Amtrak Empire Builder - 30+ Hours in a Superliner Bedroom
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- Опубліковано 7 сер 2020
- The Amtrak Empire Builder train crosses some of the most dramatic land in the United States, passing through Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Washington State.
The entire Amtrak Empire Builder route takes 46 hours at average speed of 50 miles per hour, but our plan was to leave Chicago at 2:15 on Thursday afternoon, spend 30 hours in a luxurious bedroom, and arrive just as the sun sets over Glacier National Park at 8:30 on Friday evening.
This would be my first experience onboard an overnight train, and I picked what may be America's Greatest Rail Journey - the Amtrak Empire Builder. Join me to see what it’s like to travel on this train during these unprecedented times, learn a bit of the history behind this remarkable route, and - perhaps best of all - witness some spectacular sights along the way.
In this video, we’ll explore the Amtrak Empire Builder’s route, passenger experience, the scenery the train passes through, and the amenities provided to passengers who book the most luxurious experience available - an Amtrak Bedroom.
We'll explore the entire Amtrak Sleeper Car in detail, looking at the Amtrak Roomettes AND Amtrak Bedroom Suites.
The Amtrak Empire Builder route traces its heritage back to 1929 when it was the flagship route of the vaunted “Great Northern Railway.” In the early part of the 20th century, railroad companies were the airlines of their time. Perhaps none were as storied as the Great Northern Railway.
The Amtrak Empire Builder is the latest incarnation of a route The Great Northern Railway operated. This is the northernmost transcontinental railway in the country and was also the only privately funded transcontinental railroad in the nation’s history. Unlike every other one, it was built without any federal funding.
Today, Amtrak is the only passenger operator the Empire Builder route and, as with nearly all of Amtrak’s operations, we competed with freight traffic, which always takes priority because the freight lines own the track on this route. Amtrak is just borrowing it for the Empire Builder, which means delays are very possible. Fortunately, for us, though, we really didn’t experience any during our 30+ hours onboard!
Watch this video to see one of the most luxurious experiences available on the rails in the United States: Amtrak’s Empire Builder in an Amtrak Bedroom!
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MUSIC:
Eager Sunrise - The Undertowns
Tap Along - Macy’s Voice
Just The Banjo - Pearce Roswell
A Thousand Islands - Pearce Roswell
The Quarantine Zone - Pearce Roswell
Ellie - Pearce Roswell
Too Excited - Mica Emory
Going Sailing - Isobelle Walton
Eager Sunrise (Reprise) - The Undertowns
Vagabond Train - Dez Moran
Last Train - Elliot Holmes
Big Skies - Josef Falkenskold
Mark My Words - Pearce Roswell
Crystal Cut - Ballpoint
Was waiting the whole video for “See you on the rails”
We worked in the US for 3 years in the 80s. We did 20,000 miles on Amtrak. It was a great way to see the US and time to meet a difference people from those we met in Washington. Those were fantastic days.
Amtrak has gotten WAY better. The food was due to COVID-19. you were right, Jeb.
I remember I was kid ride train I was scared
Microwave "meals" served on Amtrak trains are here to stay. Amtrak is losing money, and has taken the unfortunate tact of "burger-kinging it." Washington D.C. "insiders" want to stop public tax funding of Amtrak. However, public tax funding of air travel, airports, city transit, US roadways, and national urban infrastructure, continues. A way to bring your own delicious meals aboard Amtrak passenger trains should be developed. I'll always remember having a fresh mountain trout dinner aboard the Zephyr years ago!
@@wizardofodds8239 Note that the phrase should be "taken the unfortunate tack", not "taken the unfortunate tact". (It's a sailing expression.)
Also, whatever you think of Amtrak's current dining car offerings, the expression "burger-kinging it" makes no sense. The dining car food, even in 2020-2021, bears little resemblance to the menu at Burger King.
In 1993, I spent 3 months travelling from LA to New York with Amtrak. I took my time and stopped off in some great cities along the way. I was asked a few times why I did it with Amtrak, my response was simple.....I wanted to see the USA from 3 feet above ground and not 30,000 feet. 'Twas a great trip :-)
I've flown the Los Angeles and I've flown to Washington DC, one of the things I've always said I wanted to do was to take a train trip to another city via Amtrak and just get a chance to just see things you don't normally see in the air. I want to take a bus trip from Chicago to Memphis via Greyhound, very uncomfortable but did get a chance to see some things
Rail travel is most regal. Beautiful trip.
This is truly a beautiful country. I drive to Tucson from Oregon and love taking a different route each time. People who think middle America are just flyover states are missing out. I’d much rather take a backroad to where I’m going than get there fast.
That must’ve been amazing. The best days of Amtrak long distance.
@@martymaloney1032 I am always on a back road!!
While in college I used to work as a train attendant during the summers and my first trip was the Empire Builder trip and I never forget the experience. After few trips as a coach attendant I got to attend the first class or sleeper cars and I used to get 500 cash in tips per trip mostly bc I worked hard (i could change the sheets and tidy up a room under 3 minutes ) and I looked like I was still in middle school. Watching this video I realize the sleeper equipments have not changed much over the past 20 plus years. The conductor told us a story about Harve, Montana as we were passing it was something like “ there were 2 young men fighting for the affection of a young lady and one day one of the guys gave up and said “ You can HAVE HER”. I got to travel all routes that started from Chicago since I was covering regular workers vacations so I got to see America by rail and America is magnificent and beautiful. I met and talked to people from all walks of life. This was by far the best ever Job.
