3 Days in First Class Roomette on Amtrak's California Zephyr - San Francisco to Chicago

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  • Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
  • A train trip from San Francisco to Chicago on Amtrak's California Zephyr. The trip takes about three days and two nights.
    This was recorded in late August 2022.
    There was too much info for one video so here are a few additional tidbits:
    - The "tipping rock" mentioned in the video seems to be called the "rocking stone." It's located in Truckee, California and no longer rocks. Here's someone else's video of it: • The Rocking Stone in T...
    - I used Amtrak Vacations to book the trip, which put me on the lower level. This meant less foot traffic and less rocking, but I'd book an upper-level room on future rides for better views.
    - We were 6.5 hours late arriving in Chicago, which was the same as my previous trip. This was mainly due to ceding the right-of-way to freight traffic. At one point, we stopped while three freight trains passed us. Amtrak doesn't own most tracks in the U.S.
    - The weather was 65 F (18 C) in San Francisco and 90 F (32 C) in Reno later that day. Temperatures can vary significantly.
    - We had about two fresh air breaks a day where we could exit the train for 10-15 minutes.
    - We passed through Moffat Tunnel in Colorado, which is 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). It's a cool tunnel but there was no good way to represent it in the video. All footage was either pitch black or else reflections from the windows.
    - Tipping is standard both at meals and for the room attendant at the end of the trip. I couldn't find good info online but left about $2-$3 at meals and $40 at the end of the trip. This seemed to be in line with what frequent Amtrak travelers suggested.
    - The train is largely divided by long-distance travelers in sleeper cars and short-distance day trippers in coach cars. I got to know many of those in the sleeper cars by the end of the trip.
    - The train parallels major roads much of the way with a few exceptions. Near the Utah-Colorado border, you'll see some canyons only accessible by train or raft along the Colorado River.
    - Speaking of the Colorado River, it's also known as "Moon River" due to the number of rafters who moon the train. There were probably 100 backsides presented. It's a strong case for travel during the colder seasons.
    - Amtrak has a great train tracking map that shows the train's current location, ETA (although dubious), and other Amtrak trains across the country. www.amtrak.com/services/maps....
    0:00 - Intro and map
    0:34 - Bus ride to the train
    1:49 - Boarding the train
    3:08 - Traveling through California
    4:31 - Train walkthrough
    6:26 - Nevada
    7:34 - Bedroom turndown service
    7:54 - Utah
    10:24 - Colorado
    10:50 - Shower and bathroom review
    11:26 - Along the Colorado River
    13:00 - Arriving in Denver
    13:44 - Nebraska
    14:15 - Iowa
    14:36 - Roomette feature review
    16:30 - Menu and food review
    17:09 - The Mississippi River
    17:40 - Illinois
    18:30 - Arriving in Chicago

КОМЕНТАРІ • 219

  • @marysheeran519
    @marysheeran519 Рік тому +40

    I have crossed the country on Amtrak a couple of times. I love the Chicago/SF trip. The roomettes are certainly cozy, but you have just enough time on the train. You get to meet people in the dining room and also on the breaks when you go outside and chat with them. The hard working crews are pleasant and helpful. Traveling along with your video brought back what a wonderful feeling - the beauty and the bigness of this country. You don't get that when you fly.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +4

      I agree with you on the pleasure of talking with strangers from various backgrounds. There are a lot of seasoned travelers in the sleeper cars and it's fun to swap stories.

  • @joannmclaughlin8897
    @joannmclaughlin8897 4 місяці тому +4

    I rode the California Zephyr from Chicago to Sacramento in 1952. I was 4 years old then. I can still remember the smell of the dining car. It was winter time so crossed the sierra's through the many snow sheds. I have always wanted to relive that ride.

  • @markakira8988
    @markakira8988 Рік тому +6

    161 days until my Emeryville to Chicago Zephyr trip. Thank you for the scouting report! Appreciate the effort.

  • @litaperna1128
    @litaperna1128 Рік тому +5

    I went from Chicago to Klamath Falls Oregon. It was the trip of a lifetime; magnificent. Nowt,ten years later I hope to go from California to Chicago, my home town. Thanks for this video.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      I'm glad to hear it. If you liked the trip to Oregon, I think you'll like the California Zephyr.

