Questions from a first time LD traveler - Zephyr & Capitol Limited

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TFR

Joined
Aug 31, 2012
Messages
5
I'm taking Amtrak from Martinez, CA to back east in September. The Amtrak tickets indicate I will have to change trains in Chicago (Zephyr to Capitol Limited). This will be a new experience for me (statistically, almost a senior citizen) and I will be traveling solo and in coach seating the whole round trip (3 nights each way). I have read a lot of negative trip reports and comments regarding the food, conditions of the cars (in particular the dirty/smelly toilet rooms), lack of on time performance, and the poor level of service from Amtrak personnel but being a train aficionado I'm planning on trying to have a good attitude and a great time nonetheless.

Seeing that there are so many seasoned Amtrak riders on this board I was hoping to get some detailed answers to the many questions I have. Any suggestions, comments, or do's/don'ts, on what I can do to make the trip an enjoyable experience would be greatly appreciated.

- -Which seats (actual seat numbers would be great) have electrical outlets and have the best views out the window? Is one side better than the other for comfort (more room), sleeping, and views? Eastbound different from westbound? Zephyr vs. Capitol Limited

- -Tickets for each leg state "Accommodation: 1 Reserved Coach Seat". Does this mean that a particular seat number will be assigned at boarding, or does it just indicate that I have a seat somewhere in coach? When I asked at the station, I was told that seating is open for coach, especially at the stations at the beginning of the route when the train is typically not crowded yet.

- -Do all coach cars have the same seat numbering layout? Do the cars just have different names to differentiate the same seat in each car or is there some other system?

- -There is only a 3.5 hour window to catch the Capitol Limited in Chicago. If Amtrak is running so late that I will not be able to make the connection what will Amtrak do to get me to my destination, if anything? Do they take responsibility for the missed connection? Will they hold the Capitol Limited train departure until the Zephyr arrives? If so, how long? What are my options? Will I be stranded for 24 hours until the next departure? Is the Greyhound bus station close by?

- -I've read about the confusing layout and the lack of signs at the Chicago station. Will I have to run (try to), or walk a long distance to transfer trains? Will Amtrak allow enough time for passengers to transfer from one train to another? How early can I board if Amtrak is on schedule? Any links to a good map or description would be appreciated as I could not find a good map.

- -Is there space in the toilet room to wash up, take a sponge bath, shave, wash your hair in the sink, an outlet to use a blow dryer and change clothes or can you do those things in the changing room that I have read about? Is there a changing room and does it have a sink and an outlet? Is it private (lockable) or is it a multiple occupancy room (unisex)?

- -Baggage allowance is confusing. Quote from Amtrak website: "A new baggage policy will be in effect starting September 10, 2012." Does this apply to only the trains listed or does it apply to all trains? I could not get a definitive answer from Amtrak. Is this going to be absolutely enforced? One pound over or one inch over and you can't board? See Amtrak website quote below.

"Carry-On Baggage

Each passenger may only bring a total of 2 carry-on items onboard the train; each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches.

Due to limited available space onboard trains, please make arrangements to check your baggage if your trip requires the transport of baggage in excess of two pieces or in excess of carry-on size restrictions. For passenger's safety and security, Amtrak reserves the right to deny transport or charge fees for items exceeding policy limitations.

2 Bags — 50 lbs. — 28" x 22" x 14" Each

Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin —

28" x 22" x 11"

Personal Items

Small items needed for the duration of the trip may be carried on the train and will not count toward the carry-on baggage limit.

  • Required medical devices and medication
  • Pillows, blankets and outer garments
  • Coolers, purses or small bags no larger than 12" x 12" x 12"
  • Small electronic devices with protective cases"




- I read every thread that I could find on this forum and others, and the Amtrak website, trying to find the answers to my questions but could not find the detailed answers that I was hoping for. Any help or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated.

- What's my chance for getting this kind of on time performance? This would be great. From the Amtrak website today.

"Trains often make up time en route. In many cases, recovery time that is built in to the schedule may result in the train arriving at or departing from the following stations on time. Please contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) for full details on arrival status.

