It's an absolute shame that Amtrak and passenger train infrastructure is underfunded. there is so much potential in America to have a robust rail network.

My only criticism on this video is that you never showed the business class seat, legroom, amenities or anything. Maybe next time.

"If you are not worried to be anywhere on time, Amtrak is fantastic" - this is just precious !

The 200 mile route between Klamath Falls and Eugene, Oregon takes you through 21 tunnels, all built in the 1920’s and 30’s. The views of the Cascades cannot be beat along this route.

Never taken a train overnight, but have taken Amtrak from Eugene, Oregon to Seattle, WA a number of times. I always booked BUSINESS CLASS because I wanted the comfort and it came with a meal (this was a few years back). While coach was packed with families/screaming kids/whatnot, Business Class was maybe two or three people besides myself in the entire car. Then of course, you had leather seats, and nothing but deafening silence. While my trips were relatively short and local, the experience of going by train is incomparable. You get the incredible views, you get reasonably decent food (better than airplane food), and best of all you get to meet new people. With train travel, it's not just about getting from point A to point B. It's about the journey. There is something so sentimental (even romantic?) about traveling by train - even doing it solo. Both cruising and traveling by train are very similar, and my absolute FAVORITE ways to travel.

Mike, you are a real Canadian. Always in good mood, never complaining about anything :) You look at life only positively, and most likely you are not familiar with the word “stress”. Keep living this way, man! God bless!

Yes! More of this! America needs more trains and more people riding trains.

I’m Australian and have travelled with Amtrak twice on both our visits to the USA. We did this trip but the reverse. I think Amtrak is a great way to travel. The trains can run hours late sometimes but our cabins were clean and comfortable and the staff are always friendly. The only thing I would like an improvement on is the food. We found it extremely salty and sugary but it’s only a few meals.

I used the Coast Starlight a number of times when I lived in Santa Barbara. My parents were in Sacramento and my sister in Seattle. I had purchased a cheap seat for a Seattle trip and while on board I discovered I could pay the porter a bit extra and get a sleeper for the night. Since meals are included with sleeper, the price is based on the number of meals. I included breakfast, so I had a really nice sleep and food in the morning, then switched back to coach. It was something like an extra $50. Well worth it.

I rode the Coast Starlight a few years ago from Los Angeles to Seattle, and it was the best travel experience I ever had! I Had a full room with its own shower/bathroom. The bed was about queen size which really filled the room when opened and all the meals (and drinks) were included with a first class ticket! Slept well and the staff were all very accommodating. With the room you also get in room meals and cocktails if you prefer, Each sleeper car has an individual attendant. The Parlor Car which had a decent buffet all day, was nice to visit between meals, a wine tasting one night and a visit to the Cinema Car (if available) movie showings fill up fast, were more than fun!. The meals were better than you would think with entrees featuring fresh ingredients picked up in towns along the route. Frankly three full meals a day plus beverages got to be overwhelming after a bit so I skipped some meals and had small snacks in my room as the gorgeous scenery went by. There were delays along the route, I learned the freight carriers have the "right of way" over passenger trains, so what's to be done? Taking Amtrak for travel is about the ride (not getting there in a hurry stuffed into a tiny uncomfortable seat). Even coach seats are way better (much more leg room) pitch? then any airline I've ever been on, but having a private bed, bathroom and shower makes it a really great experience.

The reason for the track delays is that Amtrak doesn’t own the actual track. The freight train companies like Union Pacific own the track, so freight travel has the right of way.

