Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

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MrWasabi65
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Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by MrWasabi65 »

Sometime this fall, we're thinking of traveling by train from the east coast to the west, with a couple stops on the way.

We could drive, but we'd like the train experience - I know it won't be like European trains and I know there will be delays, hiccups, etc.....but we'd like to see America this way - we're retired.

At one point, Needles, Arizona, I believe it is - you can get off and take a relatively short bus ride to Las Vegas. We'd like to spend a couple weeks there, no rush.

I know car rental pricing is spiking right now - so wondering how it would be there without a car? We can stay near the main drag and walk or rideshare...but does anyone know if there is a public transportation system in LV?

Gracias - Senor Wasabi.
Last edited by MrWasabi65 on Wed May 11, 2022 12:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
ekid
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Re: Amtrak Across America?

Post by ekid »

Do you know the (Rome2Rio) website?

https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Needles/La ... ak-Thruway
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Re: Amtrak Across America?

Post by Stinky »

If you want feedback on public transit in Las Vegas, I suggest that you edit the title of your post. Something like “Amtrak across America, and public transit in Las Vegas”.

You can edit by going back to the first post in this thread, and using the little “pencil” icon to edit the title.

If you mention Las Vegas in the title, I hope that you’ll get more responses.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by psteinx »

The last time I was in Vegas was just prior to COVID (January, 2020), so this information may be out of date, because of COVID or other developments:

1) Vegas is not really a public transport city. There may be busses (not sure). There is no subway. There ARE however, at least 2 different monorail systems, offering a certain degree of connections along the strip, between casinos. But both monorails are located somewhat away from the front road/sidewalk, aren't terribly convenient, and I think aren't super utilized by visitors.

2) Vegas can be hot, so timing of when you visit is important. May want to cross check planned fall visit against average temps. A plus for visiting when it's hot is that many casinos have nice pool complexes.

3) If it's not TOO hot, the Vegas strip is pretty walkable, if long. There are entertaining things to look at and/or do along much of the strip, so plenty of walking can be nice.

4) If you plan to walk, then aim for a hotel towards the middle of the strip (say, Caesar's or Treasure Island), NOT something at the far south (Mandalay/Luxor), NOT something at the far north, NOT something in "downtown" Vegas.

5) In any case, there are some attractions that might appeal that aren't walkable, nor reachable by monorail. Some in-town, and some outside (Hoover Dam). You may want to rent a car, or Uber/taxi for those, if you do them.

6) 2 weeks in Vegas seems long to me, unless you really enjoy gambling, or PERHAPS golfing. ~5 days seems more like it, to me.

7) Vegas can be PRICEY. Shows are expensive. Misc. entertainment can be expensive. Gambling can be... Etc. Be prepared.
Last edited by psteinx on Wed May 11, 2022 12:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Iorek
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by Iorek »

I have never felt the need to have a car in Las Vegas. There is a monorail which can reduce walking. Think there is a bus system but never needed it.
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22twain
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by 22twain »

MrWasabi65 wrote: Wed May 11, 2022 10:53 am does anyone know if there is a public transportation system in LV?
A Google search for "las vegas transit" turned up the RTC Southern Nevada, which operates the bus system in Las Vegas and the surrounding area. Maps, schedules, etc.

There's also the Las Vegas Monorail which runs parallel to the Strip, behind the casinos from the MGM Grand to the Sahara, with stops at casinos in between.

Last and probably least is the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop built by Elon Musk's Boring Company, which shuttles passengers underground in Teslas between three stations on the convention center campus.
Last edited by 22twain on Wed May 11, 2022 12:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by mega317 »

There are buses at least up and down the strip-my grandmother got around that way until well into her 80s. That or Uber/Lyft is your best bet. Agree the monorail isn't terribly convenient. There is behind the east side of LV Blvd, only a few stops, and you have to walk way back to get there. There is the Aria Express behind the west side, but again it's a hike to get there, goes only as far as Bellagio. Anywhere you go will be a lot more walking than it looks. You can't necessarily just "hop 2 casinos over", that could be like a mile. Just google map before you start hiking down the strip when its 100 degrees.
Last edited by mega317 on Wed May 11, 2022 12:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by adamthesmythe »

If you stay ON the strip you will be able to experience the strip pretty fully on foot (and maybe using the monorail). Indeed, getting anywhere on the strip by car can be very slow in the evening. On the strip, at least, Vegas is definitely a park and walk destination. It's possible to walk a considerable distance indoors or mostly indoors. And advisable as it is hellishly hot in the summer.

