Reviews
My father was a baggageman on the Empire Builder. He retired about 1961. I recall go to the station and hop the train several times. I wish the AMTRAC was better.
5
7 years ago (12-01-2018)
Comfortable travel. Not too crowded. Had two seats to myself from Columbus, Wi to Fargo, ND. Good snacks. Beautiful view. The train station is small, and creepy at times. It's got plenty of seating. My main complaint would be that the vending machines didn't work, and I was hungry. Lol
5
8 years ago (22-08-2017)
Traveling east requires being at the station between 1-3am in downtown Fargo. Almost everything else in that area is closed. The uneasy feeling posted earlier is still there and the interior could use a couple coats of paint. The bathroom was clean and smelled fresh. That goes a long way.
3
8 years ago (07-05-2017)
Customer service and station are much better than posted in previous reviews. Gentleman at counter is personable and helpful. Bathrooms are clean.
4
8 years ago (30-06-2017)
There is nothing wrong with travelling Amtrak. But the station in Fargo, ND is run-down and has a not-quite-safe feel to it.
The pop machine had a bearing going out on the compressor and made a loud thumping noise for most of our wait. The attendant behind the counter was irritable at best. I haven't ridden Amtrak for a very long time, so I walked up to the counter and asked if I need to check in. I showed her my electronic ticket on my phone. She asked if I had ID, so I began to remove it from my wallet when she rudely said, "The Amtrak security will want to see it later." Maybe she was trying to be helpful but her tone was very rude.
Lastly, while my wife and I went outside for a few minutes a man and a woman in short-shorts and a tank top wandered off into the alley and returned to the depot about 10 minutes later. Make of that what you will.
I give the overall experience 2 stars because riding the train to Portland really wasn't that bad. If I were just reviewing the train ride I would give it 4 stars, but the Fargo station was so nasty looking and the service and general vibe were so off-putting that it drops to 2 stars.
Amtrak is fine. A little stinky on the trains, maybe.
The Fargo station is rough. I felt less uncomfortable walking around in downtown Cincinnati where I was the only white guy.
Just be forewarned.
2
9 years ago (22-06-2016)