Is it safe to send my wife on an amtrak train by herself?

Sure its safe. Totally safe. I'd question why people would tell you otherwise....? Weird.

My only concern is that trains do not always run on time. If you miss your connection you could be stuck in Chicago all alone and you'd be too young to rent a hotel room. Those stations are not Amtrak-only stations... I haven't been to DC but Chicago Union Station is huge, has all the local metra traffic from 4-6 pm, and it will be a bit stressful. Pack a lot of food or buy your food on the train. You would be safer if you stay with the crouds and wait at your terminal during transfers instead of exploring the station for food.

Of course it is. California's Amtrak trains are new and nice, and the clientele tends be middle class. Amtrak isn't desperation transportation like the airlines (or greyhound, if that's what you were thinking.) Use normal caution, but theft isn't a big risk, she'll see people with laptop computers out. (some trains have free wireless).

She should bring a few bucks in case she wants anything from the cafe car - they have sodas, beer & wine, chips, sandwiches etc. You can also bring food but not alcohol.

It's rude to other riders to hang on your cell phone, but she should still have one to call your friend in case the train runs late. That's not likely on the corridor trains (San Diegans, Capitols, San Joaquins). More likely on the overnight trains (California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Sunset Limited) because they're coming clear from Chicago, Seattle or New Orleans.

On the corridor trains, people mostly keep to themselves, but it's not unusual for people to be social too. On the overnight trains, it's practically expected :)

I think she'll enjoy the trip.

Assuming your wife is an adult then, yes, it's as safe as any other means of travel. Not sure why people think you're crazy for doing it but thousands of people travel by Amtrak everyday without incident. Bon voyage!

about 4 years ago me and my son, then 8, cross country on the sunset limited...we were fine. it was great, 3 daysw of being lazy. waking up to the wide open views from the lounge car with a cup o tea and a chat with a fellow traveller. nothing beats the train.

dont expect to be on time, Amtrak doesnt own any rails other than Northeast Corridor

i think that as long as she practices safe traveling protocol, she should be ok. my elderly granny and i (when i was 10) traveled on amtrak from MO to MS. we were fine. your wife will have to be savvy and aware of her surroundings at all times. also, if it is a direct trip (no stops along the way that require her to depart the train) she will be better off.

some tips:

-NEVER leave your purse unguarded. if sleeping, put your purse under your head or zipped up inside your jacket/coat.

-NEVER give out personal information to anyone for any reason.

-ALWAYS be aware of who is sitting around you and be alert to any odd behavior.

to further ease your wife's trip, consider UPS'ing her luggage to the friend a few days before her departure so she doesn't have to keep an eye on multiple bags and possessions. only do this if UPS'ing will be cheaper than paying to stow the luggage on the train.

If she's an adult and not mentally incompetent, then it should be fine.

I believe Amtrak has an unaccompanied minors program, similar to airlines, for either of those situations.

its a wonderful way to go and it beats the "dog"

and its very safe way to go as well

just be aware that sometimes Amtrak trains can be late

due to freight train traffic (one train has the nickname

of star late as sometimes been very late !(its really name is the starlight)

was on amtrack about 12 years ago when they were on strike going from ks to Calif.

the toilets were all overflowing with crap, they stopped in the middle of the desert like they broke down ...for hours.

2 dudes behind me woke up and were arguing were their stash of pot was and then they found it right in the middle of the aisle.

the conductor was a tiny orange frail of a man.... (verry happy..hint)

been cheaper to ride the bus...

but I think she would be safe.. carry some mace

If it's safe and she doesn't have a problem with it, I don't see the big deal...