No, only passed through
When I first went to the States - 14 years ago - I went for three months and did two months on Greyhound, one month on Amtrak.

I can afford to do the sleepers now but yes, you can be quite comfortable in coach.

When you factor in the free meals sleepers are actually quite good value.

I love the Zephyr (did it again last year) and South West Chief.

After next year the only Amtrak train left for me to ride will be the Downeaster - Boston - Portland (Maine).
( The Disappointed Caravanner of the year, Mon 24 Aug 2009, 21:40, 1 reply, 16 years ago)

'Comfortable' is a bit of an overstatement
No matter how much I contorted myself, I could never find "The Ultimate Sleeping Position".
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 24 Aug 2009, 21:50, Reply)

Not a problem for me
Because I'm only 5'6" and wasn't quite as portly then as I am now.

If you end up sitting next to someone large it's not too pleasant.
( The Disappointed Caravanner of the year, Mon 24 Aug 2009, 21:57, Reply)

I was lucky that most of the time, I had both seats to myself.
These long-distance Amtrak trains are pretty lightly populated.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 24 Aug 2009, 22:06, Reply)

Not any more
Suddenly Americans are grasping Amtrak to their hearts and most long distance trains are booked solid.
( The Disappointed Caravanner of the year, Mon 24 Aug 2009, 22:27, Reply)

.
But at least that could cause them to open up more long-distance trains, and make more of America accessible by train.
( mistaspakkaman and the inedible shifting caterpillars, Mon 24 Aug 2009, 22:44, Reply)