I took a sleeper from c=Chicago to DC. I also sometimes take Amtrac from DC to NC. Be warned: the trips often take much longer than they claim they will. The train often ends up just sitting on the track, sometimes for more than an hour, waiting for freight trains to go by. The food also is not great. Trains in Europe are much much better. But, the scenery is great! You really see a different side of America.

Count me in as another train romanticist (love the North by Northwest referece, PP), and I travel frequently to NY by Acela, but have to say that I've heard many horror stories about long-distance travel on Amtrak. If you have the time, I'd fly to Chicago or even farther west, then drive to Seattle. You can plot a route that allows for great scenery and stopovers (agree that Glacier is spectacular), plus you have the advantage of being able to make impromptu stops as the spirit (and sibling rivalry, etc.) moves you, rather than being tied to the Amtrak schedule.

If you don't like packing for planes, you'll really dislike packing for trains. While there aren't any 1 quart bags to deal with, there is very, very little storage in the rooms.

The food on Amtrak with menus is barely edible.

Amtrak charges a lot, so you'd think it would be luxurious. It definitely is NOT.

I would also suggest thinking about taking The Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver. A big advantage is that The Canadian doesn't seem to stop as much for freight trains as Amtrak- on the Empire Builder, friends had the experience of going about only 50 miles overnight because the train had to let so many freight trains past, putting them far behind schedule. The train through the Canadian Rockies is particularly spectacular.

Absolutely go for it! I grew up in Chicago and my parents took us on the train from Chicago to Miami when I was probably around 9 and we had a blast. I remember that we had a sleeping compartment that fit all 4 of us - 2 parents and 2 kids. It took three days and we loved every minute of it.

Have fun! Chicago and Seattle are two of my favorite cities.

Anonymous wrote:This will be a great adventure for you and your kids. Consider making some stops and getting back on the train 2 or 3 days later. Glacier National Park is a must see, with vintage buses to take you around and historic lodges.

We r also considering the trip, eastbound, but how do stopovers work when u have a 'roomette'? It seems to me they would be mutually exclusive or AmtrK would be dealing with room suites full for mAybe 20 hOurs until we leave at East Glacier, then empty for the rest of the way to Chicago? Anyone with first hand experience please reply...

If you are taking the train, I would take it all the way from DC. No reason to drive part of it and then have to drive back to DC from Chicago.

Definitely think about stopping in Glacier. It's right on the train line and so beautiful. Also, I've taken the train to Chicago and that seems more fun to me than driving.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the replies, everyone! Just to be clear on the sleeping arrangement it would be fluid--more the idea of having some times during the day/night the kids could hand out in their room watching a movie, and parents would be in room right across the hall doing our thing.

I'm still debating about flying vs. driving to Chicago. One advantage to driving would be that wouldn't have to pack for a plane ride. No zip-loc quart bags!

Is it safe? What if they wander out of their room and down the hall? Or someone fools them into opening the door and does something to them?

Good lord, the paranoia on this site is just staggering sometimes. People are basically good, you know?

Yes but many bad people are opportunists.