  • @markreece8904
    @markreece8904 Рік тому +15

    This is an outstanding video 👍🏻👍🏻. The quality of the scenery captured of this beautiful country was impressive. Brings back a lot of memories.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      Thanks, Mark. It really does remind me how big and pretty the U.S. is.

  • @controlZchannel
    @controlZchannel Рік тому +3

    Nice to see a video from the very beginning of the trip instead of starting already on the train.

  • @reenahtabounnaah8820
    @reenahtabounnaah8820 Рік тому +11

    I really appreciate the format of the video: no words or focus on yourself, well filmed and edited, with authentic sounds and emulates actual experience more than any other person's train trip videos that I've seen. This is the first time I've seen one of yours. I've taken many long Amtrak trips across US, and miss the train since Covid began. Your video brought back the feeling of the trip. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Not sure what you were asking about combining or keeping separate, but I'd like to view separate videos for each train route. Would be great if you recorded round trip, since different scenery available during waking hrs, and to compare/confirm experience.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for the kind words, Reenah. Most of my trips are one-way but I hope to offer other videos in the future similar to what you're suggesting. I'm thinking maybe the California Zephyr westbound during the winter.

    • @reenahtabounnaah8820
      @reenahtabounnaah8820 Рік тому +1

      I can't find any videos on your channel other than a flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora. Do you have others posted somewhere?

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +2

      I started the channel two months ago and only have the two videos so far. My goal is to release about one per month. I already have two more recorded and simply need to edit them. Please feel free to subscribe and turn on notifications if you'd like to see them as soon as they're released.

  • @pauldavis8418
    @pauldavis8418 2 місяці тому +1

    Great video! I just completed a round trip on the Zephyr in April and about the nicest compliments I can make are we arrived ahead of schedule on both trips and the scenery was incredible! I rode this same route thirty years ago and it was amazing! However,this time I found the train to be filthy! Not only that,but there was a very unpleasant odor in the sleeper cars and finding a room attendant was difficult. Meals were served Luke warm and on our last days lunch was served from ten thirty until eleven thirty. Many did not get to eat. We had only one section of the trip with any sort of tour guide and that was it. I will go on another trip ,however I was very disappointed on the lack of service on this trip.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Місяць тому

      Thanks for the thorough feedback from your trip. I'd agree that the cleanliness and service is very dependent on the car attendant who's tied to your room throughout the journey. This might have been one of the older sleeper cars as well. I believe they only have a volunteer docent in the view car between Sacramento and maybe Reno? Short meals can be a possibility when there's a final stop soon. Sorry you didn't enjoy it more but I'm glad you liked the scenery.

  • @keithburkhead8270
    @keithburkhead8270 Рік тому +8

    This is the best video I have seen of the Zephyr trip. I've taken it many times and loved the experience!

  • @farcloud3701
    @farcloud3701 Рік тому +7

    Thanks for sharing this trip - fantastic views of the west (all those states I have yet to visit between the coasts). Greatly appreciated you letting us enjoy the ambient sounds and your written commentary vs verbal narration. Made it that much more relaxing.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      Thanks, Far Cloud. That's exactly what I was going for.

  • @cats0182
    @cats0182 Рік тому +4

    Did this trip on the original CZ. Remember much of it to this day. Train was classic luxury. Scenery was breathtaking. The Vista Dome cars offered an amazing 360 degree view experience.

  • @wallybelp1
    @wallybelp1 Рік тому +5

    Beautifully filmed. Love the captions, and no verbal commentary. Many thanks. Wish we had trains like this in Australia. Gary.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      Thanks. Australia has The Ghan. That sounds like a pretty great ride.

    • @mnewm21
      @mnewm21 Рік тому +2

      @@thebayrambler it is a great ride but it is a premium train that costs $$$$ All our "great train journeys" now are, the Ghan, the Indian Pacific and the Great Southern. I will say having done the Ghan it is a brilliant trip and the food and service are next level in general so I guess you get what you pay for but you do pay for it! 🤣

  • @lisav4219
    @lisav4219 Рік тому +4

    Thank you for taking us along for the trip... loved the scenery! Fun fact: I know the "clown" Martin, he's been a friend of ours for quite a long time. He's just as humorous in real life, besides being on the train.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +3

      I asked Martin about seeing someone in a clown wig and he told me to stay away from that person because he's unhinged. Ha!

  • @SuperBOOKNUT
    @SuperBOOKNUT Рік тому +4

    Loved the trip, thank you from Australia.

