Did this in May as the 1st leg of a 7500 mile Amtrak trip, all in coach. Used the $499 Railpass. Here was my itinerary: SURFLINER SAN-FUL. SW Chief FUL-CHI Capital Ltd CHI-HFY (Harper’s Ferry) Capital Ltd HFY-CHI Empire Builder CHI-PDX Coast Starlight PDX-Oxnard Surfliner Oxnard-SAN I had just turned 80 and did it as my 80th birthday present to myself. Why Harper’s Ferry? I have a sister who lives there. Every American should take at least one cross country train trip in their lifetime! Thanks for the video. Brought back great memories.

I traveled from chicago to LA Had a Sleeper car. My train ride originated in NYC. I connected with the Southwest Chief in Chicago.This was an awesome ride. I plan to ride this train again when I retire.

I live in Peoria, IL and my sister lives in Albuquerque . I have taken the Southwest Chief several times to visit her. I have to drive to Galesburg, IL (about a 45 minute drive) to catch the train. I have never gotten a sleeper room but always just got coach. It's not too bad and a lot cheaper that a plane ticket, it just takes almost 24 hours though.

Instead of going non stop on a long distance Amtrak train, stop and spend a day/night at any of the stops on the route. Doesn't matter whether the town is small or if the city is large, there is always something to do if only to spend the day at the local fishing hole... I have been riding the Texas Eagle from LA to Chicago every year and spending a day/night at either one or two different spots each year. Believe it or not spending a day/night in San Antonio or Springfield or Alpine isn't boring. Not only see America riding Amtrak, but also EXPERIENCE America... I am sure with the Southwest Chief doing likewise would be just as wonderful at any stop...

You are a travel warrior! Unlike all of the prissy travel vloggers on KZfaq who are about traveling in the top class just to look awesome, you traveled like how actual people travel and conveyed those very real experiences to us. I have traveled across country in coach (but broke up the trip somewhat), and it is indeed a grueling experience. But it is also a very rewarding one (while being much more economical), and so I hope you enjoyed your well-earned treat at the end of it. I also hope that you celebrated with a deep dish pizza or an Italian Beef sandwich at your destination! Well done!

My daughter and I rode the SW Chief going the other way last year. We also rode coach. I had tripped on a sidewalk in Chicago and was recovering from a concussion - this made me happy to stay in my seat most of the time. We got to LA and did the bus/San Joaquin line back to Emeryville and home.

I've seen a lot of Southwest Chief videos on KZfaq--you are the FIRST to show the inside of Albuquerque's train station and I thank you for it. Just as cool inside as outside!

Earplugs! I always bring several pairs when I take Amtrak, or fly anywhere. Even when I take a bus or light rail in Seattle, where I currently live. Earplugs are sooooo nice. Screaming babies don't bother me anymore. 😅

That second to last stop, Naperville, is the site of a train mishap that is a major cause of the US lacking widespread high speed rail, with many tracks even today being limited to 79 MPH.

One thing I found about surviving and Coach that works really good is bringing a full size bed pillow. Hefty bag stuff it in. I was amazed on the Capitol limited to DC how much it made a difference Comfortable on the shoulder during the daytime and nighttime slept like a baby in coach

This trip reminds me of my camping days. Bring food, water, blanket, and TP. Use grungy facilities, get lousy sleep. Then get home have a long warm shower and get great sleep in my own bed.

Next trip. Travel pillow with a fleece throw blanket, washing wipes (either baby or fresh brand), those little plastic toothbrushes with a scope bead in the middle, and a hat that fits over your face to black out the car. These and beef jerky are my Amtrak coach must haves.

My girlfriend and I rode this train in 2010 after I retired. We started in Washington, DC on the Capitol Limited in coach. On the SWC we had a roomette. We enjoyed the trip especially talking to people in the lounge car.

Excellent video. Made the round trip with family in 1967 on the Super Chief/El Capitan in coach. I clearly remember the Chicago to LA trip, but remember nothing about the LA to Chicago trip. I was only 12, but my love for trains and geography was enhanced for life. Thank you Dad.

