Amtrak a few tips and warnings

[v1nce007]

I took the Amtrak Acela Express Boston-New York and return this year in First Class. Trains were on time. First class passengers have access to a basic lounge at stations. The First carriage is in a 2-1 layout, good wifi, all meals and drinks are inclusive (food quality was ok: comparable to a QF international economy meal but with proper cutlery and crockery), service was good, no reserved seating. As mentioned by someone above, a big advantage is departing and arriving in the heart of each city and no airport nonsense to worry about.

 

[agent47]

I used AMTRAK three times in 2014 - New York to Boston, Boston to Washington (Acela Express) and Washington to New York. Would definitely recommend the Red Cap if you are departing from New York (or any station that's not a terminus) as it was quite busy and as others have said, first come, first served. Can't remember how much I tipped (it was just me with one bag) but it was worth its weight in gold - they take you down to the platform before the train has arrived and help you on board to a seat. In Washington I even got to ride with them around the platforms in a little buggy as they were picking up luggage from another train.

AMTRAK itself was pretty good, particularly the Acela Express - basically full of business types, so quieter than other trains and quicker. I would definitely recommend them, being able to start and finish in the city centre is great.

 

[jastel]

Nothing wrong with the train so long as you can carry your own bag.
Bit of a slow PITA going to Niagra Falls at the Border.

 

[jenib]

Nothing wrong with the train so long as you can carry your own bag.
Bit of a slow PITA going to Niagra Falls at the Border.

Yes - when we had a northeast rail pass it only took us to the US side of the falls as it didn't cover Via Rail in Canada. We caught a taxi across the border for probably about $20 and beat the train by about 2 hours