TRIP REPORT - Amtrak Cardinal, Chicago to Washington 

I live in Cincinnati and have taken the Cardinal several times. They call it the best kept Amtrak secret train.

I was told by the building staff at Union Station that leaving the panels out of the ceiling somewhat attenuates the noise which they discovered by accident during renovations.

This is a whole lot better way to get to DC than to fly in a sardine can. Lots and lots to see, and you can get up and walk around. It may take a lot longer, but if you're not on a strict schedule it's a good way to spend your time. Generally, Amtrak dining car food used to be pretty good, though I understand that they're moving to prepackaged meals on some lines to save money. These long-haul trains drag down their profits!

I actually ride the cardinal twice a year from Montgomery, through to Clifton Forge and back for fun. The route is one thing but the crew is something else. The Huntington to Charlottesville crew is an experience in its own way. Since you were on 50 heading east on Sunday your head conductor was Glass and your roomette attendant was Mama J. both veterans in the railroad industry are amazing people you can walk up to them and talk to them for hours. However, 51 has Claytor and his crew has +150 years of experience. I spend most of my trip talking to them listening to stories and having fun with them. If you ride 50 or 51 you are in for an experience. Going through the New River Gorge and up and over the Allegheny Mountains is truly scenic. This train is on a different level if you are willing to talk to the crew. Once you ride enough you are treated like family and the crew will be much more open to you. And the crew thinks of themselves as a family. I am actually planning on riding during the fall foliage this year since the New River Train has since been canceled.

Hopefully you will get better at this. Watching during a bout of insomnia but still had food on my stomach UNTIL the filming of approaching the train. Thank God for the pause bar!!!

It's been said that the sole reason for the late departure from Chicago and the early morning departure from NYC was that the late Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV), who chaired the Transportation Committee, wanted the Cardinal to traverse West Virginia during the daylight hours ONLY. He wanted everyone to see the beauty of WV. Since funding for Amtrak was his responsibility, the railroad had to oblige.

One great advantage to booking sleepers is being able to use the Metropolitan Lounge and its baggage storage room. Drop your bags, enjoy downtown Chicago, then retrieve your bags and board the train. Oh, and get a drink and a snack, while you're at it. Fantastic.

My state is marketed as “Wild, Wonderful, West Virginia”. Thank you for your positive coverage of us and our scenery.

Thank you for letting me tag along...I loved trains since I was a five yr old girl....watched the trip from Chicago to the Rockies and beyond...very enjoyable..thanks again...

We took that train a couple of years ago. We took the Iowa Pacific train to Indianapolis. The station there was like a homeless shelter scary. Then the next day we took the Cardinal to Washington. Great trip and amazing scenery

YEAH!!!! New Amtrak video!! Love it. Said it before but I'll say it again, you're videos got me into traveling by train. Thanks Jacob!!

I road the Cardinal several times when I lived in West Virginia. They had a sight seeing tour of the state, which came before our stop but I have seen everything several times and loved to brag on my birth state. I went coach each time but really enjoyed the ride. It was more comfortable than a plane ride because they had foot tests and the seats lent back much further as well. You endured less hassle, too! Also you can move around and even visit the club car and relax. I enjoyed a 🍕 from Pettrige Farms! It is THE way to travel! The Cardinal runs (at least in the 1980's and 90's) from Chicago to NYC. We had a huge delay in DC once due to having to connect a PRIVATE car of some VIP or another so we were several hours late getting into the big city of NY but enjoyed the trip immensely!

Took this route a couple years ago in October. The foliage was in early fall color, subtle but beautiful. The early meal coming into DC is due to a change of engine for the remaining trip to NYC; power is absent so they shut down food service. But it runs 110 mph in stretches to NYC.

Loved the video. I took this train as part of a solo trip from L.A. to Hot Springs, VA when I was 16 in 1961. The L.A.-Chicago leg was on the old UP City of Los Angeles. My first real independent trip and a very fond memory!

I bet this scenery would be beautiful in autumn with all the colors.

There’s something so majestic and creepy about riding under that bridge in the fog. Very atmospheric

This video was a very nice ride-a-long and I never knew WV was that beautiful. You speak very well and I had no idea Amtrak could be this enjoyable of a ride, this is a must do for me and thank you for taking us along on a free ride.

I took the Southwest Chief years ago and bought a small extension cord in L A.