The sundial and grandfather clock setting notes were appreciated! My experience has been that most Amtrak conductors and other passenger-facing crew have good humor. Love the train travel!

I’m doing this same trip but in a roomette next June. I’m from the UK and have always wanted to take a long train journey through the American West. I’m particularly looking forward to the day spent in the desert SW, which you captured beautifully.

Great video ! I appreciate your comprehensive and ( very ) honest review of travelling in coach on Amtrak. I understand why you did it, but I still give you A LOT of credit travelling in coach for multiple nights because I doubt I could do it. I took my first trip on Amtrak last month aboard the " Empire Builder", "City of New Orleans" and the "Crescent" in a sleeper car and it was a lot of fun so I'm looking forward to doing it again. Thanks again for another great video- keep 'em coming Jeremy !.

So far, I've only watched sleeper-car Amtrak videos but I've often wondered about your alternative. Wailing babies would drive me nuts and I'm not sure how I could cope with the sleep challenge, being a rather older goddess these days. It might be fun to spread the trip out so one could spend a day or two in certain towns. My inner wanderlust is pumped, ether way. Another great one, Jeremy!

Back in the 30s to the 50s it was the train of the stars. Los Angeles to Chicago and then to New York. It was the ultimate luxury train and all of the Hollywood celebs traveled on it.

This the best documentary on the Chief I have ever watched. Well done! I ride this often between KC and Albuquerque.

After watching so many train/Amtrak videos I bought 3 USA RAIL passes over the last 2 years. I enjoyed many trips all up and down the East Coast,...and was considering being bolder and going out West. However,..after so many delays,..inconsiderate passengers,.....ridiculously inconvenient schedules etc,etc,...I finally said no more. It was a unique adventure,...but,.... I finally threw in the towel. To be fair I only traveled coach,...never a sleeper.

Between Gallup and Albuquerque was my home town of Grants NM!

Even better the second viewing. Thanks for the interesting side notes and thanks for being realistic about the joys of Amtrak. Too many "content creators" seem to have unreasonable expectations. Amtrak is an adventure, not efficient transportation! But the views! And Coach makes it all reasonable, even if one needs a nice hotel room and a view of Lake Michigan at the end of the line.

Really appreciated your trip in Coach. Used to do it in my college days. Loved it. Now, I think I'll drive!

Traveled this route in coach many times with the kids. It’s worth it to eat in the dining car once, the steak is great. Bring a dorm kettle and some hot chocolate, tea, oatmeal packets, etc. to use on the view car, there are outlets at the tables. Baby pool inflatables can help make the seats more comfortable. We had a suitcase dedicated to pillows & blankets. Thanks for the nostalgia.

I've done the Southwest Chief a few times but never in coach. I make it a habit to not ride in coach if I can avoid it, and afford not to. It's just so unpleasant. Although in 2023 I was forced to ride in coach on the Capital Ltd when the SW Chief was late getting into Chicago. I missed my connection, and the only thing available was a crowded coach seat back to DC, or abandon Amtrak altogether taking Greyhound. I've forgiven Amtrak for the downgrade, and denying me the cash refund for the difference, but I've moved on. But, no coach ever if I can avoid it. Oh, by the way, I believe coach passengers are now able to use the dinner if they can afford the high prices. I enjoyed your honesty and travelogue, it was refreshing....I'll check with you again. Stay Well. Traveling as a diabetic can be challenging.

I went to college in Albuquerque. I'm very grateful for my college experience, which made all the difference. This video makes me want to make a return visit! The Indian blankets do not look very authentic, however. The original blankets featured abstract geometric designs. All of you might be interested in the diverse Native American communities. Think of over 10 distinct languages, not Spanish and not English, with distinct customs to go with them. New Mexico is a fascinating place.

TID - NIce video. Thanks for taking time to produce. I will be taking the same route in early July. The only change is I may opt for the roomette because in April I did the CA Zephyr from Emeryville to Denver and it was worth every penny. Happy travels.