Departing: Martinez, CA (MTZ) and Arriving: Chicago, IL - Union Station (CHI)

2:58 pm

Fri Aug 31, 2012

Arrived: 8 minutes late."

I'm sure I will have other questions as the time gets closer, but thanks to all, in advance,

TFR (Terra Firma Rover)
 
I'll try to answer some of your questions.

Electrical outlets depend on the car, but there are also outlets in the lounge on the CZ. Others can chime in on the types of cars.

You are guaranteed a seat. The attendant will probably group you with others that are going to your destination. There are no bad views on the CZ! If you don't like the scenery from your seat, go to the siteseer lounge. All the seats are fairly comfortable, depending on your needs. I think it's like sleeping in a recliner.

If the connection in Chicago is missed, Amtrak will take care of you with a hotel, meal voucher, etc. Don't sweat it too much.

Chicago Union Station is not that confusing IMHO. All the Amtrak tracks are in one location. I've always found the staff (janitors on up) try to be helpful answering questions & giving directions around the station.

Hope this answers some of your questions. Enjoy your trip!
 
Many folks here are Amtrak riders who expect good service and only post when the experience is sub-par. You are embarking on an adventure which will get you to your destination. Do NOT confuse Amtrak coach with airline coach (a class of cruel and all too usual punishment) Amtrak seats are comfy and you can get up and walk around. Its a pleasure to ride amtrak, I enjoy it you will too
rolleyes.gif
 
Wife and I have ridden CZ and CL several times and in fact will be on them again starting next week. Although we usually travel in sleepers, we have ridden coach, especially on the Capitol Ltd to and from Cleveland.

I think you will find the coach seats very roomy and the views from the large windows to be spectacular, especially on the CZ. Do go up to the Sightseer Lounge car and enjoy views from both sides of the train-- especially going through the Sierra Nevadas and Rockies in Colorado.

The Chicago Union Station is large but not that difficult to find your way around. Going eastbound you will not likely have much time to explore the city but on your westbound trip, you will usually have time to walk around and get some good exercise before boarding the train.

As was mentioned the Amtrak tracks you will be using will be on the south side of the station and there are plenty of people who can guide you in the right direction. Check the schedule boards and check with Amtrak personnel in the South boarding lounge for info. There is a nice food court on the upper floor for your eating pleasures.

The new baggage policy is a bit more restrictive but will not have much effect on the everyday passenger. Adhere to the weight requirements and consider checking larger bags to your destination (you did not mentioned to which station you will be disembarking)

The California Zephyr has run the gambit of time performance over the past few weeks and thus it is impossible to say whether your trains will be on time. The Cap Ltd has been close to on time recently, if that is a trend? :unsure:

If your CZ is delayed beyond the 6pm Cap Ltd Chicago departure time, it will depend on where you are headed as to what might happen.

Any destinations between Chicago and Cleveland will likely have you placed on the Lake Shore Ltd that leaves later in the evening. But if you are headed for Pittsburgh, Washington or beyond, you will likely be put up in a Chicago hotel--all costs paid by Amtrak and then you will go out on the next day's Capitol Ltd.

Hope some of this was helpful. I am sure you will receive other replies from our members that may add to answering your questions

Have a great trip :D
 
Couple of tips, the other Posters gave you good info: Consider using a RedCap in CHI and WAS, theyll take you and your Luggage on a Cart to/from your Train ahead of the Thundering Heards, good $3-$5 Investment! The Platforms in CHI and WAS tend to be Long Walks to/from the Trains!

Since you are riding Coach, try to avoid the seats by the Stairs and on the end of the Car by the Doors, they are noisey and the Lights keeps you awake!(There are no announcements between 10PM and 7AM but people get on/off and move around all night! Window Seats are more comfortable, and they are the Odd Numbered Seats, I find that #17-#25 and #45-#51 to be the Best Seats in a Superliner Coach! Since you are getting on in Martinez the Train will probably be pretty Full already, so ask the Car Attendant when he gives you your Seat Check for a Window Seat in these areas! Most Coaches have two plugs on the wall under the window, you will want to take an Electrical Device/Extension Cord to plug in more than one Device and to Reach the Plugs if you get an Aisle Seat!
 