That sounds so cool! Love it! Thanks for sharing your experience!!!
Sounds lovely! Thanks for sharing 😻
To be fair you saw only a very, very small part of America, but I see what you mean.
That's extremely funny about the story about Havre, Montana!
Hey Jeb, I just took this trip with my son solely from your watching your video. We got off in Whitefish and went to Glacier which had been on our list for a while. Without this video we never would have had such an awesome adventure together getting there. Thanks
Having traveled in all 50 states, many times on Amtrak, as well as by car, I can say we live in a gorgeous country. Even the mundane citie and terrain have a beauty that you have to think about for a while to really see and understand. What a beautiful country in a beautiful world!
There are many beautiful countries.
I'm from what are widely considered the most beautiful countries in the world, but I have to admit I'd love to visit the USA, because I don't feel like they're very far from the top in terms of beauty. Even the negative sides we hear so much about add to the charme, ironically.
This was like a PBS documentary. Great quality and you have a GREAT voice for narration!
That's so nice of you to say...thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
I agree!
@@GreenerGrass Hey Brother, just wanna say, banger of a job!!! If you look hard enough with the right kind if eye, you can still see the wagon trails.
The train station in St Paul Union Station has been recently remodeled and this guy doesn't even mention it, St Paul was a far bigger railroad town than Minot this video is bogus
@@GreenerGrass how do you get back to Chicago ?
I was in tears when I saw your video. You see , in 1965 it was my Mom & I living in El Paso Texas I endlessly hounded my Mom for us to move to LA so I can go surfing everyday as I fell in love watching California drag racing and surf movies on our black & white TV. One day Mom shocked me as she showed me two first class SantaFe sleeper car tickets to LA. To this day that had to be the most magical time of my life, though these days I've traveled more than 30 times around the world. Thank You. Dan
@DanSotelo Great Story Dan, a great storyteller!! Was hoping you had videos posted.
Crazy history
I made this trip in July 2021 and we got access to everything. I got off in San Francisco. What would have been a boring executive meeting all the way in California (I live in Florida) I turned it into one of the best getaways I’ve had in a really long time. Sitting in the observation cart going through Colorado was surreal. Seeing the sunrise over the desert in Nevada, just everything about it was amazing. If you are watching this and are thinking if you should… YES! Just do it! Seriously you will not regret it at all. If you have 2-3 days to spare then see the country from an Amtrak. I flew back to Florida from San Francisco and it was boring and blah, this year I’m planning on 2 weeks vacation and staying on Amtrak round trip. Stopping and getting off in the cute old towns you pass through. Towns that look like the old west or something you’d see in a movie. I don’t get excited about much the older I get, but I’m so giddy about this coming July.
I loved it! When I was 12 yrs old I got to go with my grandparents from Wyoming to Illinois.... The big bubble to view from. The beds.. I will never forget that summer. The best one of my life!!!!
Hey Jeb!!! First thing I am a subscriber and an Amtrak Employee. Thank you for taking Amtrak's Empire Builder. I am actually a Lead Service Attendant aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder. I manage the Dining Car. I really enjoyed your video and appreciate the detail and quality of your awesome video. In Normalcy there would be more amenities and fresher fare food and I appreciate your understanding during these unprecedented times.
So our long distance train network usually goes from west coast to Chicago but you can actually go from Coast to Coast in 4 days. Some Awesome trains are Coast Starlight Los Angeles to Seattle with stunning Pacific Ocean and Mountain Views!!!!
The Southwest Chief Los Angeles to Chicago with LA Union Station amazing beauty which can be a video in itself. You travel Desert mountains of New Mexico and Follow the Santa Fe Trail through New Mexico.
The California Zephyr Emeryville California "Bay Area" to Chicago you follow the California Sierras through the Famous Donner Pass up to Reno Nevada to Salt Lake City. Then the Rockies with amazing views of Rockies Glenwood Springs Denver Colorado and pts east.
The Sunset Limited our Southern Route
Los Angeles to New Orleans Louisiana!!! Through desert and Texss right on border of Mexico. El Paso. San Antonio. Houston. You fall asleep in Texas. You wake up and fall asleep in Texas. Almost 24 hours and over 900 miles of Texas!!!
Each route has it's own beauty and character.
The beauty of train is it's slow pace Read a book and relax!!!! When do you ever get a chance for that!!
As an avid traveller myself being to 49 of 50 states and been just about everywhere. In September I am doing a social distance roadtrip with my wife and I will hit my 50th State Oklahoma!!! I too love travel. I love USA travel but I too have been 5 Continents.
Thanks again for your awesome video of my train Amtrak's Empire Builder I spend 18 days a month on her with our awesome passengers!!!! Stay safe!!!! Enjoy The Journey!
Alan
interesting; so with the socially distancing road trip with your wife does she ride in the trunk?
