I am a first time train traveler and have searched the web for information on the Cardinal (with limited success).
My 13 year old daughter and I have reserved a viewliner standard sleeper and will be traveling from Ashland, KY to Chicago and on to Milwaukee on Hiawatha. We are both looking forward to this experience but want to be prepared.
[?]Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for first time travelers and/or about the Cardinal[?]
Somewhere I remember seeing a website to check the hisotircal arrival/departure times of specific trains. Any ideas where that is?
I’m also looking for information about current state of the Cardinal and info on the renovations in Chicago.
newpassenger. Welcome to the forum. You will be able to find much of the information you are seeking on the Amtrak site at http://www.amtrak.com
There are timetables for your trains as well as a way to check train status and arrival times for earlier dates on the site.
As you may know, the train follows the Ohio River to Covington, but Wastbound it is at night. If you are making a round trip, the timing for the return offers a better chance to view that more scenic part of the trip.
As I am retired, time is not a great concern to me, and I like to ride trains. But I always offer this caution. If you are traveling on Amtrak for a “must make” event that will start even if you ar not present, be sure to allow, well, even a day extra. (Hard to do with tri-weekly service). You will note, of course, that the Hiawatha service is as frequent as those things go. If you miss your planned connection, the last train for Milwaukee leaves at 8:05pm. So there is some flexibility.
I should add that at your boarding time, the lounge/snackbar will probably be closed, so carry on the snacks or beverages you might want. In the morning, don’t forget that breakfast in the dinner is included in your fare. You should find the food quite good.
Hope you enjoy the ride.
We’re going to Wisconsin to visit my husband who has been working up there for about 6 weks . . . so time isn’t really a concern . . . we get there when we get there . . . I just wish we had a better “view”. Traveling at night doesn’t offer much in the way of scenery!!
I’m just trying to get as much info as possible and . … the amtrak site only offers so much . . . you know personal advice means much more!!!