we just took this exact train ride from emeryville to seattle and back this week and i was very happy with the ride. unlike you, we took the coach and was fortunate to be seated at the last row at the end of the train so we had a ginormous amount of space for us. plus, we can stand up and move about freely without disturbing anybody and we have views on both sides of the train plus the view to end via the window on the door. from what i have read, business class seats and coach seats are almost the same except that in business, the arrangement is 2 to 1 while in coach it is 2 and 2. plus business class have the dining option. the train ride was a bit long but it was worth it. i was also surprised that there were many other who took the train from emeryville going to either portland or seattle, instead of taking the plane. my thoughts. while i enjoy the super spacious seats, it was not friendly to those people who are vertically not gifted. the foot rest was quite hard to reach and one had to really slide down forward to be able to put their foot. i was not really able to sleep well during the ride because of this plus, unlike planes where it is smooth, trains, as you said, tend to sway side to side and it was a bit noisy. what i could probably have done was put my carry on suitcase and put it in front of me and use it as a foot rest. another thing that i love about the train ride is that you can bring your food if you want to. you can fill a carry on suitcase with all the food and drink you want. i was telling my uncle, if this was a high speed rail, it would have been much much better, compared to a plane ride. with flights nowadays getting longer and longer, airports getting more crowded and delays happening more often, a high speed train will really help a lot.

I did the sleeper Seattle to LA in a roomette. It was as fantastic! Brilliant scenery and a great experience.

I've ridden this train, but in a sleeper car. One of my favorite all time trips.

The section between Klamath Falls and Seattle is especially scenic in summertime, with the longer hours of daylight. It is like a continuous highlight film the whole way!

The views from a train are spectacular no matter what part of the country you’re traveling in.

Took the Coast Starlight , from Tacoma Wa, to Los Angeles, California back in '93. It was so amazing, I didn't take my vacation, I rested for one day, came right bff ago and got my 10 year old daughter, so she can ride it back with me, to experience the migration of whales I saw in Monterey bay. Also, at that time, a 1,000 year old tree in Oxnard, wild baby piglets, snowy mountain rivers, etc. WE HAD ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE TIME OF OUR ADVENTURES ON AMTRAK. THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEO🤜🤛

I've taken every Amtrak long distance route except the Sunset Limited. So I am pretty familiar with the offerings. Your trip report was spot on. Very nice job! For scenery it's widely held in the rail fan community that the California Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco) is the most scenic. Going west out of Denver through the Rockies and West out of Reno through the Donner pass of the Sierra Nevada range is breathtaking. But the Coast Starlight from sun up in Oregon to Portland is also quite beautiful. I consider that part to be the third most scenic route behind the California Zephyr and Empire Builder. For a special treat take the Vermonter from Burlington to NYC during peak foliage in the fall. Glad you enjoyed it.

About 20 years ago I took this train from los angeles to Seattle..I had a sleeper bunk..so had my own cabin...one of the funniest things I've ever done..met people from all over the world

I'm from the east coast and use the train for nearby cities. no traffic !!! Esp to NYC Boston etc and during holidays. Love it. Always worth first class with extra legroom, personal conductor, free beverage, and that car is QUIET. LOVE IT.

I’ve been on an Amtrak once. From NC to NYC. I enjoyed it. My wife .. not so much. It was more expensive than flights but I wanted the experience. I LOVED IT!

When choosing to take Amtrak you have to remember that sometimes the best part of a trip isn't your destination it's about the journey to get there!!

Did the sleeper car w/my hubby from Los Angeles to Seattle on the same train. It was beautiful and the people were amazing , but I’m glad we flew home first class.❤️

I was hoping I could see more of how the Business Class seats in Amtrak look like, hope you can show more of them in future videos!

As a major Canadian railway said a few years ago, It's not as much about the destination, as it is the journey.

I am 67 years old. I "accidentally" discovered Amtrak when I was 28 years old, and was totally impressed, and I have always taken Amtrak when I don't wish to drive my car somewhere. I have done both coach class and sleeper car/first class, and have liked both modes depending on length of trip. Food in both the dining car and the lounge car is very good. I have met lots of nice people on the train. It is very relaxing, and it is very easy to be "in the now" when traveling by rail....unfortunately it is funded by the federal government, and a lot of short-minded politicians are always trying to get rid of it or down-size it. The funding Amtrak gets is a drop in the bucket when compared to the total federal budget. We need a balanced transportation infrastructure in this country, not all highways and airports

I hate to fly, so I was thinking of taking the train from Maryland to Nevada to see my cousin. You have convinced me to take the train trip!!! Thank you!!!

Anything over 12 hours, go sleeper.

