Williamsburg Trains? (Richmond, Washington: rent, business, area)

[kcrossley]

As a followup to my previous post, I'm also interested in Amtrak. Is taking the train from the Baltimore/Washington area to Williamsburg and vice versa a viable option? Not for daily commuting mind you, but for occasional visits and business meetings.

For those of you who have used this mode of transportation, what has been your experience? (i.e. is it reliable, affordable, comfortable, etc.)

[williamsburgfan]

of course it's an option. www.amtrak.com has all the info you need. know that the freight trains have priority on the tracks so sometimes you are delayed. going north you do not need to transfer in richmond, going south you do - check schedules.

[kcrossley]

So, that explains the time differential. Thanks.

[misueno]

The train is technically a viable option but it is surprisingly expensive and somewhat unreliable. It can take 4 hours to get to DC, but if you time it right, you can be to DC in 2 1/5 hours. For occassional trips and appointments, I prefer to drive. Just don't try to be in DC before 10 am and leave by 3:30 or after 7:00 pm.

[kcrossley]

Originally Posted by misueno

It can take 4 hours to get to DC, but if you time it right, you can be to DC in 2 1/5 hours.

Really? Every Amtrak schedule I saw stated the minimum time at 3.5 hrs. How can you make it in 2.5 hrs? Are you picking up the train from Richmond?

[misueno]

I'm sorry, I meant to say time it right and you can Drive there in 2 1/2 hours.

[htlong]

taking a train is a doable thing , its not that freight takes priority over passanger trains it is just that washington dc to baltimore is a bottleneck both trains and autos.