Amtrak Southwest Chief

[nlogax]

Has anyone here had experience of taking the Southwest Chief between Chicago and LA? I'm pondering doing the full trip sometime around Christmas, westbound. Single traveller, so looking at the Superliner Roomette as opposed to a full bedroom.

Any trip reports / recommendations would be welcome - ta in advance

 

[AlterEgo]

I've not done the Chief, but I have done both the Empire Builder and the California Zephyr.

As a solo traveller, the roomette is perfectly adequate. I recommend that if you have a big suitcase that you check it in - bear in mind you can't access the bag for the whole trip.

Take a rucksack with changes of clothes, toiletries and some snacks. There's free orange juice and coffee for sleeper car passengers at the coffee station on the upper floor of the car.

Don't forget about time zone changes. You'll be advised of them in the route guide and over the tannoy.

There's a reasonably priced buffet on the lower level of the sightseeing car.

All your meals are included - even sides - as part of a sleeper car fare. You should tip a dollar or two a meal to keep the staff sweet.

You'll get offered a choice of 2-3 sittings for dinner. Seating is simply "fill up from the back", you'll be shoved together with strangers. (Don't worry, train folk in the States are pretty sound!)

Remember to tip the sleeper car attendant at the end of your trip. He or she will be available on a call bell to convert your roomette and answer questions. Do remember they have to eat and sleep too, they should communicate when they'll be unavailable, but it pays to be considerate.

Finally, Amtrak is a unique experience. It's a slow but fabulous way of seeing the country. The staff and product are very old school (there's no wifi!), but really it adds to the whole experience. I'm doing the Texas Eagle in a couple of weeks, eastbound. I absolutely recommend Amtrak to anyone. You will definitely enjoy the trip.

Feel free to ask any questions I haven't answered.

 

[Tim R-T-C]

Pretty well covered there, but a couple of extra points.

- Allow several hours for delay, when we caught the Chief (Flagstaff into LA) it was running about 4 hours late, this seemed pretty standard, other Amtrak trains we have been on have been up to 10 hours behind. Don't book any connecting transfers on the morning you arrive in LA!

- Listen out for smoke break stops - if the train is on time, these are pretty chilled; you can hop off and stretch your legs for about 10 minutes (just keep an eye on the train!), you can also often get some good photos.

We got a roomette for two of us and it was perfectly sized, more than enough for one.

Idea - why not hop off at Williams Jct, AZ on the way out, take the Grand Canyon railway up to the Canyon behind a vintage Alco PA and back, then take the Chief that evening onto LA.

 

[nlogax]

Thanks both, your advice much appreciated The furthest Amtrak have ever taken me before now was Phila. to Hartford and back which was only four hours each way, so this will be something else entirely.

I've only just bought my ticket so I'll be leaving Chicago on Christmas Eve, into LA late on the 26th, all being well. Am absolutely stoked for this trip!

 

[Searle]

It might not be the same for if you're in the sleeper, but when doing the Coast Starlight, I had to check in at a ticket office in LA before boarding, which caught me by surprise. Have a great trip!

 

[rf_ioliver]

The staff and product are very old school

Well, that's me convinced...Amtrak--TAKE MY MONEY!!!

A few friends who have taken the longer distance trains in the US swear by it.

Anyone know how Amtrak compares with the long distance Canadian trains? I'm thinking of Vancover-Quebec in the near future...

t.

Ian

 

[Blillpers]

I'll be doing the very same trip this september, but travelling all the way from New York with a change in Chichago. Really looking forward to it, first time in the States...

 

[Groningen]

Be advised that Vancouver - Toronto is now 1 day slower than it used to be. It will take you now nearly 4 days to reach Toronto; with Greyhound and change in Calgary you are 1 day earlier. Arrival in Toronto with the train is at 9.30 in the morning. Than you have to wait 2 hours for the train to Montreal and there to Quebec. But Via Rail strongly advice is not to take that chance. They do not own the tracks.

Punctionality: February 2016: 62.5 % (train 1 87,5 and 2 37,5 %); over the last 12 months 35.2 %. And remember; the train is not delayed when it is 1 hour late.

 

[Shinkansenfan]

Some tips:

If you're traveling by sleeper, you can use the Metropolitan Lounge (first class) in Chicago.

Consider riding the Loop "L" train in downtown Chicago.

The Southwest Chief operates with a Sightseer Lounge car with large windows and lounge type seating on the upper level. You may find yourself spending quite a bit of time there.

Unlike the Northeast Corridor train which you rode, you'll find most Americans on long distance trains eager to strike up a conversation.

Comparing VIA long distance trains to Amtrak, I and many find that Amtrak's on board service is more random and variable. Your next trip on the SW Chief could be one of the best, or one of the worst. Highly variable. Whereas VIA in my experience has better quality control.