I’m a former Amtrak Onboard Service Attendant. I first worked on The Auto Train out of Lorton Virginia then transferred to Washington DC. When I was working out of DC. The Cardinal was still a 3 day a week train, however, it did not go into New York. DC crews worked it and was Superliner Equipment. I don’t remember what year it switched to New York

Was gonna do the Cardinal on my move to Indiana from Philly but decided to do the Capitol Limited instead. Didn't want to wait 5 hours in Indy for my bus connection to FW. That's the last time I ride coach on Amtrak for that long of a distance.

The Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago's Union Station looks quite nice - a lot like the lobby/breakfast area in hotels I've stayed in.

These videos are addicting. Literally addicting. You should try the silver meteor train Jacob! I think you will like the route

Very Helpful, thank you. I'll be planning a trip on the Cardinal.

Makes me REALLY want to take a long-trip train ride (again; I went to St. Louis-Oregon many years ago.) I’m putting a trip like this on my have-to bucket list. What a wonderful way to see parts of our country you otherwise would not. Thanks for filming all of this! Unique trip!!

Amtrak journeys like this must be a nice and relaxing alternative to air travel. You actually get to see the country, particularly often passed over communities, when traveling by train.

Enjoyed that. Found the train’s room very cozy. Makes me want to travel on it. Thank you for sharing.

Hello Jacob. I typically don't comment on videos, typically I just browse videos but I am a loyal viewer of your videos. I always look forward to waking up on Saturdays and watching your new video, and I have to say, this was definitely one of my favorites to watch. The train part was nice. Great Trip Report as always, but I REALLY enjoyed watching your room tour at the hotel as I have actually stayed at this particular Hampton twice before. One time was in December 2017, and the other time was In April 2018 (Actually this particular weekend, just one year earlier.) I really enjoyed both of my stays there and it is actually really neat as you were on the same floor as my second visit (I was in 1103) and you were directly above my first visit room (1010). You are correct that this is a converted Hampton. This was originally the Editors building (a historic landmark plaque is located out front) built in 1949. It was the for Kiplinger Organization. Hampton did a great job on renovations as most rooms have different layouts.

My wife and I took the Capital Limited to DC several years ago. Really beautiful scenery once you get thru PA.

Coming into DC you were on the wrong side of the train. On the other side you could have seen the Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Capitol Dome just before the tunnel.

I have seen 3 or 4 Cardinal trips on RU-vid. This is excellent.

I love Amtrak travel so thanks for pretty stable video to watch from my treadmill. The trip will be more colorful if I take it with foliage on the trees, maybe fall.

I wanted to thank you for filming this. I'm in a long distance relationship, (I'm in NYC and my boyfriend lives in Eastern Kentucky). I usually take an airplane to go see him but I have been debating whether or not Amtrak is cheaper. If I would take the Amtrak, I would be stopping in Charleston, WV and taking a cab for three hours to go to him. Thank you so much for letting me see what riding the Amtrak to that station would be like and showing us the scenery.

I will be riding this train in June, we visited New River Gorge overlook a few years ago and saw the tracks down below but now we will be riding thru the Gorge.

I took the cardinal full length from NY to chicago in summer 2018. Actually had 2 sleepers, 3 coaches and 2 engines plus bag and diner lite. Guess runs with longer consist in summer

Oh dear, an hour long video. Time to grab a blanket and watch.

Did California Zephyr From Chicago to Sacramento last October. My car attendant said the Cardinal has great scenery. Doing Empire Builder from Minneapolis to Portland, Oregon in 10 days. Great video.

I've taken The Cardinal twice, once in coach from Charleston, WV, to White Sulphur Springs, WV, and a second time, in the sleeping car, from Chicago to Washington, DC. On both occasions the train was on time, the train conductor(s) and the sleeping car attendant were courteous [actually quite friendly], eager to please, and professional. And the scenery was superb. This trains of Amtrak's best products. If you travel via The Cardinal do yourself a favor and schedule a 2 - 3 day stop at The Greenbrier resort at White Sulphur Springs, WV. The Greenbrier is pricey but worth the extra expense. It is an old fashioned property that is spotless, and incredibly well-maintained. By "old-fashioned" I mean that its contemporaries are The Homestead, The Broadmoor, The Awhanee, the Banff Springs Resort, French Lick Springs, The Arlington. The resort has three golf courses and over fifty other activities from which to choose; one stay I took a falconry course. Hit the resort's website for details. Prices are lower in winter.