Be aware that hotel prices will vary enormously depending on the day, conventions in town, etc. Watch out for resort fees.

If you have the patience for Amtrak you may have the patience for timeshare presentations. Even so I advise avoiding them.

Most will exhaust the possibilities of Vegas in a few days. There are tours FROM Vegas (indeed, many many tours from Vegas). If you do succeed in renting a car there there are many options of excursions within a few hours drive.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by JupiterJones »

I actually find Vegas to be pretty easy to get around in via rental car, especially once you learn the side roads well enough to avoid the Strip.

And for two weeks--heck, even one week--I'd consider a rental car a must-have. You can get around most Strip properties without a car thanks to the monorail, and of course Downtown is very walkable if you stay there. But for a long stay you're going to want to explore beyond those places, and you'll almost certainly find a private car to be more convenient than public transit and/or rideshares.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by Prokofiev »

Lots of thoughts about your trip . . .

1) 2 weeks in Vegas is a life sentence. Have you been there before? What do you plan to do?

2) No car is needed if you stay on the Strip. Transport is terrible. Traffic is terrible. But for 2 weeks,
you would probably want a car to see nearby sites (Red Rocks, Hoover Dam, Zion).

3) If you have never taken Amtrak before, I would suggest train there, fly back. If you really want
the train both ways, take a different route home.

4) Two nights on a train can be difficult for most people. Going to Chicago first is a great stop, but
the next trip will be 2 nights+. A long haul. I would suggest going overnight to New Orleans and stay
1-3 nights there. Then travel overnight to Tucson. Tucson to Vegas can be done in a day (6-7 hours)
via a rental car, but I wouldn't do that since you have time. I would stop in Phoenix or Sedona and/or
the Grand Canyon. Drop the car in Vegas and later fly home.

5) Fall in Vegas, or Tucson or New Orleans is NOT September. This trip is much better late Oct to
mid-Nov. Will also be cheaper.

I have done all these trips many times. Was in Las Vegas 7 weeks ago. PM me if you need info on
Amtrak travel. It can be fun, but it's not for everyone. Also a sleeper is a must - at least for me.
That will not be cheap, but makes for a more comfortable trip.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by calwatch »

Las Vegas has a decent, for the US, public transportation system. The buses on the strip run every 15 minutes and almost all buses run to midnight, with the ones serving tourist destinations 24/7. If you stay in the strip/downtown corridor, maybe off to a few of the easier off-strip casinos like the Palms/Gold Coast/Rio cluster and South Point, being without a car is fine. In reality, there is not much for tourists to do outside of the downtown and Strip corridors unless they are gamblers looking for value, golfers, or willing to do desert mountain hikes. I would rent a car for those days you wanted to go to Red Rocks, Hoover Dam, etc.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by MP123 »

MrWasabi65 wrote: Wed May 11, 2022 10:53 am At one point, Needles, Arizona, I believe it is - you can get off and take a relatively short bus ride to Las Vegas. We'd like to spend a couple weeks there, no rush.
You can see/experience pretty much everything on the strip and downtown in a couple of days, a couple of weeks would be much too long for me at least. You'd probably want a car to get to outlying attractions if you were there for weeks. Between walking, rideshare, and the monorails it's easy to get around, there are city buses too.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by thenow »

Depending on your budget, I would seriously look at the local family of casinos, such as stations or B connect casinos. You can save a lot of money compared to the strip. For example, Santa Fe Casino or B Connect are a couple of examples...they are 3-star lodging. These local casinos are located throughout the valley. Plus, it would be so easy to uber or take a cab to the strip. Or there a number of casinos closed by that are right off the strip. If you want a little more upscale casino you could stay at the local Red Rock Casino, the M, Rampart connected to the Marriott, or South Point. Red Rock Casino is also close to Red Rock National Park. In addition, the casinos off the strip have free parking and/or less resort fees. Except for some shows you might find that you would like to get away from the strip once in a while. In addition, you might decide that you would like to visit some natural surroundings. As a resident of Las Vegas, I highly recommend Valley of Fire; Red Rock National Park; Hoover Dam, and/or Death Valley. Most of these can be done within a day. Again, with your savings you could rent a car for one or two days and see some nice scenery. I realize that all of my suggestions will depend on your personal interests, budget, time constraints, and so on.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by Random Poster »

psteinx wrote: Wed May 11, 2022 12:37 pm
6) 2 weeks in Vegas seems long to me, unless you really enjoy gambling, or PERHAPS golfing. ~5 days seems more like it, to me.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by JBTX »

