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We've done Raleigh to Philly before. It's reasonable. More comfortable than flying. Dining car is entertaining. We got a roomette because the train left super early and we wanted to be able to sleep awhile on the way. The scenery is dull.
But, it's better than driving if you like to stretch your legs and don't want to bother with traffic.
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Dh was going to take Amtrak last time he went to see his parents ... couldn't see any negatives, although we've done NYC--->DC and the scenery is not that exciting on that leg. Seems a good bet since you won't need to find a place for your car once you're in NYC.
Actually, it's Amtrak or fly. No way are we taking a car into Manhattan!
If we did Amtrak, it would probably be on the way up, and fly on the way back. . .
No one is available to pick us up at the NY airports. We'll be Ubering or public transportation.
LLN - My 74 year old husband and I fly to SE Asian and South Africa in coach. NO WAY are we doing first class for a short flight to NY.
Comfortable seats with good leg room, plus there's usually no one sitting next to you so you get that extra room too
Can take more baggage than you can take on a plane, plus you can pack shampoo, liquid soap, etc. without having to think about the size
Cheaper than flying
Don't have to deal with airport security craziness, just arrive about 20 minutes before departure time and wait on the platform as if you're waiting for the subway
Cons:
It's a long ride although between napping and watching movies on youtube or surfing the internet it really isn't that bad
The "food" available for sale isn't worth buying but this is easily solved by bringing your own food
Any difference between leaving from Cary or leaving from Raleigh? We're in Brier Creek and will probably be dropped off by a neighbor.
I'm sorry, I don't know, I've only used the Cary Amtrak station. I imagine there's no difference but it would be better to hear for sure from someone who has used both stations.
I'm sorry, I don't know, I've only used the Cary Amtrak station. I imagine there's no difference but it would be better to hear for sure from someone who has used both stations.
The Cary station is currently better than Raleigh - the parking situation at the Raleigh station is awful during peak travel times.. Not sure how it will be when the new station opens up.
Quote:
Originally Posted by GPC
Cons:
It's a long ride although between napping and watching movies on youtube or surfing the internet it really isn't that bad
The Wifi network is based off of cell service so in rural areas between Raleigh and DC, it sucks.
I am moderately prone to motion sickness when working or reading while in motion. For whatever reason, I get motion sick in cars, buses, and on airplanes when they're not rock-solid at cruising altitude (which you wouldn't be for long, between Raleigh and NYC.) On the other hand, I have never gotten motion sickness on a train.
Now, if you were heading south to Florida from here, you can't beat boarding the Silver Star in Cary. Perfect schedule for an overnight train. However, the tip I always give for riding the train to the northeast, is to board it in Rocky Mount.
Reasons:
1. You do have to drive about 1 hour from here to Rocky Mount, but it's all freeway and traffic is almost never an issue. Plus, it cuts 2 hours off of the train ride, so it's a worthwhile trade, IMO.
2. Ample free parking at the station (And it feels pretty safe - the police station is right next door.)
3. There are 4 trains per day bound for the Northeast Corridor instead of 2 so you have lots of schedule options in both directions and also more alternatives for re-booking in the unlikely event of a cancellation. (Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Palmetto, and Carolinian.)
4. It breaks up the trip so it's a bit less monotonous.
the parking situation at the Raleigh station is awful during peak travel times.. Not sure how it will be when the new station opens up.
The short answer is, no one knows. Some number of parking spaces will be made available in a parking deck a block away. Exactly how many, and what the price of parking will be, we don't know yet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by orulz
the tip I always give for riding the train to the northeast, is to board it in Rocky Mount.
Excellent advice.
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