I'm a fairly regular AMTRAK, long distance traveler. A couple of tips for riding Coach... First, "noise cancelling" head-phones or earbuds are a BIG plus. Second, take advantage of the "Smoke Stops" to get off the train whenever possible; you'll go stir crazy if you don't. Third, BRING FOOD AND DRINKS. AMTRAK let's you carry on some food which is super helpful when the Cafe is closed...and cheaper too. But DON'T bring anything that is messy or smells too strong. (I literally saw someone bring on a hot-plate, plug it in, and cook oatmeal... NOT KIDDING.) Fourth, bring a pillow and blanket. You are sitting in a refurbished Superliner...those new seats are much nicer than the old ones!

Enjoyed this video a lot, and Im not even a train person. I found it strangely interesting to hear the sometimes quirky announcements. Your video style is engaging--thanks for not being over-hyped.

Slept in Coach on the Cardinal from Philly -> Chicago and was pleasantly surprised just how comfortable and chill it was. I prepped with noise-cancelling headphones / earplugs and 2 books and I managed to get a solid 6 hours of sleep in the seat with the blanket and pillow I brought. Amtrak's long distance coach seats are pretty damn comfortable with the huge recline and the flip up part underneath

I ride the SWC most often of all the long distance trains, so it was odd to see it so empty. Made me realize I usually ride in the winter when the Amish are using it for transportation. - Thanks for the coach review. Prices are going to put me there more often. Just got to remember my sound cancelling headphones.

Rode Coach once from Wisconsin to California New Years Day. I was near where the door was and everytime someone came in or out the COLD WIND would blow in. 😮

What a great video! So nice to see the way a real person would travel. A roomette is like 1000 and your ticket was 150.

Thank you for showing the realness of coachclass.. It’s always about the experience. The important thing is to enjoy the journey..

My first AMTRAK trip (Missoula, Montana to New York City) in 1974: I wore glasses, which presented no problems for sleeping. Just took the glasses off. By 2019, when I used AMTRAK from New York to Chicago (round trip), I was using hard contact lenses. I suggest using the restrooms to remove or put in contact lenses be done at station stops. A bouncing train car is not what you'd want with delicate lenses on your fingers. I even dropped one (eventually wound up on a towel or something I was using, thank goodness). The inserting or removing of contact lenses in moving train cars I strenuously discourage.

Thanks for you video!! I'll be travelling by coach in a couple days from Newton, KS to Galesburg, IL so I can get on the California Zephyr to get back home in Grand Junction, CO. This is my first time on a train and want to be as prepared as I can.

fun.... Funner with a room i'm guessing. Food included, good shower, more privacy. Have done the california zephyr and loved it.... Besides delays. We'll try this. Train as well as the Empire builder in the next few years.

When I was in the Air Force back in the 60's I made several trips from Mt Home Idaho to Chicago on the train and I also made trips from Oakland CA to Chicago I enjoyed it every time. I live in AZ now, I watch Web cams from Gallop. Winslow, Flag Staff, Kingman, Needles, and Barsto, I note the times and follow the train across the state.

I had a coach seat on a train across the country when I was in my twenties. I rode the Zephyr from California to Chucago, and stayed with relatives. I then rode the train to Florida and stayed with relatives there. I rode the train back to Chicago, then back to California. I had an invitation to ride the train back to Chicago and meet nine more cousins the next summer, but I never went back. It was exhausting, and I was tired of the rocking up and back. I was thrilled to get back home. I rode coach because that’s how I was raised... it was all about not wasting money. My grandmother rode the Zephyr from Chicago once a year every year to visit us, and she always rode coach and ate sandwiches.

Loved watching this…it is one of my two favorite routes with the other being the Empire Builder. When I’m on either one of those, I always think ‘This is my favorite’… 🤷🏻‍♀️ I know most people claim the Coast Starlight, gorgeous, or the California Zephyr but I love the SWC. I feel different when I’m in New Mexico, a special place.