If you are into gambling I’d stay off the strip. Lower minimums, better odds, more laid back. For two weeks perhaps stay on the strip a few days then stay off the strip for balance.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by Jazztonight »

In 2014 I took Amtrak round trip across America and wrote about my adventure on this Forum.

I traveled alone and did not use a sleeper car—I slept in coach, but only 1-2 nights in a row, after which I’d get off and visit a city or other site along the way, where I’d sleep in a motel or with a friend or relative.

You can do this type of journey using one of the excursion options Amtrak offers. I was away for just under 30 days, CA to NY and back.

It was quite an adventure. I did not visit Las Vegas, but if that’s your destination, you can.

Highlights for me were visiting my adult children and grandchildren in OH and MD, and staying at Glacier National Park.

FYI, Amtrak is always late or delayed.

(In 2014 I was 68 yo. Just saying. I was going to a 50th high school reunion.)

Here’s the link:

viewtopic.php?t=143434&hilit=Riding+the+rails
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by crinkles2 »

Check Jeb Brooks on YouTube, he has some nice videos about loooong rail journeys. Sorry I'm not much use otherwise!
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by jlawrence01 »

MrWasabi65 wrote: Wed May 11, 2022 10:53 am Sometime this fall, we're thinking of traveling by train from the east coast to the west, with a couple stops on the way.

We could drive, but we'd like the train experience - I know it won't be like European trains and I know there will be delays, hiccups, etc.....but we'd like to see America this way - we're retired.

At one point, Needles, Arizona, I believe it is - you can get off and take a relatively short bus ride to Las Vegas. We'd like to spend a couple weeks there, no rush.

I know car rental pricing is spiking right now - so wondering how it would be there without a car? We can stay near the main drag and walk or rideshare...but does anyone know if there is a public transportation system in LV?

Gracias - Senor Wasabi.

You could take an Amtrak train into Tucson. From there, it is a 10 minute cab ride to the 6th Ave garage at the University of Arizona. Flix bus has 2-3 trips to Las Vegas each day.

The Las Vegas public transportation system is actually pretty decent. You can cover. most of the city fairly easily. Most passes are loaded to your cell phone.

As for length of stay, I usually go 7-10 days each trip and I am rarely bored. We go there for the shopping and dining scenes.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by JupiterJones »

jlawrence01 wrote: Sun May 15, 2022 11:44 am As for length of stay, I usually go 7-10 days each trip and I am rarely bored. We go there for the shopping and dining scenes.
I'm with you. Lots of posts in this thread that are pooh-poohing a two-week Las Vegas stay, but I could handle one just fine. Yes, if you just go there for gambling and people-watching on the Strip, that might get old pretty quickly. But that's a pretty narrow view of what the town has to offer. Especially if you have a rental car.

As you point out, there's great shopping, and it ranges from bargain/outlet to hoity-toity/expensive. Same goes for restaurants--honestly it's one of the best and most-diverse dining scenes in the country.

Add to that the entertainment, ranging from broadway shows and marquee musical acts down to smaller club acts, comedy, magic (and even comedy-plus-magic). While you don't see the bargains you used to back in the day, when entertainment was often a loss-leader to get you to gamble, you can still find some deals.

Plus the museums and other attractions. The very cool Atomic Testing Musuem, the Hollywood cars museum, the Neon museum, the amazing Pinball Hall of Fame, etc.

And when you have to get out of town, there are places like Red Rock Canyon, Mt. Charleston Scenic Byway, Valley of Fire, and Hoover Dam (plus what's left of Lake Meade). For a longer trip (maybe overnight) you've got the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Rachel/Area 51 (mostly just to say you've been there... and it's a pretty drive if nothing else), Joshua Tree, etc.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by livesoft »

I would just use Uber since it seems you would always be paying for 2 people if using public transportation anyways.

