Amtrak California Zephyr from Chicago to California
First-Time Train Rider’s Experience: Mask Mandates, Food Options, and Unpredictable Delays
California Zephyr train Survival Guide : How to ride a train 101
Things you need when riding the Amtrak train overnight
- Throw Blanket
- Snacks
- Phone charger
- Hand Sanitizer
- Wipes
- Cozy socks
- Cozy Slippers
- Medicine
What it’s like to travel across the country by train on the Amtrak California Zephyr
- The scenery alone was absolutely breathtaking, I had never seen a mountain in person before up-close only on tv.
- I saw the leaves change in the fall all across the country it was the most beautiful in Colorado.
- We were so high up we were actually riding through the clouds it was amazing and insane.
- The conductor told us that we were I believe so far underground that most humans have not been that low before.
- Riding on the train was so peaceful that my inner monologue completely disappeared
Things you need to know before riding the Amtrak train
- Masks are required on the train by law, those who refuse are warned and if they continue to choose not to they are escorted off of the train by police and I believe placed under arrest I saw this happen my first night on the train they stopped the train for a while.
- Due to COVID 19 coach passengers are not normally allowed in the dining hall area we could only buy stuff at there store that sold things like snacks, drinks, hot tea, microwavable food such as cup noodles they even have personal pan Digornio pizza’s that they can heat up for you, breakfast sandwiches and more. You may be able to spot some of the food items if you watch my Youtube video above.
- Prepare for delays! there were so many delays, stops, accidents etc. Our train was stopped several times for the following reasons such as Freight trains passing, trains switching tracks, We hit a dear in the middle of the night that alone cost us over 10 hours. So if your in a hurry I wouldn’t recommend taking the train because things are so unpredictable.
- If your traveling alone you may be seated with a stranger if the train gets crowded however most of the time i actually got two seats to myself so I was able to sleep a little more comfortably.
- You may only take your mask off to eat, when you stop chewing masks need to back on they do come around to check. ( This rule may have changed this year)
- You will often be without cell service so bring a book, a pen & notebook, download movies from Netflix before getting on because you may get bored.
+ The above information regarding COVID-19 has probably changed since my trip so please check with Amtrak regarding these rules as they may have changed.