Can I say as a Brit that I adore Amtrak - it's so much better than our sleeper trains, or any of our trains actually. I've always had amazing service on Amtrak and can't wait to take the Empire Builder when I'm allowed back in the US
Thank you for writing this Alan. Very informative. I am a big fan of Amtrak just wish more people knew what a great service it is and understand that “getting there and back” is half the enjoyment of a vacation! So relax and enjoy
@g baker our trains are extensive, and cover such a huge proportion of the country. In that respect our public transport is more inclusive than yours - you can get to pretty much everywhere on public transport. However we only have two overnight trains and both are pretty uncomfortable compared to amtrak - and no proper catering service either.
As someone who has traveled quite a few miles on Amtrak (to put it mildly)...I actually do have one major problem with your comment...
It'll only let me give you ONE thumbs up! 🤪
The best overnight train I ever took was from Paris France to Switzerland. I remember waking up in my nice cozy bed, looking out the window and seeing the snow covered Alps in the distance. It was spectacular.
wow
I have taken similar journey from Paris France to Geneva Switzerland however that was bullet train TGV it was only 3 hours.
Which overnight train did you take?
@@pinkglamash : Oh its been some 30 years ago. We just walked into the train station and got the first train heading South so I'm not sure of the details at this point. Sorry.
That is the most common point. People don’t know in what a marvelous country they live until they use a train or boat. They become travellers and not stressed drivers or passengers of commercial airtravel. I really enjoy your impressions and all the fantastic pictures of your journeys. Thanks a lot for doing this and stay safe and healthy 🇩🇪
I live South Africa .I took Amtrak from Washington DC to Miami and what a wonderful ride we had. Service from the staff was just excellent . I can recommend Amtrak any time. I am 64 now but I fondly remember in my childhood when South African railways was great.
Yoo ! I just cancelled my flight to Seattle and booked a train ticket , I got the roommette room thing . I’m super exited ! Thanks for the video
did you like it better than a plane?
what did you think about it me and a family friend have to go from texas to san diego next year for another's surgery and between our curiosity and being kinda big we are debating train vs plane
1. California Zephyr, west to east. This train is unparalleled for mountain scenery as you traverse through both the Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountain chains. Unlike some of the other long distance trains who's scenery is compromised in winter due to limited daylight hours, the west to eastbound Zephyr passes through both mountain chains in full daylight and is spectacular in both seasons.
2. San Diego to Vancouver, BC. Start with the Pacific Surfliner (San Diego to Los Angeles), then board the Coast Starlight in Los Angeles to Seattle. Overnight in Seattle and take the morning Cascades train to Vancouver, BC (once the border with Canada reopens). This is a Summer time trip for best daylight viewing.
The diversity of landscapes on both of these journeys is extraordinary. Having your own room makes the trip so much more enjoyable as you have the luxury of a quiet place to watch the country roll by and also the option of going to the sociable observation car.
The train is so relaxing. The ability to walk around while the train is moving and get off while it stops at some of the bigger cities is so very different from air travel. I love both modes of transport for their own unique characteristics and do not favor one over the other.
Tess Sansome and the reverse trip is wonderful too.
Followed by the Sunset Limited LA to NO
I can concur with this sentiment. My wife and I did this for our honeymoon in 2016 (with a Captiol Limited trip right after. Excellent service, excellent scenery. :)
many thanks for this impression. I will book this within the coming years for sure!
You are very privileged indeed. Good luck.
Partly due to this video I opted to take the train from Portland Oregon to Chicago Illinois. The Columbia River gorge from Portland to Spokane should not be missed. The entire trip was highly enjoyable - thank you for giving me the information to allow me make an informed choice outside my comfort zone.
Minot is also the home of Minot Air Force Base. We used to have a saying.... "Why not Minot? Freezin's the reason". A reference to the extremely cold winters endured by those hearty folks living in N. Dakota.
I remember loving Minot as a child. Now that I’m an adult looking back... my poor Southern parents!
The Weather Channel likes to give the temperature / weather in Minot. One winter it was -90degF in Minot. Then I realized it could warm up 100degF and STILL be only 10degF. Brrr
Around 10 years ago my mother took Amtrak from Kingman Arizona to Philadelphia. She’s never stopped talking about how amazing it was. She’s in her late 70s and has traveled all over the United States often since her teen years but she says the train ride was her greatest travel of them all.
@ B RRT - . . . .just feel BAD that your mom had to go from Kingman to Philadelphia . . . . . .
Jeb: “If you listen closely you can hear some of the sounds from the 20’s”
UA-cam: Roll the ads!
I have adblock :)
Turn it off so that Jeb can live his life!!!
@Budweiser driver Go to chrome store in the menu and add it as an extension. Just type in adblocker and pick the first one, it works great.
My ad blocker, and the UA-cam premium account into which I am logged in, must not be working correctly, because I still see tons of ads.
What ad blockers are you guys using?
Wonderful trip, thanks for taking us along! I'm finally taking my Mom back home, as her final wishes. She loved riding the train back home, this will be her final trip. But, I don't think it well be mine. I'm leaving at the end of March with my 2 older brothers who have taken the train before with our Mom. Now that I've watched this video by you, I'm pretty darn excited!! I got a sleeper and the guys are toughing it out in coach, doesn't look too bad. The food 🍔🍴is questionable. I'm still taking a few things with 🎧, I can't survive without my Pepsi (it's that available). Your a great host, looking for your next trip and mine! Thank you 🚅🚉💕
My grandma and grandpa took the train from Spokane to Minneapolis after WWII. They got out on a smoke stop. They missed the train and spoke laughingly about the trip until they died last year. Memories are on the train. I personally took the whole family and rented a sleeper room as we traveled to Spokane from Milwaukee. We had a blast every time. It is like a road trip where no one drives, there is always a bathroom and snacks.
