Travel by train or greyhound anyone with experience?

Hi,

So now that everyone in my family is changing their minds everyday it seems on whether they are going or not I am looking into alternate ways of travel as a back up plan. I am not sure if this is the right place to post this but didn't see anyting other then a thead about fleights so I am sorry if I asked in the wrong area :)

My question is has anyone traveled via train or greyhound and what was your experience with it? Greyhound travel from what I have read seems a little scary with it seems like really no way of obtaining money back regardless of if it's your fault or not for missing a bus. And also it seems like even with a ticket you could miss your bus for other passengers? Dunno I may have read it wrong, and with train there are so many stops it seems with hours inbetween and the idea seems a tad scary...though exciting. lol Anyways just wanting opinions if you all have any :) thanks in advance.

I enjoy Amtrak, but they run late regularly. I would not travel by Greyhound, lots of ex-cons, undesirables, and people that haven't showered in a week.

We have about 15 or 20 folks all riding the train to Miami from Charleston for our 3/2013 cruise on the Breeze. A lot of us are repeat cruisers and many have never ridden a train, so they are nearly as excited about the train ride as they are about the cruise. :) The worst part of cruising from distant ports for me is the l-o-n-g drive home after getting off the ship. Now i can just kick back and leave the driving to someone else.

I have taken the train numerous times. The ride down seems long, but you will enjoy the ride back. You get to sleep off all that cruising fun.

thank you everyone for the quick responses!!, I grew up near a railroad but never been on a train and to me it seems so like old fashion and romantical? but greyhound I think was a tad cheaper though I have heard all those urban maybe real legends about greyhound.

If you take Amtrak, it will bring you from A to Z... eventually! It's known for being up to 12 hours late, depends on where from and where to you are traveling. Also bring lots of snacks.

With Greyhound, only if no other choice - and I beleive they now sell tickets for a certain bus, not more tickets than the bus can take, but the seats are not assigned - but this may be different now. Check the website, or call them.

If Greyhound, I would make sure you travel in pairs, so no crazy person to share the 2-seater with.

Do you want to post from where you're traveling and from where you are cruising? Maybe we can help you find a cheaper or faster mode of transportation.

thank you everyone for the quick responses!!, I grew up near a railroad but never been on a train and to me it seems so like old fashion and romantical? but greyhound I think was a tad cheaper though I have heard all those urban maybe real legends about greyhound.

Have you checked pricing and schedules with Amtrak from Cincy? Its much more expensive than flying and the train doesnt run every day. Greyhound is sketchy when traveling over a day, you would need to allow a day or two just in case your bus has mechanical or arrival/departure issues.

Dayenu - I will be going from Cincnnati, ohio to Port Canaveral and it would be me and my bf, so hopefully if the greyhound option we will be together.

SouthernCaribbean44- Yes I have checked all three, just neither me or my would want to travel by air.

Ugh it sounds like neither one is really reliable lol, I guess I will just have to keep on my family to go >_<

Dayenu - I will be going from Cincnnati, ohio to Port Canaveral and it would be me and my bf, so hopefully if the greyhound option we will be together.

 

SouthernCaribbean44- Yes I have checked all three, just neither me or my would want to travel by air.

 

Ugh it sounds like neither one is really reliable lol, I guess I will just have to keep on my family to go >_<

Are you willing to drive? I have made that drive many, many, many times :) Its not that bad and you are in control of when you arrive and depart.

Personally, I would be a nervous wreck using greyhound.

Dayenu - I will be going from Cincnnati, ohio to Port Canaveral and it would be me and my bf, so hopefully if the greyhound option we will be together.

 

SouthernCaribbean44- Yes I have checked all three, just neither me or my would want to travel by air.

 

Ugh it sounds like neither one is really reliable lol, I guess I will just have to keep on my family to go >_<

Ohio to Florida? Yikes....long distance....

We live about 4.5hrs from nyc....we like to cruise from there....the first time, we took greyhound and my husband said 'never again'...it wasn't horrible, but more uncomfortable (he's a big guy)...the seats were small....but overall, it wasnt bad, only one stop along the way....and the price was right ($144 for both of us, roundtrip)...