You can use Uber in your current location just for practice, too.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by niagara_guy »

I last rode Amtrak in 2017, two nights on train. We got the small room, it was tiny, just big enough. Upper bunk is hard to climb in to. The trains can run many hours late, so don't count on them being on time. I thought experience was good and look forward to riding Amtrak again.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by criticalmass »

Prokofiev wrote: Wed May 11, 2022 2:25 pm Lots of thoughts about your trip . . .

1) 2 weeks in Vegas is a life sentence. Have you been there before? What do you plan to do?
If I were in Las Vegas for two weeks, I would probably be escaping into the mountains somewhere or Great Basin National Park, Utah parks, California Parks, Arizona/Grand Canyon etc.
Prokofiev wrote: Wed May 11, 2022 2:25 pm 2) No car is needed if you stay on the Strip. Transport is terrible. Traffic is terrible.
I disagree with "terrible transport." Transport is above average for most southern cities. What was your experience with the bus system? I have found consistently that the Las Vegas bus system is very efficient and frequent. If arriving via train you will already be used to riding on a bus....from the train station in another state.
Traffic is terrible...on Las Vegas Boulevard (after 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM) and on Interstates 15/215 at peak hours. But nothing like LA, DC, NJ, etc.
South of Las Vegas City, there is a monorail system from Sahara casino north of the Convention Center area to MGM Grand. It's pretty quick and you get a nice elevated view from over Paradise Road before getting closer to the strip. From MGM, you can go across the street and get a (free) casino operated tram from Excalibur south to Mandalay Bay. There is a shorter casino tram near Park MGM/City Center area.

Caution: Properties on the strip south of Las Vegas City are far apart. Do Not Overestimate Ability to Walk Far During Summer Months in Daytime after 9:00 AM due to extreme heat if not prepared or acclimated to weather.
Prokofiev wrote: Wed May 11, 2022 2:25 pmBut for 2 weeks, you would probably want a car to see nearby sites (Red Rocks, Hoover Dam, Zion).
True. Don't forget Valley of Fire and Great Basin National Park if you drive. Death Valley is within reach too, and there are tours that go there if you don't feel like getting a auto and driving. Ditto Grand Canyon, but Grand Canyon deserves more time.
Prokofiev wrote: Wed May 11, 2022 2:25 pm 3) If you have never taken Amtrak before, I would suggest train there, fly back. If you really want
the train both ways, take a different route home.
Be advised that Las Vegas no longer has an active train station, so you will likely travel via bus from a station in Arizona.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by Nivek »

We've been to Vegas multiple times and were there twice (guys trip then a promotional trip) right before the pandemic. Both times, we just walked, uber'd or took the monorail around Vegas proper. Sample size of one but I did have an issue with Uber one night because we were at the very end of the strip and need to get to the other end around midnight. I keep getting confirmed, then the Uber driver would cancel on us and rates started to spike. After about 3 or 4 times being dropped, we ended up getting a cab and the cabbie said when its later, many Uber drivers try to avoid a long trip to maximize the rides they can pick up. Again, sample size of one, so not sure if that is true or not. I've never had that happen before or after.

When we wanted to drive out to Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam, we just got a rental for the day. Several hotels have them right there pretty easy to get to but I'm sure its much more expensive now.

As others have said, two weeks in Vegas is a long time. By day four or five, most people are ready to go.

To echo another common thread, Vegas has gotten really expensive. Surprising how expensive things have gotten, particularly food.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by SR II »

thenow wrote: Sat May 14, 2022 11:39 am Depending on your budget, I would seriously look at the local family of casinos, such as stations or B connect casinos. You can save a lot of money compared to the strip. For example, Santa Fe Casino or B Connect are a couple of examples...they are 3-star lodging. These local casinos are located throughout the valley. Plus, it would be so easy to uber or take a cab to the strip. Or there a number of casinos closed by that are right off the strip. If you want a little more upscale casino you could stay at the local Red Rock Casino, the M, Rampart connected to the Marriott, or South Point. Red Rock Casino is also close to Red Rock National Park. In addition, the casinos off the strip have free parking and/or less resort fees. Except for some shows you might find that you would like to get away from the strip once in a while. In addition, you might decide that you would like to visit some natural surroundings. As a resident of Las Vegas, I highly recommend Valley of Fire; Red Rock National Park; Hoover Dam, and/or Death Valley. Most of these can be done within a day. Again, with your savings you could rent a car for one or two days and see some nice scenery. I realize that all of my suggestions will depend on your personal interests, budget, time constraints, and so on.
As a Vegas local, I agree with all your suggestions. I'd add Zion National Park and Boulder City to that list. All of these suggestions are totally doable day trips that we did in the last couple of years during lock down. There is also The Mob Museum (in downtown Vegas) https://themobmuseum.org, The National Atomic Testing Museum (a Smithsonian Affiliate) https://nationalatomictestingmuseum.org and Springs Preserve (which includes Nevada State Museum, if you'd like to learn more about the state and its "wild west" history) https://www.springspreserve.org; all are worth a visit.