  • @dresteve1
    @dresteve1 Рік тому +3

    Good job. I liked the way you did this

  • @jimfisk4474
    @jimfisk4474 7 днів тому +1

    Pretty and very nice

  • @kymmoulds
    @kymmoulds Рік тому +2

    A great video and thanks for sharing. Oh, and a BIG thumbs up!!!

  • @N25Commando
    @N25Commando 3 місяці тому +1

    Absolutely fantastic. This was truly inspiring. I definitely want to do this trip.

  • @sakshiaggarwal9732
    @sakshiaggarwal9732 Рік тому +3

    Loved the suite, the piano room and the carriage at the end...the Eunos island was a surprise..interesting food ...thanks you tube for these lovely times

    • @Sally-rn9rm
      @Sally-rn9rm Рік тому +1

      I think you're on the wrong trip ....no suite, piano room or carriage @ the end ....or Eunos Island to surprise!

  • @timtraver7152
    @timtraver7152 Рік тому +2

    So relaxing, thank you so much for posting this!

  • @RonMontagueSWRR
    @RonMontagueSWRR Місяць тому +1

    I'm three months away from taking that trip. Can't wait.#6

  • @nightthornkvala94132
    @nightthornkvala94132 Рік тому +6

    Except for an hour or so long coach seat ride between Sacto and Stockton a few months ago, my anticipated trip next summer will be my first ride on Amtrak. I have no idea where or exactly when I'm going -- the concert schedule for June-July isn't set yet -- but videos like this make me really look forward to the experience. I want to make my 65th birthday an amazing experience, and Amtrak and Home Free will certainly make it so. Even if the guys have no shows or go out of the country, I think the beautiful views alone will make it special.

    • @AlphaGeekgirl
      @AlphaGeekgirl 2 місяці тому

      What concert?

    • @nightthornkvala94132
      @nightthornkvala94132 2 місяці тому

      @@AlphaGeekgirl I fell in love with the a cappella group Home Free almost 3 years ago and it took me almost a year to decide to go see them live, then find a convenient venue that had available seats since they were all a hold over from the tour that go interrupted by covid. I flew to Canada for my first show and got Greyhound tickets for the next two shows in California. I never made it to the first show because the damn bus NEVER SHOWED UP. I cancelled the bus ticket for the next one and wet by Amtrak instead. Stateline, NV, Omaha, NE, and Denver, CO held my next three shows, the last one just 3 weeks ago, and I traveled by Amtrak and the rides were wonderful. Much more comfortable and with fabulous views.

  • @denniswoods3909
    @denniswoods3909 Рік тому +2

    Great tour. Thank you.

  • @maximusw01
    @maximusw01 Рік тому +5

    I took this train trip in June this year. There were several delays but it was an amazing experience

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +2

      Glad to hear you liked it. I think it's probably the best train trip in the US

  • @sd1jrrt
    @sd1jrrt Рік тому +2

    Greetings from Australia. Thank you for a wonderful, enjoyable video coverage. 😀

  • @Ann-ny7dc
    @Ann-ny7dc Рік тому +2

    I really enjoyed your San Francisco to Chicago trip. The views are awesome!😊

  • @billmiller1445
    @billmiller1445 Рік тому +2

    Beautify filmed. Nice not having a constant commentary. Loved your choices of images to include. Look forward to more.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      Thank you. That's helpful to know. The next four videos are already recorded in the same manor. I expect to release the next one in 2-3 weeks.

  • @avidparent4643
    @avidparent4643 Рік тому +1

    That is a super huge, long train!!! Looks like fun and something we'd like to do. Thanks for the video

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      It's a fun train. I'm sure there are bigger, but it does take two engines to pull it through the mountains

  • @pamelaj.gipson5438
    @pamelaj.gipson5438 Рік тому +2

    Looks amazing!

  • @Aviation_traveler
    @Aviation_traveler Рік тому +2

    Wow beautiful video watching from nepal.i love ur vlog so much keep it up...

  • @darrellsephus5378
    @darrellsephus5378 Рік тому +3

    I also have taken the Amtrak and used the roomette. Was ok for one person. I would suggest taking a pair of flip flops for when you have to go to the restroom in the middle of the night. On the down side I took the train in August 2021 and nine days later had covid. But, I would do it again in a heart beat. Great video.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      I brought flip flops and was glad to have them. I did worry a bit about illness since it's such an enclosed space.

