Five Important Things To Know About Riding On The Rails
While others were driving or flying, I was riding the gentle beat of the rhythm of the rails on Thanksgiving weekend.
I had to get from San Diego to Salinas, CA, and instead of making what would have been an eight-plus hour drive or buy an expensive plane ticket, I decided to take the train.
The time of the trip was daunting – a scheduled 12 1/2 hours – but frankly it was quite enjoyable and certainly a lot more relaxing than driving or flying. I took the Pacific Surfliner as they call it, from San Diego to LA’s Union Station. After a one-hour layover, I got on a long train bound for Seattle, the Amtrak Coast Starlight; the Salina stop was eight hours ahead of me.
In case you are pondering a long train trip – either here or in the USA, in Europe or elsewhere – here’s a few important things I learned from my journey.
1.) Time Passes Faster Than You Think
I’ve been on long plane rides that seem never to end. Perhaps it’s the fact I could walk around, was not squished into a small seat like on a plane and had great scenery, but the 13 hours passed by a lot quicker than I ever imagined.
2.) You Need A Seat Reservation
This caught me by surprise. I always though that you just got on the train and sat down wherever you pleased. “That’s only for commuter trains,” a friendly Amtrak employee informed me. I asked for – and received – an oceanside window seat near the observation car and away from any screaming kids.
3.) Like Airplane Gates, Train Departures Can Leave From Other Gates Than Posted
Myself and a couple were on Track 11 out of Union Station waiting on a train that was actually on Track 7. Fortunately, an Amtrak employee on the correct platform waved at us to get over there. The departure sign still said Track 11. So my advice is to find a rail employee and check with them to be sure of your departure location. Don’t rely on the signs.
3.) Not All Train Stops Last The Same Amount Of Time
It is not a good idea to get off the train at one of its stops, for they don’t tell you how long it is until the train takes off again. Some last only for a moment while others may be 10-15 minutes. Don’t get stuck chasing after it, flailing your arms as you sprint down the platform.
4.) The Observation Car Is First Come, First Seated
Anyone can go to the observation car and I highly recommend it. There are both tables and seats facing the view. There are no reservations so it’s a first-come, first-sit system. There’s also no seat saving.
5.) You Get ‘Rail Legs’
You know how it is when you’ve been on a boat for a while and when you get back on solid land you kind of weave as if you’re a bit tipsy? Well believe it or not you get that from being on a train for an extended period of time. It’s the gentle rock of being on the rails. For boats, they call it “sea legs,” so on a train it’s got to be called “rail legs.”
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