Flying vs. Amtrak: Atlanta to DC (Gainesville, Greensboro: travel, price, quiet)

[grindin]

Hi folks,

During the Thanksgiving Holiday, I usually travel up to DC from Atlanta with my family by driving. With gas prices the way they are and I just don't really don't want to be in the car for 10 hours either...

What do ya'll recommend? I see the Amtrak trip will take roughly 12 hours overnight, which is longer than driving, BUT I can sit back and relax and have a nice meal. OTOH, I know that Amtrak is commonly delay-plagued.

With flying, I run the risk of traveling during the busiest travel time from the nation's busiest airport, so I know that runs a lot of risks as well. However, I can get up there in about 2 hours or so, and have more time to spend with my family.

What are your recommendations? Who in here has traveled either way and can give me advice?

Thanks!

[BobKovacs]

I'd definitely be on a plane. We flew my mother down for Thanksgiving this year (on Thanksgiving, btw), and the flight from Newark to Atlanta was on time with no hitches. Hartsfield was surprisingly quiet- kinda like any weekend day. I'd avoid trying to head out the day before Thanksgiving, as that's apparently a very busy day, but if you can go on Tuesday or on Thanksgiving morning, I think you'd be fine.

I've traveled on Amtrak between NJ and DC and NJ to RI, and the trains are very often late- and that's on what's considered a commuter line. I can't imagine traveling from GA to DC- especially on a holiday. You'll also find that many of the folks who travel via train aren't necessarily people you're going to want to spend 12 hours around- they're a step above Greyhound passengers, but not too high of a step

[gt6974a]

You said 'with your family'. If it's more than two I don't see how flying would be cheaper, as you mentioned gas as your major concern and they're charging fuel charges now anyway.

Round trip during that time would probably be a minimum of $250/person. 1300 mile round trip is 65 gallons(20mpg) @ $4.25 = ~$280.

Suck it up and drive

[wxjay]

I am a big fan of Amtrak and encourage people to use it when it is feasible. During the holiday season, yes, the airports will be crowded and it will be chaos, but that depends on what day you fly out. If you can arrange your schedule to fly out on "off days" for that week (like, say, Monday instead of Wednesday), you'll do much better. You do run the risk of cancellations, delays, etc., which could put your trip up to 5 hours or more, depending on the circumstance. The good news about the Amtrak trip is that it is overnight, so yes, you could sleep (if you can on a train) and get there in the morning.

I think costwise, the plane will probably end up costing more, particularly because of fuel prices. But, if the difference is less than, say, $150 roundtrip, I would go with the plane.

[grindin]

Originally Posted by gt6974a

You said 'with your family'. If it's more than two I don't see how flying would be cheaper, as you mentioned gas as your major concern and they're charging fuel charges now anyway.

Round trip during that time would probably be a minimum of $250/person. 1300 mile round trip is 65 gallons(20mpg) @ $4.25 = ~$280.

Suck it up and drive

Let me clarify. I travel with my parents: My parents live in Mississippi, and what we usually do is: I wait for them to make the drive from MS, and they pick me up here in metro Atlanta, and I help with the drive. My mom usually drives into Atlanta, I drive to Greensboro or Durham and my Dad drives into DC. Well, my mom hates the drive, I'm somewhat apathetic about it, and I'm looking out for them as well as the wear and tear on their vehicle as well.

Thanks for the advice though! But if I'm paying for a plane ticket, it'll just be mine.

[grindin]

Originally Posted by wxjay

I am a big fan of Amtrak and encourage people to use it when it is feasible. During the holiday season, yes, the airports will be crowded and it will be chaos, but that depends on what day you fly out. If you can arrange your schedule to fly out on "off days" for that week (like, say, Monday instead of Wednesday), you'll do much better. You do run the risk of cancellations, delays, etc., which could put your trip up to 5 hours or more, depending on the circumstance. The good news about the Amtrak trip is that it is overnight, so yes, you could sleep (if you can on a train) and get there in the morning.

I think costwise, the plane will probably end up costing more, particularly because of fuel prices. But, if the difference is less than, say, $150 roundtrip, I would go with the plane.

Yeah, I was aiming for a Tuesday night departure, whether by plane or by train or by automobile.

What is the meal service like on the Crescent? According to Amtrak, the train doesn't leave until around 8 PM or so, so I'd imagine the meal service would be over by then...

[ebs964]

I have traveled via Amtrak to DC and it is not the pleasant way to travel, IMHO. I started at the Gainesville (first stop outside of Atlanta) at 9:30pm, arrived in DC around 10:30am the next morning.

