Taking a series of trains, buses and fun facts about them

1. Civic Center, San Francisco to MacArthur, Oakland

Fun fact: BART uses the broad gauge, same as Indian Railways (another train system I know super well)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5_ft_6_in_gauge_railway

EDIT: adding prices as a record. This was $4.80

#Trains #Transit #BART #BayArea #SanFrancisco #Oakland

2. MacArthur BART station has a bunch of free shuttle buses. The one I use most is the EmeryGoRound, primarily to the Amtrak station in Emeryville.

Fun fact: the Hollis route runs from 5:45am to 9:20pm on weekdays, every 15 min

EDIT: adding prices as a record. This was $0

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

Bring Your Bike on Amtrak

How to bring your bicycle with you on your next Amtrak journey.

Amtrak

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

Announcement: please wear shoes on the train. If you come to the cafe with no shoes, we will not serve you
There’s someone on the train with laptop and multi screen setup. You def can’t do that in a plane. In economy class.

Somewhere in central California

#California #Amtrak #Trains #CoastStarlight

I brought my own kettle and tea bags (am out of my good tea leaves or I’d have brought that too!)

The other indispensable travel accessory for me: a portable bidet. With pressure control. (Way better than using a water bottle)

I just can’t with toilet paper

Where am I going? That’s a good question.

London, actually. But I’m taking a series of trains (and later planes. Eventually)

Golden hour somewhere around Lompoc.
@skinnylatte damn, that's a pretty view of the land right there!