Thirdeye
Has anyone ever used these before? I'm planning on taking one that transfers in Chicago, and i'm worried that it will be too busy/hectic there, and what it's like on one of those things (i've never been on one). Could anyone comment on it?
I used to do the train a bunch on vacations and to visit my father back when I was young. He was a train nut and made all of the arrangements for me. Even when I was a teen on my own it was pretty simple to get back and forth. If you can find your way around an airport, you can do the train station too.
Chicago is one of the busier places to transfer, but it is better in my opinion than New York and other eastern cities. The cool thing is that if you really need help, don't be afraid to ask the Amtrak workers. Ask any conductor or similar person and they should be able to help you. Tell them it's your first time on the train and you need help. It should work out for you.
On the train itself, it can be a bit boring. Just bring a laptop/handheld game/good book to pass the time. Depending on where you are going, there can be some interesting scenery to look at, but I wouldn't hold my breath. After all, trains don't usually go through the nicest neighborhoods. Oh, and last time I was on, there is no assigned seating. If someone weird sits next to you, get up and move. And you might want to get there early to find a good seat. Oh, and they usually have a cafe car with a snack bar. Don't sit too close or everyone will be walking past your seat all the time going there, or don't sit too far away if you like to get up and go to the cafe all the time.
One more big point; make sure to ask the conductor before you get on the train which car of the train is going to your destination (you can also ask them where the cafe car is). They often split the train up at different stops, so make sure to be on the correct one! You don't want to be on the one going to New Orleans if you are heading for Chicago.
Have fun and good luck!