  • @glennmartin8664
    @glennmartin8664 14 днів тому

    13:00 BNSF yard slug 65! Nice catch!

  • @youssefkamel3216
    @youssefkamel3216 Рік тому +3

    Beautiful trip ❤

  • @michaelyette7513
    @michaelyette7513 Рік тому +1

    Excellent video. Well done.

  • @judithpearson8870
    @judithpearson8870 Рік тому +2

    Excellent video. Made me want to make a reservation!

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      Thanks, Judith. It's worth taking if you like trains.

  • @shanwang9973
    @shanwang9973 Рік тому +2

    Thank you❤I will take it from Chicago to San Francisco soon.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      Chicago to SF is the more traditional direction. It's nice in winter to go from somewhere cold to somewhere warmer.

  • @akagumasony
    @akagumasony Рік тому +2

    Sleeper trains are nice. And the view was great.

  • @doublepanthers3088
    @doublepanthers3088 Рік тому +1

    Thank you for sharing your experience.

  • @miguelzazopulosgaray7596
    @miguelzazopulosgaray7596 Рік тому +1

    great video, fabolous¡ greetings from the south

  • @kenlasky3904
    @kenlasky3904 Рік тому +1

    Great video!

  • @EURAMBLER
    @EURAMBLER Рік тому +2

    cool trip 😎 👌 greetings from Ireland 🇮🇪👍🤟

  • @theUnusualMomma
    @theUnusualMomma Рік тому +1

    I am going on this trip next month in November...can't wait

  • @jimpern
    @jimpern Рік тому +2

    I recently took a trip around the country on Amtrak. The westbound Sunset Limited from New Orleans arrived in Los Angeles 7 hours late, but on the other hand, the eastbound Empire Builder from Seattle arrived in Chicago less than 20 minutes late, so you can never tell. I rode roomettes on both trains and on one of them, the bathrooms were bigger. On other trains I traveled in coach and found noise-cancelling headphones to be a must. The food was quite good, though I wish that different trains had different choices related to the regions they travel in, and all the Amtrak personnel were friendly and helpful.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      Thanks, James, that's helpful. I tried to keep noise levels accurate in my video. The roomette was really quiet. I agree noise-canceling headphones are useful when stuck in a designated seat in coach. You never know who will be making noise nearby.

  • @Tuckaway
    @Tuckaway Рік тому +2

    We've just done this trip last month first class from Emeryville to Chicago it was excellent. We even had "Mooners" on the upper reaches of the Colorado River. Very entertaining. LOL

  • @claudiahansen4938
    @claudiahansen4938 Рік тому +3

    Outstanding job of editing and compilation. Would love to do this trip!

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +2

      Thanks for noticing the editing. It's not the hardest I've done, but was surprisingly difficult with three days' footage and trying to color grade changing light through the train's window wraps.

    • @claudiahansen4938
      @claudiahansen4938 Рік тому +1

      @@thebayrambler was very skilled, and also tight in the sense of every shot containing just the perfect amount of the essence of the material. Enjoyed it!

  • @gusthesheltie154
    @gusthesheltie154 Рік тому +1

    Nice job

  • @sammy7068
    @sammy7068 Рік тому +1

    hi taking the same route gonna use amtrak vac ations chicago ultimite and fly back took this route two times ty for bringing back memories

  • @50buttfish
    @50buttfish Рік тому +1

    Did the reverse route, before I was 5; traveled the roads growing up.

  • @wizardofodds8239
    @wizardofodds8239 Рік тому +2

    Good videography! Thanks for presenting your trip. However you did not show many beautiful and historic landscapes. I did not see any video of the Sierra Nevada route. I have ridden the Zephyr both ways many times and have enjoyed every one of them. If someone wants to make the trip, book a Roomette. This offers an opportunity to take rest breaks during the journey, and riders can visit the lounges or dining and food cars, and meet and greet fellow travelers. And if you have sufficient funds, a full bedroom is the best! That way you can take your family!

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      You're right, some areas weren't represented as well as others. In the case of the Sierra Nevadas, some of that came down to the afternoon sun hitting dirty windows. The footage wasn't good enough to use.

  • @kcvriess
    @kcvriess Рік тому

    Man... A handful of Tramadol, bottled water and only eating dinner. This would be the ultimate trip to relax and enjoy.

