Hello!
 

Hi there,

I have a train obsessed son!! All trains, but his very favourites are The Flying Scotsman and Pendolinos (with deltics coming in 3rd!)

Last year, we completed Lands End to John O'Groats by train (well, trains from Penzance to Thurso!) and this year we are planning to travel across America by train.

I'd love to chat to people who have experience of trains in the US, or who have ever considered the trip. I will be travelling with my son (who will be just over 5 when we go) and also my daughter who will be nearly 4.

Any advice or tips would be much appreciated.

Karen

Welcome to the Forum Karen.

It is a very long way accross the States, I did it by coach last summer. I did consider the train but it didn't go were I wanted it too!

Given the ages of your son and daughter, might I suggest The Rocky Mountaineer, a two day trip through the Rockies with plenty to see.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Welcome from me too Karen. Hope you enjoy our company on here.
Never been state-side so could offer no opinions other than a family friend of mine did the Canadian trip and enjoyed it. The only down side was the constant change of hotels along the way!
Anyway good luck and hope you enjoy your trip
All the best
Phil

Thankyou! I will check out the Rocky Mountaineer! We are actually planning (from SF) to go up to Vancouver and then back over Canada to Toronto, but I think that will be a 'stay on the train' journey.

My son will love that.

My son's catchphrase (he has something called HFA - High functioning autism) could be 'let's keep going'. He adores being on the move.

We did Lands End to John o'Groats last year so I have some idea of what to expect, but the constant movement will work well with my son.

I'm really happy to hear any advice anyone has.

thanks, Karen

Hello Karen and welcome to the forum, good luck with your family trip, enjoy and all the best.

Hello Karen and welcome to the Railway Forum. Sorry I've not been to the US so can't help with that.

And a warm welcome from me too, dear Karen.

Hello Karen, please would you let us know how your trip across the USA by train went or keep in touch as you travel.

Hi Karen

I did Chicago to Los Angeles a few years ago. Went first class but I am afraid not equal to our first class. Had a private cabin which was pretty small. Had loo and shower but you had to sit on the loo and pull a chain to get a shower. Good experience. I would think things are better now. I have an American friend who is a driver for Amtrak. He drives up the west coast from Portland (Oregon) to Seattle. Train is called the "Cascades". He says its a good run.

If you do go across Americs and go through Las V egas drop off for a couple of nights. Quite extraordinary place and well worth a visit but not for a holiday.

Hope you have a nice ti me if you go.

Tony