Tell me about Amtrak

[mbcdefg]

I have to take a train up to New England in a few weeks for a work conference. I've never taken a long train trip, just commuter trains like subways and the PATH.

I need to get some additional information from my job before I buy my ticket, but I know for certain that I won't be traveling on the Acela.

Do I have an assigned seat or can I just pick one (and if so, are certain seats better than others)? Can I bring a snack or drink on the train? Are delays common? It looks like wi-fi is available ... what about an electrical outlet?

Thanks for any tips.

[dulcemariamar]

Do you have to take the train? Could you fly?

I took a train last year so if it still the same, if you buy coach they guarantee you a seat but it is not assigned.

Yes, you can bring on your food. Lots of people do it. Delays are really common and it depends where the train is coming from. If your stop is one of the first few, it shouldn't be that bad but I have seen trains with over a 2 hour delay.

I remember there being electrical outlet but I dont know if every seat has one.

[mkesweetie]

I love Amtrak!

Yes, there are outlets if you get a seat next to the window. Also, you can totally bring a snack, and I'd suggest it because the ones you can buy are way over priced. I'm pretty sure I saw somebody bring a bottle of wine recently.

Oh, and usually you just pick a seat when you get on. Enjoy!

[Deleted]

Its fabulous. Much better than driving. When I took it to DC we didnt have assigned seats. You can buy drinks and snacks and you can bring them along. There are outlets. Where are you leaving from? I was pleasantly surprised at the Newark train station. They have a Moes.

[dottyblue]

No assigned seats. Where are you getting on the train? If it's from a "starting" station (i.e. DC) where the train is empty when all passengers board you will get better seat options. If you get on in Philly or any mid-trip station you may have to take whatever seat is first available and then possibly switch at NY Penn Station to a better seat.

There are power outlets available, but not in every seat, so if you want power, look for a window seat with an outlet. I haven't used the wifi.

You can bring any food or drink on the train you want. There is a snack car as well. I have never had a delay on Amtrak from DC to CT and I take the regional train about 4 times per year, usually around holidays.

[mbcdefg]

Thanks for the advice

I'm traveling from Newark NJ to Massachusetts, so flying isn't worth it.

I wouldn't mind driving (I like driving long distances alone) but since my job is reimbursing me they prefer me to take the train.

[raangoli]

Just wanted to add that the wifi is pretty spotty, but it's better than nothing.

[frezza]

The wifi is spotty. I tried to work remotely and i kept getting kicked out of my remote server and online apps. The wifi has to change IPs as it moves so it messes with a lot of programs. If you are just surfing the web it isn't bad, but if you need to be on a dedicated server it is a pain.

Acela is all business class. I had no problems finding outlets. I have had delays from 5 minutes to an hour. So if you have a meeting give yourself a buffer.

[mishap]

Be prepared for delays, especially going through CT.

[LoveTrains]

Is there a reason you can't take acela?

The NorthEast Regional is a very reliable service, but the acela is more reliable. If you are traveling on the weekend, expect a 15-20 minute delay due to trackwork in CT.

When you board in Newark, the train will most likely be very full, and it might be hard to find a seat. however, just sit anywhere, and then when the train gets into NYP, you may relocate into any open seat. At least 50-75% of the train will empty in NYP, and then new passengers will get on for the trip up to Boston.

There are two outlets for every pair of coach seats. The wifi is spotty - it is based on cell service, and gets easily overloaded. DO NOT COUNT on being able to use it.

You can bring whatever snacks or drinks you want on the train, and there will also be a cafe car that sells beer, wine, cocktails, and microwaved snacks and chips and whatnot. The cafe car on the regional trains also has booths - that is where the wifi router is and you will have the best service the closer you sit to the cafe car.

If you are on the acela, there are only stools/bar seating in the cafe car.

Upgrading to business class on the NER service gives you more leg room, a free newspaper, and a half size can of warm soda. it is generally considered not worth it.

Upgrading to first class on the acela is a dream come true including at your seat meal service and unlimited cocktails (or beer/wine/champagne).

[LoveTrains]

You can read more about my acela adventures (and my cross country amtrak adventure) on my blog - see link in sig.

[bunnysmom]

I just took the Amtrak twice, from DC to BWI and from what I recall seats are not assigned but the train isn't very crowdy, so that's not a problem.
I found the service very efficient, especially because I used it during the huge blizzard of February 2010 in DC and they seemed to have the situation under control in those horrible weather conditions.

[mbcdefg]

Thank you, lovetrains

Acela is not an option because work is paying for the trip and a hotel room for me, so I'm on a budget and have to get the cheaper train.

[OscarQ]

Also, if you don't want to talk (on your phone) or be disturbed by annoying conversations of others, consider sitting in the Quiet Car - ask a conductor where it is on your train (I think they're usually the last car but it's been awhile since I've sat in one).

When I lived in Hoboken I would take the PATH in and catch the Acela from Penn Station (even though I was going South). If the train was already in route, I looked on the Arrivals screen for the platform and then just walked down and had my pick of seats.

[livinitup]

I love Amrak. My hints are to keep in mind which way the train is moving in case you have to make a choice between a forward facing vs. a rear facing seat. If seating is crowded, you can sit in the food car at a table - and its quite roomie and easy to do work. You are allowed to drink alcohol (so maybe on the way back?) and there is something about a train ride that always makes me want to eat cheese and crackers - I so suggest you pack those or buy the little snack box from the food car. Also, you probably know this, but get-up with your luggage and wait by the exit well in advance of arriving in the station. Some of the stations open their doors and leave very quickly. Nothing worse than missing your stop.

[mbcdefg]

Aug 28, 2012 15:44:16 GMT -5 livinitup said:

Also, you probably know this, but get-up with your luggage and wait by the exit well in advance of arriving in the station. Some of the stations open their doors and leave very quickly. Nothing worse than missing your stop.

I actually did not know this, that the stops are so quick. Thank you!

[LoveTrains]

Aug 28, 2012 15:23:41 GMT -5 mbcdefg said:

Thank you, lovetrains

Acela is not an option because work is paying for the trip and a hotel room for me, so I'm on a budget and have to get the cheaper train.

Well price it out, but sometimes acela is cheaper than a regional train. It just depends on how popular a particular train is.

If you buy a regional ticket at least 14 days in advance you can almost always get a special 25% off fare. They are not indicated as such and are non-refundable, but you can change them and get a voucher for the value of the fare.