Taking the Train from DC to New York City

There isn't much to add - Amtrak is your friend and runs very, very frequently along the corridor. Can choose between their regional or NextGen Acela, with the latter being the newer, faster, and modern ride.

Agree with hoops comment, its pretty straightforward and lots of service. Mostly I would pick by time, costs, then if you want to splurge for 1st.

NE Regional is lowest price option, takes slightly longer, but cars are fine and pretty spacious.

Acela and NextGen Acela are more business class focused trains, more expensive, but faster. NextGen is new trains, very nice but little travel time difference on that stretch.

Vermonter may also run that route, this is a daily long-haul train that runs up north to Vermont, probably more expensive and not worth it unless the time works best.

Last, 1st class on Acela is nice but pricy if you want to splurge, also comes with lounge access. DC lounge is ok/nice, NYC Moynihan Train Hall lounge is amazing. Also can buy day passes for the lounges which is usually cheaper than paying more for a 1st class seat.

quote:

---

Okay thank you. I've never taken the train before and from doing some quick research on tickets and everything when we want to leave and come back its only about $100 cheaper than direct flights. But I feel like taking the train could add to the experience.

---

In addition to being cheaper than flying, the biggest benefits of taking the train on that route is both stations are easy to navigate, you can arrive 30 minutes (sometimes I would do 15 since I knew the stations well but don't recommend cutting it that close) before your train and my door-to-door time to midtown NYC/DC was usually faster that flying even on the NE regional.

Bring a bottle of wine and a few snacks on the train and have happy hour with your wie on the ride to enchance the experience.

Download the app. How much money you save depends on choice of train, timing, and seat selection. As noted, getting into the city itself is a huge plus more often than not.

I’ve done a fair amount of train travel on various trips between BOS-NYC-Newark- PHL but have yet to make it as far south as DC. It is a less stressful and generally more convenient means of travel for sure.

Yes, you can take food and drink on the train. Technically they could confiscate your alcohol if you are obnoxious about it, so I wouldn't bring a full bar with mixers with you. A bottle or 2 of wine in plastic cups or some canned beer/drinks you pour in your seat is perfect. There is also a food/cafe car if you want.

quote:

---

Hotel is gonna be on the upper west side around Broadway and 72nd street.

---

Yes, definitely verify this but looks like the 3 Train Uptown will take you directly to that intersection. You don't even have to go above ground when you arrive at the Train Hall, there is a tunnel that you can walk directly from the train to the Penn Station Subway Staton, just follow the signs for the 1 2 3, and take it Uptown.

Seriously appreciate all the information. This really helps. I knew we could count on the Tigerdroppings Travel Board.

quote:

---

Haven't looked at specifics in a while, but Acela is at least 30 minutes faster, but you do pay for it.

---

Some of my family did it this summer - just one way. I remember the Acela didn't seem appreciably faster (my understanding is, it's pretty substantially limited on stretches it's allowed to go at speed). While I'm guessing the train might have been a bit nicer, the regular one seemed nice enough, and certainly more comfortable and roomy than a coach airline experience.

The Acela gets right of way on the tracks over the Regional so you see a big difference when there are delays. When both are on time, the difference is pretty minimal.

I'm between DC/NOVA and NYC for work on a regular basis. During the summer and winter, I always opt for the train over flying since delays are more likely due to weather. If everything goes perfectly right, flying is faster, but definitely higher risk. The Acela has gotten so expensive though that is it often more expensive than a flight.

They will feed you in Acela first and as others said, the lounge at Moynihan is awesome (you get access with first both directions).

The acela will be faster but if budget is an issue, the regional is totally fine and the experience won't be much worse. The entire process is extremely easy, get there 20-30 before the train leaves and you will be totally fine.

I live in DC and take this route all the time. Acela is faster than NE Regional, but they're both great. just purchase your ticket based upon your preferred time.

Taking the train is so much better than flying into New York. You arrive in the heart of the city rather than 30-40 minutes outside of it. I'll never fly to NY again