I don't know why lots of people are saying they wouldn't chance the train to BWI. I commute by Marc every day and it's far, far more reliable than Metro. I live walking distance to a Metro station and choose Marc because it's cheaper and much more dependable (and calmer and quieter.)
I would also take the Orange Line to New Carrolton and get on Marc there. You have plenty of time.
I pick #4, Amtrak. Roll out of Union Station, no more movement. No rushing to get through security at airports, no long-ass layovers, etc. Walla. LOL.
Well, not exactly. I would have a layover at Penn Station in NYC, usually about an hour. Relative to an airport, the food options (it'll be dinner time) are worse, it's warm and uncomfortable, and more overcrowded. On the plus side, no TSA, all the Amtrak tracks are pretty close together, no risk of having to go terminal to terminal, less likelihood of getting stuck/missing a connection, and better chance of being roughly on time. There are some definite pluses to Amtrak, but I can't just zone out until home when we roll out of Union Station.
I don't know why lots of people are saying they wouldn't chance the train to BWI. I commute by Marc every day and it's far, far more reliable than Metro. I live walking distance to a Metro station and choose Marc because it's cheaper and much more dependable (and calmer and quieter.)
I would also take the Orange Line to New Carrolton and get on Marc there. You have plenty of time.
Bc she's on the blue line already. She goes a few stops and she's at DCA. Makes no sense to trek to BWI IMO.
Whether or not it makes sense is different from people saying they wouldn't risk it. I don't see a lot of risk, particularly in the late afternoon when trains run much more frequently. Personally, I'd take a Marc and Metro ride over a short Metro ride to DCA and options that involved either waiting around for a super late flight, or a flight with a layover. But, that's me.
I pick #4, Amtrak. Roll out of Union Station, no more movement. No rushing to get through security at airports, no long-ass layovers, etc. Walla. LOL.
Well, not exactly. I would have a layover at Penn Station in NYC, usually about an hour. Relative to an airport, the food options (it'll be dinner time) are worse, it's warm and uncomfortable, and more overcrowded. On the plus side, no TSA, all the Amtrak tracks are pretty close together, no risk of having to go terminal to terminal, less likelihood of getting stuck/missing a connection, and better chance of being roughly on time. There are some definite pluses to Amtrak, but I can't just zone out until home when we roll out of Union Station.
This is key information to leave out! I was wondering how you were getting home direct from WAS on the train but I didn't want to ask....
Now normally I am all about the train, but a layover for an hour in NYP is potentially a deal breaker. If it was a one seat amtrak ride that would be the hands down winner to me. At least you are moving, can drink, it will be comfortable, there is wifi, etc etc. But an hour in NYP is no fun unless you have a pass to Club Acela.