Amtrak Southwest Chief

I travel by AMTRAK quite often. After visiting a friend in Lake Havasu, I decided to return home (via Union Station, Los Angeles) with AMTRAK.
Do not depart from the NEEDLES station. The train was scheduled to arrive at 12:50AM. I was dropped off at 10:30PM. There was NO station, NO shelter, NO bathrooms. NO water fountain, NO benches or ANYWHERE to sit — besides the cold, hard ground.
I was informed that the train was running about FOUR HOURS behind schedule by a helpful man that worked at the rail yard. He stated that «It tends to run several hours late — ALL THE TIME.».
There are no convenience stores around or even a Denny’s to hang out at in this DARK and quiet town.
The train did not show up until 6:30AM. Way to go AMTRAK!!! I was stranded in a very cold, windy and dark location for EIGHT HOURS!!! I I even got harassed by a local cop for using a porta-​potty.
This is an unsafe situation that could result in tragedy for a lone female traveler. I KNOW I felt a bit scared.

Fun and exciting way to travel. This is our second sleep car experience with Amtrak. The first was on the Coast Starlight. That train had a few nicer amenities than the Southwest Chief (movie theater, real dishes and flatware, exclusive viewing car). Since it was our first we couldn’t help but compare the two experiences. Overall the SW Chief was just as magical as our first trip. The sleeper cars offer a safe and comfortable haven. Perfect for reading, sleeping or just to relax. Meals are included and we have had some of the BEST Flat Iron Steaks grilled to perfection. The porters are helpful and our guy Fred was no exception. We rode from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Fe, (Lamy) New Mexico. We got off and stayed a few days in Santa Fe, then picked up the train again and headed for Kansas City, Missouri. The Union Station in Kansas City is about twice the size, if not larger than the Los Angeles Station. The station is in good condition and houses a museum, restaurants, exhibits, Science Center and so much more. Very safe, clean and interesting. Sadly the same cannot be said for the Union Station in Los Angeles. There have been some improvements and there are plans to continue restoring that historical site as well.

I had my very first train ride, at 64 years old, 2 ½ weeks ago. We flew out of Chicago to attend my husband’s daughter’s wedding. HE HATES flying, but because of precious time in AZ with his family & old friends, we flew to Phoenix but decided to take the train home. It was great for the most part. We didn’t realize that the bus from Phoenix to Flagstaff would deliverc you to a bus stationñ which got there 2 hours before the train xxx station even opened Then we had to pay $ 4.00/ person to take van to the train station. However, that saidñ the train ride was a breeze. AZ & NNN was beautiful. It was pretty overcast the rest of the wayñ but it was still exciting & I never got bored. One bummer was the first dull night when people were trying to sleep, we had a guy in back of us that had a terrible cold; constantly hacking and moaning. But the worst was that he was playing a game on his «device» very loudly. The bad part was that this game had a whole lot of profanity in it. I am not a prude, but it was late, it was loud and I was offended that he was nnn ot considerate of others. I might note that there was an elderly Amish couple across the isle from us. We did, however, mention to our train attendant, Linda, about the situation. She asked the man to use earpieces, to which he said they were broken. She then offered other locations to play his games; to which he denied. She even told him where he could buy earpods. After she left; he said a dew more profanities, got up and kicked the back of my husband’s chair & stormed out of that car. All was ok till the next day, however Linda let us move up a couple of rows when he returned to his seat. I still heard him swearing at another traveler for evidently looking at him because he shouted «dam you, I’m sick». Just to assure you, Linda was great, I loved the train ride, I slept well off & on’ and the experiances was great. And the price was much lower than anticipated. Thanks!

If you have the time, a sleeper car on the Southwest Chief is a better and more relaxing way to travel than by air. There’s a sense of stepping back to an earlier time of leisure and relaxation when you travel this way. You get to see the amazing, natural beauty of the country while sitting in the privacy and convenience of your own temperature-​controlled room. The atmosphere is calm and there are always attendants present to help when needed. Speaking of which, I heard someone say Steve is the best, and I would not disagree; he’s funny, upbeat, and great with names.
My only real complaint is that while the food options are not bad (in general, the chicken, vegetables, and other foods were good), there is definitely room for improvement. They ran out of bottled water, and I hear this is very common. Fluoride-​free water should be the most plentiful food aboard; how can they run out of water? There was tap water available, but I highly doubt it had been fluoride-​filtered. They also ran out of other foods in the dining car, and this should not be acceptable especially when there are so few food options to begin with. Amtrak knows how many people to expect on the train, so they should plan to have an over-​stock of food on board, not an under-​stock. Also, while there are healthy food options, there should be more gluten-​free, dairy-​free, and sugar-​free choices. For example, there should be almond milk as an option. And the worst thing was that they use Wesson vegetable oil to cook everything in. Olive oil or coconut oil were not an option. No one should consume vegetable oil today; google it and you will learn why. Olive oil, if not coconut oil, should be the national standard. I might have read that the eggs onboard were cage-​free. I hope so, but I don’t think there was any mention of any foods being GMO-​free, which is a whole other issue…
Overall, I had a good experience and hope to do it again. If you eat three meals a day, you’ll spend many hours in the dining car, and you never know who you will meet. I met many interesting people including a Hall of Fame athlete and an interesting couple from Australia. The husband and wife talked about how much better the train system is in Australia with higher-​quality food, greater options, and an overall more advanced system. While I hear that Amtrak is struggling, that is no reason to give Americans less than what travellers in Europe, Australia, and Asia have. Build it, and they will come. If USA cannot set the standard, the country should at least follow the standard and stop getting left behind.