  • @Whatamidoinghere262
    @Whatamidoinghere262 Рік тому +1

    I had the best trip with my 6 year old daughter at the time in Christmas of 2018 going from Chicago to Davis, Ca.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      It's good to hear your daughter enjoyed it. I wasn't sure if children would like such a long trip.

    • @Whatamidoinghere262
      @Whatamidoinghere262 Рік тому +1

      @@thebayrambler I did have a portable DVD player for nights but she enjoyed watching the scenery. Plus we played UNO a lot, even with some Amish teenagers. And she met a couple girls her age from South Korea. They spoke no English but they made it work, even building a snowman at the Frasier stop.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +2

      There were a couple of Amish teenagers in our lounge car for a day or so patiently answering people's questions. Glad you had a good trip.

  • @mariegarside8830
    @mariegarside8830 Рік тому +3

    I've gone from Emeryville to Reno in December. The views were wonderful. I would like to take this train to Denver to see the Denver station.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      Denver station was a surprise. I've taken this route three times but this was the first going inside during the stop. I'm looking forward to spending more time there when I take a trip to Denver this winter.

    • @mariegarside8830
      @mariegarside8830 Рік тому +1

      @@thebayrambler I hope the Rails to Trails program with National Park Service volunteers soon. These wonderful folks ride the train with birds watchers charts, nature books on trees and flowers plus history books of the region. That route crosses the Sierra Nevada mountains and Rocky Mountains.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      I haven't heard of that program but it sounds nice. The typical narration in the view lounge is generally good as well.

    • @mariegarside8830
      @mariegarside8830 Рік тому +1

      @@thebayrambler I've been on the Starlight when the volunteers rode with us. The had a backpack of educational information.

  • @prudhvirajjangam4334
    @prudhvirajjangam4334 Рік тому +1

    Beautiful America 🇺🇸

  • @larrysroka6367
    @larrysroka6367 10 місяців тому +1

    I've done this route, in this direction, three times. I"m about to do it a fourth time with three Amtrak rookies, in December.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  10 місяців тому

      Let us know how it goes. Three days on Amtrak can be divisive for rookies. Having big enough beds will likely be key.

  • @steventagawa6959
    @steventagawa6959 Рік тому +1

    Interesting, the last time I was on a long-distance train, back in April, they had not gone back to communal dining yet.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      I'm not sure if this is on all Amtrak lines, but I was happy about it. Shared tables broke up the trip with regular conversations three times per day. I think room service was available for those who preferred it.

  • @sqooky
    @sqooky Рік тому +1

    Thanks for the amazing video - I'm doing this trip n a few weeks. May I ask where you catch the Amtrak shuttle from? I'm staing at the Hilton in Union Square. Cheers.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      You can pick it up from next to 555 Mission St. It's a short Uber ride from the Hilton. Have fun!

  • @carolemerckel3461
    @carolemerckel3461 Рік тому +3

    Yes the roomettes are tight for two people. But in our case we were in a Viewliner II on the Lakeshore Limited round trip from Chicago to Albany/Rensselaer a few weeks ago. If we get the chance to take a trip on the Zephyr we will try for 2 roomettes or 1 bedroom.
    Yes, a description of each type of sleeping arrangement would also be helpful. Put all reviews on one separate video would be my recommendation.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      The Zephyr is worth trying if you already like overnight trains
      It sounds like you'd prefer a video that compares various room types (roomette, bedroom, family) and puts those into one place. I'll give that some consideration.

    • @carolemerckel3461
      @carolemerckel3461 Рік тому +1

      @@thebayrambler Thanks!

    • @ngaquach8295
      @ngaquach8295 Рік тому +1

      Looking forward to see the description of each type of sleeping arrangements, please add the costs of each trip. Can we take part of the trip ? Thank you.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      I'll try to do a quick review of other rooms in the future. And I'll probably add costs in the details beneath each video.

  • @steamer1112
    @steamer1112 Рік тому +1

    I've been listening to Credence Clearwater Revival for decades and I finally see the Green River.

  • @francisboutonnet4573
    @francisboutonnet4573 Рік тому

    From France , wonderfull

  • @Charger-ALC
    @Charger-ALC Рік тому +1

    I have a HO scale model train that is the zephyr!

  • @direwolf6234
    @direwolf6234 9 днів тому

    yes nice scenery but was it comfortable and would you do it again ??

