DEFINITELY have taken the City of New Orleans to & from Chicago. First time was back in 1989. Had the chicken Kiev for dinner as we left Chicago, had pancakes when we hit Memphis the next morning. Got to New Orleans around 5:30 pm!

I took this train southbound. Got to see the Ohio River bridge crossing around midnight.

During my 1959 Christmas college break I rode the City of New Orleans from Chicago to my hometown New Orleans. It was one of the two Illinois Central RR's premier passenger trains and the pride of the company president. He monitored its departure time (7 am). A late departure was not tolerated. Each coach had a speedometer above the connecting doors. The engineer went full throttle when the train hit open country and the train thundered along at 110+ MPH for a significant lenght of time.. The tracks were kept in top shape.. I spent most of the trip in the observation car.. It was my favorite rain trip and I smile every time I hear the song City of New Orleans.

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

I took this trip around 1993 and the one thing I remember was people living in stilt houses in the middle of the swamp, no cars, just small Jon Boats...it was very humbling. There were also great graffiti murals by NO station. Agh, the Wonder Years.

Just saw you had a Cruise channel!! I watch so many of these travel vlogs, but I don't have a single one for cruises! I'm so excited to check out all of your cruise videos!! It's been ages since I was on a cruise! Your train vlogs remind me of my train travels 15 years ago and bring back good memories. My cruising days were 25 -30 years ago and some of my best vacations. I'm torn between wanting to watch the rest of this video and being impatient to check out your other channel. Thank you for sharing these! My husband is disabled. We will probably never get to travel again, so these are absolute treasures to me!

I just rode the city of New Orleans in June 2022 it was a great trip.

I love watching your videos about Amtrak. I am originally from Chicago and now live in the Jackson Mississippi metro area. I think the City of New Orleans is definitely an iconic train route here in the US. I am a Catholic priest in Mississippi. I served in the Catholic Church in Yazoo City, located a block or two from the Amtrak station. Currently, I work in downtown Jackson in the Diocesan chancery office just a few blocks from the Amtrak station. I remember picking my brother up at the Greenwood Amtrak station when he came to visit me when I was living in Greenville. Again, thank you for your videos.

@franklinmimi

Жыл бұрын

God Bless You , Father. ❤️🙏

Earlier this August 2022, we rode the Crescent from DCA. I always have a shower on Amtrak. The Crew are very nice. We have rode the "City" from NOLA to Memphis and return.

This brings back great memories. We did this trip from Chicago to New Orleans Christmas Eve/Christmas Day in 2017. It was the last train trip my mom and I took before she passed a few months later. We also chose a bedroom- came away with some hilarious stories about showering in-room, as well as rolling (in bed) around one high speed curve in the middle of the night. :-)

My mom wants to take a train ride from home (New Orleans) to Memphis. I sent her this video! Looks impressive, especially that French toast! Lol.

I just went on LSL a few days ago for vacation it was hell. There was so many people not wearing masks (I was in coach) there was a kid who spilled his food on the floor and people spitting on the carpet. Empire builder was nice tho people were actually clean and everyone just enjoyed the view

I would love to travel like this. It looks fun

Was surprised to see in the video the CONO food appeared to be traditional dining. I thought it is flex food only for sleeper passengers on that route.

@alandubois6994

Жыл бұрын

Same question here. I’m taking City of NOLA round trip in Oct and heard it was flex dining only. Would OP please confirm.

Thanks so much for doing a ride on the City! We've only ridden it between Jackson, MS and NOLA, and that was a beautiful trip.

My wife and I have taken multiple trips from Chicago to the east and the west and at least one from New Orleans to Chicago. AmTrack is the best way to travel as far as we are concerned. Good service, good people to meet, and no problems on the routes.

@Roxy0405

Жыл бұрын

Unless you get dumped from your sleeper car accommodations right down into Coach! Yes, they do DO that!

I looked up how long the ride is and it's 19hrs long that's not short at all lol

Thanks for the awesome train ride and important information.

Thanks for the video, don't see this route very often on KZread. I was happy to see that you included some video from the Kankakee depot! That Pullman car along the tracks is actually part of a small railroad museum that is part of the train station.

Thanks so much for the video. I took the City of New Orleans for the 1st time last week from Chicago to NOLA and this video gave me all the happy flashbacks. Do they have traditional dining on the City of New Orleans now 🤔?

