Anyone travel by Amtrak / train?

[itsme_timd]

Someone on Twitter mentioned taking the train to New Orleans for IPCPR. I looked at the rates are very cheap and it's not horribly longer than a car ride. I get more room to move around than a plane and I can check 2 bags and carry on 2.

Anyone ever travel by train? What are the pros and cons?

 

[krulos]

i haven't been on a train in a long time, but if they still have a smoking car, i say go for it!

 

[itsme_timd]

i haven't been on a train in a long time, but if they still have a smoking car, i say go for it!

I might just do that!

I used to live in Jackson, MS and I remember people would take Amtrak to New Orleans for the weekend from there.

 

[Clint]

Train travel is great!

Pros: You see a lot less advertsing, less "urban" stuff like concrete, power lines, etc. You basically see more scenic beauty than car travel.
Cons: Takes a bit longer, as you said.

 

[dpricenator]

Lake Ponchartrain by Amtrak is gnarly. You look out the window and you can't even see the bridge, just miles of water.

 

[ChazHollywood]

Train is slower, but a lot more pleasant. Plenty of leg room, electrical outlets, cell reception. I'm a big fan.

-Charles

 

[itsme_timd]

Well I think you guys have talked me into it... looks like Amtrak to NOLA for me.

 

[boomerd35]

No, but they showed an episdoe of 'I Love Lucy' last night where they take the train back to NY from California. The guy who played Uncle Leo on Seinfeld ("Hello!") was some kind of cop with a gun and Lucy thought he was a jewel thief the police were looking for because of the gun. Well, it all ended in hilarity when Ethel took the cop's gun an shot Fred right in the head for snoring too loud. Although, that was an unexpected twist.

 

[itsme_timd]

No, but they showed an episdoe of 'I Love Lucy' last night where they take the train back to NY from California. The guy who played Uncle Leo on Seinfeld ("Hello!") was some kind of cop with a gun and Lucy thought he was a jewel thief the police were looking for because of the gun. Well, it all ended in hilarity when Ethel took the cop's gun an shot Fred right in the head for snoring too loud. Although, that was an unexpected twist.

That is of absolutely no help to me at all, Troy.

 

[TravelingJ]

That is of absolutely no help to me at all, Troy.

Really? To me that says-ride a train, get shot in the head. I'll drive, thank you very much. To this day, I've still never met a trip, that I wouldn't rather drive to in my own truck.

 

[boomerd35]

That is of absolutely no help to me at all, Troy.

Help? Oh, I never thought of being helpful. I'll try that next time. Oh, here's something helpful: The phrase "taking a steamer" no longer means to take a steam train from one place to another. So maybe remember that during your trip.

 

[itsme_timd]

Help? Oh, I never thought of being helpful. I'll try that next time. Oh, here's something helpful: The phrase "taking a steamer" no longer means to take a steam train from one place to another. So maybe remember that during your trip.

Now that's helpful information, thank you.

 

[boomerd35]

Really? To me that says-ride a train, get shot in the head.

Exactly. That's what I got out of it.

 

[boomerd35]

Now that's helpful information, thank you.

Your welcome. Enjoy your steamer.

 

[daniyal]

Back when I was in university I used to take the train from Montreal to New York and thoroughly enjoyed it other than the early hour I had to leave at. Its great you get to see the country while getting drunk except it takes forever to get there. Take some reading materials along to keep you occupied, you can't smoke on the trains any more but can step out the back for a quick smoke if you want.

 

[cvm4]

I might just do that!

I used to live in Jackson, MS and I remember people would take Amtrak to New Orleans for the weekend from there.

Yea man... It's only like $40-$50. And a $10 cab ride to the quarter, IIRC. Don't have to worry about traffic, driving or DD's.

 

[Alwayslit]

I have taken the auto train and it has always been pretty decent. Double check on the smoking car to whether you can smoke cigars.

 

[ciggy]

Along time ago I took the train from Michigan to New Mexico. I thought it was a neet experience and not a bad trip however I wished I would have gotten a sleeper car because even though you could get up and walk around my back and legs started hurting halfway into the trip. It would have been nice just to stretch out on such a long trip. If it's just a couple hours it's no biggie.

 

[itsme_timd]

Thanks for the input everyone, Amtrak it is!

I'm actually going to take the train out of Jackson, MS. I have family there that I haven't seen in a while and that will give me a place to leave my car and a babysitter for my dog. With my AAA discount it was only $41.00 round trip! With parking at $31.00/day you really can't beat it.

On that note... I'll probably be in Jackson the weekend after IPCPR and depending on what the family schedules might be able to get free for a smoke if anyone is available / interested.

 

[cvm4]

Cool... Let me know bro :thumbsup: