Amtrak

Train from Jackson MI to Chicago… Not a great experience. One hour delay on the way to Chicago so it shortened our day trip and delayed an hour on the way home. 6 hours in Chicago and 11 hours on the train. I think I’ll drive or fly next time
The people at Jackson station were not friendly at all.

I should have done this a long time ago. My experience on Amtrak is ALWAYS great!!! I’ve taken many trips to Chicago from Indianapolis, and all the way up to La Crosse, WI. The rates are very reasonable. Who can beat a 40 dollar round-​trip to Chicago from Indy??? It’s very cheap. You compare that to 60 bucks or more in gas, and not to mention you’re not driving!
You’re enjoying the ride to where you need to go. It’s always been such a pleasant experience. Chicago Union Station is my favorite place to wait for the train, next to La Crosse Union Station. Chicago US has so many things you can do while you wait, so you are never bored. It’s always very clean, and the people there for the most part are friendly.
It’s funny that I have traveled Amtrak so much they know me by name! Lol… seriously! They have a really nice food court, and basically anything you could possibly want. I was a little upset when they took out the Burrito place and Cinnabon place in there. They replaced it with a Starbucks, as if we need anymore? Starbucks is becoming the new crack of America… lol, no joke.
My train always boards a little early, but never late from Chicago. My ride is usually a pleasant one until they have to seat you because they are trying to fill up the seats. It doesn’t always happen, but it can get full!
I’ve loved Amtrak so much that at one point, I wanted to be a chef on the train. On the bigger trains such as the Empire Builders, they have chefs on the train. The Cardinal which is also known as the Iowa Pacific that runs from Indy to Chicago and vice versa I believe has chefs on there now too. The Cardinal Amtrak brand used to be just from frozen or microwaveable stuff.
I love Amtrak. It’s one of my favorite ways to travel! If you have never experienced it or are on the bubble about traveling Amtrak, just do it!!! You will love it, I promise!

Took Southwest Chief service from Union Station to Flagstaff, AZ to visit the Grand Canyon. Traveling cross-​country by rail isn’t done much anymore, hence the attraction for me. We booked a sleeper compartment for three people and even though the quarters were tight, it was actually a little bigger than I expected. (NB: that does not mean the room was objectively large, just that one person could turn around in the middle of the room without elbowing someone else in the face.) Boarding was quick and painless. Sleeper accommodations were right next to the dining car, followed by the observation car and then the coach cars. We spent most of the trip in the observation car. It was a great way to meet a variety of people from all over the world. Jane in the café car downstairs from the observation deck is a very sweet woman who makes the best Bloody Mary I’ve ever had. Sleeper accommodations included three meals a day. The menu did not change from day to day (other than the specials) but that’s to be expected. If you want more variety, ask Congress to fund Amtrak more extensively. There was always at least one vegan and one vegetarian option, so there is an effort to accommodate all diets. We had a much better experience sleeping here than in the Boston to Chicago service we used on the first night. The views from the observation car are stunning and really prompt a lot of reflection and understanding of the immensity of this country.
After Albuquerque the line became substantially more crowded and it is clear this line is used as a main means of transportation in the Southwest. I thought this was a fascinating chance to observe a little-​seen element of travel in America. However, it certainly would have been possible to stay in our car and read for this portion of the trip and many of the other sleeper car occupants did just this. I have to say Amtrak exceeded my (admittedly low) expectations on this line. It’s clear that they are proud of the chance for their passengers to see this scenery and get an idea of the vastness of the Midwest. I also recommend getting off at each «smoking stop» even if you do not smoke. We saw some interesting public art and/​or spoke with jewelry vendors at each stop which enriched the trip further.

When I attended college in Chicago, Amtrak Wolverine was my favorite way of getting home to Detroit. I never had a bad trip. Okay, so reasons why it doesn’t get a full rating is the delays in and out of stations, but I can’t get upset over it because the overall outweighs it.
The seats are comfortable; I was once sick and had to lay down. The food is nice and filling. Conversations are easy to get into with fellow passengers and the staff has always been helpful; I never had to interact with them much. Most everything was easy to understand and easy to navigate. I have a trip planned soon on Wolverine and Empire Builder. I’m looking forward to it as an actual train vacation.

