Amtrak delays on CA Zephyr?

[Anonymous]

I'm considering taking my wife and 2 (little) kids on a trip from Salt Lake City to San Jose via Amtrak's CA Zephyr. Amtral estimates the trip at over 18 hours. My wife is concerned about the kids being cooped up on the train that long. I'm wondering if any knows if there are usually any delays on this trip?

Also, about how full would the train be?
Thanks in advance

[CopCarSS]

I've never traveled west beyond Denver, but I do travel east a lot. I'd say about half of the time the train is late. Usually not more than an hour, but I have been as late as 5 hours before. Conversely, I've been 45 minutes early before, too. It really depends on the day, the railroads, and the equipment.

How old are the kids in question? I'm not sure I'd take really young ones with me, but wouldn't have a problem with kids that are a little older. Maybe above 7 or 8, I guess. It probably depends on the kids (I don't have any, so I can't help an awful lot).

Best of luck with whatever you decide!

Chris
Denver, CO

[Anonymous]

Are you going Coach, or are you going with sleepers? I highly recommend when traveling overnight, as you will be, to get at least a standard sleeper for two, in your case you'll need two standard sleepers (attempt to get them across the ailse so you can keep an eye on your kids). Its been my experience that two standard sleepers is cheaper than the one family room....

If you can't afford two standard sleepers, then Coach is a must. If going coach attempt to keep your kids in front of you. There are two seats and ailse, and two seats per row. As the California Zephyr has a Sighseeing Lounge car with TV video at night, and in the afternoons, your kids can enjoy stretching out in the Lounge car whenever they get bored seating in the Coach.... There are tables downstairs in the Lounge car in which to play cards or even a board game, such as Scrabble or Monopoly....

However, I find it difficult to sleep in a coach car, as there is no privacy and there is at least somebody snoring as loud as a horse, which is why I prefer the privacy of a sleeper accomodation in the sleeper cars.... If you are going with a sleeper, keep in mind Amtrak usually sells them out a month or more in advance. Most of the time Amtrak coaches are less than half full westbound after Denver, and less than half full east of Reno... East of Denver westbound and west of Reno eastbound the coaches are close to being full....

[corwinda]

Here's my observations from riding it a few years ago. (Generally just before/after Christmas) It's usually not too full from SLC to Reno NV; can be quite full from Reno to Sacramento. Typically if the train is late going west it will be already be late getting to SLC. Check the Amtrak website before heading to the station. The only long delay I remember eastbound was the time the train hit a trespasser just east of Reno. An hour or two,

[dldance]

I watched train 6 go through Price UT, 10 miles east of Helper at 7:45am Monday 3/14. Since the schedule shows the train at Helper at 7:15am it must have been almost exactly on time.

dd

[jeaton]

Just one thing you should be aware of. The coop on a train is much larger than any car, commercial bus or plane. Assuming they get seven or eight hours sleep, there is about 5 hours before and after. If your kids can spend a long afternoon in the house, say because of weather, or a four or five hour ride in a car without getting too fussy, they will be able to handle the train quite well.

Good luck and have fun.

Jay

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone.

My kids will be 3 and a half and about 7 mos when we make the trip. After reading your comments I think a sleeper would probably be the best. My 3 year old LOVES trains and I think she would do OK on the trip. She doesn't do to well whe she has to sit down for more than a few minutes, which is why we don't really want to fly, and I thought it might be a nice ride on the train (me not having to drive never even crossed my mind, I promise! [;)])

Again, thanks everyone, its nice to hear from people who actually have taken the trip, or at least similar trips, anyway.

[daveklepper]

I'll add a comment that I never heard any parent complain about kids being "cooped up" on a train. A train is like a moving long house. In the sightseeing lounge, there is the scenery, which makes a good baby siter, TV is sometimes available, tables to bring scrable or kids games (good idea to bring anything that makes them happy on a rainy day at home0. The whole experience is very different that the restricted movement permitted to an airplane, bus, or car passenger.

[spbed]

Why would you want to spend 18 hours or so on a train when a car or bus would do the job much quicker especially if you are concerned about your children? [:o)]

QUOTE: Originally posted by wes454

I'm considering taking my wife and 2 (little) kids on a trip from Salt Lake City to San Jose via Amtrak's CA Zephyr. Amtral estimates the trip at over 18 hours. My wife is concerned about the kids being cooped up on the train that long. I'm wondering if any knows if there are usually any delays on this trip?

Also, about how full would the train be?
Thanks in advance

[Anonymous]

Just hope to God that you don't get delayed be a UP Coal Train.
BNSFrailfan.

[Anonymous]

Originally posted by spbed

Why would you want to spend 18 hours or so on a train when a car or bus would do the job much quicker especially if you are concerned about your children? [:o)]

We thought the trip would be nice to relax on, watch the scenery and let someone else do the driving. The trip would take at least 12 hrs in a car and with us having to stop to feed and\or change the little one, most likely even longer. Why stress the kids out by having them sit in a car that long when for a few more hours everyone can be more comfortable...

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