I also think the "life sentence" comment by another poster is someone that doesn't know Vegas EXCEPT for the strip! Personally, I don't gamble and only go to the strip when a visitor is in town or for a show. There is so very much more to this town!
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by Northern Flicker »

I’m not sure I get the attraction of riding an Amtrak train across the Great Plains if you have no reason to stop at a place in that region. A train from the east coast maybe as far as Chicago, then flight to Denver, then either Amtrak bus to Raton, NM to pick up the train there, or train from Denver to Provo, UT and Amtrak bus to Las Vegas and train to the coast. I would seriously consider a 1-way car rental between Provo and Las Vegas if taking that itinerary as you will travel right by some spectacular national parks (Bryce and Zion).

The two routes from Denver could be used as a loop to avoid backtracking on the return.
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X Country trip by Amtrak - spending winter in the Desert SW?

Post by MrWasabi65 »

[Merged into existing topic on train trip - see below - Moderator Misenplace]

A few days ago, I wrote a post about driving cross country (from the Northeast) in order to spend the coming winter in the desert SW.

I got some very helpful tips, thank you.

Now my sister is wanting to come with me and I applaud that - and she is suggesting we travel by train instead. We could leave our cars in storage (local relatives will mind them)...

Then fly back east in the spring. I like this idea. The only downside is not having a car, so we'd have to rent a car, taxi to our hotels or walk or take a bus if we want to explore. We may spend a couple weeks in Vegas, then a couple weeks in Tucson.... we would need to get transport from Amtrak.
We are actually not too worried about travelling without vehicles, we are thinking more about a cross country train trip in winter....trains don't stop for snow.
Have any of you travelled across the US in winter by train?
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Re: X Country trip by Amtrak - spending winter in the Desert SW?

Post by jebmke »

MrWasabi65 wrote: Sun Aug 21, 2022 11:51 am trains don't stop for snow.
Actually, they do. Amtrak train was stranded in Virginia for more than a day early this year.
Stay hydrated; don't sweat the small stuff
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Re: X Country trip by Amtrak - spending winter in the Desert SW?

Post by adamthesmythe »

I would pay big money to NOT travel across the country by train. (1) too many days and nights and (2) it's not Europe where the trains are...actually nice.

There are, I hear, people who like doing this. Now in your last post there was a recommendation that you "practice" the car travel with shorter trips. Completely unnecessary in my mind. But for long distance train travel in the US- you really SHOULD experience one longer trip (in the class you intend to use) to find out whether you can tolerate it.

(My father, who really did not like flying, once took a train trip from the NE to the SE. He disliked it so much he flew back).

If you do this be aware that the trains (if on schedule) sometimes arrive in the middle of the night.
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Re: X Country trip by Amtrak - spending winter in the Desert SW?

Post by MrWasabi65 »

I've taken two overnight trips on Amtrak from Atlanta to NYC, so I am somewhat familiar with the delays, etc.
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Re: X Country trip by Amtrak - spending winter in the Desert SW?

Post by jebmke »

adamthesmythe wrote: Sun Aug 21, 2022 12:07 pm I would pay big money to NOT travel across the country by train. (1) too many days and nights and (2) it's not Europe where the trains are...actually nice.

There are, I hear, people who like doing this. Now in your last post there was a recommendation that you "practice" the car travel with shorter trips. Completely unnecessary in my mind. But for long distance train travel in the US- you really SHOULD experience one longer trip (in the class you intend to use) to find out whether you can tolerate it.

(My father, who really did not like flying, once took a train trip from the NE to the SE. He disliked it so much he flew back).