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- -Which seats (actual seat numbers would be great) have electrical outlets and have the best views out the window? Is one side better than the other for comfort (more room), sleeping, and views? Eastbound different from westbound? Zephyr vs. Capitol Limited
Since the Zephyr is a Superliner train, you'll have two power plugs at each pair of seats (seating configuration being 2 + 2) right under the window. Might want to bring along an extension cord if you want more outlets, or if you're sitting in an aisle seat.
 
- -Which seats (actual seat numbers would be great) have electrical outlets and have the best views out the window? Is one side better than the other for comfort (more room), sleeping, and views? Eastbound different from westbound? Zephyr vs. Capitol Limited
Since the Zephyr is a Superliner train, you'll have two power plugs at each pair of seats (seating configuration being 2 + 2) right under the window. Might want to bring along an extension cord if you want more outlets, or if you're sitting in an aisle seat.
In fact, both the Zephyr and the Capitol Limited are Superliner trains, so your answer applies to both trains. There may be a handful of Superliner coaches without at-seat power, but I think most have been retrofitted.
 
- -Tickets for each leg state "Accommodation: 1 Reserved Coach Seat". Does this mean that a particular seat number will be assigned at boarding, or does it just indicate that I have a seat somewhere in coach? When I asked at the station, I was told that seating is open for coach, especially at the stations at the beginning of the route when the train is typically not crowded yet.
Depends on the crew and the number of passengers. Some crews will assign you a specific seat in a specific car, other crews will just assign a car and you can pick any seat you like.

- -Do all coach cars have the same seat numbering layout? Do the cars just have different names to differentiate the same seat in each car or is there some other system?
All the same layout. Each car is assigned a car number, but it is not named.

- -There is only a 3.5 hour window to catch the Capitol Limited in Chicago. If Amtrak is running so late that I will not be able to make the connection what will Amtrak do to get me to my destination, if anything? Do they take responsibility for the missed connection? Will they hold the Capitol Limited train departure until the Zephyr arrives? If so, how long? What are my options? Will I be stranded for 24 hours until the next departure? Is the Greyhound bus station close by?
As mentioned by others in some fashion, this is what Amtrak calls a guaranteed connection. That means that Amtrak guarantees to get you where you're going if the inbound train is late. They could hold the Capitol a bit if it's not too late, they could put you on the Lake Shore and then a corridor train to DC, or they could put you up in a hotel. If they do the later, they'll give you a small food allowance, a voucher for the hotel, and cab fare to/from the hotel.

- -I've read about the confusing layout and the lack of signs at the Chicago station. Will I have to run (try to), or walk a long distance to transfer trains? Will Amtrak allow enough time for passengers to transfer from one train to another? How early can I board if Amtrak is on schedule? Any links to a good map or description would be appreciated as I could not find a good map.
If the connection is very close in terms of time, they'll usually just escort you right from the Zephyr over to the track that the Capitol is boarding on. You won't have to find your way around, or even go into the main part of the station. If the Zephyr is on time, then you'll have to find your way around, but it shouldn't be that hard.

- -Is there space in the toilet room to wash up, take a sponge bath, shave, wash your hair in the sink, an outlet to use a blow dryer and change clothes or can you do those things in the changing room that I have read about? Is there a changing room and does it have a sink and an outlet? Is it private (lockable) or is it a multiple occupancy room (unisex)?
There is a bit of space in all of the rest rooms, but it is snug. There is one larger restroom that really gives you some decent space for things like that, but it also tends to be in high demand.

- -Baggage allowance is confusing. Quote from Amtrak website: "A new baggage policy will be in effect starting September 10, 2012." Does this apply to only the trains listed or does it apply to all trains? I could not get a definitive answer from Amtrak. Is this going to be absolutely enforced? One pound over or one inch over and you can't board? See Amtrak website quote below.
As long as you don't check the bag, or ask an Amtrak employee for help, or proudly announce that you know your bag is 1 pound over, then you'll be fine. If your bag looks way oversized, well then you could have a problem.
 
i don't know if you plan on eating in the dining car. it's lots of fun and the food is good but, imho, expensive. the food available in the sightseer lounge car is expensive and, imho, not too good. so, depending on how you plan to eat, you might want to bring something with you. not really much opportunity to get anything at most stops.
 