Traveling with you was fun. Coach is in my budget. It is comfortable and clean. Prepare ahead for personal cleaning up (baby-wipes). It is so relaxing to just watch the scenery. Some people might think it is boring, but I love it. I'm glad to know that I can still eat in the dining car, but I'll have to pay for it (no biggie). As a child living near the RR tracks, I thought it would be the heights of luxury to eat in the dining car -- and as an adult, I'm not disappointed. I'm now 79, and I hope to take a few more cross-country trips on a train.

Twenty years ago I traveled about the same amount of time from WA to San Diego on coach. I enjoyed it and liked talking to all the different people. Until I splurged and got a roomette! Wow! What a different experience. I did learn, however, to plan carefully for traveling in coach. Bring a light blanket. It will get cold. Plan your food before you go. Bring healthier fare in a small cooler if you can. I like small containers of fruit and prunes are always a good idea. The more you prepare the better the journey. Amtrak's on time has greatly improved over the last few years I found. Even on the longer trips. I love Amtrak and wish we could dig ourselves out of the third world mentality that governs this service. But I look forward to more train trips.

Greetings from England. This brought back distant memories for me as I travelled Westbound on this service back in 1992. I found the seat comfortable and slept fairly well. The blanket and pillow provided were welcome. Actually arrived in Los Angeles early. I only had a few hours between the Lake Shore Limited from New York and catching the Chief. Thank you for really interesting video 😊

I love this. The production values, the calm delivery, the unhurried pace, it all made for a really enjoyable watch.

I live in Yorba Linda California which is just east of Fullerton. On my first Southwest Chief trip I booked from LA to Chicago not realizing that Fullerton was the first stop and I could’ve started my trip there. Now I start and end at Fullerton and avoid the congestion of LA and its Union Station.

I rode Amtrak when it was full and while socially the full train made the trip exciting, at the same time, it caused some problems.

Your video reminds me of the days of the fabulous Santa Fe Super Chief before Amtrak was created. I did ride with my parents on the Santa Fe Super Chief from Los Angeles to Chicago and on to New York City back in 1964, 1965 and 1967. It was luxury all the way. And yes, it was an all sleeper train with different size bedrooms to choose from. Master bedroom, family bedroom or single sleeper. The Super Chief had a fabulous dining car, a tea room and a fabulous lounge with a bar where you could actually smoke. The Super Chief also had a reserved special party room which you could reserve for parties of five or more for dinner and drinks and where smoking was permitted. There was also a children's/teen playroom with a Santa Fe hostess to oversee. The bathrooms on the Super Chief were magnificent with a mini lounge attached to each bathroom. Shoes were shined and suits pressed upon request. Also the Santa Fe Super Chief at 39 hours between Los Angeles and Chicago was six hours faster than today's Amtrak Southwest Limited. The Santa Fe Super Chief also had thru sleepers from LA to New York and Washington D.C. which meant that in Chicago your sleeper would get attached to a connecting train for NYC or DC. I have thought about riding Amtrak on the Southwest Limited but I know I would be constantly comparing it to the fabulousness of the Super Chief. Back in the 1960's Union Pacific also ran a fabulous all sleeper train between Los Angeles and Chicago but on a different route through Las Vegas NV. I loved the Union Pacific with its bright yellow color scheme and big windows. I believe the Union Pacific train was called "The City of Los Angeles." I rode the Union Pacific in 1970 and that was the last time I ever rode a train. Amtrak was created shortly thereafter and Amtrak immediately butchered the entire national passenger train network.

Saw the guy with three dogs. One is enough can't imagine traveling with 3 dogs.

