I Left My Bags - in San Francisco

[John Bobinyec]

We're thinking about taking a trip on the California Zephyr in one direction or the other between Chicago and San Francisco. So between Emeryville and San Francisco, how are the bags handled? Does the bus driver put them in a compartment under the bus? Do you yourself carry them onto and off of the bus? The bags will be checked to/from Emeryville-Chicago, so how far of a schlep is it from the baggage department to the bus? Or if you have quite a bit of luggage, does it make more sense to skip the bus and get there some other way? What way is that?

Thanks,
jb

 

[zephyr17]

The bags go under the bus. The driver assists.

It isn't very far from baggage claim to the bus loading area, which is right outside. The Emeryville station is relatively small.

It makes sense to take the Thruway bus service offered. It is pretty close to train side and the buses used are intercity style buses with ample storage for bags underneath. Other options, except for taxi/uber/Lyft, are local transit without specific facilities for larger bags.

The more luggage you have, the more sense it makes to use the Thruway bus connection.

 

[Bob Dylan]

We're thinking about taking a trip on the California Zephyr in one direction or the other between Chicago and San Francisco. So between Emeryville and San Francisco, how are the bags handled? Does the bus driver put them in a compartment under the bus? Do you yourself carry them onto and off of the bus? The bags will be checked to/from Emeryville-Chicago, so how far of a schlep is it from the baggage department to the bus? Or if you have quite a bit of luggage, does it make more sense to skip the bus and get there some other way? What way is that?

Thanks,
jb

Redacted. Answered by Zephyr17.

 

[Skimmy]

We hired a van/driver via our travel agent. 7 of us and suitcases. The big thing for us was how to get to our (train multi-city trip; 2 days in SF) hotel near pier 39 from Emeryville station (and back). The bus takes us to Salesforce Plaza, but the hotel is way too far away to walk. Would still need transportation for 7 and suitcases, so it seemed the best avenue.

 

[VentureForth]

If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to put a flower in your hair.