Tipping in the dining car: the dining car staff travel with the train end to end (conductors do not). Some folks give a better tip on the first meal to make an impression. A $1 tip may be on the low side. Some folks tip 15-20% of the meal price (obvious as you'll see the menu prices). If service is poor, it is possible to cut the tip but remember you'll be on the train a while. Unlike many US land based restaurants where staff are paid less than minimum wage and work for tips--and depend upon tips--Amtrak dining car staff are well paid.

Same with sleeper staff. Some tip first day to make an impression. Some sleeper staff have been known to provide little service during the trip, only to become customer service focused as you near your alighting station!

The train is an excellent way to see just how large the US is. And an experience to remember.

Long distance train punctuality is measured in hours, not minutes. Don't be surprised if your train is several hours late.

Los Angeles Union Terminal is a Spanish style masterpiece. Worth spending some time to stroll around the interior and gardens. If you like what we call French Dip sandwiches, Phillipe's near the station is a classic place to sample that.

If time permits, consider a trip to San Diego. Sit on the right side of the train southbound for ocean views south of San Juan Capistrano.

Enjoy your trip and let us know how you enjoyed it!

 

[Groningen]

I have found this website and it will show you (all) Amtrain trains with delays in hours and minutes. On time means of course no delay.

http://dixielandsoftware.net/Amtrak/status/StatusPages/SouthwestChiefStatus.htm

 

[ac6000cw]

I think other people have covered the 'Amtrak experience' pretty well (and chatting with the passengers and staff is definitely a nice, interesting, part of it) - I'd agree with all the comments.

If you are going through Chicago, spending a little time there to explore the 'L' (elevated transit) system is well worth it, as is taking a Metra commuter train out to somewhere nice along the triple-track BNSF route to Aurora (e.g. La Grange Road or Hinsdale). If you've not seen one before, feeling the breeze from a double-stack container train as it thunders past behind multiple diesels is something to be savoured... At the LA end of things, Fullerton is an excellent, easy to get to by train, train-watching spot.

 

[Searle]

I have found this website and it will show you (all) Amtrain trains with delays in hours and minutes. On time means of course no delay.

http://dixielandsoftware.net/Amtrak/status/StatusPages/SouthwestChiefStatus.htm

On a similar note, this is great for tracking your train and seeing how you're doing in relation to other services:

http://asm.transitdocs.com

 

[Ianno87]

My wife has done 8 individual journeys on the South West Chief - not all end to end! She says it's "well nice" [sic]

She actually prefers the Texas Eagle + Sunset Limited for travelling between Chicago and LA - more hours on the train and getting to see more of the US, meeting people along the way.

It depends how much you like trains as to which way you go. She also recommends being well supplied with your own snacks as these are pricey on-board.

 

[duncanp]

How about breaking up the journey for a few days somewhere along the route.

I travelled from Chicago to Dallas last year with a three day stopover in St Louis. Missouri.

From St Louis, you can take the Missouri River Runner to Kansas City, where there is a connection to the South West Chief.

Or you could travel from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Texas Eagle, which runs via St Louis, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio and El Paso.

The South West Chief makes several stops en route, but you have to watch the time of day. Also, not all Amtrak stations have taxis and public transport nearby, especially in the middle of the night.

In Chicago, you could also take the South Shore line out along the Indiana Dunes. The route through Michigan City, Indiana takes a full size train right down the middle of the street. Search for "11th Street Station Michigan City, Indiana" for pictures.

The superliner roomette is ideal for a single person, with the proviso that you don't have too much luggage. If you do, you can check it in like you do on an aircraft.

All meals are included, but alcoholic drinks are extra, and as elsewhere in the US it is advisable to leave a tip.

 

[Groningen]

Are you traveling on a single ticket or Railpass?

Remember that a Railpass works with segments. If you go from Chicago to the Westcoast than it is 1 segment. Along the way detrain will cost you each time a segment.

Valid:
15 days 8 segments 459 $
30 days 12 segments 689 $
45 days 18 segments 899 $

 

[nlogax]

More great tips and links, thanks all

Sadly this is a fairly short trip - I'm getting in a couple of days of Chicago and a day or two in LA either side, but the plan is to be back in London before new year. So, 'thru ticket with no stops. It's more about watching the world go by, talking to friendly strangers and letting someone else do the driving for a change. I try and spend a fair bit of time in the SW US and I-5 is very familiar on that coastline between SD and LA. The Surfliner is definitely on the list for the near future though and the Eagle or Zephyr will also get added too.

That's definitely one thing I'm looking forward to, the (anticipated) good nature of other travellers. Experiences on the NEC have been variable. Acela was full of people in a real hurry to get to or from Manhattan - hence I prefer regional services. Better seats, older, comfier stock and a slightly more relaxed atmosphere.

A few months back this aired on NPR, very relevant. I really hope long-distance Amtrak services continue to survive; http://www.npr.org/2015/09/12/439813914/rich-in-charm-but-losing-money-amtraks-southwest-chief-may-fade-away

 

[deep south]

How easy / expensive is it to "break your journey"? it looks like you need to book your sleeping accomodation well in advance, so can you book a "split" for the same price as the whole journey?

