timfranklin937 worth every penny. I always tell people if you can only afford coach, go coach. If you can get a sleeper get a sleeper

Great video awesome shots the Zephyr is definitely on my list. My only nit picky thing because I'm history buff is that you said the Donner party found the pass but in actuality they read it in a book that they decided to go on that path but it became so infamous for them that is how it got its name. Other than that great video and can't wait to see which Amtrak trip your doing next; My recommendation the Chief

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes you are correct that they didn't exactly discover it but they were the first to use it. My next video coming this week will be about Donner Pass. Hopefully I'll get some more Amtrak trips in soon!

Well scripted and edited. Almost professional. But seeing your exact smiling face over and over I realized it had been superimposed. Very creative indeed.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Took this trip in 2019! So much fun! I don't know this story is true but when the first pioneers came to the Truckee area an Indian rode up and said "Tro-Kay" which means "All is well". However since the native didn't speak English and the pioneers didn't speak much native Indian talk they thought that was his name. So that's how Truckee ( town, river and the former lake now Donner Lake) got it's name.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

That's awesome! Thanks for sharing!

@TheMrPeteChannel

3 жыл бұрын

@@SignalLightProductions Welcome but like I said it could be true or an exaggerated tall tale.👍

Did this trek eastbound in 2013, I was coach though. Will def get a roomette next time. Coach get’s too crowded for my taste. Great video!

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It's definitely worth the money in my opinion

This is so cool!!! I'd love to take a trip like this

@SignalLightProductions

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ben! It was a blast!

Fabulous video! Thank you! My friend is taking this trip in October. What do you imagine the COVID protocols are these days?

You did a great job with this, you should do this professionally! I sure do miss riding on the CZ

@SignalLightProductions

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much!

Nice job, but can’t believe you didn’t moon the Zephyr you passed going the other way 😁

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

Haha maybe one day

@jennycraigadventures3314

2 жыл бұрын

@@SignalLightProductions We’re doing a big Amtrak trip in January that will include The Zephyr (as well as Empire Builder, Lakeshore Limited, Crescent, City of New Orleans and a chunk of Coast Starlight), so maybe we’ll give it a try. 😁

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

@@jennycraigadventures3314 wow that is a big trip! Sounds like a lot of fun!

I will echo other commenters: well done! This is the first posting I have seen that is a round trip. Can you recommend east v. west bound legs for those of us that must choose?

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you very much! There's really not much difference in what you'll see because of the way the train is scheduled. Personally I think the eastbound trip is more exciting since you end with the best scenery. I hope you enjoy it!

This is a great video! Do you know if the bus from Emeryville to San Francisco is a part of the Train ticket? Does it stop at or near the SFO Airport?

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It is not included in the ticket but it is very inexpensive, much less than a taxi or uber. I'm not sure if they run a bus to SFO or not. They have a few.

Chugga Chugga!

I took this exact trip one week ago. Loved the view and the train. I did not, however, enjoy the extremely cranky staff aboard the train. The servers were crotchety. My car attendant was downright bitchy. Never again!

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry to hear about your unpleasant experience. I've never had any issues with staff, especially on the CZ.

I wished to know if the trip was better in one direction or the other. My wife and I might have the chance to take the trip in 2023, but only in one direction. Which is the better direction?

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

I personally prefer westbound, but the train is scheduled to see the same things in either direction.

If your going from Emeryville to Chicago what is the best side to get your roomette on for the view during the day.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Overall it's generally about the same, but the left side might be a touch better going east.

I was just wondering, how many stops does the train make that you can get off to stretch your legs?

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Throughout the entire trip maybe a dozen?

How do they physically distance you on the train now a days. I rode the Crescent last year, but I don't think you can eat with strangers now due to the virus.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry, I just saw your comment. This was right before the virus really hit, so I can't speak from experience on Amtrak's current policies. I know masks are required onboard and meals are being done at your seat or in your room. Bookings have been down so there are fewer people on the train which likely allows passengers to spread out too.

Hi there from Australia 👍🇦🇺👍 great video I am planning a trip to do Amtrak just wondering would you recommend it I'd love to be able to go to Memphis or Tennessee but the train ride you were on looks great And also what would the cost be

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

I absolutely love taking Amtrak. The City of New Orleans goes to Memphis, but most of that trip is at night so you won't see much scenery. The California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, and Empire Builder are Amtrak's most scenic routes. Generally for a 3 day/ 2 night trip, coach is about $150 with roomettes starting at about $700. The earlier you book the lower the price and sometimes they run sales.

