Hello: thanks for the info about the trains--I have been looking into it, and wondered what days/dates you plan to travel? I could get a train from VA to DC to South Bend. . .it would be fun if we were on the same train!

We take the "capitol limited" out of DC on Sunday evening, arriving in South Bend on Monday early AM. Returning: we take a late afternoon/early evening "capitol limited" out of South Bend on Monday getting into DC mid-day on Tuesday.

Hello again: When I looked into the dates, costs, Mercury retrograde/direct, it looks more likely that I would get on the train in Martinsburg WV on Monday Aug 7, arrive Tuesday Aug 8, and return the evening of Sunday Aug 12--so alas, we would not be on the same train! I also am thinking of getting a sleeper car--any experience with that?
If anyone else is thinking of taking the above mentioned train on those dates, let me know, we could share a car rental!

my personal experience is - don't waste your money on a sleeper for the short overnight trip to South Bend. The "chairs" in coach are quite comfortable and are similiar to a cozy recliner. Bring blanket and pillow, some eye shades and you'll have a pleasant sleep. They also have a glass domed observation car that has comfortable sofas - some folks snooze there, but they're a bit too bright for me. I've slept in a sleeper and to me the beds were hard and uncomfortable and right on the tracks where you feel every bump.

I took the sleeper cars on The City of New Orleans, to and from New Orleans/Kankakee. They were tiny, you couldn't sit up in bed w/o hitting your head, so you had to roll into and out of your bed. Other than that, I thought it was more comfortable than sleeping in a seat--"worth the money" would depend on your finances, I guess. You could sleep in the dark, it was quieter, there were no other people walking up and down the aisle. In general, it felt more private. The conductor (?) was particularly nice to us, seemed to know each "sleeper" passenger, helpfully volunteered info to make stay more comfy. We also had access to a larger bathroom with some kind of shower thing (I didn't use the shower, but the bathroom's larger size was definitely an asset for changing clothes, etc)

I felt like I was better rested for the next day's adventure

just my experience

the only real benefit of the sleeper car is that your meals are included. i've done the sleeper car and it was nice (if you don't mind sleeping in a closet). it was great b/c of the meals. but i decided not to do it again b/c its really not worth it. i can bring my food and be fine with it.

oh and thank you for all of your input. i think i'm just going to sleep in my car, check my luggage first thing, return the car, then get a cab ride back. i really don't mind sleeping in my car. i'm going to be doing it 3 days before the festival and 2 days after. i can sleep just about anywhere and it makes renting a car worth my money.

Hey there!

Coming into South Bend by train from Syracuse on Saturday morning, August 4th. What time and day does your train get in? We meet at the station going home several years ago when I went by train.

Any of you need space at the Comfort Inn on Saturday or Sunday night. My friend is now not going so have a reserved room with two queen beds on the first floor. Willing to share with folks if need space.

Tropicdyke, are Mary or Connie coming with you this year? Looking forward to seeing you again soon!

Akosua

Macosta!

I have a room at the Comfort Inn on Saturday and Sunday night so if you want to sleep in a bed instead of your car on August 4th and 5th let me know. I want to share the cost of the room since my friend is not coming now. Email here or at elephantwomyn at aol dot com if you are interested.

Thanks and talk with you soon.

Akosua

I find the sleeper cars worthwhile because it's uncomfortable for me to sit for long periods of time. With a sleeper, I can alternate sitting and lying down. Lots of people do sleep in the seats, but I have never been able to manage it myself. Definitely bring a pillow and blanket if you don't get a sleeper. They are definitely small, just enough room to turn around, but having meals provided is nice and the food is reasonably good. They are also much quieter than coach, and you can pull the curtains for darkness if that's important to you.

Akosua - of course I remember you. Yes, Mary is travelling with me along with two other wimmin. My partner passed away last sept. so we are taking her ashes this year and scattering them at the meditation circle. We get in on Monday and leave out the following monday.

Hey there all!

My train doesn't leave from South Bend going back home until 11:59 p.m. on Monday night August 13th. Let's find something to do in South Bend while we wait if you are on the late train as well. Perhaps dinner, a movie or something. Let me know.

Akosua

sorry, we return the car at 5:30 and the train takes out at around 8. not really enough time to do anything but repack stuff for train trip, check-in baggage, nap and chill.

2013 - train reservations AGAIN - This year my fair RT from Miami to South Bend in only $298!!!!