But, if I were sailing from Florida, I would definitely be flying....

My son and I are cruising from nyc in January.....I think we are going to take Amtrak (the day before)....it's slightly more than greyhound, but I hear its alot more comfortable...I just dont want to make that drive in the snow...

How much is it to go from Ohio to Florida? (bus/train or plane?) I can't imagine the price is going to be much cheaper...bus/train vs plane...

I like taking Amtrak. It is true there can be delays, but personally I haven't experienced huge delays. Amtrak doesn't own the tracks, so they don't get priority, but maybe you can do some research on when the busier times are for freight trains (I don't know if this is out there - just an idea). It may not be as common where you are, but many people along the East Coast use the train as transportation over flying. It is a long trip but you can get up and walk around, there is wi-fi on some trains, there are outlets for your computer, hand held games, etc. There is also a food car if you don't want to bring everything with you. You might also have the option of an overnight train with a compartment. It may be more expensive than flying, but I think it's a nice experience. Consider it part of your vacation.

I am a world traveler and have been to some places that required me to have an escort if I left my hotel, and I would not travel Greyhound. Just my opinion.:D

I've taken both trains and Greyhound in my younger days and I vote trains. I don't have any issue with the bus passengers normally but have huge reservations with the typical bus terminal. They always seem to be located in the bad parts of any town or city.

Our experience with Amtrak (our only overnighter on a train) was from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon. I LOVED IT, what a great experience! We woke up the next morning to see snow outside our room window. Plus, it's kinda felt like a cruise ship re: other passengers. Met wonderful folks, most of whom were regulars to train traveling.

As others have noted though, you need to be prepared to be on 'train' time. We were one stop away from Portland and got into the train station 3 hours late. I have not personal experience with Greyhound except for looking into it for a friend. OMG, there was a ton of stops to go from L.A. to Reno, Nevada. At least on the train we could get up walk around, have all meals onboard, and then sleep in a bed. :)

Hi,

 

So now that everyone in my family is changing their minds everyday it seems on whether they are going or not I am looking into alternate ways of travel as a back up plan. I am not sure if this is the right place to post this but didn't see anyting other then a thead about fleights so I am sorry if I asked in the wrong area :)

 

My question is has anyone traveled via train or greyhound and what was your experience with it? Greyhound travel from what I have read seems a little scary with it seems like really no way of obtaining money back regardless of if it's your fault or not for missing a bus. And also it seems like even with a ticket you could miss your bus for other passengers? Dunno I may have read it wrong, and with train there are so many stops it seems with hours inbetween and the idea seems a tad scary...though exciting. lol Anyways just wanting opinions if you all have any :) thanks in advance.

Took a train once in my life, from Texas to Maryland, had just finished training in military and parents came to see graduation and mother was scared to fly.

Worst damn trip ever and I'll never take a train again, flying is the only way to travel a distance.

SouthernCaribbean44- :oI do not have my license I know I know your old enough to yatta yatta, I hear it all the time, but where I grew up ( smaller town in cincinnati,) and in my family we dont get our license till much later in life. Very few people my age from where I grew up have theirs and in my family it's slowly starting to change, though I do know how to drive just never got the real urge to get it in card form. However with all this I might just go out and get it and rent a car. Which was the plan kinda to begin with being my parents getting a rental and driving all of us down but now everyone is just being so annoying and changing their minds at the flip of a dime.

AnitaVacation- Yeah it's going to be a fun ride either way we decide to go lol, thank you for sharing your experience, I am a person that needs room so even more greyhound is sounding horrible. One way on a amtrak going to orlando (dunno if this would be the closest?) would be 532 for two people.

Going through Greyhound would be only 194 with advanced purchase. And through a 3rd party flight would be 327 round trip per person.

Thank you everyone for the information I really do appreciate it! I am just hoping by at least july everyone in my family has their stuff together lol.