  • @user-rc8sq8en2w
    @user-rc8sq8en2w Рік тому +1

    All Aboard the Amtrak California Zephry Passenger Train. I said All Aboard

  • @Ann-ny7dc
    @Ann-ny7dc Рік тому +1

    Hi, I watched one train trip from Los Angeles to New York. Have you done that, if so, would you please give me some info on how to book. Thank you

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      I haven't done any trips from LA yet. You have a few options to get from LA to Chicago, then on to NY. I hear they're not as good as the California Zephyr, but I'm sure they're fine and have nice scenery. The Southwest Chief is probably the most direct.

  • @NilsBeck-kk4nb
    @NilsBeck-kk4nb 7 місяців тому +1

    I am about to trave[ from Denver to Chicago in a roomette, is the food any better than airp;lane food?

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  7 місяців тому

      Tough to say. First class meals on domestic airlines have improved a lot. The meal in my ANA video was excellent. I usually only get snack boxes if flying economy. Amtrak has some good food on the long distance routes if they have a dining car such as on this route.

  • @TheBandit7613
    @TheBandit7613 Рік тому +1

    I'd like to bring my Jeep with. Toss a couple of auto hauling cars to the back of the train.

  • @GermanyBerlinSven
    @GermanyBerlinSven Рік тому +1

    Great video! How much does a trip like this cost?

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      This is about $700 one way but it depends on the time of year.

  • @jiberri
    @jiberri 6 місяців тому +1

    Please tell me what makes your trip considered First Class. Is it that you booked a sleeper? I'm trying to understand how a person is able to use the Metropolitan Lounge in stations that have one. Thanks

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  6 місяців тому

      Yes, I believe the sleeper makes it first class. There's no lounge in San Francisco, but I used the one in Chicago ahead of the second leg of the trip. Not sure how other lounges stack up, but I was unimpressed with the one in Chicago. Plenty of seating but only a few bags of chips for food.

    • @jiberri
      @jiberri 6 місяців тому

      Thank you so much for your reply!

  • @michaelsmiley15
    @michaelsmiley15 Рік тому +1

    That's Suisun bay
    The Benicia Martinez bridge

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      You're correct. I think of the whole body of water connecting to the Sacramento River as SF Bay, but it's subdivided into other bays north of the Richmond Bridge. San Pablo Bay, Grizzly Bay, Suisun Bay, etc.

  • @aaronwilliams6989
    @aaronwilliams6989 7 місяців тому +1

    I would like to do that.

  • @ryan_cy
    @ryan_cy Рік тому

    Did the train arrive at Chicago Union Station behind schedule? It is supposed to be arriving at 2.50pm.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      We were 6.5 hours delayed due to freight traffic.

    • @ryan_cy
      @ryan_cy Рік тому

      @@thebayrambler is it often to have 6.5 hours delay for California Zephyr?

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      I've taken this train three times over the years. One was on time and the other two were 6.5 hours late

  • @saifdheensaifdheensyed4694
    @saifdheensaifdheensyed4694 Рік тому +1

    👌👌👍👍👍👍👍

  • @invertirnet14
    @invertirnet14 Рік тому +1

    3:37 Here we copy the name of a train station in Buenos Aires. "MARTINEZ", which is on the outskirts of that metropolis. Our station should be called "SMITH", NOT "MARTINEZ"

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      Or just "Martin."
      There are lots of Spanish and Portuguese town names in California from the explorers who first documented the coast.

  • @chrisdobrowolski2783
    @chrisdobrowolski2783 4 місяці тому

    What was your favorite meal on this train? How many hours of uninterrupted sleep did you get on this train?

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  4 місяці тому

      Meals were all pretty even. Maybe the veggie chili with bacon on top was my favorite. The first night, everyone slept well as we crossed the desert. Better than usual, actually. The next night wasn't as good as we tried to make up lost time on more curvy track.

  • @levoisj
    @levoisj Рік тому +1

    It was dark when you pulled into Chicago, you were delayed at some point weren't you?

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +2

      We were delayed by 6.5 hours, which was the same as the last time I took the trip years ago.

    • @lornamackenzie2694
      @lornamackenzie2694 Рік тому +1

      Funny! I was just recollecting how I did this trip in the opposite direction, Chicago to SF, 30 years ago and it was delayed about that many hours then too.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      Taking Amtrak through the western U.S. demands flexibility with your time, for sure. I hear it's more timely on the east coast where it owns the tracks.