Thank you. You answered a question I had whether "smoke stops" are a modern invention or not... but I assume back in those times you could smoke inside the train
I traveled on this route in 1959 with my family . My Brother and I loved it we sat in the dome car at night .the parents had a sleeper car. The journey traveled through incredible country .
Wow, you've been thru a lot. My grandparents were toddlers in 1959.
Just found this. In July I took the Empire Builder from Milwaukee to Seattle. 2nd time taking that trip, 3 years ago today I was also on the train. True, the food this time wasn't what I has been on other trips, but was better than I expected it to be. Many people ask why I took the train over flying. For me, the train was the vacation. Seattle was just a layover (and place to get another tattoo). That first day out can be a bit boring sight wise, but second day has proven twice to be breath taking. Even with the social distancing and limited people on the train, I never was bored. Sadly I'm afraid Covid is going to really hit cross country train trips hard. Some don't even run every day anymore. Amtrak has some upgrading to do and to focus on more than just the NE corridor, but don't see that happening with their current leadership. Still, even with the short comings, still cant think of a more relaxing and enjoyable way to enjoy a vacation from a roomette. If they changed the location of the power outlets in the bedroom, feel it would work much better for me.
You're right if I do cross country train it IS the vacation .
I live in Minot! The motto is Why not Minot? The answer: Freezings the reason! I love taking the train and have done all the fares from coach to bedroom! Great video!
I like basic amenities, keeps cost down, it's a Train Trip, the food keeps you from being hungry, the employees are there to serve that and tidy up, bring your own snacks (if you can) enjoy the trip.
I don't expect special treatment, it's a leisurely way to travel.
Would love to take a trip soon. Thanks for the video 😀
I took the Amtrak train from Los Angeles to Denver. I remember waking up early in some where in the middle of Arizona when the sun was coming up and looking out the window and I was a old fashioned Wild Wild West town it was soo neat and with the sun coming it it was beautiful
When you watch a video on the Empire Builder while you’re on the Empire Builder
I did Amtrak from Pa to FLA. and it was exciting, but I did not have a room. I sleep in my seat which let back. I used the public bathroom and it was very clean. I took my food, except for dinner. I do not eat much and food is not a big deal. I do eat healthy; fruit and raw veggies are very portable, so is peanut butter sandwiches! My son was with me, he made friends and had a great time. I love reading and took several books. I think our trip was more of an adventure than yours. When we went to the dining area, we ate with strangers and made new friends, as did my son. He had fun with new friends and they played board games. It was a great trip, both ways, and I took other trips to visit my parents who lived in GA. It is a great way to travel; it beats driving!💞
Jeb after watching many of your videos my family and I decided to try the train to go to Orlando. We boarded the train in Kannapolis and settled in for the ride. We were so excited. My wife and I had a bedroom and our college age sons had a roomette. They didn't care they were excited about doing something new. As you have said, the staff was ready for us when we boarded. We couldn't have asked for better service. When we arrived in Raleigh the staff took our luggage and secured it. We had a couple of hours before we boarded our next train. The staff recommended great places to eat within walking distance from the station. After a delicious dinner we walked back to the station to get ready for the second part of our journey. We were in awe when the train came in! Much larger the the Carolina/Piedmont! We arrived mid morning in Orlando. We were thrilled to arrive 5 minutes from Universal Studios! In no time we were at the hoteL Awesome! This train trip took longer than driving, however, it was about 4 hours longer in all. The difference was that we could all sit back and relax and enjoy the experience. Plus we slept 8/9 hours of the trip. On the way back we had a few hiccups. The door between our room and the room next door did not want to lock. They eventually got it fixed and we all enjoyed a great laugh. Later on we found out that our shower in the room did not work. The attendant directed us to the larger more spacious shower down the hall. The boys enjoyed exploring the train and following the train tracker. Despite a few issues on our return trip, we would do it again. We will take your advice and bring our own pillows next time. We did have a difficult time trying to sleep. Did sleeping on a train get better for you? Recommendations??? We are looking at doing another trip this fall...Look forward to hearing from you!
You should try the coast starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle
The best views on any of the long haul Amtrak runs
Or the California Zephyr, which crosses the Colorado Rockies.
I highly second this
I completely agree!
when its running on time its a great trip, sadly it rarely runs on time south of Eugene (whether its heading north bound or south bound).
I have ridden Amtrak over 210,000 miles. To answer your questions, I’ve never heard of a train getting struck with lightning. It’s best to take the Empire Builder eastbound as it guarantees GNP in daylight as well as the Mississippi River. You should absolutely do the California Zephyr between Denver and California, and try the Coast Starlight as well.
The Coast Starlight is another fabulous trip. Northern California is beautiful. However, Southern California? Eh... Not so much.
Have you ever done the Texas eagle?
@@mariapadilla4849 as a Texan, yes! That’s my train.
@@saxmanb777 I’m boarding ft worth to San Antonio. Any tips?
you are like one kid in a class who has relax attitude all the time, and takes life easy as it comes.