I like taking Amtrak. It is true there can be delays, but personally I haven't experienced huge delays. Amtrak doesn't own the tracks, so they don't get priority, but maybe you can do some research on when the busier times are for freight trains (I don't know if this is out there - just an idea). It may not be as common where you are, but many people along the East Coast use the train as transportation over flying. It is a long trip but you can get up and walk around, there is wi-fi on some trains, there are outlets for your computer, hand held games, etc. There is also a food car if you don't want to bring everything with you. You might also have the option of an overnight train with a compartment. It may be more expensive than flying, but I think it's a nice experience. Consider it part of your vacation.

 

I am a world traveler and have been to some places that required me to have an escort if I left my hotel, and I would not travel Greyhound. Just my opinion.:D

The problem with Amtrak is not just the delays, but also that not all the trains have the stuff like a food car, wi-fi, plugs etc. Some do, but others don't have all the amenities.

I have to admit my experience with them wasn't so fun. Outdated trains complete with 70s orange shag carpet, surly staff that refused to help anyone put luggage in overhead bins (not in their job description and no checked service on the route I took) and no amenities at all other than a seat and a vending machine. The first trip was 7 hours late picking me up during which I sat in an unstaffed station. Thank goodness my dh was dropping me off and kept me company. Then I got on a packed train with people who had been on the train for 24+ hours at that point due to the delays and were cranky, smelly, and not very good company. Add to that overflowing toilets and not getting the view of the mountains (the reason I tried the train instead of driving) due to it now being dark and I decided Amtrak just wasn't for me. :p

The problem with Amtrak is not just the delays, but also that not all the trains have the stuff like a food car, wi-fi, plugs etc. Some do, but others don't have all the amenities.

 

I have to admit my experience with them wasn't so fun. Outdated trains complete with 70s orange shag carpet, surly staff that refused to help anyone put luggage in overhead bins (not in their job description and no checked service on the route I took) and no amenities at all other than a seat and a vending machine. The first trip was 7 hours late picking me up during which I sat in an unstaffed station. Thank goodness my dh was dropping me off and kept me company. Then I got on a packed train with people who had been on the train for 24+ hours at that point due to the delays and were cranky, smelly, and not very good company. Add to that overflowing toilets and not getting the view of the mountains (the reason I tried the train instead of driving) due to it now being dark and I decided Amtrak just wasn't for me. :p

I could deal with the decor, cant deal with rudeness specially when people say things are not in their job description that is a pet peeve of mine lol, I work in guest services so to me if you are someone dealing with guests, customers in any way shape or form you should always go above and beyond what your job title says. Also the idea of stinky people is a definate downgrade in going with amtrak, I have a problem with sweat and the smell of b.o.

Hi,

So now that everyone in my family is changing their minds everyday it seems on whether they are going or not I am looking into alternate ways of travel as a back up plan. I am not sure if this is the right place to post this but didn't see anyting other then a thead about fleights so I am sorry if I asked in the wrong area :)

My question is has anyone traveled via train or greyhound and what was your experience with it? Greyhound travel from what I have read seems a little scary with it seems like really no way of obtaining money back regardless of if it's your fault or not for missing a bus. And also it seems like even with a ticket you could miss your bus for other passengers? Dunno I may have read it wrong, and with train there are so many stops it seems with hours inbetween and the idea seems a tad scary...though exciting. lol Anyways just wanting opinions if you all have any :) thanks in advance.

Well we are taking amtrak in Oct and going a day befor.... if u call and tell them you are going to a cruise port on carnival you will get 20% off. But tell them bc some of the reps do not have a clue.

Well we are taking amtrak in Oct and going a day befor.... if u call and tell them you are going to a cruise port on carnival you will get 20% off. But tell them bc some of the reps do not have a clue.

Also amtrack has AAA discount. I use my Mil discount

We took the train from Raleigh to Orlando last year. It was much better than driving for us.

I could deal with the decor, cant deal with rudeness specially when people say things are not in their job description that is a pet peeve of mine lol, I work in guest services so to me if you are someone dealing with guests, customers in any way shape or form you should always go above and beyond what your job title says. Also the idea of stinky people is a definate downgrade in going with amtrak, I have a problem with sweat and the smell of b.o.

