Because Jeremy isn't a massive fan of flying, we spent some time looking for different ways to travel between Chicago and Washington. We came across the
Amtrak Capitol Limited service which runs overnight between the 2 cities. Once you take into account the flight and a night's accommodation cost it actually works out cheaper to take the train, so our decision was made and tickets booked.
As our train was only at 6pm we had some time to explore Chicago that morning before heading off. We decided to check out the Navy Pier, and once we got there we thought the Ferris wheel looked like a good idea. The wheel itself didn't look all that scary from the ground, but once we got going we had some nerve wracking moments seeing as neither Jeremy nor myself are fans of heights! But the views from the ferris wheel of Chicago and Lake Michigan more than made up for it. The lake is huge, it looks more like the sea as you can't see the end.
 |
| Lake Michigan |
After exploring for a bit it was time to catch the train. We arrived at Union station and asked for directions to our platform. The guard said if you are on the sleeper service you get to use the lounge and took us there. On checking in at the lounge we were asked what time we would like our dinner reservation for? Turns out you get all your meals included on the sleeper service and you don't need to pay extra for it. What a bonus.
We checked in and waited in the lounge (which also had some free soft drinks and snacks) before we headed off for the train. The nice thing about American trains (compared to some European trains we've travelled on before) is that the sleepers are only for 2 people. So Jeremy and I had a room to ourselves. We went for the slightly cheaper room option which meant a shared bathroom down the hallway, which really wasn't a problem. The room was pretty small but all you needed for the night. The train also had a dining car where all the meals were served and a viewing car which had comfy seats and big glass windows where you could see the scenery. For dinner we were given a choice of meal, a salad and dessert. All the food was really good (especially for train food!) and Jeremy's steak in particular was delicious.
 |
| Our sleeper car before the beds were made |
 |
| Dining car |
 |
| My chicken and vegetables |
 |
| Jeremy's steak |
 |
| Choc Mousse |
 |
| Cheesecake |
After a good nights sleep we headed to the dining car for breakfast, and were told that because we were running slight late we could probably fit in breakfast and lunch, as the car doesn't close until a specific town rather than a time. The waiter in the dining car also told us that having lunch at a specific time would also allow us the best views along the way. So thats what we did. All in all the train was a great experience, and definitely one I would recommend you do if you get the opportunity!