Grew up in Minot North Dakota. Watching this video in prepping for a roundtrip weekend trip on Amtrak from St Paul to Minot. Your excitement of boarding the train resounds in me. Thank you for the video! Very well done especially the background narrative viewpoint provided.
I hear the AMTRAK Starlight Express along Pacific Ocean is awesome LA to Seattle
Once took the Coast Starlight from San Jose to Portland. I opted not to get a sleeper because of the cost. I figured how bad could an airplane seat be for what was the equivalent of a long international flight. Unfortunately I had messed my back up the night before, so I found out. The good news was the trip took place in June so the overnight was relatively short. I woke up just before dawn as the train passed the stunning Mt. Shasta area. I spent most of the rest of the trip either in the observation or dining cars. Time really did slow down and I loved the conversations I had with people I would never have met in an airport. For some reason, lots of Amish travellers. 22 hours later, we rolled I to Portland. It was a nice experience overall. Something to do once as a lark.
I was lucky when I rode the Coast Starlight north to Seattle... I woke up to a Winter Wonderland of fully flocked fir trees through Northern California and southern Oregon... It was a dream come true that will NEVER be forgotten...
It's sad that this train crashed in Montana on Saturday, condolences to those families that lost loved ones 🙏
Very professional! Not one of those “buddy movies” where we watch some guy and his multiple buddies yuk it up on the train instead of being more serious about the travel experience. Your film is focused on the trip itself and it is as if the viewer was along with you. Job well done!
That's another video by Jeb and friends. That video was NOT one of Jeb's best videos, unfortuately!
Thank you for acknowledging the vastness, diversity and beauty of this country!
You should try the Southwest Chief, from Los Angeles to Chicago, it’s slightly shorter than the empire builder but the views are beautiful
If you like desert terrain and cactus, nothing wrong with the Texas Eagle or Sunset Limited west of San Antonio all the way to Los Angeles... Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder...
I second the Southwest Chief. Once while covering the Oscars the missus and I did the roundtrip from Chicago to LA. Amazing chef cooked food for all three meals. We weren't the only ones who had the idea of taking the train: actor Benicio del Toro was on there too. Great views and it basically follows the Route 66 path.
my family takes a trip every summer to kansas city to see family. we take southwest chief, and its great. fav part is ft madison and crossing the mississippi.
Yes!
Not so beautiful, I have traveled on that train thrice, but I find the Empire Builder's scenery much more interesting, however, I think the train from Chicago to San Francisco, through the Rocky Mountains has the best scenery to view
Best way to travel and appreciate USA is by road or train, I can’t get enough of this beautiful country.
Brings back great memories. It was great to lie in bed and watch the stars.
Im glad you fave Amtrak a second look although these circumstances aren't ideal. This is very informative and makes me want to travel out west more aswell.
I have seen almost every state in the USA riding a train. I have done every Amtrak overnight sleeper train and gone around the country riding different trains several times. Despite the rocking of the cars, I get lots of rest and relaxation watching America pass by the window. And when I reach my destination, I am rested, not tired from driving. Lately though the diner food has gone downhill considerably. It was never five star dining, just good diner food. Now its just microwaved frozen food...
Let me encourage you, take this journey out west, you will remember it all of the rest of your life. Autumn is coming and the trees will begin changing color. Perfect timing.
Love the video! Also, I really appreciate you being mindful of maintaining the privacy of others by blurring them out when filming. Such a rare occurrence these days, so it stands out when I see it!
Awesome production quality. It reminded me of sailing. Makes me want to try it!
UA-cam somehow suggested this and I’m so happy I watched. I thoroughly enjoyed this video from the gorgeous scenery to the dumb jokes. 🤗😂 new subbie!
Fly over states. They're gorgeous.. But unfortunately, that holds true. Most people don't drive through or visit them. I love all of them. Montana holds a special place in my heart.
For sheer beauty, I’d recommend ... Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle and/or California Zephyr from Chicago to Oakland, California (bus transfer to San Francisco) ... of course in a Bedroom. 👍🏻. Sometimes it takes a major altering event for us to appreciate our own Country 😉
Good video! As a trucker I gotta tell you man, what you saw is just a taste of what this wonderful country has to offer. Keep up the good work!
I just heard that this exact train has derailed over the weekend. Prayers to all involved. 🙏🏽
Having done the Empire Builder, I recommend going from west (Seattle or Portland) to East. This routing gets you to Glacier NP, where the best scenery is, in the morning. Even if everything is on time as it was for you, the westbound routing gets you to Glacier in daylight only at the height of summer. And if you’re delayed by freight trains, you may not get there until after dark.
We need to talk about those jokes! 😂 that poor fork! Great video!
This video secured my inability to perform standup comedy. 🤣
@@GreenerGrass You are not that bad.....
@@GreenerGrass 🤣🤣
@@GreenerGrass I didnt know you from my home state of NC. Am in Raleigh maybe one day we will meet. Cheers for really good content. I like the way you narrate your stories.
@@GreenerGrass I laughed outloud at your jokes! Is there a video of Glacier Natl Park?
The section from Spokane to Portland is particularly pretty - we woke up early, just as the sun was rising on the Columbia river gorge. I’ve seen the gorge many times, but that was the prettiest!