Love the view's and the breakfast looks yummy and filling Thanks again loved it

I've loved my visits to both new Orleans and Chicago in the past 😊 NO is my favorite to visit. Which do you like best?

Thanks.. All of my questions has been answered from some of your past videos. Taking my very first ride tomorrow from Yemassee Sc to Rocky Mount Nc. Again Thank you so much......

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Have fun!

Great video! I've never been South of Memphis on The City of New Orleans. Someone told me that this train is for weekend party goers for those going to NOLA, Memphis, & Chi Town. Since it's a straight route with hardly any inclines or speed restrictions, this train runs fast & for the most part on time.

Beautiful vlog, love the new music! I appreciate how comprehensive your travel tips are. Gold standard as always!

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

Thank you for including us! Most CofNO videos skip Brookhaven, MS's Godbold Transportion Center - I was delighted to see it featured, starting around 3:05 in your video.

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Love your videos! You two provide really pertinent information in a very calm, enjoyable atmosphere. I've learned so much about Amtrak travel from you guys that I can't wait to get started on my adventures.

Thank you for the video.

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

The city of new orleans is flexible dining. Somehow you guys lucked up and got traditional dining meals. I wish they would start traditional dining regularly on the city of new orleans route.

Hello first time live but watch many times!!

Great video! Taking my first Amtrak ride in a few weeks, travelling from the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain (1st stop on the route, I think) to Memphis for work. After hearing horror stories of coworkers getting stuck in airports (since there is no direct MSY-MEM flight), this seems SO MUCH less stressful than air travel. Didn't even occur to me that passengers could take a shower on the train with a coach ticket but I'll be sure to pack some toiletries for that now! Thanks again for the great videos!

We have witnessed a fellow traveler take a shower, he was in his 70's and proud of his speed Os. Burned image in my eyes forever.

Did you ever get locked into one of those public toilets? Happened to me once. Lock broke. Had to pound on door and shout until someone came to get it open.

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Thankfully it hasn't happened yet!

Three Amtrak Trains Go To And From New Orleans, Louisiana; Where I Grew Up At.

Thank you, thank you for sharing your adventures! I feel so rejuvenated every time I see your videos, thank you & God bless!👍

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Glad you like them!

Good job BUT what happened to Memphis? We will be on this train 9/30 from Memphis to Chicago. Connecting to the Empire Builder on to Whitefish Mt for 2 days before return trip.

@scrappytracy5557

Жыл бұрын

I believe it would’ve been maybe 2 a.m. for Memphis. They were probably sleeping?

Thanks!

A cozy ride in the rain, but you can have nasty Louisiana. Especially tourist trap New Orleans which never recovered from Katrina. Sadly, all of the fabulous Creole people we knew there and in Los Angeles have passed away.

On the sunset limited to LA now you guys inspired me to start my journey! Went ahead and did the rail pass coach class ain't bad if you spend it in the cafe and observe. Cart honestly,only need for your seat is napping! Thank yall do much

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

That is awesome!

Shame the weather was so bad when you strted your trip as it looks like a great place New Orleans.

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Yes very true!

Nice video. Thank you

My dad and I are taking the southwest chief next week so I've been watching all your videos. Loving them all! I did the Coast Starlight a few years ago by myself but finally getting to take this one all the way! I take it to my aunts in the high desert and have wanted to take it all the way. Finally doing that.

You have the best AmTrak videos. Thanks so much. Very excited about my trip in Sept taking the Texas Eagle from Ft. Worth to Chicago. Then, boarding the California Zephyr the next day to Emeryville!

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Have fun!

Love New Orleans!! What a fun trip it looks like it was!!

What no shout out to the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana? The U of I helped develop the internet . Remember You Tube was founded by guys who went to the U of I so without them..... But it was 0615 when the train stops in Champaign-Urbana, so you are forgiven. Good to see that real food is back being served. We took the train to WPB in January. All microwaved........... Our 1st amtrak trip with the family was when my youngest was 3... and yes, we almost got tossed out of our beds on that high speed curve in the middle of the night.

That looks like a fun train ride too. Thanks for sharing!!

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

The predecessor to this route was the route that "Casey" Jones was running the night he died.

Love y’all and the City of New Orleans/Amtrak❤️ Don’t blame you for not staying out long for that fresh air break at the Jackson station 🚉 Mississippi here…sadly that area of downtown Jackson is no longer safe or well maintained:( Brookhaven, Hazelhust or Yazoo City stations would be much better choices.

