Amtrak to Birmingham

Post Script

The trip from Atlanta to Birmingham was very enjoyable.  The coach was comfortable, the air conditioning worked well, the ride was very smooth and the staff was courteous and helpful.  My fellow passengers were all very pleasant -- young, my age and elderly:  very nice folks.  Amtrak did a good job and there were no problems.

The train had a lounge car and a dining car, coaches and sleepers.  One of the things that I had looked forward to was eating breakfast on the train.  I was not disappointed.

I asked the conductor for directions, and he was helpful.  The wait staff was very pleasant -- I was seated quickly, and soon a couple from New Jersey joined my table.  Rev. and Ms. _____ were on their way to a Minister's Wives Association convention in Birmingham.  They were good company and very pleasant folks.

The food was good, although not inexpensive.  I decided that I wouldn't worry about the cost, and had bacon and eggs, and very good, thick-sliced, wheat bread, french toast with syrup.  I requested the wheat bread, and the staff accommodated.  Breakfast was rounded off with very good orange juice and plenty of good coffee.  The tab was $16.00, which is admittedly a bit steep -- turns out that I effectively ate "two" breakfasts -- the bacon and eggs being one and the french toast being the other.  (Where is Jack Nicholson when you need him?)  On the other hand, I have had the same result in good hotels, and not eaten any better.  So, 'nuff said about that.

My fare was $35, one way, which included a 10% AAA discount.  I bought my ticket on the internet, picked it up the evening before in Atlanta -- the station was open until 10 pm -- so that I had no delays on Saturday morning, even though the station was quite busy.

The trip took 4 hours, to go 150 miles.  Yes, you can drive it faster, but you can't relax, stretch your legs, walk around at will, take pictures out the window, or enjoy a good meal in good company.  I could have flown home -- but I know what flying through Atlanta is like.  And with the trip to the airport, pre- board routine and security checks, it would have taken about the same overall time, and cost more.

When I arrived in Birmingham, my car was several miles from downtown at the U-Haul store.  A reasonable looking older black man asked me if I needed a ride.  We negotiated a fare of $15, and Charles _____ drove me to get my car.  Turns out Charles is 83 years old, and worked as a coach attendant on Southern RR starting in 1949.  But that is another story.

Ride the train.  You will enjoy it.

Birmingham Rails