The toilet and shower arrangement are called a "wet bath" and are quite common in smaller recreational vehicles. In my experience riding Amtrak, in the morning you "take care of business" and then take a shower. Usually, the next time you need to "take care of business" everything has dried. They could have made a "dry bath" where the shower and toilet are separated, but that would use up some of the living space. You are in the living space almost all the time, in the toilet/shower only a brief time. So it is a good compromise.
I’m glad I stumbled across this video; it was very refreshing considering the status of the pandemic. Thanks for sharing your positive experience with us & stay safe.
There's so much culture and hidden gems in our country, it's beautiful to discover all the little puzzle pieces.
You americans should value more those Amtrak rail lines. They're a treasure. I, as a foreigner, would love to know your beautiful country through them.
I took the same travel adventure before the virus. I did stop at the lodge at East Glacier Bay. Stayed two days back on the train to Seattle. A FANTASTIC travel experience. The bedroom accommodation was comfy and roomie. The private toilet / shower was small. The meals at that time were prepared. Plenty of free coffee by the stairwell. Union station is a site to behold! Once this virus situation subsides I intend to travel from NY to CA and back with a different route. I would highly recommend this mode of travel . Happy travels!
I really enjoyed this. Trains are my favorite way to travel. I love hearing the sound of trains, especially at night, they can be miles away but you can still hear them moving along the tracks. Thanks for sharing your journey.
I love train travel! It's the only kind of transportation that is a relaxing vacation in itself. No annoying security checks, can't have your bags arrive before or after you, excellent food, drink and entertainment, very comfortable lodgings, quiet private rooms, reasonable price, weather is rarely a problem. What's not to love?! It doesn't matter to me where the train goes or how long the trip. If I can't get there by train, I don't need to go.
Me, too. Before Covid hit, I was planning my yearly vacation to be mostly on a train, with a couple of days in city for sightseeing. My big wish is to do the Canadian coast to coast route
@@cubemissy You will enjoy that on 'The Canadian' and then to Halifax. I did this in 2016.
When I was in graduate school at University of Utah (I'm from Chicago), I took Amtrak from the suburbs to salt lake city and back... It was my first experience on long distance train... truly unforgettable!!! Unbelievably relaxing - about 33hrs and - as you said - it felt like several days ***IN A GOOD WAY*** SOOO refreshing!!!
When my brother came to visit near the end of my first year, he came by train and upon picking him up from the station, he said, "man when you take a plane you feel like cattle all cramped up in a tiny area, and you only get to eat when they feed you but on a train you feel like a human". I'm 6'4" tall and my brother was 6'6" tall so airplanes have never sat well with our long stature.
In these instances, we were just traveling coach and we had all the leg room you could ask for, outlets by our seats, blackout curtains so you can easily sleep...it was incredible. My family is looking into taking the exact trip you feature here! Looking forward to it and hoping the covid restrictions are gone!
Excellent video! Echoing others here, it was definitely PBS documentary quality!!!
What a HANDSOME HOST!
SIR YOU HAVE AN AMAZING VOICE, VERY SOOTHING & GREAT SMILE🙂...YOU HAD ME WITH THE D'NILE JOKE😂
I live in Germany but have been in Montana years back. I too love it and Glacier is my favorite Park. You ought to get an RV and travel the western states, you don't ever have to leave your country you've got the most beautiful country right there and it will take you many years to see everything. Great video!
Greetings from Singapore. The video and the narration quality is superb. I used to make the epic journey to the US once a year in the last 5 years, including once to Chicago. Was tempted to try the Amtrak but couldn't due to time constraints. Will certainly do a rail journey one day when the situation improves. Cheers Jeb!
Yeah but you have highspeed bullet trains. This is something americans dream of. The US can put a man on the moon but can't build highspeed rail for improvement of infrastructure. Yet you ride our slow and lethargic trains? I would love to go to your country and experience what the United States should of had decades ago, bullets..
@Carl Smith. Its really more to experience the country rather as only a means of transport.
Singapore doesn't have a bullet train owing to its size (700 sq km).
You are welcome to pm me if you make the epic journey to Singapore!
@@kennethkee1310 i see. I am getting ready to to go to Japan though. I look forwards to it. The Amtrak train is something i grew up with all my life. Bullet trains is something i didn't know exsist till just 3 decades ago. I became fascinated by these modern marvels and just couldn't understand why a country so great in so many things and in so many ways didn't have this. Infact today decades behind the technology. That's weird for a country so damn gong ho on Technology. The United States of America comes out with new cars, new airliners, new fighter jets, new cruising ships, new rockets and everytime you look around, a new way of doing things as far as computers, television programming, communications. They not only want to put a man on the moon to jump around and pick up rocks at a cost of billions (again) but now they want to put some fool on mars! After that, they want to build a city on mars, a planet that doesn't even belong to man. And yet this so call mighty United States of America can't do highspeed bullet trains? Thats highly unbelievable. Then the stupid ones sit around and come up with every excuse as to why. There shouldn't be any excuse. I guess we will see how California does in their brave move to be the first state in highspeed rail....
@Carl Smith yes I had wondered why no bullet train in the US. Then I read somewhere it was because of lobby groups promoting the use of cars in a country known for manufacturing cars, hence the trains and networks take a back seat perhaps? There will be a high speed rail in the future connecting Singapore with Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
Enjoy your Japan trip and drop by Singapore and South East Asia someday!