Dang, I just finished breakfast! I'll have to have another sitdown breakfast to enjoy this video!

Been in Staunton for school for the past year and a half. One of the safest and most charming towns I have ever seen! I love it.

Been from Norfolk Va to DC on Amtrak and a few other places Thought about doing this trip from Charlottesville VA to Charleston WV because the track follows the river and thought it would be a nice view but too many trees like most trips on the east coast Good thing you went in the winter but thanks to your video I wouldn't go I like to ride trains but I also like to see something beside trees all the time l

Enjoyed the video. A few comments. I'm guessing that the train was so short because it was very off-season. If you had been clued-in a little more you might have noticed the gold dome of the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, the remains of the town of Thurmond, WV (which sits right up against the railroad and is on the National Register), and the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Historical Society museum on the other side of the train at Clifton Forge. Alderson is best known for it's Women's Federal Correction Institution, where Martha Stewart served her time over 10 years ago. You missed White Sulfur Springs, WV, the home of The Greenbrier resort. Staunton, VA was the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson, and Charlottesville, VA is the home of the University of VA (founded by Thomas Jefferson, whose home, Montecello, is nearby). Also, the train crossed the mainline of Norfolk Southern (originally Southern Ry.) at the Charlottesville station. The Cardinal line swings North from there and joins the NS line at Orange, VA for the rest of the trip to DC. If you had shot out the other side of the train approaching DC, you would have seen some of monumental Washington, including the Jefferson Memorial. The Amtrak line swings left at CP Virginia, and out the other side from where you were shooting you would have seen the South side of the U. S. Capitol before plunging into the First Street (Northeast/Southeast) tunnel into Union Station.

Thank you letting me share a marvelous journey. You were a friendly, informative roommate

The line is a very busy freight route. However its also very heavy on coal traffic too, so traffic can be hit or miss. I rode it in 2014 and passed many freight trains.

@35:18 the station at Prince WV is pretty cool. Google search of images show the floor inside has a Chessie the kitten (C&O logo) terrazzo inlay floor. Very cool.

52:22 my town, Culpeper VA! Culpeper National Cemetery. Glad you stopped by! 1:15 more mins to DC.

I love your amtrak videos. Not a lot of talking but anything said adds to the experience and nice background noise. I could fall asleep to it. LOL

I like watching your video. I’m an Amtrak rider myself. I live in California, I take the Surfliner from L.A to Oregon. I love riding on Amtrak. Being disabled, I always have the handicap sleeper, very comfortable too. I’m also legally blind. What I love about it is instead of going to the dining car (because it’s difficult for me to get to), they bring my food to me. I love the service. I’m planning to take Amtrak in May to Oregon again. Thank you for the video.

I have done Philadelphia to Cincinnati and back many times on the Cardinal. It's a nice ride. The tunnel in DC runs under First Street behind the Capitol. I will be on the Cardinal this coming Friday.

I enjoy all your rail videos. I have ridden all the AMTRAK routes west of my hometown St. Louis from 2001 through 2013 (i.e., connections in Chicago and K.C. at times) in 5 weekend to weekend trip plus The Canadian (Vancouver to Jasper and back). I know of The Cardinal and have gone through West Virginia and Viginia on several of our family road trips East. Your videos make you feel like you are sitting right there with you. I bet this is very scenic in the Fall, although sometimes at single level you can find yourself just looking staright in to trees out the window and not seeing anything beyond. Also liked seeing Chicago Union station again and have taken metros in to Washington union station on road trips several times.

I took the Cardinal once and only once. The tracks on the Buckingham Branch RR in Virginia were so bad we couldn't go more then 40mph on most of their track. If you want to feel what it was like to ride on the Penn Central go on those rails. they are probably a step down from PC. lol. The Cardinal was rerouted like 3 times in his history. It used to operate via Peru Indiana (bypassing Indianapolis) for a long time. Then it was switch to the ex-NYC line, then to the ex-B&O line it uses now (to/from Indianapolis). It actually started its life as the James Wycombe Riley. Also the problem with the Cardinal is the fact it stops every like 15-20 minutes. it takes 12 hours to cover 500 miles. Also God forbid you want a Sleeper. With only one sleeper the roomette could cost as much as $800.

