Widow Goes West The Start

The Road to Flagstaff: April 23–26, 2026

Three-Day Train Trip: Planning and Journey Highlights

As a widow who cannot drive or fly for medical reasons, travel requires extra research, planning, and organization. This section shares the story of our three-day train trip, including the journey itself, the sights we enjoyed, what went well, and what I would do differently next time.

Getting to Atlanta and Boarding the Crescent 20 Train

Our trip began with a smooth two-hour Greyhound ride to Atlanta. We arrived at the Amtrak station around 9 p.m., checked our bag, and waited to board the Crescent 20 at about 11 p.m. Red Cap Service took me to the sleeper car, where my attendant greeted me and escorted me to my roomette.

On Board the Crescent 20: Settling Into the Roomette

After I took a picture of the roomette, the attendant made up the bed, placed my carry-on and backpack inside, and explained the amenities. He also took my breakfast order and asked when I wanted it delivered. Because I was still unfamiliar with the train, I chose to eat in my room. To my surprise, the bed was very comfortable, and I slept well.

Breakfast was very good, and the morning passed quickly. Baxter and I had salad for lunch, listened to music, enjoyed the scenery, and before I knew it, we were almost in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C.: Union Station, the Lounge, and the Floridian 40

We arrived at Union Station in Washington, D.C., on Friday, April 24, around 1 p.m. instead of 11:30 a.m. The delay was not a problem because it meant less time waiting in the lounge. Around 3 p.m., we boarded the Floridian 40 and settled into our roomette.

The roomette was nearly identical to the one on the Crescent, except that the toilet seat lid was blue instead of pink. We kept busy with devotions, music, scenery, and a few puzzles. When dinner was served, my attendant asked what time I would like turndown service.

On Saturday morning, we ate breakfast in the dining car and visited the observation car. Although we were scheduled to arrive at 9 a.m., we reached Chicago at about 10:17 a.m.

Chicago: Union Station, the Lounge, and the Southwest Chief

We reached Union Station in Chicago at 10:17 a.m. on Saturday April 25, about 90 minutes late. That still worked out because we were scheduled to leave at 2:25 p.m. However, what was supposed to be a 30-minute delay became a delay of about two and a half hours. I was grateful for the lounge in Chicago. Like D.C. all the snacks, fruit, water, non-alcoholic beverages and food were available at no charge!   

We finally boarded at 5:20 p.m., but the process felt rushed. Baxter carefully reviewed the menu for Saturday’s dinner and Sunday’s lunch, and we went to the dining car on Sunday evening.

This roomette was similar to the others, except it did not have a toilet. There was one restroom at each end of the hallway, along with dedicated restrooms and showers on the lower level for sleeper car passengers.

The ride to Flagstaff was very scenic. We enjoyed many of the same activities as before and spent time in the observation car. We arrived in Flagstaff at about 9:15 p.m. instead of 8 p.m., then took a short ride to the hotel for the evening.

Flagstaff: Embassy Suites Arrival

We made it safely to our destination. Our room was upgraded to a suite, which was very spacious. On Monday, April 27, I would be picked up by the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel and RV Resort around 1 p.m. and would check in for the night before our Grand Canyon adventure began on Tuesday.