Or would I be better not booking a sleeper, but berak the journey into several days and just stay overnight on my breaks...?

(Doing some long distance planning for a retirement holiday in a couple of years, so the time taken is immaterial!)

 

[duncanp]

The Amtrak website allows you to book a multi journey ticket

https://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak/ComplexRail

It will probably be more expensive than doing one through journey, but I think this is the only way to do it.

There is no concept of breaking your journey on a single ticket like in the UK. (if there is, I stand to be corrected)

If doing planning for s retirement holiday, then the best place to start is the system wide map. You can plot a route and look at various stop off points.

One thing to bear in mind when considering stop off points is that there may only be one or two trains per day, and that the only train that stops at a particular place may do so in the middle of the night.

For example, the Southbound Texas Eagle stops at Little Rock, Arkansas at about 03:15, and it can be a few hours late (It stopped at 05:15 when I went on it last year)

And a lot of Amtrak stations are unstaffed halts, even in quite large towns, with no facilities such as taxis or public transport to take you to your final destination.

It is definitely worth breaking your journey and staying a few nights in a city on the way.

Considering the time of arrival, the Westbound California Zephyr stops at Glenwood Springs, Colorado at about 2pm.

Or you can do what I did and take one of several trains a day from Chicago to St Louis, stay in St Louis for 3 days, and take the Southbound Texas Eagle overnight to Dallas.

Or you can also book an all inclusive package with Amtrak on their Amtrak vacations page

https://www.amtrak.com/all-inclusive-train-vacation-packages

 

[b0b]

In Chicago, you could also take the South Shore line out along the Indiana Dunes. The route through Michigan City, Indiana takes a full size train right down the middle of the street. Search for "11th Street Station Michigan City, Indiana" for pictures.

Adding to that experience there are 4 way stops on 11th where the line crosses a road and - yes - the train has to wait its turn at the 4 way stop. No level crossing barriers. Its pretty incredible!


edit: looks like they've replaced the 4 way stops with traffic lights. dang! its been a while

 

[duncanp]

I have attached a couple of pictures I took of South Shore Line trains arriving at 11th Street station, plus one of the Texas Eagle when it stopped at Longview, Texas.

 

[tony6499]

This is from when I spent an afternoon on Dallas Station , Amtrak was Chicago bound about 330pm

 

[duncanp]

I went to Dallas during my travels in America last year.

There is quite a lot there to interest a rail enthusiast - Modern Trams (Dallas Streetcar), Vintage Trams (The McKinney Avenue Trolley) and light rail (DART).

 

[AlterEgo]

I have attached a couple of pictures I took of South Shore Line trains arriving at 11th Street station, plus one of the Texas Eagle when it stopped at Longview, Texas.

Thanks for sharing!

I'm riding the South Shore Line next week, the whole length. Really looking forward to it. PS any idea which diagrams the bilevel cars get used on? (It'll be a Monday)

 

[Groningen]

Youtube has a video of what to expect on the Southwest Chief.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDlJjHTDejs

 

[BestWestern]

What delightfully naff names these trains have! We need more over here! I can only think of the Highland Chieftan as comparable, the rest are all quite sensible!

 

[ac6000cw]

The 'Southwest Chief' is the successor to the pre-Amtrak 'Super Chief' - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Chief - which was the premier Chicago - LA passenger train on the Santa Fe (AT&SF) railroad.

'Chief' is a reference to Native American Chiefs - Santa Fe also used a red, yellow and silver livery inspired by Native American 'Warbonnets' on the diesel locomotives used to haul their important passenger trains - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atchison,_Topeka_and_Santa_Fe_Railway#Passenger_service (it's one of the all-time classic US loco paint schemes).

 

[nlogax]

Youtube has a video of what to expect on the Southwest Chief.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDlJjHTDejs

Lovely stuff, thank you I've also been looking at so many videos of arrival paths via Redondo Jct flyover and along the L.A. River towards Mission Jct and into Union Station. That's a lot of infrastructure to navigate. Here's the reverse view leaving L.A.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb6ZrKhGY90

 

[Harbornite]

The 'Southwest Chief' is the successor to the pre-Amtrak 'Super Chief' - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Chief - which was the premier Chicago - LA passenger train on the Santa Fe (AT&SF) railroad.

'Chief' is a reference to Native American Chiefs - Santa Fe also used a red, yellow and silver livery inspired by Native American 'Warbonnets' on the diesel locomotives used to haul their important passenger trains - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atchison,_Topeka_and_Santa_Fe_Railway#Passenger_service (it's one of the all-time classic US loco paint schemes).

I really like this shot here, from 1943.

 

[nlogax]

I really like this shot here, from 1943.

Beautiful..guessing that's Albuquerque?

 

[ac6000cw]

Beautiful..guessing that's Albuquerque?

It is - and I think those are a couple of early EMD 'E' units (passenger, twin-engined, A1A-A1A wheel arrangement) on the front. The second one looks like it's a cab-less 'booster' (B) unit.