- -Which seats (actual seat numbers would be great) have electrical outlets and have the best views out the window? Is one side better than the other for comfort (more room), sleeping, and views? Eastbound different from westbound? Zephyr vs. Capitol Limited
Amtrak has pretty much completed refitting all Superliners with at-seat electrical outlets. There should be one double outlet for each pair of coach seats. Don't plan on using any high-current appliances like a hair dryer or immersion heater, but a laptop, cell phone charger or video player will be fine.

- -Tickets for each leg state "Accommodation: 1 Reserved Coach Seat". Does this mean that a particular seat number will be assigned at boarding, or does it just indicate that I have a seat somewhere in coach? When I asked at the station, I was told that seating is open for coach, especially at the stations at the beginning of the route when the train is typically not crowded yet.
- -Do all coach cars have the same seat numbering layout? Do the cars just have different names to differentiate the same seat in each car or is there some other system?
Coach seating is reserved, meaning that somewhere on the train there will be a seat for you, but unassigned. However, many conductors now are assigning seats so as to group passengers going to the same destinations (so that those getting off in the middle of the night, say, are all grouped together in the same car so that passengers in other cars may sleep undisturbed) or to combat those trying to hog a double seat with only a single ticket. The conductor will issue you a "seat check" to be placed above your seat which shows your destination and indicates that your seat(s) is (are) taken. If you were not specifically assigned a seat by the conductor you may switch seats by simply placing your seat check above the new seat. If your seat was assigned when boarding then check with the crew before you switch, but as long as seats are not in really short supply they will probably let you do so.

- -Baggage allowance is confusing. Quote from Amtrak website: "A new baggage policy will be in effect starting September 10, 2012." Does this apply to only the trains listed or does it apply to all trains? I could not get a definitive answer from Amtrak. Is this going to be absolutely enforced? One pound over or one inch over and you can't board? See Amtrak website quote below.

"Carry-On Baggage

Each passenger may only bring a total of 2 carry-on items onboard the train; each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches.

Due to limited available space onboard trains, please make arrangements to check your baggage if your trip requires the transport of baggage in excess of two pieces or in excess of carry-on size restrictions. For passenger's safety and security, Amtrak reserves the right to deny transport or charge fees for items exceeding policy limitations.

2 Bags — 50 lbs. — 28" x 22" x 14" Each

Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin —

28" x 22" x 11"
If you CHECK your luggage, your bags WILL be put on a scale. If they weigh in at over fifty pounds, you will be told to take something out. However, the agent is unlikely to pull out a tape measure unless your bag is obviously oversize (a foot locker or similar). If you CARRY ON your bags and handle them yourself, no one will say anything about their weight. If you ask for assistance with your carry-on luggage (Red Cap), you might be called on a heavy bag. An appropriate tip will often defuse the situation.
 
i don't know if you plan on eating in the dining car. it's lots of fun and the food is good but, imho, expensive. the food available in the sightseer lounge car is expensive and, imho, not too good. so, depending on how you plan to eat, you might want to bring something with you. not really much opportunity to get anything at most stops.
Do plan to eat at least a couple of meals in the dining car. Yes, the prices at first blush are high for coach passengers. However, keep in mind that they include all taxes plus your choice of coffee, tea (hot or iced), or milk and juice at breakfast. Plus, the dining car experience in and of itself is, IMHO, worth a premium, especially on a route with great scenery such as the Zephyr.
 
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"- -There is only a 3.5 hour window to catch the Capitol Limited in Chicago. If Amtrak is running so late that I will not be able to make the connection what will Amtrak do to get me to my destination, if anything?"
Lots.

" Do they take responsibility for the missed connection?"
Yes.

" Will they hold the Capitol Limited train departure until the Zephyr arrives?"
Occasionally. Usually not.

If your destination is Cleveland or west of Cleveland, they will probably put you on the Lake Shore Limited, which leaves later in the evening. Unless it's also full. If your destination is Washington, DC, or if you were planning to catch a Regional or Acela train from DC to somewhere on the Northeast Corridor, they might put you on the Lake Shore Limited to New York and have you catch a Regional there.