If you do this be aware that the trains (if on schedule) sometimes arrive in the middle of the night.
Yes; I would fly to intermediate points, rent a car for shorter legs. There are vast stretches cross country where unless you are planning to stop along the way to explore, they aren't worth transiting on wheels.
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Re: X Country trip by Amtrak - spending winter in the Desert SW?

Post by niagara_guy »

I have traveled Amtrak (before covid) across a good bit of the US, spent 2 nights in a sleeper. The sleeper was small, just big enough (I was in the upper bunk, requires a bit of climbing). The trains do not always run on schedule, so expect delays. Otherwise it was very good, I will be taking Amtrak again.

If you need to rent a car, watch for very high rental rates. I would expect renting a car for a month might be very expensive.
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Re: X Country trip by Amtrak - spending winter in the Desert SW?

Post by Northern Flicker »

Look at the Amtrak schedules and pick a loop in the SW of interest. Buy a roundtrip plane ticket to a city on the loop route, spend the winter staying in places on the loop, then fly home from where you started.
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Re: X Country trip by Amtrak - spending winter in the Desert SW?

Post by Lalamimi »

Friend took train from Buffalo NY to Arkansas last month. She loves it. But, it takes hours and hours. I agree, maybe fly to a point, and take train from there. San Antonio maybe. I know one comes down to Texas from Chicago, (we almost took it in 2007, a 29 hr trip). The trains have to pull aside for cargo trains, so you sit a lot. Sounds fun, though! I would think on through the Nothern states would be a lot prettier in the Fall/Winter than down South. Keep us posted!
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Re: X Country trip by Amtrak - spending winter in the Desert SW?

Post by 123 »

adamthesmythe wrote: Sun Aug 21, 2022 12:07 pm ...If you do this be aware that the trains (if on schedule) sometimes arrive in the middle of the night.
This is one of the biggest problems with travel by train. I can deal with it if I travel by myself but in a family situation it makes things difficult (and someone gets grumpy). Amtrak travel end-points often have acceptable times but some of the intermediate points have a tough schedule.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by Misenplace »

Merged into previous thread.

OP, it's best to keep everything in one thread so as to not repeat information and for the sake of good order.

Thanks to the member who reported the thread and identified the previous thread.

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SuzBanyan
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by SuzBanyan »

When my mother or I have taken long train trips, we each set a personal limit of not more than 2 nights in the train. After that, we want to get a good shower and spend a night in a real bed.

The other issues have already been raised: delays (which are sometimes so long that alternative transportation, such as a bus, is provided) and scheduled arrivals at inconvenient times.

I haven’t travelled other than in-state during Winter, but one disadvantage is that the days are shorter and so you are less likely to enjoy as many views.

If you are interested in pursuing such a trip, you should really study the train schedules and get an idea what such a trip might involve and what it might cost. It has been years since I have made such a trip, but there used to be books that suggested routes and tips. I’m sure that there are message boards but not sure which ones will be the most helpful. You might start with the Amtrak Rewards board on flyertalk.
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Beensabu
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by Beensabu »

I mean... A train is better than driving that far, especially if you don't really need a car once you're there. And you'll have company (as long as you guys get along fine).

The only thing about the train is that it's like the bus in that sometimes you get "that one person" who gets on (and they might be on for awhile)... But if you have a sleeper car, then just retreat to that if that person shows up.

Make sure you pay the extra $20 or whatever travel protection so you're not out extra money if something weird happens along the way, especially since it's such a long trip.

Scheduling the trip is going to be interesting, though. You have to look up the maps and figure out the right routes and intersecting stations between those routes, otherwise you'll find yourself on a bus (or two) for part of it and go "but why?".
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Re: X Country trip by Amtrak - spending winter in the Desert SW?

Post by Valuethinker »

adamthesmythe wrote: Sun Aug 21, 2022 12:07 pm

(My father, who really did not like flying, once took a train trip from the NE to the SE. He disliked it so much he flew back).

If you do this be aware that the trains (if on schedule) sometimes arrive in the middle of the night.
I was a little surprised at this. As a foreigner:

- I travelled from Boston to NYC by train and it goes along the Connecticut coast in parts. Highly recommended. I realise that is Amtrak's gem route. Only bad part is Penn Station (ugly, hot, crowded)

- I have been from Charlottesville VA to Washington DC by train. Encountered the famous bus problem (diverted to on a Sunday AM). But coming back I was on a train which went on to Charlotte NC and then ? to Atlanta GA? It was very comfortable. Of course the route is beautiful in Fall.