If I stay overnight, I always take a shower. I can't stand feeling grubby.

You have peaked my interest in riding trains. Question once you get to your destination do you usually stay or most of the time it a round trip fare? Thank you!!! My husband I always look forward to your videos, taking our first train ride in September!!

@BlackDouglas1000

Жыл бұрын

You can book it as a one way trip or round trip. Amtrak also offers vacation packages and they are very helpful when you talk to them. We took a trip to the Grand Canyon through Amtrak and it was great.

@lisadetroit1

Жыл бұрын

@@BlackDouglas1000 thank you!!

I love your videos. The most recent amtrak trip was the capital limited from dc to Pittsburgh. Haven't been to New Orleans since 2011 and I took greyhound from Columbus, OH.

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you!

Wow, that was a quick video. How long was the actual ride?

I didn't know a dining option was on this route

How long is this ride? It looks so exciting.

Absolutely awesome ❤️❤️❤️

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

Based on your upload date, I assume this is a newly shot video, but can you confirm this? We are taking the City of New Orleans train soon with a roomette, but were slightly disappointed when we saw the Amtrak website said the only dining was the “Flex dining” prepared meals. Nothing you guys had was listed on their current menu online…

I'm from New Orleans and I hope you got to explore all that it has to offer in those Beignets you can't beat that can you

Nothing about Memphis? I enjoy your Amtrak videos though. Takes me back several years when we used to ride them west.

According to the Amtrak website, food service menu on the CONO for sleeper passengers shows selections from the cafe car only... a downgrade from even the simple flex meal fare. Anticipating riding the CONO soon but don't know what to expect.

I absolutely adore your channel! I found you guys because I am wanting to do a loop trip around the US starting/ending in TX. Can you do a video on planning a long trip like that? I am finding the amtrack website very frustrating, and I haven't found videos where it talks about planning a trip like that, just vlog style videos, which make me want to go even more! In the meantime, I'm going to keep watching your adventures and dreaming of my own!

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

We are planning on it!

@authorshanntajiah

Жыл бұрын

@@GroundedLifeTravel Awesome! I'm looking forward to it :)

@chrisdobrowolski2783

Жыл бұрын

I can tell you some trains you can take first you can take the Texas Eagle up to Chicago- then take the zepher to Emeryville- then take Coast Starlight back to Los Angles- then take Texas Eagle back to your city. If you want to do the east side only you can take the Sunset Limited to New Orleans than you can take the Cresent to New York then if you want go for even longer you can take the Silver Meteour or Silver Star South all the way to Florida or you can take a commuter train up north to like Maine and then head back to New York and then you have 3 to options back to Chicago which are the Crescent, or the Cardinal or LakeShore Limited back to Chicago- then take the Texas Eagle back to your city. Depending on the schedules you may have to stay 1 night or 2 at a hotel/motel, airandB, or realtives at the end of the lines.

@authorshanntajiah

Жыл бұрын

@@chrisdobrowolski2783 thank you!

I just took that trip. Sadly, our train was delayed by 2h 38m because of Mechanical problems

I hope you get a chance to take the City of New Orleans southbound. Somehow, it’s so much better than northbound. Also, is traditional dining back on the CONO? I hope so, because I’ll be on it next year.

@sbeckas

Жыл бұрын

What makes the Southbound better than the Northbound?

@seolferrosa

Жыл бұрын

@@sbeckas The views. Northern Mississippi is really very pretty, and you can't see that going northbound because it gets dark before you get to see it.

@sbeckas

Жыл бұрын

@@seolferrosa That was useful info since you expanded on why it was better.

Great video! How recent was this trip? I thought it's been a while since they served traditional dining on this route.

I’ll be taking this in May! So thankful for all your videos. I’ll be in coach.. when can we move to the sightseeing car?

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

You can go as soon as they check your ticket.

The beginning of your video was very dark.

Did they just bring back traditional dining for the city of New Orleans?

Thank you

I find the car freshener hanging in the bathroom and the tape holding the showerhead funny. Amtrak Im sure you can do better. LoL

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

I never even saw the freshener!

❤️🖤💚

Tell me the butter cakes aren't the best desserts system-wide?!!!

guessing the trees look like that because of the hurricanes just tore the hell out of them.