Unless you get a sleeper car, you will probably get very little sleep because the train makes multiple stops throughout the night. It was my experience that the majority of passengers that got on after 1.:00 am had been out partying most of the night as they staggered down the aisle, falling into seats that were already occupied. And the smell - OMG! There were so many people passing gas I could hardly breathe.

As far as the nice meal - there was nothing "nice" about it. A bowl of over ripe fruit and coffee in a paper cup. Something had gone wrong with the water system, so the dining car had limited operations.

To top it all off, someone on the train stole my video camera.

My cousin (who lives in DC) took the train from DC to Alabama, she had a sleeper car and a wonderful trip. However, the cost (round trip) was close to $600.

My point - cost wise and time wise not to mention comfort wise - just fly!
Nice trip - no thanks!

[gt6974a]

Originally Posted by grindin

Let me clarify. I travel with my parents: My parents live in Mississippi, and what we usually do is: I wait for them to make the drive from MS, and they pick me up here in metro Atlanta, and I help with the drive. My mom usually drives into Atlanta, I drive to Greensboro or Durham and my Dad drives into DC. Well, my mom hates the drive, I'm somewhat apathetic about it, and I'm looking out for them as well as the wear and tear on their vehicle as well.

Thanks for the advice though! But if I'm paying for a plane ticket, it'll just be mine.

in that case, I'd fly. Any drive over 7 hours, I fly unless there's a group.

[Merin]

I fly to DC alot. The drive is miserable.

[Gil3]

Originally Posted by grindin

Hi folks,

During the Thanksgiving Holiday, I usually travel up to DC from Atlanta with my family by driving. With gas prices the way they are and I just don't really don't want to be in the car for 10 hours either...

What do ya'll recommend? I see the Amtrak trip will take roughly 12 hours overnight, which is longer than driving, BUT I can sit back and relax and have a nice meal. OTOH, I know that Amtrak is commonly delay-plagued.

With flying, I run the risk of traveling during the busiest travel time from the nation's busiest airport, so I know that runs a lot of risks as well. However, I can get up there in about 2 hours or so, and have more time to spend with my family.

What are your recommendations? Who in here has traveled either way and can give me advice?

Thanks!

Grindin,

I have taken the Southern Crescent both from New Orleans to DC, N.O. to NY and also between DC and Atlanta here and there over the last 25 years. While it may be a bit cheaper than flying, it is definitely a looong trip, and I'm positive with the gas crunch, this will become the preferred mode of transportation for many and the trains will be exceptionally full this coming holiday season.

While I enjoy the trains, I'm not as tolerant as I was when younger and personally would not sit on a train now for more than 8 hours , but don't let that deter you. I will say there are some positive and negatives which I will list.

Pluses:

A bit cheaper than flying, much cheaper than driving now and a bit more than the bus.

You can get out and stretch a bit at designated stops (at least when I took it)

Can get a lot of reading, thinking and writing done.

Some of the scenery is fabulous, some not so fabulous depending on what part of the country you are.

I've met some interesting people and heard some fascinating stories..Most people like to talk about themselves, and besides, what am I going to do for 20+ hours anyway? On one trip many years ago, I met a preacher, a strongman and a musician. I don't know whether that's a plus or minus

There is no smoking, which for many, is definitely a plus. Even when it was permitted, the smoke from the lounge found it's way to the coaches.

Negatives:

As mentioned, trains can be late.

Service is spotty and while some of the staff is friendly and helpful, many are rude and act like they don't want to be there.

The food and drinks are very expensive and the selection is limited. I would definitely eat a good meal before boarding and bring your own snacks and beverages.

You may have to share a dinning table with others, but if you get a group of nice people, then it's not bad.

The security of you personal belongings are somewhat compromised, especially if one travels solo. Definitely keep your valuables within reach.

The restrooms can be "iffy" at times..Some are clean, others can be dirty.

A lot of people like to get their drink on. Nothing wrong with moderation, though..Just hope someone doesn't blow their oats or it's going to be a painfully long ride.

The coach seating is not the best, and the majority of the northbound stops are in SC, NC and Va. Most of these are in the wee hours as someone mentioned previously and if you are a light sleeper, it will be hard to get a few winks in. A lot of people also leave their reading lights on, so it's not that dark.

When I traveled this route on a regular basis back in the late 80s-early 90s, people didn't have cell phones. Now, I'm sure you will hear everyone's lovely conversations, wheich will not help for a quiet ride. Then again, the coverage may not be consistent from state to state, depending on the carrier.

Overall, though, if you make an effort to enjoy the experience and can cope with the shortfalls, it can be a relatively decent trip. Good luck