Great work Michael. Flying absolutely sucks anymore, Amtrak is awesome. I recently traveled from Vancouver Washington to Spokane, the Columbia gorge is incredible, only $58. I've also traveled from indianapolis to Spokane and when I was a kid many times from Salem Oregon to Glendale California. Flying is hectic, traffic, scanned, cramped, stuffy, and you never really see America. To truly see America you need to get down at ground level. Amtrak, I highly recommend it.

Love it!!! Absolutely love it. I did a 17 hour train ride from New York to Atlanta a few years back. I barely slept cause I was watching the changes in States, towns, and cities. Just wonderful. Oh I would absolutely take this ride.

It's an adventure everyone should do at least once in their lives.

Seems to be an adventure of scenery and getting to know other people, and who wouldn't enjoy that! Your video showed less of the accommodations yet a very nice experience!

I'm a Canadian and I have traveled on Amtrak for nearly 40 years and it's the only way to see the "USA" !!! Do it now while you can before the politicians take it away from us:(:(:(

I love train travel. I used to take the Sanford Florida to Lorton Virginia car train . Get on in Florida with my car, have dinner, a movie , and breakfast on the train all the while traveling overnight. Then the following morning get off the train in Lorton Virginia with your car and you’re good to go. The seating great I always travelled solo but never had accommodation issue. The trip you just took is now on my list. 🤓

I've ridden the Coastal Starlight from Klamath falls Oregon to L.A. and back twice(once in business class & once in a sleeper cabin). It is a beautiful ride. Business class had a roomier seat, wifi, bottled water(one trip I got giant monster cookies) and a meal voucher. Im a nervous flier anyway so the train has become my favorite way to travel.

I road the train from Portland to San Francisco when I was 15. About 1990. It was awesome. The days before cell phones. hung out in the smoking car most of the trip playing spades and learned to play rummy. Met and socialized the whole trip. I recommend everyone should have at least one train trip under their belt.

Absolutely love Amtrak. People think I am nuts because I take the train wherever I go. I do not fly so I love Amtrak.

Absolutely love taking the Amtrak! I would take it often from Chicago to Detroit and back. I also hate being crammed into airplanes. I wish there were more funding for a high speed railway system.

I am a train guy, and I would love to actually would prefer to take trains anywhere in the country. It's a shame that the trains are not easily accessible and tickets prices are a bit on the higher side. I just found your channel a couple of days ago and I am binge-watching your train videos. One of your videos gave me an idea to plan and celebrate my 10-year anniversary, so thank you :)

just when i thought i had watched every last downie video i find this! My favorite kind of downie video too, riding the rails across America!

Wow awesome, dude! Nice to watch someone with a decent attitude and an open mind, trying something new.

I remember meeting the sweetest elderly lady on Amtrak. Trying to set me up with her grandson. Lol bless her little heart. I wonder where she is now...

I did the same trip from San Luis Obispo to Portland. It was a JOURNEY but it was the best trip of my life.

Michael, You and Your reviews are unbiased, brutaLLy Honest and Entertaining!!!! In short, perfect example of Edutainment' Sending You Loads and Loads of Support & RESPECT from India. You're my favourite person ever!!!!

If you're young and flexible, a seat might be fine. For the rest of us, sleeping horizontally is a must - and that's the trouble with Amtrak - the rooms are insanely expensive. I just priced a trip last night - the coach seat was $130, a business seat was $198, and a roomette was $510! If I'm gonna spend that sort of money for a one-way ticket, I might as well fly first class!

I love taking the train anywhere. I pay for the cabin. Laying down in that berth and the rocking of the train lulls you right to sleep. The food is great.

My most productive hours I've ever had was on a train. To me its not just a mode of transport its an office.

I took that train on my first trip to the US when I was 17. Best memories. Thank you!

I love travel by train. makes airline travel feel like a cattle call into a sardine can. i've taken the Coast Starlight to Seattle. Go in the wintertime and see the snowcovered Cascades, and all those tunnels, so many tunnels. Mount Shasta in the morning. it's a great ride. Really angers me that this country has such limited train service routes. When i look at Europe and Asia, America's service and infrastructure is rather shameful. And why isn't that, well, go ask the oil boys and the airline industry.

The train is my favorite way to travel! Just wish it had more destinations.

