[angie54321]

My two sons + 1 girlfriend will be travelling from NY to Texas by air, and then they were getting a lift to LA from a friend. Unfortunately the friend cannot do the journey now - so what is the best way (and cheapest) for them to get across to LA?

They have a week to do it - they can do it in less, because they know people in LA they can stop with. But ideally they would like to take in some sites on the journey.

Of course, one option is to cancel the tickets and re-book for NY - LA.

None of them can drive, so car hire isn't an option.

(In case you're wondering why I'm asking, they will struggle to research it themselves, they are working on a kids campsite as counsellors for the summer, so they don't get much free/internet time).

Any ideas please?

 

[luvourmother]

Amtrak is the train service that would connect those areas, probably the best way to make it from texas to la besides flying.

The Greyhound bus service is another option.

 

[angie54321]

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvourmother

Amtrak is the train service that would connect those areas, probably the best way to make it from texas to la besides flying.

The Greyhound bus service is another option.

thanks, I'll check those out.

 

[Mojo]

I've driven LA to Houston and back a few times. There isn't much to see in Texas and it's a long stretch. By bus or train it is probably 2 days. I guess it depends what they want to get out of it. Personally, I would be more inclined to fly from NY to LA and spend those extra days doing stuff in LA. And if they want to do a train trip, take Amtrak from Union Station in LA to San Diego. It's a short scenic trip and most of the route is along the coast. Much more preferable than hours looking at the plains of Texas.

 

[angie54321]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo

I've driven LA to Houston and back a few times. There isn't much to see in Texas and it's a long stretch. By bus or train it is probably 2 days. I guess it depends what they want to get out of it. Personally, I would be more inclined to fly from NY to LA and spend those extra days doing stuff in LA. And if they want to do a train trip, take Amtrak from Union Station in LA to San Diego. It's a short scenic trip and most of the route is along the coast. Much more preferable than hours looking at the plains of Texas.

Thanks. My oldest son has been to LA about 5 times now, and has seen most things - and also we are going out to meet them when they are there and spend a week doing all the touristy things together. We also plan to go down together to San Diego during that week The conditions on the airtickets are saying that they are only changeable if they were booked in $US but they were booked in £ sterling - they booked them before they went to the US. And the one for my youngest son I booked, and my oldest son booked the other two - so it's not straightforward to just change the flights.

They are meeting up with the guy who was supposed to be taking them from Texas to LA soon, so maybe he will be able to alter his plans once he realises they have actually booked the flights.

Is the train the best way to get to San Diego? We were planning on hiring a car, but your idea sounds more fun.

 

[Mojo]

If you've got a few people, renting the car would be cheaper. The freeway and the train both follow the same essential route from LA to San Diego. I think the train is a little more scenic though, if you sit on the side that faces the coast.

 

[angie54321]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo

If you've got a few people, renting the car would be cheaper. The freeway and the train both follow the same essential route from LA to San Diego. I think the train is a little more scenic though, if you sit on the side that faces the coast.

I'll probably check out prices for both - but car hire did seem cheap, and petrol is a lot cheaper in the US too (although you probably don't think it is!)