We took the Southwest Chief from LA to Chicago in November, in coach because the sleeper cars were double the cost. The seats were comfortable, with a LOT of legroom (not at all like an airplane), footrests and extensions for you legs when sleeping. After a couple days, I figured out how to sleep in the seat and it was OK.
The attendants were friendly and helpful.
However, the food in the café — not the dining car– was quite expensive for what was essentially vending machine food. $ 6.50 for the cheapest sandwich — turkey and provolone on wheat bread, no mayo, no lettuce or tomato. Coffee was $ 2.
My biggest complaint, however, was that we were 9 hours late arriving in Chicago! A freight train derailed ahead of us, and we had to detour on a Union Pacific track, which meant stopping for every single freight train on the route. Amtrak put us up in a plush Chicago hotel, but we still missed our connecting train and the event we had planned to attend.
So my lesson to all who take a long trip on Amtrak is: 1) give yourself an extra 24 hours to arrive, and 2) bring you own food.
And 3: don’t believe anything Amtrak tells you. We had a «guaranteed arrival», and a phone representative promised they would get us to our connecting train, but of course, that didn’t happen.

A few years ago my husband and I declared, «no more airline travel!» after a particularly harrowing round trip to the midwest from California. So this summer when we had to make our way back for a family memorial we agreed to take our first ever Amtrak trip aboard the Southwest Chief. I had originally booked on the California Zephyr without having the time to research, as our need to be back east happened suddenly. After I booked our tickets I did some research and realized that we could get to Chicago faster and easier from our Central Coast home if we took the Southwest Chief out of L.A. Our tickets were EASILY cancelled out of Emeryville and again EASILY rebooked out of Santa Barbara to L.A. It’s good to look on the schedule at all the stops a Superliner makes as you may be able to board and/​or end your trip a lot closer to your destination than meets the eye. The computer doesn’t highlight some of the options that are available but if you search the stops you may get an hour closer to where you want to go… for example… we thought we’d get off in Galesburg, Ill when we discovered the next stop in Princeton was 30 minutes less driving each way for those who were picking us up. Take your time to read and learn before booking.
As for the trip itself… it was a great time seeing the country this way… I hardly ever picked up my book as I took in the beauty of the landscape and the wonder of the backside of cities and obscure small towns that I would love to wonder through given half a chance. I took a lot of photos and truly enjoyed the ride.
The food and wine were better than expected, and I own a modern little restaurant and have been in the biz thirty plus years! 98% of the staff were super cool and accommodating, those who weren’t probably didn’t get any sleep… after all… in coach it’s not easy to sleep… that’s pretty much my big complaint… lack of sleep, thankfully the ride is soothing and we were able to rest. Alas, we opted not to get a sleeper for the 45 hour trip then tried to upgrade on the way back but nothing was available. Had I thought about the fact that meals were included in a sleeper beforehand, I would have spent the extra money. We did bring a few meals aboard with us but the trip was long and we couldn’t resist the experience in the dining car and café lounge downstairs.
Lastly, I must say, the systems they use to keep track of people and where they sit are great… guests getting off in the middle of the night were awakened by the conductor or assistant so the PA system could be shut off. And when the train became obviously behind schedule and could not regain it’s time for various reasons (freight trains have the right-​of-​way so sometimes you stop and wait while they get into position and pass you), Amtrak projected would miss our connection in L.A. and we were emailed new tickets easily rescheduled to our destination.
I’ll be riding again soon!