There seems to be something romantic about a train ride. Maybe it’s all the things you get to see out the window that you would not normal see on a car ride. The red wood forest sounds amazing to wake up to.

I also loved your winter trip from Chicago to Seattle ☔ with all the Snow ❄ footage! And your friend. I'm proud of you traveling in the winter!

this looks so comfy an relaxed. if i ever travel to US, i will take such an amtrak-ride. Thank you for this impressions from germany.

We had our first train trip by Amtrak St Paul to Washington DC back in June 2018 and we loved it. Our first part of the trip was from St Paul to Chicago and we were in coach, plenty of leg room it was very peaceful and we really enjoy it. The second leg of the trip from Chicago to Washington we had a roomette, it was very cozy and we love the privacy. It allowed us to enjoy the sights in a more cozy setting. We are planning on doing another trip one day and are looking forward to during it by rail. If you have never done it do so we think you will love it.

Yes I would love to see you travel in a sleeper car! I have fond memories of my childhood in the 50s traveling in sleeper cars watching the lights go by and listening to the Thump Thump thump of the wheels

In 1979, I rode Greyhound from Charlottesville South Carolina to San Francisco. Five days, down to my last dollar, memorable trip. Shed tears when parting company with my Philippino seat-mate for most of the journey. Public transit is a social event.

I love traveling by Amtrak. I do whenever I possibly can. I so very much prefer it to air travel.

Nice job and it looks like a Fun Ride. I can’t believe how many folks have not been on an Amtrak Train. 🚂 ALL Aboard! 👍

The Coast Starlight is my favorite! Back in the older days in case you didn’t know, they used to have another lounge car on many of their trains that was called” the pacific Parlour car which they discontinued in early 2018 because those cars were older than most of Amtrak’s other equipment. When they had that, it was used for sleeping car passengers where they did wine tasting etc, light meals were served in there during lunch and dinner, and a small movie theatre on the low level! Wish they would bring that back as it was such a great addition for the sleeping car passengers!

Thank you for another lovely video, lots of scenery in your videos. Great! 2nd video watching!

I opt for Amtrak trains when traveling solo since driving means I don't get to enjoy the views. On some routes there are National Park Service volunteers in the observation car with information about what are seeing. These volunteers have books on birds, rock formations and trees which are quite informative. I do miss the Parlor Car and afternoon wine tasting.

Compared to other developed countries, the Us is in the Stone Age for trains.

I spent the summer travelling around in USA like this and I really enjoyed it! Now I'm back in my country again but I really miss this to see USA like this!!

Love your music. thanks for making a fun video. thanks for your enthusiasm and encouragement and positive ourlook.

There were a lot of stops on that route. There's a great California coastal trip from Oakland to Los Angeles. You leave Oakland at 5:30 am and arrive at the Los Angeles Union Station at 5:30 in the evening. There are beautiful day time views of the California coast and mountains. 🌞🌊🌊🏄‍♂️

Although I am on the Eastern seaboard. I love Amtrack. I love the rooms they are super cool. I have taken the business class. Very very comfortable.

I took Amtrak from St. Louis to Boston when I was 20 and had a fantastic trip. I loved the atmosphere, the people I met, the scenery and avoiding the hustle and bustle of the airport. I travel by train whenever possible. I've found the leg room even in coach is quite nice the seats are comfortable and it's great being able to get up and walk around the train when you need to stretch! Thanks for sharing these fun adventures with us!

It’s great to give advice about traveling alone. It’s great

I road AMTRACK from Florida to Kansas city mo. I lived it, met come nice people and loved exploring the train (where I could of course). The terminals at Chicago and Washington DC were huge and amazing with lots of shops and places to eat and drink

I would definitely travel by train after seeing this video. The food looked yummy & I loved the seats that turned toward the windows for viewing.

I love taking the train! I've ridden the Coastal Starlight, California Zephyr, and the Sunset Limited

Another video where I am well over a year behind. I'm glad you enjoyed the Coast Starlight. While I live on the East Coast I do have family on the West Coast, and I have traveled this train three times, twice from L.A. to Seattle and once from L.A. to Portland. The scenery was always worth it. And yes the Klamath Falls stretch break is awesome.

