Baltimore-DC Commute via Amtrak (Greenbelt, Laurel: how much, theatre, live)

[westwoodmom]

I know all about the pros/cons of the Marc, and am considering commuting from Penn Station to Union Station via Amtrak's monthly pass. Putting aside the cost issue, are there any other downsides to chosing Amtrak over the Marc?

Also, this was asked before but not directly answered -- how much is a monthly pass to park at Penn Station (in the attached garage)?

[sketchy]

Amtrak trains are delayed fairly often mostly due to the long runs they make.

[Woodlands]

Penn Garage can be pricey I think it can be up to $10 to $12 bucs daily though monthly passes are available.. If you have no qualms with walking a block.. you could park over in the Station North district.. there is a small garage on Charles and a separate lot behind the theatre that run about $7 to $8 bucs a day.. they also have a monthly rate...

[trickymost]

The downside, if any, is the waiting around and time switching from car/train/bus/rail. Example, getting from Balt Penn to Union Station is great if you work in or near Capitol Hill.

From there, where is your work? It can be another 15-45 minutes from Union Station to your work depending on location when you account for time walking to the metro, the metro ride, and getting to your office.

As others mentioned, on days when there are problems with the MARC trains, it is worse than being in the car. Especially in the summer when the trains have problems with the heat. When things are working smoothly (assuming you don't have a long way to go once you get to Union Station), it's rather pleasant.

[edadam]

Amtrak trains are more comfortable, but MARC trains run more frequently.

[carolott]

I used to ride the Amtrak between DC and Baltimore, mostly late at night, because the Amtrak was much nicer (if you have a reserved seat in Business Class). I found the trains to be pretty reliable.

[Woodlands]

Amtrak is certainly more reliable than MARC.. MARC monthly ticketholders to Baltimore used to be able to ride Amtrak Train #66 the 10pm departure out of DC by simply flashing their pass. The train is normally 75% full more or less so it was really no big deal. It also shaved 20 minutes or so off your trip since it only stopped at New Carrollton and BWI. All of a sudden Amtrak banned MARC Monthly ticket holders because MARC added a 10:30pm departure to Bmore that stopped at every hamlet along the way. Amtrak's reason.... "there is now another MARC train so take that one." Though no one can argue that Amtrak should make a profit...but I wish the MTA and Amtrak could have worked something out where those MARC passengers bound for Bmore could have continued to use train #66 at least at a reduced fare (especially outside of the peak holiday season when that train does sell out) In the off season those seats are continuing to ride to bmore vacant

[DreamworksSKG]

if you live on the south-west sides of Baltimore you might consider driving back roads or what not to Silver spring- Maryland or The Greenbelt Station (Green Line)-D.C. from 295. South.

Don't know how long that commute would take. but it might be worth it

Maybe look for a place in the Laurel Area...SW of the City, so your commute would be quicker?

--JD--

[kinkytoes]

I used to take the Amtrak back when when I was stuck at work after 10PM. The trains were great, clean comfortable etc I'm glad to hear price isn't an issue. The train is a great way to travel, and I found Amtrak to be fairly reliable. There are some delays, which I recall usu from NY back down to Baltimore, but I'm not sure if they're more frequent from any other type of transportation.