This is a quick ride to Chicago however be prepared to wait if you checked luggage. And don’t ask by one for help because Amtrak is not their employer or basically they don’t want to help. Overall the ride from Milwaukee to Chicago was smooth but a bit chaotic at the station when we got to our destination

I am currently having the WORST customer experience at the Amtrak station. First, I came in 5 minutes before my train was scheduled to leave and was informed that I was not able to get on because boarding closes 5 minutes before departure. If I have had know this critical information, I would have not paid $ 10 for a taxi to speed me to the station. This is not all. After I missed the train, an employee told me to just purchase the next train ticket. I did this on my phone not aware of the fact that if I went to the ticket booth, I could have gotten a refund or a voucher. I only learned this information because I eavesdropped a conversation between another customer and employee in the same situation as me, but only this was an hour and half after my train departed so I was not granted the reimbursement. I STRONGLY suggest that this company reevaluates their employees to be more considerate of the travelers and to inform them with helpful information. I would have not had a problem with not being able to ride the train if I have know about the refund policy (I assumed that like megabus, that they did not do refunds to missed travels). All in all, beware.
Ps: the helpful employee that even walked the woman who missed her train to the ticket booth while explaining the refund policy was an elderly Caucasian man.

My mother booked a round trip pass from Greenwood MS to Victorville CA to visit a relative for two weeks. She largely enjoyed the trip and found all of Amtrak’s agents and representatives to be very friendly.
However, there was a terrible decline in service when she caught the train called the City of New Orleans, # 58, in Greenwood, MS headed out to Chicago and she had the same problem with train # 59 (the city of New Orleans) headed back to greenwood, MS. My mother said that the train was so hot the people had to fan and no one would turn on the air. She also said unlike other portions of the trip, on this particular train (the city of New Orleans) she never saw a conductor walking the floor asking everyone was everything ok. To be more exact she saw only one conductor but he was very hurried and he didn’t stop to speak to the train residents. Also, the train car had many children and crying babies unlike other portions of the trip (where those with children and babies are put on a separate car for those who needed quietness) and many of the children were running the aisles unsupervised by parents.
It was the only portion of the trip, both back and forth, that included the city of New Orleans train. When she made it to Chicago and boarded the southwest chief train # 3 everything was different. Service and comfort improved dramatically.
My mother said that on the city of New Orleans train both ways the train primarily held many blacks (we are both black by the way) and the service was degraded. Everyone was thrown in together and no air was turned on. But when the number of blacks dissipated the service and comfort level was increased, the air was turned in and the staff became far more attentive.

I took the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco, making 3 stops along the way. I have to say the trip went VERY smoothly. I was concerned after reading so many reviews that mentioned 3 hours delays… The trains were always on time for, and sometimes arrived early at the destination. The staff was wonderful and attentive, and the conductors always kept us informed. The food on the train is actually not bad at all — but it’s not cheap… $ 12 for a burger? If you’re trying to save money, bring your own food/​snacks/​drinks. The snack car sells junk food and soda for like 4 times their normal price. The observation car was one of the best things about the train — amazing for sight-​seeing from Denver to Salt Lake City. We slept overnight on two legs of the trips and it was pretty comfortable — the seats are much bigger than airplane seats and they recline a lot better and the front of the seat extends to hold up your legs. I would definitely ride the Zephyr again — such amazing views and a comfortable ride.