*How can you have an entire video on this train without mentioning the song once?!? How?!?* 😉

I will take the Amtrak from Birmingham, AL to New Orleans. Where is a good/safe place to stay in New Orleans that is close to the train station and also maybe close to the French Quarter so we can walk the attractions?

Question....When was this Video produced? It shows 5 months ago, (which would be Autumn 2022) and You show Traditional Dining in your video, but the City of New Orleans is currently offering Flexible dining, and has been doing so for quite awhile..Just curious.....

Was this taken recently? Really surprised to see traditional dining on the City of New Orleans.

Just a FYI.....Arlo Guthrie wrote a song called 'City of New Orleans ' which is a song about this train

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info

How is the parking around New Orleans Union Station?

It’s a shame we can’t go west from Florida to get there. Makes a long trip to go north to get west. What happened to the direct Florida-New Orleans route?

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

We wish so too, we have the same problem from Atlanta

@odiecalodie

Жыл бұрын

There was talk of extending The City Of New Orleans to Orlando, Fla.

@chrisdobrowolski2783

Жыл бұрын

@@odiecalodie The tracks broke between there and Florida due to a hurricane and never rebuilt. Also if rebuilt and a hurricane destroys the tracks again, it would be really costly for Amtrak.

What time did y’all pull in to Chicago?

Is this the same train from the Willie Nelson song?

I rode this train and the meals were nasty microwave meals. Everyone who worked on the train was beyond rude. I haven't taken Amtrak since I want to try them again.

I'm not sure if you've covered this in another video, but how do you tip your attendants?

@viviantaylor1499

Жыл бұрын

I gave much generosity and was taken care of well. Most people give 2 to 5 dollars.

What about the Magnolia Lounge?

When you guys was in Louisiana you ever tried alligator tail

@franciaalmonte9321

Жыл бұрын

Love you guys I was kidding

Does it do anything but rain in LA. goodness.

Where did you stay in New Orleans?

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

We stayed at the Troubadour Hotel, I think its a Hilton, pretty nice.

@chuckwiderstrom8994

Жыл бұрын

@@GroundedLifeTravel thanks for the information

We live near Baltimore. What would be a good short two night trip?

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

NYC or DC would be easy

Question where are some places you sell your photographs???

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

We have agencies that sell them for us, so we don't really sell them anywhere ourselves.

How do you handle a upgrade note/email from Amtrak is there a trick to get one.?

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

I think they'll send you a bidup notice if it is available. We don't ever get free ones.

Is it me or did Amtrak just upgrade the City of New Orleans to traditional dining?

@odiecalodie

Жыл бұрын

I was thinking the same thing.

You know, occasional mention of the time of day would be insightful.

Amtrak dining menu change. No carrot cake no chocolate tort no coleslaw with burger no terra chip but regular chips, no lobster crab cake, no green chilli cheese tamale. I was looking forward to dining in my first amtrak ride. Very disappointed with amtraks cost cuttimg measure :(. At least they kept breakdast the same.

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the update

Oh my I was so disappointed about this ride! Why because, I live in Memphis and this is another stop you should have posted I'm not a sponsor for my city but you should have.I watch the whole video thinking it was going to be shown,Not!! Thanks a Lot😱

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

The train arrives in Memphis really late, in our case after 1am, so we were asleep.

How Long is This Trip?

@GroundedLifeTravel

Жыл бұрын

It is just one overnight

@jamesbondw1

Жыл бұрын

@@GroundedLifeTravel Thanks 😊

Everyone, including non environmental types complaining about carbon footprint, we need to bring back train travel. Diesel locomotives have to be less carbon than a few million cars.

I actually didn't mind the communal bathrooms and shower on the SuperLiners's . . . if one is doing the Roomette or FamBdrm. The SCAttendants (and fellow passengers) did a good job keeping them presentable. Of course, your mileage may vary. Not official, but possibly helpful: www.railpassengers.org/site/assets/files/20928/city-of-new-orleans-illini-saluki.pdf

@randall8379

Жыл бұрын

Covid risk is great in those tiny rooms

@chrisdobrowolski2783

Жыл бұрын

@@randall8379 There is a small risk and to minimize the risk anymore I would wear a disposalbe mask especally showering in the public showers in the sleeper cars and the public bathrooms (also coach pasengers can not enter the sleeper cars) , the ones in the bedrooms are usually cleaned at the end of the line so that is really a very miniminal chance in the bedrooms to get covid.

awesome video..use some of my music. Buggafunk. thank you and keep showing awesome videos