  • @sutupachakarboty9436
    @sutupachakarboty9436 Рік тому

    🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • @r.3802
    @r.3802 Рік тому +1

    Are the views the same if you go SF-Chicago compared to if you go Chicago-SF?

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      It's a good question. I'm not sure, but I don't think it's identical views each way due to daylight hours. The views also depend on the train running on schedule, which rarely happens.

    • @r.3802
      @r.3802 Рік тому +1

      @@thebayrambler thanks! I'm hoping to go from San Francisco to Chicago this August, and yours is the first video I've found of the Zephyr going in this direction :)

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      You should see most of the Rockies on the trip even if you're running late. We missed the last part into Denver because it grew dark, but saw the rest. Have fun!

  • @admiralbenbow5083
    @admiralbenbow5083 Рік тому +1

    If a French TGV were to do this journey non stop it would take 5 hours 30 minutes.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      That's the inherent problem with high-speed rail here--the US is really big. TGV travels about 199 mph at top commuting speeds, and this trip is about 2150 miles. Non-stop from SF to Chicago would take almost 11 hours non-stop. SF to NYC would be over 14.5 hours versus a flight, which is 5.25 hours. I love taking the Shinkansen and Eurostar, but they rely on a population density beyond many parts of the US. Boston-NYC-DC might work, and SF-LA, but I don't know if anything outside those markets is feasible.

  • @rengirl94
    @rengirl94 Рік тому

    I’m taking this trip but have a 6.5 hour layover in Chicago before continuing on to New York via amtrak. Can anyone tell me how worried I should be that I might miss my connection 😅

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      You should be somewhat worried. I missed that connection the last time I took the Zephyr years ago and would have missed it this time if I was traveling on that same night. In the past, Amtrak put me up in Swisshotel for the night. I'm not sure if they still do that. It was nice spending an extra day in Chicago, but would have caused a problem if I had to be at my final destination that same night.

    • @rengirl94
      @rengirl94 Рік тому +1

      @@thebayrambler thanks so much for the reply!! Might honestly just extend my New York trip by a day just in case the trains are running super late

  • @retiredtreatmaster
    @retiredtreatmaster Рік тому +1

    Did many of your fellow passengers travel the full distance of the route?

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      Good question. Not as many went the whole way as I thought would. There were certainly a few, though. Some I'd greet for two days and then they'd suddenly be gone.

    • @retiredtreatmaster
      @retiredtreatmaster Рік тому

      Really loved this video, looking forward to doing it also

  • @mariomasis6261
    @mariomasis6261 Рік тому +2

    El hotel, está cerca?

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      Cerca de la terminal en Chicago? Mi hotel estaba a 3 km, pero tambien hay muchos hoteles cerca

  • @peternolan4854
    @peternolan4854 Рік тому +1

    How much was your ticket

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      Surprisingly expensive. I think the SF - Chicago portion was about $700, and even that required watching the fares and waiting for a price drop.

  • @johnburke1317
    @johnburke1317 Рік тому

    Was the train late into Chicago?

  • @pamelagabert4709
    @pamelagabert4709 Рік тому +1

    You didn't show the food.

  • @juliegere9415
    @juliegere9415 Рік тому

    Cost?

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      I think this portion was around $800 one way. It was originally $100 more but I waited and it dropped about a week before departure, so I bought it. This was part of a hotel and travel package through Amtrak Vacations so the total was over $1000. If I did this trip again, I would buy the tickets and hotel room myself without using Amtrak Vacations.

  • @StevePenney34
    @StevePenney34 Рік тому

    No food?

  • @coolbreeze253
    @coolbreeze253 Рік тому +1

    Nothing to eat?

  • @damonweathersby8465
    @damonweathersby8465 Рік тому

    Yeah the price

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      $1222 covered a one-way sleeping car ticket from San Francisco to Chicago, one night at the Drake Hotel, and a coach ticket from Chicago to Cleveland. This was booked through Amtrak Vacations, but I probably wouldn't use them again

  • @youtuuba
    @youtuuba Рік тому

    A lot of good things here, but it falls very short in terms of seeing the two main things that the California Zephyr is famous for: the crossing of the Sierras and the Rockies....virtually nothing was shown of either. It seems inconceivable that anyone would make a video of the CZ and leave those out. I also did not like the wide angle lens which greatly distorted so much of the views that WERE shown. I also noted that very few references were given to let the viewer know where the train was and what the viewer was looking at. But I AM glad that this was not just another 'talking head' video where about the only thing shown was beaming smiles of the narrator.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      Most video between Sacramento and Reno was the Sierra Nevadas. The Colorado River portion was mainly in the Rockies.

