C
CJ
Guest
So I've booked a trip on Amtrak starting in St. Louis, going to Chicago, and then on to Reno. I'm spending one day in Reno and then going to San Jose the next day, and then flying home after a few days.
St. Louis-Chicago Lincoln Service 6:40 AM - 12:20 PM
then a roomette on the California Zephyr leaving Chicago at 2:00 PM
I am a little worried about the layover if the Lincoln is late and thus I'd miss the Zephyr. I'd like some advice from experienced travelers (this trip will be in mid-March). If I missed the Zephyr, I'd have to wait until the next day and there'd be no guarantee I could get a roomette, right?
1. I'm worried about nothing, there's little chance I'll miss my connection.
2. One alternative I saw on the Amtrak website is this:
Leave St. Louis at 7:55 AM on the Texas Eagle, take it to Springfield, IL, arriving at 9:55 AM, then a Thruway bus to Galesburg from 11:15 AM - 1:30 PM and then a 3 hour layover in Galesburg until the Zephyr gets there, then on to Reno. I guess this would be problematic if the Eagle gets far behind schedule, plus a 3 hour layover in Galesburg doesn't sound too exciting. Is this a viable option or should just be forgotten?
3. Take a train or bus to Chicago the day before and spend the night in Chicago. Additional expense of a night in Chicago, but should eliminate any possibility of missing the train.
St. Louis-Chicago Lincoln Service 6:40 AM - 12:20 PM
then a roomette on the California Zephyr leaving Chicago at 2:00 PM
I am a little worried about the layover if the Lincoln is late and thus I'd miss the Zephyr. I'd like some advice from experienced travelers (this trip will be in mid-March). If I missed the Zephyr, I'd have to wait until the next day and there'd be no guarantee I could get a roomette, right?
1. I'm worried about nothing, there's little chance I'll miss my connection.
2. One alternative I saw on the Amtrak website is this:
Leave St. Louis at 7:55 AM on the Texas Eagle, take it to Springfield, IL, arriving at 9:55 AM, then a Thruway bus to Galesburg from 11:15 AM - 1:30 PM and then a 3 hour layover in Galesburg until the Zephyr gets there, then on to Reno. I guess this would be problematic if the Eagle gets far behind schedule, plus a 3 hour layover in Galesburg doesn't sound too exciting. Is this a viable option or should just be forgotten?
3. Take a train or bus to Chicago the day before and spend the night in Chicago. Additional expense of a night in Chicago, but should eliminate any possibility of missing the train.