Amtrak from Baltimore to NYC (coupon, to buy, codes)

[kcmo]

Hello all. I was wondering what the best way to get to NYC is from Baltimore via Amtrak. BWI, Penn Station? Is there a way to get cheaper fares? What does it typically cost for a round trip? When I go online, it's like $150-200 per person. That's much higher than I expected and that's not even Acela.

Any advise would be helpful, thanks.

[Bong477]

Far as I know, you can usually find coupon codes which take 10-25% off fares, but even with that its still way too expensive for me to bother with. If there is some other secret I'd be interested also.

[Woodlands]

If you MUST take the train.. then yes that is the best way to go.. fares can go as low as $100 bucs roundtrip.. but you may have to leave at o' dark thirty (early in the morning for you non southerners) Other options include Bolt Bus which departs on St. Paul Street side of the station just over the bridge.. their fares are much cheaper.. 40 buc or less for a round trip tix but the trip is about 3hrs compared to 2hrs on the train?

[atariwhizkid]

The only way to get cheap fares on Amtrak is to buy at least 2 weeks in advance. And, even then, you'll pay no less than $50 per trip ($100 round trip). And as @Woodlands stated, those $50 rides are usually at non-peak hours, and on the slower trains. On Bolt Bus, you get free coffee and wireless internet. It's a much better deal.

[J_Lurk]

Has anyone taken the Bolt bus with kids? Is that practical?

[DarkWolf]

If you book 14 days in advance on Northeast Regional it can be as low as 49$ One way. AAA and other services can knock that further down.

[vivo]

Originally Posted by kcmo

Hello all. I was wondering what the best way to get to NYC is from Baltimore via Amtrak. BWI, Penn Station? Is there a way to get cheaper fares? What does it typically cost for a round trip? When I go online, it's like $150-200 per person. That's much higher than I expected and that's not even Acela.

Any advise would be helpful, thanks.

I'd take the bus like bolt bus if feasible. much much cheaper.
for example if I want to go tomorrow tickets are around $20 .
looks like they go from morning to night. check the exact details for yourself.

https://www.boltbus.com/wherewetravel.aspx

[GoPhils]

I did this trip using AAA discount and it was about $200 round trip. It was also definitely not 2 hours. At least 3 probably almost 4.

[DarkWolf]

Originally Posted by GoPhils

I did this trip using AAA discount and it was about $200 round trip. It was also definitely not 2 hours. At least 3 probably almost 4.

When was this? It only applies to Amtrak Regional , and you have to book 14 days advance. Also the newer fares have only been in affect since January.

[kinkytoes]

Originally Posted by vivo

I'd take the bus like bolt bus if feasible. much much cheaper.
for example if I want to go tomorrow tickets are around $20 .
looks like they go from morning to night. check the exact details for yourself.

https://www.boltbus.com/wherewetravel.aspx

I agree, the boltbus stops right next to the station and the price sounds...attractive. Personally, I take Amtrak, not for the price, but because it's convenient and comfortable. I also think the parking is convenient and the food at the station is pretty good. I love being able to relax on the entire ride. I do agree that tickets have gotten more expensive, though. And they also make it more difficult to us the AAA discount. I liked being able to decide to take a trip that day or the day before and get the discount, but I can't do that anymore because you have to book 3 days in advance...grr