California Zephyr 5 booking questions

[Mark P]

I am looking to take a westbound trip on the CZ next June from CHI to EMY and will be using 20K AGR points for a 2-zone roomette. I know from researching that I'll want to sit on the upper level on the right side, and I see from Superliner sleeping car layouts that the roomettes are laid out in each car with even numbers on one side and odd numbers on the other (http://www.craigmashburn.com/images/amtrak-diagram-superliner-sleeper.jpg). I called AGR to see if they knew which side would be on the right so that I can make sure and book an upper level roomette on the correct side, but the woman said they never know which side will be which until the trip is about to start. Does anyone have past experience booking roomettes on this journey that can offer advice on whether odds or evens are usually on the right? Also, in order to make sure I have enough time to book my desired room, how far in advance should I book for a June 2015 trip? Thank you!

 

[AmtrakBlue]

No one will know which side the evens/odds are on until the consist is put together the day it leaves. Just book an upper roomette and then before the train leaves Denver, head to the observation car (SSL - sightseer lounge) if you're roomette is on the wrong side.

I would guess the sooner the better for booking since you're going during peak travel season.

 

[zephyr17]

There is no way to know which direction a Superliner sleeper will be facing until the consist arrives. They can and do operate either end forward and frequently sleepers even within the same consist are oriented differently.

 

[me_little_me]

I am looking to take a westbound trip on the CZ next June from CHI to EMY and will be using 20K AGR points for a 2-zone roomette. I know from researching that I'll want to sit on the upper level on the right side, and I see from Superliner sleeping car layouts that the roomettes are laid out in each car with even numbers on one side and odd numbers on the other (http://www.craigmashburn.com/images/amtrak-diagram-superliner-sleeper.jpg). I called AGR to see if they knew which side would be on the right so that I can make sure and book an upper level roomette on the correct side, but the woman said they never know which side will be which until the trip is about to start. Does anyone have past experience booking roomettes on this journey that can offer advice on whether odds or evens are usually on the right? Also, in order to make sure I have enough time to book my desired room, how far in advance should I book for a June 2015 trip? Thank you!

You want to be in the Lounge on the right hand side. MUCH better view!

 

[Tennessee Traveler]

There is no way to know which direction a Superliner sleeper will be facing until the consist arrives. They can and do operate either end forward and frequently sleepers even within the same consist are oriented differently.

So true. I rode the CZ last year in October and just rode in August this year. On both trips the different sleepers were oriented opposite from each other meaning evens on right on one car and evens on the left in another car. Having ridden on right side last October and then riding on the left side this August I discovered equally spectacular scenery on both sides especially on left side between Moffat tunnel and just before Glenwood canyon and then again from Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction so just book upper level and ENJOY. And as others recommend go to the lounge to see both sides.

 

[chakk]

Same rule applies for coaches on the CZ -- the lowest numbered seats are not aways at the "front" of the car's traveling direction.

Sent from my iPhone using Amtrak Forum

 

[PaulM]

Having ridden on right side last October and then riding on the left side this August I discovered equally spectacular scenery on both sides especially on left side between Moffat tunnel and just before Glenwood canyon and then again from Glenwood Springs to Grand Junction so just book upper level and ENJOY.

I believe it is between the front range and Moffat Tunnel that the right hand side (north of the train heading east) is preferred. You tend to be right up against the side of the mountain to the left. West of the tunnel, the Colorado River valley tends to open up (with the exception of Gore Canyon between Kremmling and State Bridge and, as you say, Glenwood Canyon) and both sides have a view.