Just did this trip last Wednesday, chi to la. 3 hours late but still with the trip!! Last day on the train 4am I saw a man get left in Needles, CA

So bring ear plugs a towel and blanket and a real good book

Great trip thanks for letting me tag along... I did the SW Chief 🌵once pre-covid in a roomette, I don't think I'd have enjoyed coach very much if at all 😹 I really did enjoy the trip, the only issue was arrival in Chicago was hours behind and I missed my connection to NYC. So, I had to swing into action and book a hotel on an app, then get a flight out first thing in the a.m. from Midway. I was amazed that I was able to completely change my itinerary without any issues and very little money using award points for both hotel and flight... The next train east (Cardinal) to NYC was late the next day which would have been really inconvenient to say the least. I gotta say that Amtrak pretty much gives you nothing in that situation except a sandwich and a seat in the Metropolitan lounge for a 24 hour wait. Thank goodness I was able to get dinner in town then a good nights sleep and a flight out in the morning. Having to rely on Amtrak for anything would have been a complete and utter disaster 😳 No room, no meal voucher, no nothing. My advise to any travelers would be to always have a plan B, also I'd recommend staying in Chicago to rest up before moving on. Given the chance Amtrak will mess things up every-time. I realize things are sometimes beyond their control so no hard feelings... I'm planning on a trip to celebrate my retirement from the crappy ole job in May of '24. I'll probably spring for the full size bedroom on the Empire Builder and a stay at the Buckingham Hotel 👊🏻 before flying home to RI. My dreams of going all the way across country might be on hold indefinitely 🧐

I really enjoyed traveling by coach on the southwest chief I did it back in May 2022. From Los Angeles to Kansas City, I got off in KC for two nights then I re-boarded and finished the ride up to Chicago. It was a great time

I just bought a coach ticket and Im going to travel this route! Thank you so much for giving an honest and realistic insight! :)

I really enjoyed your video. Nicely done. I do find it ironic that the smoke break and fresh air stop are announced together each time. 😅

Great content! Thank you.

Thank You for the great video!

Enjoyed the ride along.

Thank you for sharing and showing the conditions of the train. My husband and I will do by coach or business class back to a trip opposite way. Now, I am sure it is a good idea. Just bringing blanket and neck pillow. Also, some snacks.

I like this, because almost every other video I see are people who get the over the top Bedroom. It's nice to see what people in coach go through on these long trips.

Thanks for sharing the coach experience. I did coach from Chicago to Seattle MANY years ago, and I remember being a zombie for a couple days later. The nice hotel room you got is well deserved.

Love you! It's the end. Makes it golden🎉

Yeah economy class. You da man! I finally learned something i can use.

Good presentation of your train trip.Thanks for sharing

I love your videos. I love the southwest Cheif I love love Amtrak. My grandparents take me and my cousins on a train trip every Christmas and we get on in Garden city Ks and go somewhere. I am glad that you did it and enjoyed it. Hope to find another Amtrak video in the future from you.

Thank you for doing this. I was very curious about this particular trip since i am planning a trip. I appreciate it.

Great Video. The southwest chief is one great train.

I've only done this trip by sleeper room, and I've always wondered if the coach seat was tolerable since it's so cheap. Thanks for the video!

Loving the daily newsletter.❤❤❤

Excellent video!! I used to take the El Capitan & Super Chief with my folks during the '50's. As a kid, the excitement of train travel was awesome coach or sleeper class. During the '80's, I've taken my nephew on a cross country trip in an Amtrak Heritage sleeper car bedroom from L.A. to NY & he loved it!! Amtrak once had a transcontinental sleeper cars between L.A. & NY where passengers had their assigned rooms the entire trip. 8 years ago he took his wife & son on the same route in coach & he hated it although his 8 y/o son loved it. Sharing a space & sleeping upright for 40+ hours can be a challenge for many. During the '50's, my parents would pack non-perishable food to take on trips & would splurge & eat in dining cars for 1 meal. There used to be men who'd place 5lb. blocks of ice in drinking water dispensers of each car & there was always ice water. I'm not sure if they clean out the water lines in Amtrak cars, so I'd always bring bottled water with me or grab some stored by the sleeper car attendant. I believe meals are now offered to coach passengers at a flat rate- $20.00 for breakfast, $25.00 for lunch, & $45.00 for dinner.