My husband and I took the SW Chief out of Kansas City’s Union Station to Chicago for a long weekend/​belated honeymoon without the kids. It was so nice to stretch out and watch the beautiful scenery go by from the observation car, without one or the other of us having to be concentrating on the road… And we really enjoyed not having to pay for parking in downtown Chicago!
This was a bit of a recon trip, too; we were curious about whether it would ever be a good idea to take the kids with us. I was very pleased to see so many parents with all different ages of children, and the kids were all so well-​behaved. For babies, changing a diaper in the small restrooms might be a challenge for some, but there are facilities for this.
The staff was great! Very friendly and accommodating! The snack car manager on the return trip was hilarious on the P.A. system…
On the return trip, we ate in the dining car and were seated with another couple, about our age. Had never met them before, but as we enjoy meeting new people, this too was a very pleasant evening. Real silverware and hard plates, hot food and large portions. The prices were higher than you’ll find at Applebee’s or the like, but for the experience, I’d gladly pay the cost again.
You get two free carry-​on bags and two free checked bags (much more than I needed on an extended weekend trip) and the selection in the snack car is about what you would expect to find in a large gas station. Prices, again, are a little high for what you get, but you can bring on a cooler as a carry-​on with your own food (should you have specific dietary issues as I do). Try to get a cooler on a passanger plane!
All in all, I highly recommend Amtrak and the Southwest Chief. We will be coming back!

The train itself and what it provides is great, but the kind of people they have running it, need more class and manners, they should be watching «show my alligator manners»

Clean, great staff and we were even EARLY to Chicago! A couple representative from the national parks came and pointed out historical things and wildlife in the observation car :)

My mother and I have taken the Southwest chief every year right after Christmas to go visit my uncle and stay with their family for about 2 weeks in Glendale AZ. We get on in Naperville IL, and get off in Flagstaff AZ. I still consider the train to be ½ the fun of the whole trip. We get 2 roomettes right across the hall from each other so we can see out both sides of the train when the doors are open. The Southwest Chief has an Observation car, Diner car (if you purchase a room, all your meals are free), and snack stand (located in the lower level of the observation car). When traveling on the train, you get to see the back roads of America. Seeing leave in winter, we start off in snow, go into dessert, and back up into the mountains where there is snow again. Its an amazing thing to watch.
Of the 5 years we have taken the train, we have had 2 minimal complaints (The microwave was broken in the snack car one trip, and the sleeping car attendant was not very attentive one trip). Other than that, the train is a great way to travel. It is very relaxing and it is fun to get off at some of the stops if the train is going to be there for 10 min or so. The funnest stop by far, is Albuquerque NM. All the Native Americans are selling their stuff right next to the train. That is always fun to look through (and we see the same people year after year!)
I highly recommend taking the train. It is a great way to relax and have some fun.

Ah, Amtrak… the relaxing way to cover several stops on a route while playing Santa for several friends all in the same 2 days.
This whole thing started as a friend in San Diego makes the most incredible pieces of beach art (things he finds on the beach including shells and driftwood). He has been working on his first significant selling of these incredible creations. I ordered 6 of his sculptures and planned out the delivery along the Amtrak route.
Flying into San Diego, I boarded San Diego transit route 923 at the airport and took it right to Union Bank in Ocean Beach. From there, I walked back a few blocks and received my art. Each was packaged and ready for me to place in my carry-​on bag. Got everything loaded, enjoyed a cup of coffee, and then boarded the San Diego transit route 35 toward Old Town transit center.
At Old Town, I boarded the Coaster ($ 5.50) to Oceanside. Departing 12:40 pm, we arrived Oceanside 1:30ish. I made my first delivery on arriving at Oceanside. I walked from the train to my buddy’s hose, about 6 blocks away and delivered my first gift. On arriving, we saw nearly an hour and 20 minutes before the connecting MetroLink train would start toward LA Union Station. We caught up for a while and I returned to the train.
MetroLink train ran on time as well. $ 15 investment, 2 hours and 12 minutes later, I arrived at LAX, where I was to make my second delivery. My friend and I met at Traxx bar, where we sat and enjoyed time together over a beverage. I delivered my second Christmas gift and proceeded to board the Amtrak Southwest Chief.
$ 60.70 for a lower level reserved seat, and $ 162 for a sleeper. For the 18-​hour trip, it is more comfortable for me to be able to lay flat to sleep. Add on the meals and access to a shower and the price is more than reasonable. As it turned out, the car I was on only had myself at 1 end and one other person at the other end, so we had our own bathrooms and shared the shower.
Conductor Jim was outstanding. He directed me to my room and made me aware about dinner, that a steward would be by to ask about my preferred reservation time. He also advised breakfast required no reservation, and it started serving at 6:30 AM. He pointed me to coffee, water and juice available on the upper level of my car. I asked about announcements for Barstow, Flagstaff, Gallup and Albuquerque. He said he would make sure I knew before we hit each station.
Shortly after leaving the station, the steward came and asked if I wanted dinner reservations for 7:30 or 8 PM. I asked for 7:30. After the steward came by, I got the laptop out and plugged in. Some stations have WiFi which can be reached from onboard the train while in the station… it is very short times for the most part. Knowing this, I packed several dvds.
Meals on the train are, as I have seen expressed elsewhere, better than school cafeteria lunches and not as good as Applebees or Chili’s or Bennigans-​style offerings. You list your train number, room number and sign the bottom of a long, thin strip of paper. The waitstaff get beverage orders, and then take your order and mark it on the long strip, then they take that strip to the kitchen.
Wait times are pretty reasonable, and I did not feel rushed to complete my meal and move on. Waitstaff checked on me to be sure I was comfortable and had no needs. Afterward, I went back to my sleeper and continued to be entertained by DVD. Jim came and asked if I wanted the upper bed lowered or the 2 seats below converted into a bed. I let him know I could do this of my own. He remineded me that he would let me know when we arrived at Barstow and Flagstaff, and reminded me we would arrive in Gallup after breakfast the next morning.
I watched movies until I felt sleepy. I unfolded the upper bed, climbed up and fell asleep. Jim made sure I was awake about 10 minutes before Barstow and Flagstaff. I made the deliveries at the train stops and collected hugs.
After breakfast, I made my Gallup delivery and only had one left, in Albuquerque. The train had picked up some time between Gallup and Albuquerque. We arrived about a hour ahead of schedule… so I waited at the Amtrak station until my recipient in Albuquerque arrived. On my way from the Amtrak station to the Airport, I remarked on how relaxing, easy and comfortable train travel had been, as compared to traveling the same route by air.
Train travel is a great way to take a step back in time and enjoy a relaxing travel experience.

