Minnesota to New Mexico by Train

Kyle Silfer [ Wed Jul 16 2008 8:49 AM ]

Los Angeles Union Station, western terminus of the Southwest Chief that serves Albuquerque. You can even rent a car here.

Here’s another positive side-effect of high gas prices: Amtrak ridership is way, way up. Last year, Amtrak carried 25 million passengers, an 11% increase. This year, it’ll probably carry more, and that means good press for the little engine that could.

Last week the San Francisco Chronicle published Catherine Watson’s travelogue of her epic train trip from St. Paul to Las Cruces, and yesterday NPR had her on Talk of the Nation fielding comments from listeners. The pro-rail consensus that’s building seems to include: (1) forgiveness for delays (which, for the most part, aren’t Amtrak’s fault), (2) joy over not being subjected to airport hassles, and (3) appreciation of the intangible, but very real benefit of seeing the country from the ground without being stuck behind a steering wheel.

A gentle reminder: Albuquerque is blessed with daily Amtrak service to Chicago and Los Angeles. I’ve personally been booking a sleeper compartment to L.A. once a year, and it rocks. Four little words: Margaritas in the room.

Public Comments (4)

- FatAndSassy
  - FatAndSassy's profile
  - send message to FatAndSassy
- Since 2008-07-11
- Posts: 41
Sweet Jacob! [ Wed Jul 16 2008 9:40 AM ]

As long as margaritas are involved, I am booking my tickets to Chicago right now!
- jerry
  - jerry's profile
  - send message to jerry
- Since 2006-01-09
- Posts: 779
BYOB [ Wed Jul 16 2008 10:07 AM ]

The great thing about a sleeper car is that you can consume your own "private stock of liquor" (as Amtrak puts it). Coach passengers have to buy $4 beers or $6 cocktails from the snack bar. Or sneak your own booze in a thermos.
- marisa
  - marisa's profile
  - send message to marisa
- Since 2006-05-24
- Posts: 962
Do you smuggle in a blender [ Wed Jul 16 2008 1:56 PM ]

or an ice chest to keep the party going?
How long is the trip?
- jerry
  - jerry's profile
  - send message to jerry
- Since 2006-01-09
- Posts: 779
You could [ Wed Jul 16 2008 2:05 PM ]

Each sleeper room has electrical outlets, so the blender would be do-able. Amazing, but true.
The sleeper car attendant generally provides a big old tub of ice, so you don't have to bring an ice chest, just your drink-making tools--shaker, jigger, limes (w/squeezer), salt, plastic drinkware. It's roughing it, but, ya know, in style.
ABQ/LAX is an overnight trip, so you get in sometime in the morning. Sometimes early, sometimes late.