Taking The Train To Southern California

[Ryan]

We're considering taking the kids on a train ride to San Diego instead of driving this summer. Looking on Amtrak.com, it looks like anything leaving from San Jose requires a bus ride--which we'd rather avoid with a 4 yr old and 7 yr old.

Has anyone every taken the train south from here? Suggestions on routes or the best way to get there?

[Robert Tamero]

If you take the train to go the whole way, expect at least a 16 hour ride.

[Kyczy Hawk]

MANY years ago (as a single mom) I took my 2 and 4 year old kids to Flagstaff AZ by train. It was a wild ride - but with games and gorp we made our way. I read myself horse over the 26 hour trip, same books over and over. My youngest was just learning to walk and the lurching train gave him fits! There was a guy who played guitar in the evenings in the "star car" with curved windows at ceiling height and the kids were mezmerized. I was a tough trip but the older one loved it. Plus grandparents were waiting for us. So - it was one for the memories - kind of worth the hassle. Oh there have been bus trips as well - also with the pegged board games, cards and stories. Nice