I take this route once a year, and get a sleeper because traveling alone is dangerous on Amtrak (I can’t even count how much times, in coach, there were fondlers, thieves, unruly drunks, etc.). While I could go on and on, bottom line is this: the food sucks. What doesn’t suck is overpriced. There are few options for people who have dietary restrictions (and sometime they lie about that, so beware) or want to eat healthily. It is either cold as the arctic or hot as Hades. The bathrooms, if they are still working by Albuquerque, are a horror show. The cars are old, rattley, stink of exhaust. In all the years of taking this train, I’ve met only one conductor who gave a s@$t. And Amtrak tries not to refund or politely accommodate; they fight with you until you settle for a travel voucher.
That being said, I hate to fly, so this mess is actually preferable. I have met dozens of amazing people, some if whom have becomes friends. During the day, the views are spectacular and historic. When things are going smoothly, there is an old-​school romanticism that comes with riding the rails that I find a welcome distraction to the rush and breathlessness of the daily grind.

For a few reasons (history, sold out trains, abundance), I thought taking the train was pretty well-​known or humdrum. Guess what? Most folks don’t consider it. Here to say… give the rails a chance.
First point that’s always a concern with mass transit of such mass distance… this train was on time. From LA to Chicago in 40 hours.
The ticketing & boarding of Amtrak is the biggest flaw in their system. Pure chaos. If you want to have a slice of how people traveled in the past, then experience the ticketing of Amtrak. Amtrak doesn’t know exactly where each train is going to come in on a specific track. Thus, a chaotic waiting period to find out where exactly you’re boarding. If you’re boarding in LA’s Union Station… it is one of six Union Station’s I’ve boarded at, and is by far the least claustrophobic (most have low ceilings & smell). You don’t get your seat assignment until you arrive at the station. My advice:
*Don’t print your ticket until you arrive at the station (you can get a full cash/​credit refund all the way up you print your ticket).
*Print ticket at self-​serve kiosk & go over to separate manned station to get seat assignment & be assertive in choosing your window seat (one car in front or behind the observation/​bar car).
I’ve taken four round trip 20+ hour trips on Amtrak and this was the first time there was a shuffling of seats in my car — where the Amtrak staff asked everyone to move seats. Granted, there was a 50 student group traveling in my car, and they were prioritizing them over solo passengers. It only lasted a few stops, but other passengers were getting pretty chippy.
For all the other trips I’ve taken I’ve spent nearly the entire time in the observation car… this time though I kicked it in my seat as there were outlets… ample room, the chair leaned and the window sight lines were terrific.
If you’ve never ridden the rails before… people talk more than they do on planes, so expect people to be very comfortable with you… they’re walking around in their socks, asking you about your food, your coffee, your life.
The food is pitiful on trains, so bring your entire diet on board. Yes, it’s a hassle, but it’s worth it. The easiest solution is to go raw fruit & veggies for the trip as you don’t have an ice chest. Or do you?
Bring your own coffee. There isn’t wifi, but a wireless card works really well. This is a chance for you to slow down in our high speed life and catch vistas.
I’d always recommend taking the train… going solo has always been a gift but I could say traveling in a group & splurging for a sleeper car (3 or 4 beds) would be a damn good time.