Additional Coverage:
- I spent 60 hours traveling on Amtrak trains from New York to Texas. Here are 10 things that surprised me most. (businessinsider.com)
Epic Amtrak Journey: From the Big Apple to the Lone Star State, 60 Hours on the Rails!
New York to Austin, TX – Forget cramped planes and endless highway stretches! One intrepid traveler recently embarked on a 60-hour, two-train Amtrak adventure, journeying from the bustling streets of New York to the vibrant heart of Austin, Texas, with a layover in Chicago. What might sound like a marathon to some was, for this passenger, a surprisingly pleasant and insightful cross-country experience.
While 60 hours in coach might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the journey proved to be a refreshing change of pace, offering unique perspectives on the American landscape and a different kind of travel camaraderie. Here’s a look at some of the highlights and unexpected discoveries from this epic rail expedition:
The Unexpected Serenity of the Rails
Despite the extended duration, our traveler often found themselves forgetting they were even on a train. Unlike the stop-and-go nature of local lines, long-distance Amtrak journeys offer a remarkably smooth and enjoyable ride. The ever-changing scenery outside the window became a captivating, real-life motion picture, occasionally punctuated by engaging conversations with fellow passengers – so much so that the movement of the train itself would fade into the background.
Navigating the Unpredictable: The Reality of Delays
While the smooth ride was a definite perk, the journey wasn’t without its bumps. Amtrak’s reliance on freight railroad lines means that delays are an almost inevitable part of the long-haul experience.
These interferences, ranging from a mere ten minutes to several hours, frequently interrupted the otherwise relaxing flow. Our traveler noted a desire for more transparent delay announcements, even wishing for a radio scanner to stay ahead of the curve.
Dining on the Go: Cafe Car vs. Home-Packed Provisions
For this particular trip, a well-stocked cooler was the secret weapon. Our traveler brought enough provisions for the entire two-and-a-half-day journey, supplemented by a hot meal during a Chicago layover.
While the onboard café car offered standard snacks, beverages, and microwaved hot items like burgers and pizza, the quality and value were deemed less than ideal. It seems many passengers, however, relied heavily on these convenient, albeit basic, options.
Stretching Legs and Soaking in the Local Flavor
Extended stops for crew changes and servicing offered passengers a chance to disembark. While many took advantage of these breaks for a quick smoke, our traveler expressed surprise that more people didn’t seize the opportunity to stretch their legs, breathe in some fresh air, and briefly experience a new locale. These brief moments of stepping onto different ground added a unique dimension to the journey, transforming it from a mere transit into a series of mini-explorations.
A Journey Through American History
One of the most remarkable aspects of the trip was the sheer volume of history that unfolded outside the window. Passing through over a dozen states, including six state capitals and the nation’s capital, the tracks themselves told stories. From the historic Pennsylvania Railroad corridor to the old Chesapeake and Ohio Railway lines, the journey was a moving history lesson, revealing the roots of railroad towns, Civil War battlegrounds in Virginia, and the remnants of West Virginia’s boom-and-bust era.
The Disconnect: WiFi Woes and Radio Delights
While the Cardinal line offered somewhat unstable Wi-Fi, the Texas Eagle segment of the trip was a digital desert, lacking Wi-Fi entirely and passing through areas with minimal cell reception. This forced disconnect, however, led to an unexpected pleasure: tuning into local AM/FM HD radio stations. This simple act provided a delightful connection to the small towns passing by, offering surprisingly engaging content and a deeper sense of immersion in the American heartland.
Unwatched Entertainment and Unexpected Social Connections
Despite meticulously downloading a trove of movies and TV shows, our traveler found no time for them. The 60 hours flew by, filled instead with the ever-changing scenery, the captivating radio broadcasts, and, most notably, lively conversations with fellow passengers. The train, it turns out, is a surprisingly social hub.
The Unmatched Camaraderie of the Rails
The sense of community and camaraderie experienced on Amtrak trains is, according to our traveler, truly unparalleled. While this trip offered slightly fewer opportunities for extensive conversations than previous journeys, the shared experience of traveling together for such an extended period fostered a unique bond. Watching fellow passengers depart at their destinations, though a natural part of the journey, left a bittersweet feeling, highlighting the impact they had on the train’s atmosphere.
The Missing Observation Car: A Minor Disappointment
One notable letdown was the absence of an observation car on the Texas Eagle during this particular trip. While the café cars offered a place to socialize, seating was limited and often restricted to those making purchases.
The observation car, known for its expansive viewing windows and varied seating, was sorely missed. Thankfully, the Texas Eagle has since reinstated its observation cars, a welcome return for future travelers seeking those panoramic views.
Finding Routine and Comfort on the Tracks
Perhaps the most surprising takeaway was how quickly the train transformed into a comfortable, almost home-like environment. The repetitive actions of navigating the aisles, heading to the bathroom, and refilling water bottles became second nature. The familiar rhythm and layout of the train fostered a strange sense of comfort, turning a long-distance journey into a temporary, mobile abode.
This captivating Amtrak adventure serves as a reminder that sometimes, the journey truly is the destination, offering unexpected insights, connections, and a unique perspective on the vast and varied tapestry of America.