Traveling from San Fran to LA

Further on in this thread I'll probably see that you have ample replies
but since I haven't read that far yet here is my 2 cents worth.
The distance is approximately 400 miles. The train would be a great
trip. Probably not much difference than the bus. But since time is an
element, why not just get on an airplance? Cheaper probably, more
comfortable and a 45 minute flight. Lots of air options, from either
Oakland, San Jose or SF.

Ian Lloyd wrote:
I need some advice. I was planning to take a Greyhound from SF to LA, and
got this note from a friend in the US:

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Your itinerary suggests you intend to take that leg by motorcoach.

Unless it's an overnight thing, DON'T.

I don't know about the UK or the Continent, but in the States motorcoach
travel is typically the mode of last result.
...

There is, meanwhile, a much better alternative.

The train between San Francisco and Los Angeles threads through the
California coast ranges nearby to the shoreline, and if taken during the
day is well worth the expense. Parts of the trip are taken through the
grades of the frontier-era transcon line, and if they don't sell a
guidebook for the trip (as they did when I made it as a school age child)
with luck you'll be able to put a bead on a knowledgeable porter.

The total time elapsed on the journey is something on the order of twelve
hours."
------------------------------------------------------------------
Damn - I am not in US for long (just passing through, so want to make this
leg as painless as possible.

Can anyone add any further info regarding this coach or train trip?

Can I pre-book a train journey? And can I do a sleeper if need be?

I was surprised, I didn't think SF to LA was that far away - how many miles
or KMs are we talking here?

Anyway, any help appreciated.

On Tue, 23 Sep 2003 12:05:31 -0700, TwoTon
wrote:

Further on in this thread I'll probably see that you have ample replies
but since I haven't read that far yet here is my 2 cents worth.
The distance is approximately 400 miles. The train would be a great
trip. Probably not much difference than the bus. But since time is an
element, why not just get on an airplance? Cheaper probably, more
comfortable and a 45 minute flight. Lots of air options, from either
Oakland, San Jose or SF.

In traveling from the SFBay area to the LA Metro area the real
criterion may be where one is starting from and where one is
going to. Given the advance checkin time requirement for flying
along with the eime to clear the terminal flying isn't always
optimal. And then there's getting to the airport/rail station/bus
station and from ditto to final destination.

If the OP would just give us an idea where he wants to go in the
LA area it might be easier to give him an answer.

************* DAVE HATUNEN ) *************
* Tucson Arizona, out where the cacti grow *
* My typos & mispellings are intentional copyright traps *

In article ,
Ian Lloyd wrote:

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Your itinerary suggests you intend to take that leg by motorcoach.
Unless it's an overnight thing, DON'T.

Bus travel in the U.S. is comparable to bus travel in Europe and the U.K. You
don't necessarily meet the wealthiest people (interestingly, I most often meet
visitors from Asia and Europe on the bus) and it's not the fastest way to go. On
short notice, it's usually the cheapest. With an advance reservation, it can be
as cheap to fly, though Greyhound is cutting deals on advance buses these days
too.

I've taken buses across the country and on short day trips. I generally prefer
trains (more comfy) or planes (faster), but if a bus trip were indicated, I'd
take it again without hesitation.

The total time elapsed on the journey is something on the order of twelve
hours."
------------------------------------------------------------------
Damn - I am not in US for long (just passing through, so want to make this
leg as painless as possible.
Can anyone add any further info regarding this coach or train trip?

If I had the time and money weren't an object, I'd proably do the train trip.
It's sure to be scenic and pleasant, and as long as it's a same-day trip, where's
the hurry?

Can I pre-book a train journey?

You usually have to.

And can I do a sleeper if need be?

If it's an overnight, sure, though sleepers are likely pretty expensive.

I was surprised, I didn't think SF to LA was that far away - how many miles
or KMs are we talking here?

California is likely bigger than GB, and SF and LA are on opposite ends of the
state philosophically. Geographically, it's no short haul either. If time is
very short and all you want to do is see the cities, get an early flight. But
much as I love both cities, you haven't seen California until you've seen the
parts outside the big cities. I'd vote for the train if time allows, and go for
the bus as a second option.


--
---
Eric Holeman Chicago Illinois USA

"Ian Lloyd" wrote in message
...

Damn - I am not in US for long (just passing through, so want to make this
leg as painless as possible.

Then the answer is self-evident. Fly.

www.iflyswa.com

I can't tell when you want to do this, or what day of the week,
or if inexpensive is the main thing, or painlessness.

so, how about this. spend a little time online here
and elsewhere and try to connect with two or three
others traveling the same leg. then, splitting costs,
rent a car one-way from SF to LA and drive it via
Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, Santa Barbara, etc.

the cost will be about the same as a bus ticket,
and a whole lot more interesting. and fun with others.

"Ian Lloyd" wrote in message
...
I need some advice. I was planning to take a Greyhound from SF to LA, and
got this note from a friend in the US:

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Your itinerary suggests you intend to take that leg by motorcoach.

Unless it's an overnight thing, DON'T.

I don't know about the UK or the Continent, but in the States motorcoach
travel is typically the mode of last result.
...

There is, meanwhile, a much better alternative.

The train between San Francisco and Los Angeles threads through the
California coast ranges nearby to the shoreline, and if taken during the
day is well worth the expense. Parts of the trip are taken through the
grades of the frontier-era transcon line, and if they don't sell a
guidebook for the trip (as they did when I made it as a school age child)
with luck you'll be able to put a bead on a knowledgeable porter.

The total time elapsed on the journey is something on the order of twelve
hours."
------------------------------------------------------------------
Damn - I am not in US for long (just passing through, so want to make this
leg as painless as possible.

Can anyone add any further info regarding this coach or train trip?

Can I pre-book a train journey? And can I do a sleeper if need be?

I was surprised, I didn't think SF to LA was that far away - how many
miles
or KMs are we talking here?

Anyway, any help appreciated.