Train or plane Washington DC to New York City

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KRC01

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Hi
I’m going to be traveling from Washington DC to New York City in Dec this year.
With all the hassle of boarding a plane these days is it just as easy to go by train?
Anybody been done this road? Any advice?

cheers
 
The Amtrak train is a great trip. I've only been as far as Philadelphia (from New York) and enjoyed it immensely.

You'll arrive in Grand Central Terminal in New York and be able to connect to subways for your hotel etc.
 
Ditto the train. Its a lot of fun and very comfortable. We travelled NYC - Washington DC return on the same day - first thing in the morning and late back at night.
 
Ditto the train. Its a lot of fun and very comfortable. We travelled NYC - Washington DC return on the same day - first thing in the morning and late back at night.

Agree with train. Took +1 on a day trip to NYC from DC where I had gone for a conference. We left DC at 8am and got back to DC after midnight, having spent about 9.5 hours sightseeing in NYC...nearly killed me with exhaustion tho.:)
 
Hi
I’m going to be traveling from Washington DC to New York City in Dec this year.
With all the hassle of boarding a plane these days is it just as easy to go by train?
Anybody been done this road? Any advice?

cheers

I chose the plane route when I did a day trip from NY to DC return. The train takes about 3 - 3.5 hours. The flight is like Syd-Mel plus security hassles etc.
 
I would take the train - its a great trip and very comfortable. Check the timetable carefully to make sure you catch the train that best suits your timetable and prices vary for different schedules - you can easily book your ticket on line - but you will need your passport at the train station when you collect your ticket and board. While it takes a bit longer, that is almost compensated for when you take into account the time and energy taken to get to the airport and go through security.
 
I chose the plane route when I did a day trip from NY to DC return. The train takes about 3 - 3.5 hours. The flight is like Syd-Mel plus security hassles etc.

In December though there's always a chance of weather delays. Whilst there you can get weather delays on train, probably less likely than on plane.

We did the train, and as we were staying very close to both stations, it's hard to see how overall trip time would have been quicker by plane, especially with checked luggage. And train would have to be more relaxing!
 
I would take the train - its a great trip and very comfortable. Check the timetable carefully to make sure you catch the train that best suits your timetable and prices vary for different schedules - you can easily book your ticket on line - but you will need your passport at the train station when you collect your ticket and board. While it takes a bit longer, that is almost compensated for when you take into account the time and energy taken to get to the airport and go through security.

I booked on line and then printed my ticket, no requirement to show identification.
 
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.... you can easily book your ticket on line - but you will need your passport at the train station when you collect your ticket and board. .

It's e-tickets now. We just printed our receipt and boarded, conductor scanned barcode, and apparently works with smart phones too (i.e. No print out). So no need to collect tickets any more.
 
I would probably only fly if you needed the SC's.

As dajop says, weather (snow) can be an issue in December.

Also the added convenience of getting off the train at Grand Central Station more than likely makes your overall trip at least as quick as flying if not quicker.
 
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Also the added convenience of getting off the train at Grand Central Station more than likely makes your overall trip at least as quick as flying if not quicker.

Actually the train arrives at Grand Central Terminal not Grand Central Station. They're different places and taxi drivers love to take you to the wrong one, if you ask for the station you'll be taken to the station not the terminal.
 
Actually the train arrives at Grand Central Terminal not Grand Central Station. They're different places and taxi drivers love to take you to the wrong one, if you ask for the station you'll be taken to the station not the terminal.

You are correct. However it is colloquially known as Grand Central Station​;)
 
We did Amtrak Acela Express business NYC-DC, late Dec last year - fantastic! Cheap, scenic, relaxing, enjoyable....

Plenty of space for luggage. Make sure you use the Red Cap service for Priority boarding and luggage assistance.



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Good to se no one suggesting flying in Dec on this route, can be many delays.

Apart from Grand Central (the old New York Central) you can also go to Penn Station (the old Pennsylvania Railroad) which might be closer to what you want to do in NYC.

The Acela service is half an hour faster than the North East Regional service but $100 more expensive. If you catch a regular Amtrak North East train often business class is cheaper if you can commit to a day than a flexible ticket.

Matt
 
We are a very unbiased lot here on AFF.

A business associate living in Syracuse avoids flying between places like Boston and NYC wherever possible. Prefers to drive and avoid all the security angst.
 
The best option is the Acela train. It's all business or first class and at least an hour faster than the other option. All Acela trains arrive at Penn Station in NY and not at grand central.
 
Well great information here for my trip planning.
Has confirmed my thoughts on going by train.
 
The best option is the Acela train. It's all business or first class and at least an hour faster than the other option. All Acela trains arrive at Penn Station in NY and not at grand central.

From memory, ALL trains (regional or Acela) between NYC and Washington go to/from Penn station, Grand Central only serves Metro North commuter trains and soon (when link is completed) the Long Island Rail Road as well. No Amtrak services at all.
 
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