If your destination is somewhere east of Cleveland and west of DC, they will probably put you in a hotel overnight and send you out the next day.

"- -I've read about the confusing layout and the lack of signs at the Chicago station. Will I have to run (try to), or walk a long distance to transfer trains?"
Sometimes you have to walk about two blocks along the platform to get to your car on the train (the trains can be two blocks long).

If you don't have serious mobility problems, you won't have a problem. If you have serious mobility problems -- enough that you have a handicapped placard for your car, for instance -- you WILL want to ask for Red Cap assistance. They are obliged to drive you from the arriving train to the station and back from the station to the departing train in a little cart.

"Will Amtrak allow enough time for passengers to transfer from one train to another? How early can I board if Amtrak is on schedule? "
At Chicago, Amtrak uses the "kindergarten lineup" method of boarding, just like airlines. So they certainly allow enough time to board, and you basically can't board early. You'll be sitting in the crowded waiting lounge, no way around it.

As for a map of Chicago Union Station:

http://www.chicagounionstation.com/map_concourse.html

This isn't confusing. What's confusing is trying to go upstairs to the food court. Only *some* of the elevators and escalators lead to the food court. Others lead directly outdoors and not to the food court.
 
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I am a little old lady and this summer travelled from Washington DC to Vancouver on Amtrak - coach all the way, alone. I had no trouble with my seating. About 1/2 the time I had a pair of seats to myself. And, when I had a seatmate - I was always given a nice one. Most coach passengers travel with a blanket. Almost as many bring a regular size pillow. I don't take either of these since I travel very light - but Amtrak pillows are tiny and the cars are cold - you might want a blanket. IMHO an eye mask and ear plugs are essential for a good night's snooze.

The condition of the bathrooms was pretty good, considering. After you have been onboard a while - you'll figure out the best time to go. Also, study your schedule - you will find that at some of the station stops - you can make a potty visit in the station. After about 2 days on the train, I really enjoyed a stationary toilet.

Anytime they will let you off the train - get off the train. Don't let the fact that it is called a "smoke stop" keep you onboard. Visit the lounge car. The train is not an airplane. You don't have to stay in your seat for 3 days!

Dinner in the dining car was not on my budget - but I did do a last call breakfast one morning. And, somewhere along the line the snack bar took on some fried chicken boxed dinners that at $10 were mighty welcome. The car attendants know which station stops have "important" things like ice cream vending machines and newspapers. So, talk to them as in "any stops coming up this afternoon where I can maybe buy a sandwich?". This helps augment what you might bring or be able to buy in the snackbar. The snackbar makes good coffee. Everything else is microwaved.

It will be great fun. And, no matter what - sooner or later you will get to where you are going.
 
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i don't know if you plan on eating in the dining car. it's lots of fun and the food is good but, imho, expensive. the food available in the sightseer lounge car is expensive and, imho, not too good. so, depending on how you plan to eat, you might want to bring something with you. not really much opportunity to get anything at most stops.
Do plan to eat at least a couple of meals in the dining car. Yes, the prices at first blush are high for coach passengers. However, keep in mind that they include all taxes plus your choice of coffee, tea (hot or iced), or milk and juice at breakfast. Plus, the dining car experience in and of itself is, IMHO, worth a premium, especially on a route with great scenery such as the Zephyr.
The cost for three full meals a day is a concern. I planned on only eating only one or two meals a day in the dining car and eating food that I bring with me or from the snack bar and/or vending machines when I get hungry. Besides, I cannot eat three full meals a day anymore, especially when I am not burning many calories while on the train. Thanks for bring it up Yarrow. As Ehbowen suggested, I do want to experience the dining car a few times.

Thanks to all again for the responses and suggestions. Keep them coming as I am taking notes! I was a little hesitant when I posted all my questions as to what kind of reception I would get. The hospitality of all you folks on this forum is really appreciated!

TFR (Terra Firma Rover)
 
Regarding baggage, the policy applies to all trains and will be fairly strictly enforced, but they won't bother you about bags which you (a) carry yourself and (b) can fit in the racks.