I have been riding Amtrak since its inception. I have traveled on probably 80% of all the routes that are available now or those that have been available in the past. I would like to address some points that others have mentioned”
–Cut off for boarding: Every mode of transportation has some safety and boarding guidelines, especially after ⁹⁄₁₁. If you have never traveled by Amtrak, educate yourself. They have a great website that goes into great detail of what to expect. Unlike flying, you don’t have to have your luggage inspected, take your shoes off, be body scanned, x-​rayed, patted down etc. Is it too much to ask for passengers to be at the station a half hour prior to boarding? I think not.
–Cleanliness: Yes, the train should be clean when you board at the origination of travel. As the trip progresses, it is up to the passengers to clean up after themselves. There are plenty of trash receptacles to get rid of garbage. If I see something like a wet counter in the restroom, I take a second to wipe it up myself.
–Train delays: Much of where Amtrak travels involves using tracks that are not owned by the railroad but rather by freight companies. Their priorities are getting their goods to their destination on time. Therefore they get the upper hand whenever there is a point at which only one train is allowed to go forward (and this can be often especially in heavily traveled areas). In addition, tracks have to be maintained, fixed and improved. The freight companies are constantly working on them which can impede travel. It is no different than roadway construction where lanes and speed limits are cut. Historically, this country, its government and its residents put all their focus and money on expanding highway networks, airports and plane travel without any consideration of continuing to upgrade the railroad system. As a result, Amtrak now has a severely limited amount of track that they actually own and have equipment that is old, outdated and in need of constant repair.
–Trains colliding with vehicles: Not sure how Amtrak is responsible for the delays this scenario can cause. The fault lies in the stupidity of the driver who think he/​she can outrun a train, or just not have the patience to wait until one passes. If Amtrak is chugging along at 80 mph, they cannot stop on a dime. It may take a mile after braking. I was traveling to Boston from Chicago through the Indiana cornfields one winter. A semi was waiting at a crossing that only had a flashing light with no gates (not unusual in many rural crossings). A freight train was traveling westbound and Amtrak was going East. The freight passed through the crossing first and when it passed the driver didn’t bother to notice that the lights were still blinking as we were approaching. We hit her and her semi going 60 mph after breaking. She did not survive and the wreckage was strewn over a ½ mile. She put hundreds of passengers in jeopardy because of her inattentiveness. Somehow by the Grace of God we did not derail. When collisions occur, it’s serious business. The engineer is removed and has to be drug tested and an entire crew of police and other officials have to arrive to start an investigation.
Surly staff and other complaints: C’mon, we have seen this everywhere. It’s not right, but it happens. No matter where you are you can always encounter a person that is difficult and unfriendly. If you truly felt insulted, dismayed or hurt, please please contact Amtrak customer service and voice a complaint. Believe it or not, they take them seriously. Food poisoning? Did you contact Amtrak to inform them of this illness so they could protect others from getting sick and so that Amtrak could review their suppliers and food storage practices? I can’t say enough about people who can take the time to write a Unilocal review, but do no notification. That is just BS. So whoever has something like this happen, do your due diligence and warn the company/​restaurant/​supplier etc. I don’t trust those who don’t.
Children running amok/​smoking/​other disruptions: Don’t be afraid to speak up here. Safety is a huge priority and Amtrak and its personnel do not take this lightly. If you can’t find your car attendant, see the conductor. Amtrak is very strict about unsupervised children, unruly drunks, folks without shoes and smokers. I have seen plenty of passengers greeted by the local law enforcement when we arrived at the next station following a serious indiscretion. He/​she/​they were immediately removed from the train.
Biggest tip for new riders is to educate yourself. There are plenty of message boards and other areas to get information. Like anything is this world, there are pro’s and con’s with riding the rails. Even after all these years, I still find more good than bad.

I really only take Amtrak for the Milwaukee/​Chicago journey, though I should use it more often for other trips here and there. They are typically very on-​time and efficient when I have chosen to go. There is a quiet car, nice for work commuters. Much preferred to driving between these 2 cities, which might cost a little less if you own a car (I do not), the new train station is pretty nice in Milwaukee, and Union station can be a little confusion but you can figure it out.

Waiting in Chicago Union Station for the Empire Builder after taking train from St. Paul MN to Washington DC and now back. Took roomette from Chicago to DC. Very satisfied. Roomette is definitely small but works for sleeping and seating two. Train staff very pleasant and helpful. Dining car is excellent.
In DC and Chicago stations we got to use lounge for sleeper passengers. Not the «ambassador club» like the airlines have but they are a nice place to wait for your train. The Metropolitan Club in Chicago Union Station is jam packed today but those who have chairs are pretty comfortable.

We took the Southwest Chief from Kansas City to Chicago. It’s an easy, comfortable and inexpensive way to travel. The station in Chicago was offering a membership to their Legacy Club which could be worth the $ 20 if you need a place to hang out with free WiFi, snacks and comfortable seating…
We assumed that we would have wifi on our trip because on previous rides from Kansas City to St Louis we did; however, different trains have different amenities. The seats were comfortable and the club car was a nice place to sit for a little more room and a change of scenery. If you are interested in visiting the dining car, be aware that you should stop in for a reservation as soon as you can. On our trip here, they filled up during lunch and some people left disappointed.

Nasty staff. Our train was at 925. We get the boarding dock at 9:21 and they refused to let us on the train! We missed our train. Apparently there is a 5 minute lock rule where all gates lock 5 minutes before the train leaves. This is not on the ticket!!! Get your sh*t together Amtrack and print that on your tickets! The attitude was «oh well»
While we stood with our luggage looking at our train which was still there, idle.