I always took this trip and I love it. Now I’m taking a trip on Amtrak from here in Chicago to Fort Worth Texas because I’m moving to Texas.

Literally my favorite video to watch. I’ve always wanted to ride a long distance Amtrak train.

A thorough job of filming to the end at hotel. I think I would have fruit with me for dinner-chicken looked like leftovers.

I am enjoying your "little" train adventure tonight..... thank you for making it …. new states to look at for me. xoxox from MN

Had the opportunity to experience this trip but starting from NY going to Indianapolis. The West Virginia views are amazing!

You did a very nice guide trip and I would recommend your video to others.

I'm actually taking this route myself in February to go from my home in Iowa to Indiana for a railroad I start training for all the way through spring time. Definitely looks exciting just seeing the trek in leaving Chicago Union.

I had to watch this again. I’ve never been to WV, but what I have in mind as to what I would expect if I went there is EXACTLY what I’m seeing out your windows. Isn’t it amazing how America has SO MUCH “middle of nowhere” areas with the big metro areas appearing, then disappearing quickly and you’re out in the boonies again. This video is great. Thank goodness there isn’t a music soundtrack!!!! Thank you for that. (So many RU-vidr’s ruin their videos with stupid music).

I have ridden this line several times, from Washington to Huntington, WV. Love this ride.

I got off the train in Hinton. The station is like stepping back in time.

Thanks for your post. You're answering many questions for me about my next adventure.

They actually have special fall foliage runs where they bring in observation cars. I think it runs from Huntington to Hinton and then returns.

Really wish the US would get a Bullet train. With just a few stops across America. Great fun. Thank you for making video. Feb. 26, 2021

Great video I loved it a lot one thing on jointed rail it was fast and smooth back in the days but now it's all about track cruise and how much they want to spend on that keep it on the rails happy trails

I love 💝 trains you meet the best people and have a awesome time.

I love your videos. I've always loved trains and take as many trips as I can. The Cardinal is one of my favorites, as well as the Zephyr and the last 1/3 of the Empire Builder route. You brought up some good points in the room accommodations. The Viewliner imo is best for the 2 full size rooms, but I prefer the Superliner for the roomette as you get a bit more room.

This was by far very interesting. The cardinal seems historically an older train, as well as the route.

Just subscribed to your excellent channel. Locked in and down in the UK, would love to do more of Amtrack's long haul train rides. But some great insights and useful info. Thanks very much for cheering my day. (Great voice and voice over BTW.)

I enjoy your videos very much I've heard a lot about that cardinal but I wasn't sure on what type of the train it was It looks interesting thanks for the video

In rail road terms a flag stop means some one has to flag a road crossing on that train one of the station employes flag the road crossing

When I was in marching band back in 2013 some of the band members including me took the cardinal from Huntington, WV to NYC but I never got to experience the Amtrak train cars part because we was in a historical train cars from the Huntington historical train society sadley this past year Amtrak has stopped hauling the historical cars from them but still stops in Huntington. I plan on going back and stop in DC for a few days and head back.

Wow, I love your videos. Going to start doing the train thing soon.

Nicely done Jacob! The Cardinal is my favorite east coast train. I know the reason they named the train “The Cardinal”. I just don’t think that the name is appropriate. Perhaps a more descriptive name like “The Mountaineer” or “The Seven Rivers” might make the train more attractive to potential riders. I’ve seen loads of beautiful mountain scenery and all of the many majestic rivers that the train goes by. Not once in multiple trips have I seen a Cardinal. Anyway, I’ve just completed a 7200 mile “northwestern circle” traincation and was once again delighted with the sleeping car staff on all five trains (T.E., C.Z., C.S., E.B. & T.E.). The crews I’ve encountered on the Cardinal have been the most dedicated and hardworking Amtrak employees yet. They seemed to try to make due with less while keeping an upbeat attitude (I’m looking at you Lazarus & Kevin). I’m looking forward to my next ride on the Cardinal. BTW... you’re right, rough, rougher, roughest track in the Amtrak system. I know it’s not their track but jeez! Great job on the video. You’ve got a great voice for narration.

This goes right through my hometown and I have taken it to Chicago once from OH and loved it. The scenery in WV is amazing.

