Travels with Kev
I've been riding Amtrak trains since 2012, using their long-distance and regional travel services. I created this website to help others plan an Amtrak adventure with expert articles and communication. Safe travels and happy planning!
Here's What the Next Generation of Amtrak Might Look Like
The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter Hello Reader, A few months ago, I mentioned that Amtrak's Superliners might be phased out. Last Wednesday, Amtrak confirmed this, and the plan is even more extensive than I anticipated. They issued a Request for Proposals for over 800 new railcars, replacing all Superliners in the West and every Viewliner I sleeper and Amfleet II coach on the Eastern overnight routes. This will be one combined fleet, marking the largest long-distance equipment order in...
Two temporary service changes Amtrak didn't publicize — and a great story
The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter Hello Reader, While daydreaming on the Amtrak website, I found a few Amtrak service changes that aren't listed on Amtrak's Service and Alert Notices page, and I thought I would share them with you. And a fun story that came from last week's newsletter! Texas Eagle — Upcoming Bus Bridge If you're booking the Texas Eagle and see "canceled" on certain dates, don't panic — it's not the entire route. From April 20 through 27, Amtrak is operating a bus bridge...
New Orleans to LA by Rail: The Sunset Limited Explained
The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter Hello Reader, This week, I'm talking about one of my favorite trains. Then again, most long-distance trains are my favorite — so take that with a grain of salt. What I love about this one in particular is the chance to escape the Midwest scenery for something completely different. I have nothing against the Midwest; I live here, after all, but there's something unique about seeing a landscape outside your window that doesn't resemble home. The Sunset...
Taking A Look At Amtrak Accommodations
The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter Hello Reader, Today, we are going to "chat" about the different types of Amtrak accommodations. It might be new for some or a review for others, or maybe it will give you a different way to choose what is right for you. If there is something you want me to cover, let me know! Which Amtrak Accommodation Is Right for You? Booking an Amtrak trip often raises a common question for many new passengers: Do I need a sleeping accommodation, or is coach a...
Looking at luggage for better travel
The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter Hello Reader, While we all love train travel, let's talk about my other passion, luggage. Weird, I know, but I enjoy exploring what's out there. This week, I bought a new bag, and I want to share the steps I followed when choosing luggage. If there is something you want me to cover, let me know! Choosing the Right Bag for Your Travels (And Why Most People Get It Wrong) I’ve been using the same SwissGear backpack for over ten years—through brewery runs,...
SC Stations Get Updates, A Report Is Back, & Sale!
The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter Hello Reader, This week, we learn that Amtrak updated two South Carolina stations on the Floridian (Silver Star) line. Additionally, my Amtrak Long-Distance on-time performance page has been updated with January figures. Two South Carolina Stations Get Major Upgrades Amtrak has wrapped up renovation projects at two South Carolina stops on the Floridian (Silver Star), Camden (CAM), and Denmark (DNK), and both are now noticeably better places to board a...
The expansion of another Amtrak route
The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter Hello Reader, Amtrak rail expansion in the cheese state, and I made it home safe! Hiawatha to Madison: 2030s Is the Target Amtrak has announced a timeline for the long-anticipated Madison extension to its Hiawatha service. Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the agency aims to start the line “as early in the 2030s as possible.” The Hiawatha is a state-supported route, with Wisconsin and Illinois DOTs sharing some...
Good Bye To Amtrak Superliner Cars?
The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter Hello Reader, After 2030, there could be changes coming to Westward trains! Is it bad? Maybe? Maybe not? Amtrak’s New Long-Distance Cars: Goodbye Bi-Levels, Hello Single-Level If you’ve ever ridden the California Zephyr, Southwest Chief, Empire Builder, Auto Train, and other long-distance routes, you’ve experienced Amtrak’s Superliner cars. These tall, double-decker coaches and sleepers have long been a signature of train travel in the West. But the...
Getting to the trains from planes in Chicago and more
The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter Hello Reader, Amtrak officially shows off the new Airo trains this month! Going Between The Skies & Chicago Union Station I know some of you didn't come here for airplane talk. Fair enough. But at heart, I'm an intermodal traveler, and sometimes you need to fly to make a train trip possible. Last year, I flew from Chicago to LA just to board a train for a cross-country journey. Whether you're coming from overseas or from within the U.S., Chicago is often...
Amtrak displays the New Airo Trains, Take Amtrak to the Slopes, and a possible new trip.
The Travels with Kev Weekly Newsletter Hello Reader, Amtrak officially shows off the new Airo trains this month! Amtrak displays the New Airo Trains Over the past few months, I have talked about Amtrak’s new Airo fleet. On February 10, things got real. Amtrak held a first-look event with Siemens (the manufacturer), federal transportation officials, and its own leadership to showcase the first trainset. As a quick recap: the Amtrak Cascades, serving Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, BC, and...