Amtrak is nice to take because it’s way more comfortable than flying, there’s outlets, bathrooms, a café, etc… but honesty I can’t put up with the bs that seems to occur every time I take Amtrak out of or to this station. Both my train out of and back to here from STL was literally multiple hours late, as well as was the case when I took it out to Grand Rapids both years before, and when the train is delayed by multiple hours they don’t send you any warning until about 25 or 30 minutes before your original departure time… only to be told when you finally board the train that the delay was due to equipment shortage/​malfunctions that happened LAST NIGHT.
Seriously, I don’t mind waiting but at least give me notice so maybe I can get a little extra sleep.
Which would’ve been really nice, because, on a random side note, our main cabin attendant just LOVES the sound of his own voice and drones on the loudspeaker repeating information over and over for near five minutes at a time. I think we were told the specifics of our delay over five times.
As I said guys, the facilities are nice and maybe the effort’s there, but if it is I’m just not seeing it because all my experiences to and from this station with Amtrak have been really lousy. Don’t go anywhere from here unless you have the ENTIRE day and a lot of patience to spare.

I promised an opportunity to redeem yourself, and improve the rating. Even prior to boarding you had destroyed any such chance. You can get me to StL an hour early, and due to the staff at union station, you get 1 star, only because i can’t give zero. The staff to a person at the station were rude, unhelpful, and completely disorganized. As in the previous experience, the crew on the train was great. Professional, courteous, and friendly. All things the staff at union station are not. We left on time. I think this could be great, fun, and enjoyable eay to get to places in a 5 hour radius, but until the management processes are fixed you won’t find me on another.

What a lovely way to travel!!! Catching the train from Ann Arbor to Chicago was a great idea for 11 of my friends and I! The staff in Ann Arbor is friendly and helpful. I love that you carry on and keep your luggage with you. We brought food, drinks and snacks and just had a great time. The convenience of electrical outlets allowed me to even get my hair done enroute! The dining car offered cocktails, hot dogs and pizza in addition to other snacks like chips and candy. There are restrooms I each car making them convenient. The comfortable and spacious seats rotate allowing friends to face one another for easier socialization and game playing! Although there were many stops along the way, you hardly notice because the staff is efficient and there aren’t rules about being seated and buckled in. Union Station in Chicago is in the middle of town and a quick walk or can ride to many destinations. The staff was not as accommodating as our Ann Arbor crew, however. Nobody helped us with our luggage off or on the train which makes it difficult for older people or those with limitations and children. Amtrak; an inexpensive and enjoyable way to travel!!!

Great way to get to and from Milwaukee. Well organized, efficient, and not expensive. Seats are almost comfortable and bathrooms clean.

Great we going to Washington DC
Getting into Ohio state car get crash w/​the train amtrak
2 hours delay.
Pluss
Mini bottle of milk $ 2 dllrs
At least no get hurt
Or kill they said Amtrak staff

Amtrak coming and going out of Chicago gets 5 stars. The station itself is easy to find your way around. It has a food court upstairs. There are lots of seats while waiting. You are allowed a nice amount of carry-​on (check for exact amount online).
Once on the train the seats are reclining and comfortable. Throw bigger luggage overhead and keep smaller, personal items at your seat. There’s a fold-​out tray to eat on or use a laptop on or whatever. You can bring your own food and drinks or purchase from the dining car (note: it’s pricey). Each car has a set of restrooms that can get a little smelly (expected on a moving train). Each section of seats has its own electrical outlet. There is free wifi. They ask that you use headphones when using electronic devices and so do I (someone didn’t on one of my trains and he played rap for the entire car for 5 hours). If you forget headphones you can purchase them on the train (only $ 5).
The train crew is friendly and helpful. I have never met a rude one.
I love riding the train. It’s convenient and cheap. It lets me sit back and relax while someone else takes me to my destination.

DO NOT GET LOCKED IN THE TOILET b/​c no one could hear you!
There needs to be a button to call for help. A noisy train traveling on a rickety track makes it impossible for anyone outside the toilet to hear you clanking the door for help.
What happened was the sliding mechanism got stuck. Maybe from the cold? IT didnt’ want to slide and unlock, and even when I tried kicking the lock with my shoe, it didn’t budge.
Lucky for me, the door was metal, and I had a ring, and tapped S-​O-​S and finally someone said «What’s that noise»?? I yelled «I’m inside here stuck» (insert laughter from the main cabin) and they got am Amtrak person to use some sort of sliding instrument to open the door.
It took 20 minutes to get me out!
Next time (if there is one) I will bring my cell phone. Or, not pee on the train ride.
The ride from Chicago to St Louis, otherwise, was nice as they had power outlets but no wifi which failed.