  • @soavemusica
    @soavemusica Рік тому

    "Pretty good" is good to know, but a more detailed review of the food would be better.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      I don't know if I have a refined enough palette to give food ratings. I heard Amtrak was only offering microwaved meals for a while, so I was glad with what I got. The veggie chilli with bacon was probably my favorite.

  • @user-di2on5gl2d
    @user-di2on5gl2d 3 місяці тому +1

    Just completed this tour. It wasn't what I expected. Horrible experience!

  • @mikeymutual5489
    @mikeymutual5489 Рік тому

    No personal comments or opinions makes this video useless. I'll stick with the 100 other postings of this route that actually give some insight and information on how this train trip is.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      I purposely try to avoid giving my opinions in the videos but instead show an accurate representation of the experience so viewers can make up their own minds. That being said, I'm happy to give my opinions in the comments if anyone asks.

    • @mikeymutual5489
      @mikeymutual5489 Рік тому

      @@thebayrambler Why can't you give "an accurate representation of the experience" while giving your own opinions and insights as well? Sorry, you are making excuses for being lazy.

    • @carolemerckel3461
      @carolemerckel3461 Рік тому

      Try Grounded Life Travel. That's how I started watching these train videos before gong on the Lake Shore Limited earlier this month.

    • @mikeymutual5489
      @mikeymutual5489 Рік тому

      @@carolemerckel3461 Oh, I have watched them and they are very good and helpful! And I took the LSL earlier this month as well, but in coach, which few travel vloggers will post about!

    • @AJ-es5yd
      @AJ-es5yd 7 місяців тому

      ​@@mikeymutual5489I prefer the non talking video so go somewhere else if you don't like it.

  • @JonathanH658
    @JonathanH658 Рік тому

    Bed does not look very long

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому

      I'm 6'1" (1.85 m) and the bed was more than long enough for me.

  • @user-qe8fc2lk9w
    @user-qe8fc2lk9w Рік тому

    ОК ОК ОК

  • @user-ne6yn5is2z
    @user-ne6yn5is2z Рік тому

    Хороши только та техника и те машины и механизмы, которые образуют выгодную экономию потребителям от их продолжительной выгодной надежности и продолжительной выгодной безопасности, это обеспечивает даже безопасный их технический отказ или даже безопасную их техническую поломку.

  • @donnalthood3102
    @donnalthood3102 Рік тому

    I have travelled from Chicago to Seattle in a roomette...great fun! I was very interesred in this video but subtitles with no first hand account is boring to me .....not gonna watch.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +2

      Thanks for the critique. I know this type of video won't be for everyone, but my hope is to give as accurate a representation of each experience as I can.

    • @donnalthood3102
      @donnalthood3102 Рік тому

      @@thebayrambler And from what I saw you did...just my perception, I guess.

    • @thebayrambler
      @thebayrambler  Рік тому +1

      I like narrated videos, too, but I can name 5-10 people who are crushing those right now. Better if I add something different to the conversation.

    • @donnalthood3102
      @donnalthood3102 Рік тому +1

      @@thebayrambler I wish you success...I think you will have it as the vid seemed well done and with good info from what I saw...fact remains...not gonna watch it...but others will...just not my thing. Carve out your niche!

  • @EURAMBLER
    @EURAMBLER Рік тому +2

    clown 🤡 on the train, lol 😆

  • @thomasmathew1212
    @thomasmathew1212 Рік тому +1

    3 days from SF to Chicago! slowest train in the world

  • @strawberryjackson3
    @strawberryjackson3 Рік тому

    Would've been better if you showed your meals.

  • @eriwidianto8215
    @eriwidianto8215 Рік тому

    Subhanallah lakhaulla wallakuattaillabillahillallliyyil adhzim Allohu Rosyid Allahu hulghony Allahu mugghny Allah Akbar walillahilhamd, labaikallah humalabaik labaikallah di dunia

  • @robincercone5117
    @robincercone5117 Рік тому

    did you not eat on the train, why would you not show what the meals look like