AC Train--Is it a good option? (Philadelphia, Atlantic: hotel, college, casinos)

[jessemh431]

I'm going to AC with the family this summer. I'll be driving down from Jersey City for sure. But my parents live in CC and will probably just take the train and I'll pick them up from the train station in AC instead of having two cars there for a few days and instead of them fighting traffic.

But is it generally a reliable train? I know it recently came back to service, but before that I guess even, was it reliable? Is it generally a safe train for an older couple to take? If (when) I get stuck in traffic from JC, is it a safe enough area for them to wait a little for me to pick them up? They take SETPA buses all over and live in CC so they don't mind a little grit here and there, but I know AC's reputation outside of the resort area being pretty sketchy and I'm not sure how safe the train and the station are for them.

Thanks!

[acenturi]

There are 12 weekday trains between Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Here's the timetable (click on the big + to enlarge). https://www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/R0090.pdf
I've taken it several times, but not in a few years. IMO, It's as safe as any Amtrak regional train. Here's the AC Station location :
https://www.njtransit.com/rg/rg_serv...on=10&x=41&y=4 The AC station is about .7 miles from the casinos/boardwalk and in my experience appeared well staffed. Obviously, like in any large public place, if approached by solicitors, just graciously ignore them. IMO, AC is a lot less overrun with on street scammers than Las Vegas.

[Sammy215267]

If your parents are fine with taking SEPTA they will be good on NJT AC Line. The train lets you off at the Convention Center in AC its a pretty vibrant area for the most part. The Atlantic City Line is very reliable...i'd rather take the train than drive to Atlantic City...just because the comfort level and free time.

[ki0eh]

We took it last year from central PA, changing at 30th St., a few weeks before they suspended it. Seemed fine. We rolled our bags from the train to our hotel (wouldn't really recommend that hotel but there are others). There is a ticket machine tucked away in a corner of 30th St Station, in the corner of the Amtrak area sort of near the passage up to the SEPTA area, and sometimes there is a line at that machine.

[cpomp]

I used to take the AC train with college friends on the weekends, that way we could drink
It was always on time, and generally busy to and from AC, never felt weird or sketchy.

And it drops right by the convention center. Your parents just have to walk through and stay sort of to the right and down the steps and there is a round about entry where cars and taxis pick people up.

[KansastoSouthphilly]

I love the AC train! Definitely the best way to get down there IMO. Much more relaxing.

[Gerania]

I haven't taken it since it reopened, but it's always been pretty reliable. It has been late once in a while, but nothing that ruined your trip. ..except for that one time when my nephew and I waited for nearly an hour and a half. That was the only time, though.

[jessemh431]

Thanks guys!