I want to go on a train trip!

[scooterbug44]

Can anyone recommend a funn or scenic train trip to/from Sowal?

The airline industry is on my sheet list and I love traveling by train (at least I did in Europe and on the East Coast) so I want to start exploring the rails!

I am assuming I need to go to Defuniak to catch the train?

 

[Smiling JOe]

I don't know that you can catch a passenger train from Defuniak.

Many years ago, catching the scenic train was on my list, too. After that train ride, I realized that the scenery was of the poorest neighborhoods I've ever seen. It wasn't as romantic as I had envisioned.

 

[Rudyjohn]

If you travel to NOLA or through it, let me know. It could be a good mode of transportation instead of flying for my son.

Airlines are sorta on my sheet list too (sometimes). But it's mainly the cost. Traveling with his cello is expensive no matter how you look at it. It's either buy it a seat or $150 - $200 each way to check it with the new over-sized baggage costs. An Amtrak roomette is still cheaper. And besides, it might be fun.

 

[Minnie]

If you travel to NOLA or through it, let me know. It could be a good mode of transportation instead of flying for my son.

Airlines are sorta on my sheet list too (sometimes). But it's mainly the cost. Traveling with his cello is expensive no matter how you look at it. It's either buy it a seat or $150 - $200 each way to check it with the new over-sized baggage costs. An Amtrak roomette is still cheaper. And besides, it might be fun.

Have lots of friends that have made this journey as it comes right through Memphis.

Here is the map of routes and stations. http://www.amtrak.com/pdf/national.pdf

 

[scooterbug44]

Yeah, after my hellish attempt to get home for Xmas I decided I was going to check out the train travel options and boycott the airlines.........then I had a good trip back and calmed down a little. Today I found a news story on Obama taking the train to his inauguration and the idea was reborn.

I used to bee-bop all around on trains, but those were to/from large cities or in Europe - they rock! Swiss trains are the best - you get a chocolate bar with your breakfast on the sleepers.

I tried the Amtrack to get from college to my Grandfather's funeral and the experience was less than stellar due to location of the train station, delays, etc.

 

[seagrover]

I was looking into Amtrak for our trip to WPB im May but I couldn't find anything close as to where it stops around here. It used to stop in Crestview and Chipley but no longer. It may stop in Mobile but that is not close.

And I would only take it again if I don't need to be anywhere at any particular time. You are so right SJ about the area it goes through - every semi-standing building had a satellite dish!

 

[scooterbug44]

Per the Amtrak map, the only nearby stations are Pensacola, Crestview, and Tallahassee and you can only go W/E.

 

[rdelong43065]

Amtrak stopped the Sunset Limited after Katrina. I remember about 2 months ago legislation was passed to re-open the line from Jacksonville to NOLA. It might not become reality for a while yet. When it does happen, the closest stations would be Chipley and Crestview.

 

[NoHall]

I'm taking a train to D.C. in April! It stops in my hometown, and I'll get off right behind the hotel where we're staying. I'm so excited!

 

[Will B]

I'm taking a train to D.C. in April! It stops in my hometown, and I'll get off right behind the hotel where we're staying. I'm so excited!

That's a great trip. We did it in a sleeper car.