Note that the policy is still very generous:

- you can still check *four* ordinary bags if you pay to do so;

- the two carryon bag limit doesn't include purses, laptops, or necessary medical equipment (canes, CPAPs, etc.)

Amtrak has been having trouble with people travelling with ENORMOUS amounts of oversized baggage, to the point where they simply can't fit the carryons into the cars, and to the point where the baggage cars are literally filling up with checked luggage.

As for the toilets: they start out crystal clean, but after two days and two nights of travelling on the same train, the coach toilets can end up pretty bad, and there's not much Amtrak can do about that, really. Use the bathrooms early and plan to hold it from Burlington, Iowa eastward. ;-)

"- -Is there space in the toilet room to wash up, take a sponge bath, shave, wash your hair in the sink, an outlet to use a blow dryer and change clothes or can you do those things in the changing room that I have read about? Is there a changing room and does it have a sink and an outlet? Is it private (lockable) or is it a multiple occupancy room (unisex)?"

Please don't. There's room in one of the (lockable) toilets for baby-changing. There would also be room to do a quick change of clothes if you needed to, either there or in the accessible toilet. If you brought your own washcloth, you could wash your face.

But shaving and spongebaths and hair washing are not really possible without making a mess..... If you're in coach, you are pretty much expected to bathe before you leave and wait to shower again until after you have arrived at your destination; if you want a shower en route, get a sleeper!

There are unfortunately also no public showers at Union Station, though some people have found ways to shower in Chicago.
 
Regarding baggage, the policy applies to all trains and will be fairly strictly enforced, but they won't bother you about bags which you (a) carry yourself and (b) can fit in the racks.

Note that the policy is still very generous:

- you can still check *four* ordinary bags if you pay to do so;

- the two carryon bag limit doesn't include purses, laptops, or necessary medical equipment (canes, CPAPs, etc.)

Amtrak has been having trouble with people travelling with ENORMOUS amounts of oversized baggage, to the point where they simply can't fit the carryons into the cars, and to the point where the baggage cars are literally filling up with checked luggage.

As for the toilets: they start out crystal clean, but after two days and two nights of travelling on the same train, the coach toilets can end up pretty bad, and there's not much Amtrak can do about that, really. Use the bathrooms early and plan to hold it from Burlington, Iowa eastward. ;-)

"- -Is there space in the toilet room to wash up, take a sponge bath, shave, wash your hair in the sink, an outlet to use a blow dryer and change clothes or can you do those things in the changing room that I have read about? Is there a changing room and does it have a sink and an outlet? Is it private (lockable) or is it a multiple occupancy room (unisex)?"

Please don't. There's room in one of the (lockable) toilets for baby-changing. There would also be room to do a quick change of clothes if you needed to, either there or in the accessible toilet. If you brought your own washcloth, you could wash your face.

But shaving and spongebaths and hair washing are not really possible without making a mess..... If you're in coach, you are pretty much expected to bathe before you leave and wait to shower again until after you have arrived at your destination; if you want a shower en route, get a sleeper!

There are unfortunately also no public showers at Union Station, though some people have found ways to shower in Chicago.
Nathanael, thanks for all the information. Anyone care to share their "secret" shower locations in or around Union station?

TFR
 
I am a little old lady and this summer travelled from Washington DC to Vancouver on Amtrak - coach all the way, alone. I had no trouble with my seating. About 1/2 the time I had a pair of seats to myself. And, when I had a seatmate - I was always given a nice one. Most coach passengers travel with a blanket. Almost as many bring a regular size pillow. I don't take either of these since I travel very light - but Amtrak pillows are tiny and the cars are cold - you might want a blanket. IMHO an eye mask and ear plugs are essential for a good night's snooze.

The condition of the bathrooms was pretty good, considering. After you have been onboard a while - you'll figure out the best time to go. Also, study your schedule - you will find that at some of the station stops - you can make a potty visit in the station. After about 2 days on the train, I really enjoyed a stationary toilet.

Anytime they will let you off the train - get off the train. Don't let the fact that it is called a "smoke stop" keep you onboard. Visit the lounge car. The train is not an airplane. You don't have to stay in your seat for 3 days!

