Conductor was explaining communal seating in the dining car. Apparently this really shocks people who’ve never ridden the train before.

#Transit #Trains #LosAngeles #Amtrak #SouthwestChief

Multiple announcements about the importance of wearing shoes on the train..

#Transit #Trains #LosAngeles #Amtrak #SouthwestChief

6. Riding the Southwest Chief to New Mexico (what a name)

It’s sunset soon but I’m pretty sure I’ll wake up to some incredible desert views. I’ve never been south or southwest

The cost of riding this train in coach is usually $78ish between LA and Albuquerque, with highest prices around 200+ if you book super late. But I’m riding it as part of my rail pass

Edit: forgot my Southwest Chief fun fact. This route (which runs LA to Chicago) is pretty much the modern version of the Super Chief. There used to be a San Francisco Chief that did San Francisco to Chicago, between 1954 and 1971

#Transit #Trains #LosAngeles #Amtrak #SouthwestChief

Union Station, Los Angeles. Guess where I’m going next?

#Trains #Amtrak #Transit #LosAngeles

Somewhere in central California

#California #Amtrak #Trains #CoastStarlight

3. Coast Starlight to Los Angeles

Fun fact: This train will travel through some of the most beautiful areas of the Pacific coast, and at least one rocket launch base

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandenberg_Space_Force_Base

EDIT: adding prices as a record. This usually costs $48-120 depending on when you book it. I got it as part of my rail pass

#Trains #Amtrak #California #CoastStarlight

Not everyone knows this but you can ride your bike and check it in on many of the long distance trains. They check in the bicycle on bike racks at the front of the train.

Not every train or stop has this, but the major ones along the west coast do (California Zephyr, Coast Starlight). When I was going to Reno a lot (long story) I used to take my bike on BART, cycle from West Oakland to Emeryville, check it in on the train, get out in Reno and cycle away.

Of course you’ve got to figure out an easy luggage situation (something easily detached) but I only ever had a small bag with me so it was fine.

I just saw a bunch of people checking their bikes. They’re taking the train to Santa Barbara with their bikes. It’s a $20 one way add-on

Bike policy here: https://www.amtrak.com/bring-your-bicycle-onboard

#BikeTooter #Cycling #Amtrak