Train or plane Washington DC to New York City

[Dr Ralph]

Do you have any interest in seeing Philadelphia? The Amtrak train passes through anyway, and from memory you can stopover for up to 24 hours for the same price when travelling DC-NY and vice versa.

Definitely worth a stop over. But I'd recommend not going out at night. I've travelled the US extensively and only ever had a problem in Philly. The crime rate their is horrendous.

 

[Hvr]

Definitely worth a stop over. But I'd recommend not going out at night. I've travelled the US extensively and only ever had a problem in Philly. The crime rate their is horrendous.

I've walked around there at night and like everywhere else it depends where you go.

I even went to a ball game at night with no problems.

 

[doczim]

Great info on this thread. Were are going from DC to NYC in December. I knew train was an option but was going to fly. Now after reading this I think Train is in front again.

Is the seating layout 2 x 2? Apart from the Acela service being quicker, are they the same? The Red Caps definitely seem the way to go, are they highly sort after and hard to come by one or is availability not an issue?

 

[clazman]

Just check to see if they allow checked baggage ...

 

[doczim]

they don't, but from many have posted here, that shouldn't be an issue . from what I understand, you get a red Cap to help with pre Board and stowing luggage in the luggage racks

 

[amaroo]

they don't, but from many have posted here, that shouldn't be an issue . from what I understand, you get a red Cap to help with pre Board and stowing luggage in the luggage racks

Yeap, first hand experience, with photos http://www.australianfrequentflyer....lane-washington-dc-new-61321.html#post1076342! Family of 4 with insane luggage ... all sorted for a $20 Don't try this trick in Canada!

 

[doczim]

Yeap, first hand experience, with photos http://www.australianfrequentflyer....lane-washington-dc-new-61321.html#post1076342! Family of 4 with insane luggage ... all sorted for a $20 Don't try this trick in Canada!

thanks amaroo..Are there adequate Red Caps? it doesnt sound liek they are a "secret" and at such a low cost I imagine they are highly sought after. I looked at the First Class seats, which by the look lets you go into the lounge where you can book a red Cap, but they price was way more than flying and does not see to be worthwhile for what the FC service is.

 

[amaroo]

thanks amaroo..Are there adequate Red Caps? it doesnt sound liek they are a "secret" and at such a low cost I imagine they are highly sought after. I looked at the First Class seats, which by the look lets you go into the lounge where you can book a red Cap, but they price was way more than flying and does not see to be worthwhile for what the FC service is.

We had no issue getting RC service.

It was a very easy process. NYC (NY>DC) the RC's have their own secure area where you could sit and wait for your train ... when it's time to leave, the senior RC allocates one of his men to carry your luggage/stow it while you take your seat ... all before general boarding - think priority boarding!

Brilliant service - much better than catching a plane!

 

[doczim]

We had no issue getting RC service.

It was a very easy process. NYC (NY>DC) the RC's have their own secure area where you could sit and wait for your train ... when it's time to leave, the senior RC allocates one of his men to carry your luggage/stow it while you take your seat ... all before general boarding - think priority boarding!

Brilliant service - much better than catching a plane!

I remember reading your trip report a few weeks ago and the situation of "all" you luggage lol

Hope DC have similar set up with area for RC's. Did you get the Acela Express or the slower one?

 

[amaroo]

I remember reading your trip report a few weeks ago and the situation of "all" you luggage lol

Hope DC have similar set up with area for RC's. Did you get the Acela Express or the slower one?

Acela Express Business. Cost for four (2 kids) was $456

 

[doczim]

Acela Express Business. Cost for four (2 kids) was $456

sweet. I think that's about the price for 2 adts and one 12yo now. I'll have another look at your trip report for the hotel in DC you stayed at

 

[Reggie78]

sweet. I think that's about the price for 2 adts and one 12yo now. I'll have another look at your trip report for the hotel in DC you stayed at

Have a look at the Marriott chain. They do a best rate guarantee which matches the price, AND beats it by 25%. We stayed at the Marriott at Washington Metro Centre for about USD$117pn in November last year using this deal.

As for the train, yes, the 2 trains are identical, except the Acaela just stops less. And yes, definately get the red cap. It was madness all those people scrambling for seats in general boarding!

 

[Warks]

We'll be in NY in June and were thinking of taking a day trip to Philadelphia. Also interested in Boston and Washington but they are a bit far for a day trip I think. We are staying quite close to Penn station so it will be pretty easy. The toss up is whether to take the express or the 'slow' train. I guess it won't be much of a difference seeing as Philly is less than 2 hours away from memory.

Bus is way cheaper I think but would love to take the train. I've visited the USA at least a dozen times and I can't recall ever going on a train.

 

[parsonstrish]

I remember reading your trip report a few weeks ago and the situation of "all" you luggage lol

Hope DC have similar set up with area for RC's. Did you get the Acela Express or the slower one?

Yes, union station also has red caps. The station architect is very interesting also.

 

[jukebox333]

Its a couple of years old, but I did NYC to DC by train, and covered it here:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....-photos/madagascar-3-25-words-less-50585.html

You may find some hints there.

 

[doczim]

Have a look at the Marriott chain. They do a best rate guarantee which matches the price, AND beats it by 25%. We stayed at the Marriott at Washington Metro Centre for about USD$117pn in November last year using this deal.

As for the train, yes, the 2 trains are identical, except the Acaela just stops less. And yes, definately get the red cap. It was madness all those people scrambling for seats in general boarding!

what site did you match the price against?

 

[amaroo]

sweet. I think that's about the price for 2 adts and one 12yo now. I'll have another look at your trip report for the hotel in DC you stayed at

Ahh the memories! It was the Park Hyatt Washington - terrific stay, as we got upgraded to the Presidential Suite

Highly recommended!

 

[Reggie78]

what site did you match the price against?

When I did it, it was against Travelpony. But also try Kayak, they do good prices.

 

[doczim]

Ahh the memories! It was the Park Hyatt Washington - terrific stay, as we got upgraded to the Presidential Suite

Highly recommended!

I remember reading you getting upped to pres suite. Been looking at the Marriots and Hilton chain recently. Was originally looking at intercontinental as am ambassador with IC but it's v pricey and the hotel not necessarily our style. Can't believe how many hotels there are in DC

 

[clazman]

I like the Jefferson in DC, and it is number 1 on TA