I imagine this one would be the best in the fall with all the leaves changing.

That's the train I ride all the time and I usually board in Montgomery. Thanks for the video. Glad you enjoyed your ride.

I'm flying to Vegas for a business trip leaving from Virginia but I've decided to take the train back!!! Getting on the train just inside California (after a short 2 hour drive) and then coming all the way thru Chicago and then onwards to Staunton VA! Love the videos online that have gotten me to the point of pulling the trigger. See you all when I get back. The train will be the highlight of my trip!

Always fun to travel with you. Like the hotel review at the end. Hope more long distance trips are planned.

Another great report, Jacob! And you were in my neck of the woods too! You ought to start meeting some of your followers. I'd have loved to shake your hand and maybe treat you to dinner and hear firsthand about your experiences!

The large mirror in the bedroom is a sliding door which opens into the next room to make a suite.

I first took the Cardinal in the autumn of 1985 from Cincinnati to NYC. I remember going along the Ohio River and through the Appalachians, particularly during the dawn and daylight. I've also taken the Cardinal from Philadelphia (east) to Chicago. I like that no change of trains is required, whereas on the Capitol (an excellent train) you do have to change in DC. This fall (2022) I have a reservation again on the Cardinal from Chicago to Philadelphia.

Trip has to be great in the fall during peak-something I will keep in mind. Nice vid-thanks for sharing.

I liked the art deco Prince station - we have a bunch of stations on the London Underground in that style

Your videos bring great Joy as I remember over 30 years of taking many of your adventures that I have not seen any trips to Portland Main. Any chance when your have to go to Boston your could take a side trip to Portland. That town is really nice to all older adults and veterans. I recall that any vacant shops with heat systems must leave open for homeless in winter days. Lots of old time sea farriers are well taken care of. I f you ever do this trip could your look into the local government who heads up these programs? Thanks for the rides.

I enjoyed your Amtrak video. Beautiful scenery while it's nice to ride throught towns and countries of West Virginia. The skyline by the Alexandria stop is actually Tysons Corner, and it's been redeveloping that area since the mid-2000s despite they got two shopping malls so close to each other.

Very interesting video. I enjoyed seeing the old coaling towers from the days of steam, but, even though it was winter, the scenery was enjoyable, and I can only imagine what it would be like in the other three seasons. Thanks for posting.

Beautiful trip, Try taking Amtrak Vermonter from Washington D.C. or New York and travel all the way to Burlington, VT. (Best time to go is in the Summer/Fall season).

Thank you for a really interesting video . I didn’t know this route existed now I want to travel on it.

I'm taking the Coast Starlight to L.A. this summer. It's too bad they got rid of the Pacific Parlour Car which was exclusive for the train. Great video as always. You are the travel pro!

You really need to take the Cardinal in the summer with long days and a short night. Really a beautiful ride. The schedule sure doesn't help because to get to Philly this summer on the dates I needed. The one advantage that I didn't hear you mention was that the Cardinal offers checked baggage from Chicago to the major east coast cities.

A cozy Cardinal sleeper would be fun to ride through ragged West Virginia backwoods on a cold, spooky Halloween night. Snow or a heavy rain storm would be great. No way I'd offboard the warm, safe train for any type of station break. I'd have lots of pumpkin spice tea, buttered pumpkin bread, traditional Halloween candy and battery-powered tea lights. Bundled up in warm nightwear, I'd watch scary videos running on DVDs.

I really liked this video. I wish you would have walked through the train anyway. Just to se how crowded coach is.

Thank You for taking the time to video your trip, I enjoyed watching it!

So well done (as always)... the Cardinal is a fabulous experience. Beautiful scenery and a great crew! Thanks for the great work in this video!

usually the Cardinal runs with 3 coaches, cafe car, business class, a viewliner sleeper, and a baggage car. I'm surprised it was shortened.

They don't do much for the Cardinal. Our Scout troop had a adventure on that train to and from Washington DC.

The Cardinal is my preferred train to Chicago because of the better food service.

Informative video. Very well done. Thanks for sharing.

pretty cool ive been on this train in the coach section...i travel to and from Chicago from time to time im in Indianapolis...very cool to see through someone elses eyes (so to speak))

Thanks for the vid...I used to take the Cardinal from Charleston WV to DC in my collage days....coach of course. Beautiful scenic views.