@@kennethkee1310 Yes it has been a type of spell or a trans that this country has bee placed under so that the greedy oil tycoons and automobile makers can control these markets and make alot of money. The plan worked. I always thought that the american people and government would be smarter than that but unfortunately they fell right into it. The wool has not yet been lifted from their eyes. This is why i hope the California highspeed rail succeeds. If so then the rest of the country will stand up and realize that this is something the United States really needs and should of had decades ago. Then the effort to obtain these modern marvels of transportation will increase. It was really nice to talk to you Kenneth and thanks. I will let you know how the trip goes. Take care of yourself and your family. Talk soon....
Years ago our family did a fair amount of train travel in Canada and I've loved trains every since. I often take Amtrak from Vancouver, BC to Seattle or Portland. I've done Niagara Falls to Manhattan and they've all been wonderful, staff are great.
With all that beautiful scenery makes you realize how awesome God really is.
I took the Empire Builder from Chicago to Montana with my dad in 2014. It was the last trip I took with him before his dementia became too advanced to do stuff like this. He passed away a few years ago and I find myself missing him very much as I see the familiar sights in this video. I appreciate the chance to revive some memories of time I spent with him, thank you.
Professional quality, articulate narration, informative with most relevant travel information, upbeat and entertaining. Enjoyed the scoring as well. Excellent use of voice over for special scenic parts that have the moment an almost reflective, philosophical touch. I would love to do the EB. I’ve done the Coast Starlight, another exceptional route. Amtrak needs good press in these times, especially the relaxing alternative to driving or flying. Wondering job!
I live in South Australia, like Dennis Bunnik. And not just international, but state borders were shut during the height of the pandemic. And it forced me to travel within my state to discover beauty in my own backyard. I was surprised by what I saw... And even made videos about it! Love it! Great video, by the way.
Amtrak was amazing on my Destination to Georgia from Texas .They made me feel like family I was terrified first trip without my parent’s highly recommend.
Jeb thanks for making this and so many other videos. You got me through covid lock down and working from home for the last year and five months. I plan on taking a train trip because of you. Keep on making the videos. You are setting use all free even for a awhile.
I took a trip on the Empire Builder 30 years ago. Trust me when I say, six year old me didn’t mind being in coach for what felt like a week. It was seriously one of the coolest trips I’ve ever taken. STILL have fond memories from the trip. Just when I had started to get a bit bored, another family boarded our car and they had a little girl with them. I had gotten tired of playing with my older brother ages before the other family got on the train. I later found out from my mom that the little girl hadn’t really played with any other kids before. We were traveling in the wheelchair accessible car, and this little girl was in a wheelchair, so that might have been part of it. In retrospect, she also had some sort of developmental disability in addition to her physical issues. I didn’t care about her disabilities, I just saw that there was a little girl that looked about my age that I could play with. I missed my sisters and younger brothers so much at that point, that I didn’t really see her disabilities, I just wanted someone to play with.
Sorry about the long post, but your video brought back a flood of memories, including the only time I have ever seen pronghorn antelope.
Thank you for your post!! I loved it. Im trying to go from Chicago to Seattle sometime this year!!
@@camillewright7914 Do it! You will have way more fun than if you fly. I made so many memories on the trip I took, and in the thirty years since I’ve had two major head injuries that have affected most of my other memories from that time. Yet my memories from that trip seem to be safe somehow.
It is cheaper if you don’t take a private room, but less comfortable and you have to pay for food. We were in the handicapped coach car, and it was mostly empty on our trip.
I took this trip as a broke college student. To anyone on coach looking for a half decent night sleep, check out the long benches at the dining car lower deck.
Will they allow us to sleep there? Won't other passengers want to come and dine there?
@@RafaCena41 I kinda snuck there at 1am or something like that.. Just to clarify: it wasn't the dinning car, but the one before it with the glass ceiling, on the lower deck with long sitting areas
Thanks for providing another very good reason not to travel on cheap trains.
These are my favorite kind of v l o g s, believe it or not I have never ridden a train and I'm 64 years old but like any kid but like any kid trains have always fascinated me. I admire Europe in Japan because they concentrated it on the bullet trains and they are thinking about putting a bullet train from Houston to Dallas that would only take 90 minutes. I'm praying that they build this bullet train. Research it and do a vlog on it I would appreciate it. The Texan fan.
Oddly enough, your DC-to-Greensboro Amtrak trip was what introduced me to your channel. Everyone ought to ride in a sleeper car once in life. I remember my trip from DC to Chicago in a roomette; I could feel my blood pressure going down as I looked out the window.
I actually get a lot of R&R when riding a train. Driving long distances tires me out, and flying is a chore especially when you are in the middle seat...
Thanks for the reminder. We made that journey, all the way to Seattle, 16 years ago on our first trip to the US as a couple.
A sleeper is the only way to go for overnight travel on the train. On one of our family trips we awoke one morning to total silence-- the train engine had blown out. Not sure if it was a lightening strike or not, but waiting for the replacement took an extra 8 hrs. Even with that it was still a lovely trip. Your jokes are not dumb-- actually cute. Glad you two had an enjoyable trip. Nice video, thanks for sharing. :)
I did the Empire Builder when she was the pride of the Great Northern Railway back in 1970.
Glad you liked it, done it myself with the Mrs, totally worth every penny and if I'm not in a rush I'll take it every day over a plane.
