Amtrak

[TheThrillIsGone]

I have flown all my business life to various cities but NEVER on a train.

I, also, have never flown on a train.

[Davidson Deac II]

If it weren't for lack of parking in major cities, I'd change that to "driving from country to country" in Europe.

Its not from country to country, but driving the Amalfi coastal road in Italy is a incredible experience.

[LifeisaGarden]

Yeap, I've traveled by train several times and I loved it. My first experience was a bad experience though because I traveled at night. Don't travel at night unless you have to. I did it because I thought I could sleep on the train and make my trip pass by faster. It was a horrible idea, I don't think anyone could sleep on a train. Other times were in the daytime and the sights you see are not something you'd ordinarily get to see. It's fun talking to folks. I even brought alcohol aboard, but that a while ago.

[Davidson Deac II]

Yeap, I've traveled by train several times and I loved it. My first experience was a bad experience though because I traveled at night. Don't travel at night unless you have to. I did it because I thought I could sleep on the train and make my trip pass by faster. It was a horrible idea, I don't think anyone could sleep on a train. Other times were in the daytime and the sights you see are not something you'd ordinarily get to see. It's fun talking to folks. I even brought alcohol aboard, but that a while ago.

Did you get a sleeper car?

[lightsout]

Took Amtrak from Raleigh to Orlando on my senior trip in high school. It was long, and I couldn't get comfortable enough to sleep. However, it is comfortable sitting. Cafe car is nice. Should stop in Jacksonville, and if you do, it was a long stop. Long enough for us to get off, order pizzas, wait for it to get there, get on, and have a couple pieces before we were moving again.

Basically, I enjoyed it. Would like to do it again (rather have a sleeper car though).

[Chimera]

I didn't take any long train trips in Europe. The longest I took was the ICE from Nuremberg to Frankfurt. In the US, the only train (besides Tweetsie) I've taken was from Olympia/Lacey, WA to Seattle. My wife and I have talked about taking a trip by train, but I always have the Charlotte Amtrak station in the back of my mind. I wouldn't want to get stranded somewhere like that.

Rome only has two metro lines. To get around, you have to rely on the regional rail service. I took a train from Athens to Corinth, Greece. I recommend that trip just for the fact that you cross a canal that looks like its straight from a Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote cartoon. Barcelona to Tarragona, Spain is another scenic ride.

I had trouble staying awake on trains in Europe. I always had to set the alarm on my phone so I wouldn't miss my stop. The ride is generally pretty smooth. The Amtrak train I took, while clean and spacious, was too bumpy to fall asleep, or get up to walk to the food/drink car.

[TNPanther]

The train that you will take to Orlando will be either the Silver Star or the Silver Meteor, depending on the time you choose. I've ridden on the Star out of Raleigh twice when I used to live there. Both have the same car consist. The sleepers are okay, but the bang for the buck is coach class if you're on a budget. Dining car has good barbecue and pulled pork on the menu. There is both a dining and lounge car, so you won't be bored in your seat the whole time. If you want to sleep for an extended period, don't sit in the first car nearest the locomotives, because the horn will keep you up (unless you're like me and absolutely love hearing it). Power outlets are at every seat, which by the way can recline almost as far as a conventional armchair. The Amfleet (single-level) coaches are very smooth on the rails, more so than the Superliners (double-decker). Overall, you should have a great experience, and you should let us know how it goes!

[pantherclaw]

Amtrak doesn't have priority on any rail line.

Freight trains have the priority.

Hope ya don't mind them running behind.

I've never experienced an amtrak trip that made it ontime.

Last trip was from oakland to houston....

Got into houston more than 4 hours late. No train issues...they just don't have priority on th rail. They are always the first train off the rail for other trains.

Other than that...relaxing, and the scenery..

[pawsandclaws]

Thanks guys. I think I am going to give it a shot. I'll let you know how it goes!