Recent content by WindyCityTexan

I'm sure much of the reason for the HS demise is the schedule and reliability. My friend, like me, doesn't have a car here in Chicago. He always takes Megabus to IND to visit his mother. I never could get him on Amtrak. [emoji26]

I have read that bus service is being expanded, but I don't know the details.

Another Amtrak friend and I are going to be on the last Hoosier State, departing IND around 6am on Sunday June 30th. We're on the Cardinal from CHI on Saturday evening, and turning around the next morning. Anyone else going to be on board? We're in Coach on the Card, and BC on the HS.

I had exactly the same issue last week. It showed a Roomette on 27 through to PDX, but I was never able to book it, online or via phone. I ended up postponing the trip.

It might be a bit noisy outside your room in the morning by the coffee, but otherwise it's fine. The shower is rarely used on a single overnight trip. You can call to see if anything else is available, but my guess is not. As a bonus, the SCA is directly across from the shower, so close by.

I had TWO friends tag me in this crappy article on FB yesterday. Here's my response: Yeah, I read that article. Keyword: COACH. If you're taking a long distance trip, ALWAYS get a Sleeper. The author managed to extort a free upgrade to a Roomette, but not on the day he wanted. So, he traveled...

Head 3 blocks down the street to Philippe's! They open at 6am. Best breakfast in the area! www.Philippes.com

If you are still looking for accommodations in NOL, I absolutely love The Okra Inn. I originally found it on Airbnb. It's an older duplex that has been opened up into one space, totally charming, very comfortable, and easily runs half of most hotels in the area. I took the Canal St Streetcar to...

I've heard it will become event space, but I have no confirmation this is factual.

Yes, the Legacy Club offered day passes for $20 regardless of class of service, and was also open to Metra commuters, and priority boarding on Amtrak. I believe it also included a few alcoholic beverages, which the Metropolitan Lounge has on a pay per drink basis.

UPDATE, GOOD NEWS on the closing of the Legacy Club at Chicago Union Station: The Metropolitan Lounge is now accepting ANYONE willing to pay $25 for a Day Pass. I'm posting this from the Metropolitan Lounge, where I'm waiting for a friend to arrive. This information comes directly from the...

IF, and ONLY if, the Sleepers are oriented correctly, the even numbered Roomettes will be facing north and the odd numbers facing south. The north side is best as you pass Glacier National Park, and east of MSP as you pass Lake Pepin and follow the Mississippi River to look for bald eagles...

Very small and cramped, but clean restrooms, great snacks (better than CHI), and preboarding. Sent from my XT1635-01 using Amtrak Forum mobile app

The PDX section of the Empire Builder will get you OR, WA, ID, MT, ND, MN, WI, and IL.

I usually sleep through SAS, but when I'm up my destination is Mi Tierra! A quick Lyft or Uber ride, in the downtown area but a long walk. It's open 24 hours, awesome margaritas and Tex-Mex. It's a San Antonio legend.