In the early 90s I took the train from Denver to LA granted it was coach but it was absolutely wonderful

You need to talk about the ticket price. Also show the seat and leg rooms in your video. Thanks.

I’ve taken several train trips. Growing up my dad worked for Santa Fe we took the Southwest Chef round trip from Chicago to LA union station several times. Had sleepers, Amtrak is still a great way to travel and see our great country.

Yes, the train is a fun experience and people should try it at least once. Many, many years ago ,😊, my parents regularly took us on the train from Gulfport, Ms to New Orleans, LA. For shopping, family day adventure and for Mardi Gras. But by the time we were out of school the route had been closed. I've recently returned to the coast to retire and have found the route is open again for passenger train. Yay! The train station opens out to the French Quarter!! 🤩

Fun Fact: The US Government spends almost twice as much to subsidize air service on money-losing air routes that carry far less people than Amtrak.

5 Lines USA Needs. East Coast Line ( Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, DC, Richmond, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa) West Coast (San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland,Seattle) Southern(Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Phoenix, San Diego. Other Lines (Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles) Virgin Trains USA Midwest (Minneapolis,Des Moines,Kansas City, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Houston) Eastern Midwest (Chicago, Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Daytona Beach)

I think it’s the best way to travel if you’re not in a hurry to be somewhere. It’s by far more environmentally friendly than flying too. I am a locomotive engineer for the largest US Railroad, so I may be a little biased. All of the Amtrak people I’ve interacted with have been very polite and friendly too. By far my favorite way to deadhead anywhere too.

Awesome video. Great idea regarding being able to work on the road verses at an airport. Totally agree...it will be my next travel adventure...Godspeed.

Last year I took a high speed train from Madrid to Malaga, Spain. We hit speeds of 295 kph (183 mph). 2 1/2 hours. Smooth ride. If the US had this I would take the train over flying for trips under 500 miles.

That is an amazing ride. I took that with my wife in my three-year-old son. I would love to do that in the fall in the winter and spring.

That being said, I would still love to take the Amtrak across the country. America's natural beauty is truly amazing.

Another great video. The WIRTH hat is AWESOME! Great cause. Keep up the good work.

I love riding on Amtrak I've done since I was a kid with my parents and now with my kids, they should try to upgrade some things a attract more people.

I’ve ALWAYS wanted to travel by train. Fantastic video!

Thank you Michael, that was my first time on Amtrack because of your tour. You did a great job as a tour guide. That said, I can fly alone from home to Las Vegas, which would take approximately four hours, but I could never travel alone for longer than that. I just don't know how you do, but I'm glad you can for our benefit. 😉

I taken the train many times. Last few years from Portland Oregon to Seattle. I have gone from Portland down to California in the past long ways but I loved it

I didn't know there was a business class car. I've taken the Coast Starlight many many time but always from LA to Seattle. I take the Empire Builder all the time from Seattle to Michigan now, to see family. But my favorite is the California Zepher. You'd see things you can't see from a plane or car. Try it..

bro you never actually showed the seat.... lol

I rode Amtrak for five days and by the end of the journey, I was done. I'm not one of those who sleeps on planes or trains, so I was completely whacked by the time I rode from SF to Clemson, SC. The other thing is that the menu doesn't change at all so by the time day three arrived, I'd sampled just about everything they had. A good video that shows what it's like.

Thank you for making this video. Very informative and helpful for planning a trip.

I live in Western Australia 14 hours drive from the closest train so that looks great to me. Thanks DownieLIve

I love the train! I routinely take it from STL to Chicago. Granted it is only 4 hours but, it is the best way to travel. Just like you said, it is really relaxing!

It looks really a fantastic experience. A great option to know the USA. Thanks a lot!

On East Coast trains - in business - free soft drinks, cleaner bathrooms, and a dedicated attendant.

I love AMTRAK 😁 I just love doing the west coast routes

i loved this video....makes train travel look really fun!

Watching is so enjoyable. I totally get that you enjoy the train life. Your detailed train tours are the best. Makes me want to go on an Amtrak adventure soon.

I wouldn’t mind taking the train, I’m glad I caught your channel.