Travel from Washington to New York

amictus

I'm going to be in Washington for a few days next month and would like to stop at New York for a few more days before heading back home. I was originally planning to fly, but I noticed mention of an an express train service in a Lonely Planet guide book. The Amtrak train service takes about 3 hours to get to Penn station. This might actually work out to be quicker and easier than the 1 hour flight once airport transfer, check-in and waiting times are included.

Any thoughts? Has anyone done this before?


Thanks!

dickydonkin

Although I cannot give you much detail, my daughter has just returned from a 3 week secondment in DC and she and a friend booked a bus trip down to NY with 2 nights decent accommodation included at a very reasonable price. I wish I could give you more details but she is on holiday at the moment - but a package like that seems a good idea.

814man

yep did the Amtrak train some years ago. Assuming price to be similar or better the journey is great value and time saving as it takes you from one wonderful city centre station to another.

rpstdavids

Another option could be to go by bus.

We went with Megabus from DC to New York last year, the total fare was $3 for the two of us and journey time was just over 4 hours.
They use double decker buses, so you get a good view from the upper deck and they also have free wi-fi.

We also went with them from New York to Boston, but that was a bit more expensive, it was $7.50 each :-).

In would use them again. Boltbus also offer a similar service, but only used single deckers when we went.

lfc321

Bus is usually the cheapest, but the train is by far the best way to do this route and not subject to traffic etc. As you say, by the time you've gone out to the airport, checked in, and into the city at the other end you'll find flying takes longer.

Looks like you've already found this out, but eth Acela express is the quickest, but more expensive. The regional trains are fine too - cheaper but a bit slower (takes about an extra hour IIRC).

flutterbyuk25

I'd second the megabus for cost. I did it 3 years ago, cost $5 return Washington to NYC, took under 4 hours. It was comfy, air conditioned, clean etc.

But train would be more fun!

Enjoy!

sarflee

I did the megabus from NY to DC then the Amtrak back from DC to NY. Booked both online before I went and printed off the tickets as it was much cheaper to book in advance, and I didn't really prefer one method of travel to the other. The megabus driver was great fun!!

martindow

814man wrote: »

from one wonderful city centre station to another.

I wouldn't say Penn station in NY is a wonderful station. It's like a dingy subterranean shopping centre with gloomy platforms below.

I do agree that the train is the way to go.

lfc321

martindow wrote: »

I wouldn't say Penn station in NY is a wonderful station. It's like a dingy subterranean shopping centre with gloomy platforms below.

I do agree that the train is the way to go.

Very true - Penn station is hideous. Union Station in DC is pretty nice, though.

amictus

Thanks for all the replies guys, I appreciate the help. I will look in to some of the bus services recommended but I suspect I will pay a bit more for the comfort and speed of the express train.

I haven't yet looked in to accommodation for my time in New York. I would like to stay near the main tourist areas as I will have only a few days for seeing the sights. I'd imagine prices are pretty high... any thoughts for a cheap(ish) hotel/hostel/B&B?


Thanks again!

signol

The Amtrak "Northeast Regional" is the regular train between Washington and NY, and most continue on to Boston. The "Acela Express" is the "high speed" train between the two, but the actual speed difference is minimal as they all use the same track.
Picking a random date in October, the Northeast Regional train costs $49 and takes 3h15, the Acela Express costs from $139 and takes 2h45. There are 36 trains per day. I've used the Regional service, and it was very nice, massive comfortable seats in standard class, only downside is the food from the buffet car was terrible - take your own snacks.
http://www.amtrak.com

signol