@123elvislives

2 жыл бұрын

@@SignalLightProductions Hi there once again Thanks for your reply and thanks for the thumbs up about the scenic route The price seems to be pretty reasonable might have to fly into Memphis and then do something like you've done Like get a Train from Memphis to New York or Chicago and ride the train all the way back to California and fly out and go home Yeah your video was really good ☺️

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

@@123elvislives not a problem. Like I said the Memphis to Chicago route will be almost entirely at night so if you aren't set on that, you might consider a different one. It would still be a nice trip but you won't be able to see much.

@123elvislives

2 жыл бұрын

@@SignalLightProductions Yeah that's no problem as long as we get to memphis to see the white house of the south Graceland Yeah looking forward to doing something like that As I said before Memphis to Chicago then Chicago back to California

Oh. How did you get the non microwave meals? I’m thinking when you uploaded this it was before Amtrak shut down their onboard cooked food and taped off the dining car seats for the six foot rule of social distancing. I’ve heard that the meals on Amtrak now have gone subpar until the pandemic subsides. I’m still looking forward to my Emeryville to Chicago trip on the Zephyr in Jan. 2022.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Yes this trip was just before covid hit, so they were still serving real meals on West coast trains

Looking at the date you posted this: when did you actually take this trip. I am seeing some recent posts within the last month where they have implemented a number of COVID-19 procedures. I am assuming you took this trip before then????

@SignalLightProductions

4 жыл бұрын

This was in early March. On the return trip was when everything really started to change in terms of things closing and such

Does anybody know if there is a smoking car or can you smoke on the back of the train?

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

You can't smoke onboard. That's what the fresh air stops are for.

Could you tell me if the car attendant is with you for the whole trip? I’m taking the California Zephyr in April 2022.

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

Yes! All of the onboard personnel do the entire trip. Sleeping car and coach attendants, dining car stewards, etc. The conductors and engineers are the only ones who don't go all the way because they have set territory they operate on.

You took this trip before the pandemic hit AMTRAK. There ain't no more fresh-cooked food. Since the pandemic, you get airline-style food. Pictures of if I've seen are less-than appetizing.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Hopefully this is just temporary

@lapb5555

3 жыл бұрын

I just did the Cardinal. I would have been thrilled with “airline-style” food. What I got was something much much worse:(

What date was this trip made? I'm planning a trip and I want to get the same snow scenery. Is one direction better than the other?

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

March 8-14

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

I prefer westbound, but the scenery is about the same either way.

Is this train still in operation? I check Amtrak website Chicago to San Francisco and it doesn't list anything about the Zephyr

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Yes. It's currently running tri weekly rather than daily. Just Google "Amtrak California Zephyr"

@lindawoodworth9346

3 жыл бұрын

Look for 'schedules'. Then you can see which days the Zephyr is in which city.

I wanted to do this Chicago to san Francisco Zephyr train nest month. Price was $2300. with a roomette. I'll fly 1st class instead for 1k!

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

The demand for sleepers has gone up a lot since the pandemic. Also Amtrak prices are considerably lower the earlier you order.

Was this trip before Covid?

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Yes. On the return trip was when things started to get cancelled.

Why don’t the train go Knoxville,tn

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Sadly a lot of cities lost passenger service in the last half of the 20th century.

HI MOM

Do you use Twitter? I would love to talk more about Amtrak trains :D

Did the westbound trip 6 years ago. I had to do it -- but didn't realize how BAD it would be. Really one of the worst travel experiences of my life. The unguaranteed tardiness of the trip I think was the WORST aspect of the trip. Obviously, Amtrak did NOT gain a friend in me. And I like train travel in Europe.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry it didn't go well for you. The delays can certainly be frustrating, but I only travel by train for pleasure so I don't personally mind being onboard for a while.

@Cal90208

3 жыл бұрын

Amtrak long distance is about the journey, not the destination. People who cannot understand that will never be able to enjoy Amtrak.

Your mom stayed at a hostel? Dang, I wish I could be a cool brave mom. I’m not.

@SignalLightProductions

2 жыл бұрын

She's pretty awesome! Hostels are a lot of fun and all the ones I've stayed at have been super clean and safe.

Really? Across? From Chicago to SF? LOL

This is dated...Amtrak food now is microwaved TV dinners, and some train diners are not open for seating due to pandemic. Car attendants will bring meals to your room for sleeping car passengers...

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

This was filmed just before the pandemic brought sweeping changes. Things will return to normal in time...

@flarrfan

3 жыл бұрын

@@SignalLightProductions Let's hope so, but I'm not optimistic about that...we'll see...

I think your trip report is a bit rushed, it’s more like a summary. Normally a trip report one way would be at least 20+ minutes. I think you could’ve also showed the train experience more. And also about the service: with Amtrak, the crew is hit or miss. You either have a fantastic crew or a bad one.

@SignalLightProductions

3 жыл бұрын

Well I never called it a trip report. I've only had excellent crews on all my Amtrak trips over the years, so no complaints from me. Thanks for watching though!