California Zephyr and Empire Builder - October 2023
I booked a recent trip on Amtrak, not far in advance, based on the trains where a roomette was available. All first class accommodations were sold out in and out of Los Angeles, but space was available on the California Zephyr and Empire Builder. I travelled east on the Zephyr to Chicago and from Chicago to Seattle on the Builder. I got up to Emeryville to catch the Zephyr via Pacific Surfliner No. 785 and the thruway bus connection to Emeryville (transfer at Santa Barbara, CA). I flew back home from Seattle the same day the Builder arrived (40 min. early). The Sounder Light Rail Transit station is located very near the Amtrak station and its about 40 mins. to SEA-TAC airport and only costs $3. The trip was very enjoyable, good weather, good service, and good food. Lots of fall color. The Empire Builder provided my first trip behind Amtrak's new ALC42 "Charger" locomotives.