Originally Posted by dhammer53

^ This. I tip just before arrival in EMY (Emeryville).

As for eating in the dining car:

Breakfast $2.00 - 3.00.
Lunch $5.00
Dinner $5.00 - $10.00. Higher amount varies by service.

As for the bus drop-off location, it's 555 Mission St.

If you're staying downtown or south of Market, it's a 5 minute Lyft/uber ride. We stayed at the InterContinental on points. Lots of point redemption opportunities in town. If you're headed to the Wharf, a short 15 minute ride. YMMV.

After my first trip DEN/SMF/PDX in a roomette, I became a train addict. My next trip was an overnight DEN/Glenwood Springs. My third trip as noted above was with my wife and 8 year old grandson in 2 roomettes in June 2022.

Wait till Amtrak offers a 40,000 point sign up bonus. It's well worth the fee. I know.

dh