Dinner in the dining car was not on my budget - but I did do a last call breakfast one morning. And, somewhere along the line the snack bar took on some fried chicken boxed dinners that at $10 were mighty welcome. The car attendants know which station stops have "important" things like ice cream vending machines and newspapers. So, talk to them as in "any stops coming up this afternoon where I can maybe buy a sandwich?". This helps augment what you might bring or be able to buy in the snackbar. The snackbar makes good coffee. Everything else is microwaved.

It will be great fun. And, no matter what - sooner or later you will get to where you are going.
Thanks PegB for the information. I think I will bring my own pillow and blanket as I was unsure before I read your comments. I plan on walking around and getting off the train anytime I can. As you suggested, I will ask the car attendants about all those "important" things on the stops ahead.

Take care and safe travels,

TFR
 
"- -Is there space in the toilet room to wash up, take a sponge bath, shave, wash your hair in the sink, an outlet to use a blow dryer and change clothes or can you do those things in the changing room that I have read about? Is there a changing room and does it have a sink and an outlet? Is it private (lockable) or is it a multiple occupancy room (unisex)?"

Please don't. There's room in one of the (lockable) toilets for baby-changing. There would also be room to do a quick change of clothes if you needed to, either there or in the accessible toilet. If you brought your own washcloth, you could wash your face.

But shaving and spongebaths and hair washing are not really possible without making a mess..... If you're in coach, you are pretty much expected to bathe before you leave and wait to shower again until after you have arrived at your destination; if you want a shower en route, get a sleeper!
While I don't do coach, I shave all the time on the train. Granted I go electric, but still I shave. Yes, one can and will tend to make a bit of a mess doing anything in the bathroom. The key is what one does after making the mess. If you're willing to pull out a couple of paper towels and wipe down the mirror and the area around the sink to dry/clean things up a bit, then there is nothing wrong with trying to shave, either with electric or razor, or with taking a light sponge bath in the sink. The key is to clean up after you do and not leave it for the next person to deal with or that imaginary maid that isn't coming to clean the room. Oh, and to use a very dull edge razor, if you didn't bring an electric one, as shaving with a sharp one while going 79MPH could be hazardous to your health. :eek: :lol:
 
If you eat only one meal each day, make it breakfast. If two, breakfast and dinner. Most folks with Amtrak LD dining car experience would, I think, agree that breakfast is their best meal of the day, dinner second best, lunch third.

Have an excellent trip!

---------------------------------------------------

i don't know if you plan on eating in the dining car. it's lots of fun and the food is good but, imho, expensive. the food available in the sightseer lounge car is expensive and, imho, not too good. so, depending on how you plan to eat, you might want to bring something with you. not really much opportunity to get anything at most stops.
Do plan to eat at least a couple of meals in the dining car. Yes, the prices at first blush are high for coach passengers. However, keep in mind that they include all taxes plus your choice of coffee, tea (hot or iced), or milk and juice at breakfast. Plus, the dining car experience in and of itself is, IMHO, worth a premium, especially on a route with great scenery such as the Zephyr.
The cost for three full meals a day is a concern. I planned on only eating only one or two meals a day in the dining car and eating food that I bring with me or from the snack bar and/or vending machines when I get hungry. Besides, I cannot eat three full meals a day anymore, especially when I am not burning many calories while on the train. Thanks for bring it up Yarrow. As Ehbowen suggested, I do want to experience the dining car a few times.

Thanks to all again for the responses and suggestions. Keep them coming as I am taking notes! I was a little hesitant when I posted all my questions as to what kind of reception I would get. The hospitality of all you folks on this forum is really appreciated!

TFR (Terra Firma Rover)
 
If you eat only one meal each day, make it breakfast. If two, breakfast and dinner. Most folks with Amtrak LD dining car experience would, I think, agree that breakfast is their best meal of the day, dinner second best, lunch third.
I must agree that Amtrak lunches aren't that good.
 
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Nathanael, thanks for all the information. Anyone care to share their "secret" shower locations in or around Union station?

TFR
This wouldn't fall under the secret category but there's a health club, Fitness Formula Club on the same block as CUS. Might be worth it to you to see if they offer day passes so you can shower up.
 
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