I get the impression it's kind of a crapshoot and also depends on the route. Sometimes you get nice new trains full of nice people, and other times you end up like I did with a major delay on an old train with no amenities. The restroom thing really go to me along with feeling really bad for the older people that needed help with luggage and couldn't get it. :( The route I was on didn't offer checked luggage, so they basically had no choice other than hefting it up over your head into storage.

Maybe the Florida routes are nicer. But the one that starts in Chicago and comes through WV, VA and then up to DC and Baltimore wasn't so nice.

This is the Carnival Code for Amtrak, V602, good through December 2012. I believe you have to submit your cruise booking #. Amtrak also has different specials so check their website.

Another thing you can do is search for an Amtrak forum, lots of great info on those.

Greyhound, well, it's an icky way to start and end a vacation. About five years ago I really wanted to go to Vegas. I should add I don't like to fly. I decided to try Greyhound and the trip was actually pretty good there and back. I tried it again about 3 times and on each of those trips there were some not so good experiences. Creepy people, actually just scary people, buses breaking down, drivers who didn't know where to go. Not good at all.

I don't think it's changed but you can have a ticket but you are not guaranteed a seat. If the bus fills up and you don't get on, you may have to wait until the next bus unless they call for another one for your departure. Or you can go early and stand in line for an hour or longer to get on the bus which is a pain in the neck. Their customer service stinks. You have no rights on Greyhound, it's like shut up and ride, really :(

I decided never again on Greyhound. I have been taking Amtrak though it's been from Denver to the west. Amtrak is a lot better than the bus. It is very comfortable, although at night it gets a bit rough having to sleep in a seat. Sleepers are great if you can afford them, to me they are very pricey most of the time. However your meals are included if you get a sleeper.

Amtrak employess are generally ok, there are some great ones and not so great.

I have had good luck with trains being on time but I have heard and read of some nightmare situations with trains being late.

Check out the Amtrak(unlimited) forums, there are tons of people who can give you advice on which stations to use, if the trains are normally late, etc.

I really like riding the train, it is one way to really relax. I will have to say I feel a bit embarrassed :o admitting to riding Greyhoud but I can pass on my experiences with others.

Good luck with deciding on which way to go. Whatever way you go it will be an experience! Hopefully a great one.

Another thing on the forums, they have good knowledge of cancellation policies and changing tickets and whatnot.

Hi guys!

My family and I took the Amtrak to Miami in '08. It was great because we were able to coordinate with family members so we were all on the same train from Pa, NC, SC through to Miami. We loved the ride down to Miami (we scheduled to get there the night before so we would have no issues about missing the ship!) We were travelling with family from all generations...singing, playing games and having a great time! Cell phones worked the whole way, so even the teens were pleasantly occupied with dvd players, and other gadgets which plugged in right at your seats. And unlike flying, the seats were nice and comfortable, plenty of legroom and storage space.

Now, the return trip was a completely different story, as we returned in the midst of Hurricane Fay which kept circling Miami, so our train's departure was delayed by 24 whole hours! When we eventually left the next day, the tracks were so flooded that we sat for hours on the tracks at different random places to wait for clearing. The craziest delay was about 3 miles from our final destination, we could literally have walked home from the tracks and got home faster, but we had to wait until a signal light was fixed. It was sad because there was a service animal onboard, and his companion had to literally BEG the porter (are they still called that?) to let the dog off to relieve himself while we just sat and sat and sat in the middle of nowhere.

In the midst of it all, we were all pretty frustrated with Amtrak, especially the relatives that had to go the entire distance. In fact, a few family members got off the train and rented a car for the remaining portion of their journey, it was just that miserable!

In hindsight, thanks to Amtrak, we have some of the greatest, fondest, most memorable moments from that experience that we all laugh about today! Mind you, I havent been able to convince my husband to ride the train again for subsequent cruises, I would still highly recommend the mode of transportation AND journey to anyone...just pack alot of patience and a sense of adventure and you should have a great time!

Happy sailing,

Angie in SC