So that's 2 chunks out of the trip you describe. Perhaps when I retire I will also do the leg to Philadelphia.

(I can highly recommend the Canadian trip from Montreal to Toronto (VIA Rail) - if you are the right time of the year you go along Lake Ontario in daylight. It is beautiful. Taking it as far as Quebec City would probably also be really nice. Mask wearing was required except when eating or drinking, which got to be tedious but the food was still good (business class) & saving the cost of an expensive downtown meal at destination).

There is something very special about sitting on a train watching the world go by. The former British politician Michael Portillo (once a candidate for Prime Minister) has made a 2nd career out of doing train documentaries - travelling all over the world by train. Left me with a great hunger to see things.
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Harry Livermore
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by Harry Livermore »

We recently took Amtrak from the NE to Florida with our kids; my spouse and kids enjoy Disney (I could take it or leave it) And, even though I was searching for airline tickets in April, for a June trip, I guess that was not far enough in advance. I was not seeing any direct flights during decent hours for less than $600. Or, I'm a lousy travel agent.
I'm very familiar with the "NE Corridor" routes, and am a big fan of using our commuter rail to go to NYC. So I like trains. So we decided to take Amtrak. Under $300 round trip. 24-ish hours. Go!
Our first leg was to DC on the Acela, and that was clean, fast, and generally as expected.
Having said that, once we left DC southbound, on the old Metroliner, it was... how should I put this... sub-par. Now, the seats are way more spacious than even business class airline seats, and you can walk around, so you are not as "captive as on a plane. But... the train cars are old, or at least shabby... and you are at the mercy of your fellow passengers as far as bathroom etiquette, cleanliness, and courtesy. Which is true everywhere on public transit. But this was way worse. And it's incredible how slow the train goes sometimes; unsurprisingly, we arrived late on both trips. And we could never seem to get the wifi to work.
So. All in all, an... interesting experience. It might have been better with a sleeper car, and if the train had an observation car (I think the ones that travel out west have them) But I think for us, a one-and-done.
Let us know what your experience was like!
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Northern Flicker
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by Northern Flicker »

If you want to get off the beaten path a bit, fly in to El Paso and rent a car. Go to Guadalupe Mtns Nat'l Park and Carlsbad Caverns Nat'l Park. Drive to Silver City, NM and take in the 6th century Mimbres pottery at the museum at Western NM Univ. Enjoy the artist community there, and also go out to the Gila River Canyon country nearby. Drive to the unique arts community of Bisbee, AZ, and ultimately to Tucson, from where you can turn in the car and fly home.
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by calwatch »

I've taken the train across the country. Provided you keep your expectations reasonable it is a great thing to do once (per route if you would like). I would probably not do it more than once a route. You can go straight through or break it up into one or two night stints if there is a particular town you want to see. I would highly recommend getting a sleeper unless it was just one night and you were comfortable being unproductive or groggy the next day. Note that Las Vegas is not served by Amtrak, however flights are very reasonable.
gtrplayer
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Re: Amtrak Across America/Public Transport in Las Vegas?

Post by gtrplayer »

MrWasabi65 wrote: Wed May 11, 2022 10:53 am Sometime this fall, we're thinking of traveling by train from the east coast to the west, with a couple stops on the way.

We could drive, but we'd like the train experience - I know it won't be like European trains and I know there will be delays, hiccups, etc.....but we'd like to see America this way - we're retired.

At one point, Needles, Arizona, I believe it is - you can get off and take a relatively short bus ride to Las Vegas. We'd like to spend a couple weeks there, no rush.

I know car rental pricing is spiking right now - so wondering how it would be there without a car? We can stay near the main drag and walk or rideshare...but does anyone know if there is a public transportation system in LV?

Gracias - Senor Wasabi.
Been to Vegas multiple times. Never once drove anywhere. There probably are off the strip things to do but if you’ve never been there, the strip is overwhelming on its own.

As others have mentioned, two weeks in Vegas is a very long time. I spent four days there once and I was definitely ready to go home. Which is not to say it’s not worth going. It 100% is. See the lights, see a show, enjoy the crowds and excess. I’d love to go back again. But only for a couple days.
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