Great video ty

I am riding the Southwest Chief the end of this month. First train ride. Chgo to CA. Thank you for this.

I rode coach from Flagstaff to Chicago in 2015, then back a week later. It was a good experience, I slept well. Saw a lot of the Country.

Im thinking of this same ride only from east to west. Thanks for the great information and scenery!

wow did this tirp in 1992 summer rode in coach also, very nice video brought back memories

2:26 nice shot of LA county jail, surprised you didn't mention cajon pass, one of the most important pieces of rail infrastructure in usa

What a great video! I enjoyed going on your trip with you very much.

By 34:42 I was completely sold on a Roomette. Cost much more, but worth it. No crowded seats, crying kids, barking dogs, and a guaranteed place to sleep.

This video was very well done. Thank you the information.

PS enjoyed this immensely, thank you!

I haven't managed to catch the SW Chief or the Calif Zephyr yet. I have done The Empire Builder Sea to Chicago and the Sunset Limited LA to Palatka FL [before Hurricane Katrina stopped that by tearing up the tracks along the Gulf]. Mine will always be a sleeper accommodation due to age and back problems. Someday I hope to achieve this quest. Thanks for the coach seat perspective.

Another cool video. I loved your reward at the end. 👍 Looking forward to more travels with you. 😊

My wife and I ride the train between Lajunta Colorado and San Diego Ca, and sometimes Kingman AZ

I love the music you chose for this video.

Thanks for sharing your video, it was lovely to see small town America. Love the incidental fiddle music too. I live in the far north of the UK. Looking forward to your next journey, thanks.

I really like your attitude

Great music.

This is the first video of yours I have watched and I enjoyed it very much! Just got back from an overnight in coach from upstate NY to Savannah. Also chose to bring on my food. I packed plastic ware and napkins and next time will add some wet wipes 🙂

Watched this video before I took Southwest Chief from LA to ABQ! It’s the same cafe car attendant I recognized his voice who sounds exactly like my uncle 😂 later I realized you stayed at the same hotel that we stayed last year before taking the zephyr! 😝🫡great video! Thank you!

Glad you enjoyed the trip. Can’t help but think of how different it may have been had more of the seats been full, though.

I also did this trip in December 2022 but I went all the way to Miami and back, people thought I was nuts!

Fascinating! Though it's alarming that there's no drinking water. I'll be taking my train trip (since childhood) next month.

I rode it from Flagstaff to KC and back in 2010. It was awesome! How is it not an award to ride that train for two days?

Great review! I have traveled the SW Chief between L.A. and Chicago many times, but always in a Roomette. I am thinking about doing it again in the Spring of 2024, but this time I will probably go on coach since it is much cheaper, I will only be going as far as Kansas City, and I will be alone this time like you were. Based on your video, I think I can survive that trip just fine.

Loved your video. The music and the volume was perfect. I did one night in coach on Canada's Via Rail last Nov. from Vancouver to Edmonton. I'm 76 and like you I did not get much sleep. Unfortunately, the food in the cafe was deadful. I was planning to do it again in Economy this month but was going to bring all my own food with me this time. Fortunately, they had a 40% off sale last month so I upgraded to a sleeper. I leave in 10 days, but plan on doing the trip every year so might be back in coach next year.

Excellent Presentation. Hearty Greetings from Hyderabad, India 🇮🇳

I found the scene at the Albuquerque platform with only a handful of vendors kinda sad. The first time I was there, there was an open lot next to the station which was filled with crafters, both native and non-native. Sometime after that, the owner of the lot decided to turn it into parking spaces and kicked all the crafters out. It seems each time I see it or a video of it there are a couple fewer of them.

Love your style of videos.

well done video . ive only taken one train in america from nyc to connecticut but ive taken the trains in canada many times......jimmy sounds like the perfect cafe worker.... the train looked a little sad but i loved seeing the american landscape

The triangle shaped building in Chicago at the end of your video is the country Jail.