I think I would love this trip.
I took that same train back in 2011. That first morning I woke up, wondered what time it was, and peeled back the curtain for a second to see the sun, and did an honest to God double take. I had never seen such flatness before.
At 1:15 those stairs was an iconic shot from the movie "the untouchables." Great scene with baby carriage going down the steps and still shooting the bad guy.
I've done Los Angeles to Washington, then shot across this trip (in reverse), then came south from Chicago across the Southwestern states back to L.A. , with a few deboarding layovers in various places, seeing sights, visiting family (Montana and Minnesota) and friends (Arizona). This was way before "Covid-world", was an experience I thoroughly enjoyed and wouldn't trade for the world. Hope Amtrak can continue to provide experiences like mine well into the future!!
Nice video, thanks for sharing your experience, and allowing me to re-live a little bit of mine. 👍
How much was the cost of the trips!? I think the sleeper cars are expensive now. The longest train trip and only trip really was from Beijing to Shanghai back in 2010. Was pretty fun but scary cause it was a shared open sleeping compartment. Thanks for sharing. I looked at a trip from California to Washington. This was a few years ago but couldn't. Would be interesting to go across the nation by train to the other end of the coast.
@@mankybrains when I last checked there are 15, 30, and 45 day rail passes. The 30 day is about $600 (U.S.)
Thank you so much @Jeb Brooks and Creative Director for sharing this amazing and blessed video with all of us! Felt like I was there with you guys! Safe, happy and joyfully blessed travels to all! 🫶🏼🙃🙏🎂🍀💖🍓😇🍶☮️🪶🦀💐🥳🌞👏🥰🛹🪁🤩⚜️🦾
Thank you for making this! Me and some friends are doing this exact route in April. Totally agree with you about how much we miss in this country from flying everywhere. I love the Amtrak trains.
While flying is cheaper than riding in Amtrak sleepers, every night on the train is one less night at a expensive hotel which balances out the prices significantly. Fares vary with Amtrak WHEN you book and WHEN you travel. The sooner you book the better, and traveling NOT during holidays lowers the price. Not to mention get on Amtrak's rewards notifications for the great promotions...
Back in August of 2012, my husband and I took the Empire Builder from Seattle to Milwaukee, this was my very first time on a train and I immediately fell in love with it. From Milwaukee, we took the Hiawatha to Chicago. In Chicago, we boarded the Southwest Chef and rode it all the way to Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, we boarded the Coast Starlight and headed back to Seattle. It was a wonderful trip. You won't go wrong by taking either the Southwest Chef or Coast Starlight, both offer gorgeous views and interesting things to see.
We had the Roomette, it was just right for us. The food was terrific, it was so much fun meeting other travelers and finding out where they were from and where they were going.
I did the same trip - except "backwards" - in July 1985. Also my first train trip. Best way to travel... for sure.
The Coast Starlight, truly one of Amtrak's most stunning routes
Frankly all of the routes have their beauty riding through rural America...
I am thankful for covid for opening our eyes to the little wonders we overlooked for years.
My most epic solo trip. Loaded a bike in a Amtrak bike box. Rode from Chicago to Flagstaff. BIKED from Flagstaff to Phoenix and back over 4 days. Loaded up on the train and went home :)
Welcome to our back yard! Hope you enjoyed your time in Glacier National Park!
I have to say, your monologue going through Mt. brought a couple tears to my eye. Thanks for this trip, I needed it. :)
I love what you said about discovering the US during the pandemic, and being so happy that you made that choice. I have always found traveling in the US an incredibly satisfying experience, and I wish more Americans would value traveling in their own country as much as they seem to value traveling overseas. Thank you for expressing that idea.
I went on this on my train trip! I went from Boston to chicago, Chicago to seattle, Seattle to Los angeles, and drove Los Angeles to San Diego. The empire builder is absolutely spectacular and I recommend it for anyone that wants to get a taste in long-distance rail and wants to see some really cool sights
That Egyptian sheet joke was GOLD.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
The pharaohs would approve
You’ll love Vermont and the Green Mountains. Absolutely beautiful scenery.
Literally watching this and all the sudden the pops up, news of the Empire Builder derail in Montana....RIP to the 3 riders that lost their lives.
This guy is a gem, such a nice and positive person!
Our experience with Amtrak: 6 years ago, my daughter, her fiancé and I left from Texas to travel to Chicago to see my sons boot camp graduation. We had one of the sleeper cars that stretched across the width of the train. The bonus was you got to see out both windows. That was the only bonus. I laughed at your description of your sleep. None of us slept at all. Traveling through the mountains in Arkansas it felt like we were going to derail at any minute. Our car was also behind an engine so it was not quiet. We were joking that it sounded like we were running over wildlife. I’m sure our giggles kept everyone up. We did get to eat the Amtrak steak which was pretty good. The next morning we requested room service and it never showed up so we weren’t happy about that. I’m glad I got to experience it but I don’t think I’ll do it again. Definitely won’t do an overnight trip.
Dam, I've just gotta try this atleast once.
My first train ride was to tuscon Arizona from San Antonio tx . I will never fly again. The train ride is amazing you see sights you would never see in a car
It might take longer to get to your destination but its worth it. Dining car is wonderful!
My new favorite form of travel.
That was me btw, standing on the pedestrian overpass at Essex, MT.