Peter Greenberg: Colorado Rail Travel

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org

This year is my 50th class reunion. I'd like to travel by rail from Colorado to Michigan, then a side trip to Cincinnati, and from there back to Colorado. How does a trip like this look by rail?
–Dorothy, Colorado Springs, Colo.

The first part of this journey would be from Denver to Chicago on the California Zephyr, which takes about 19 hours of travel time. From there, it’s Chicago to Detroit on the Wolverine, which takes about 5.5 hours (we’re assuming your destination is Detroit, and for most journeys to Michigan, you’ll go via Chicago). There are also trains to other Michigan cities, including Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, from Chicago, so if your destination is one of those cities, it’s more like two or three hours from Chicago.

To get to Cincinnati via train from Michigan, you’ll have to go back through Chicago. There aren’t direct trains from Michigan cities to Cincinnati, even from Detroit. The trip from Chicago to Cincinnati is about 8.5 hours, according to Amtrak. Remember, if you’re over 62, you’re automatically eligible for a 15-percent discount on Amtrak fares, except for sleeper accommodations. For more information and to schedule your trip, visit Amtrak.com.