Amtrak from DC to NYC (coupons, train, food) - City-Data Forum

citydweller · 08-14-2009, 06:26 AM

So I am considering asking a friend to join me in a trip from DC to NYC via the train. Besides riding the Metro, this will be my first time riding a train and visiting NYC as well. Does the train offer a pretty smooth ride? Are there a lot of turns and jerking motions? I get pretty sick on a boat and don't want to endure 4 hours on a train if there is a lot of motion. I have always loved trains and it seems like it could be a lot of fun. To be able to relax and enjoy the ride seems really cool. Any thoughts are much appreciated.

juniperbleu · 08-14-2009, 06:31 AM

It's not that bad, especially on the DC--NYC stretch. It's jerkier south of DC, but even still not too huge. Just figure out where the bathroom is and try to sit nearby just in case.

mettler · 08-14-2009, 06:45 AM

you'll be fine.. the only thing I would make sure you do is sit facing forward. I am not sure if the trip from DC to NY has seats facing backwards or not. I rode a train from San Diego to LA and sat facing backwards - my neck was killing me by the end of the ride due to me twisting my head around to see what was coming.

There was a thread on here maybe a few weeks ago in which I posted a link to an Amtrak site that has discount codes..you could probably find it with a 'search'

DCguy03 · 08-14-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mettler

There was a thread on here maybe a few weeks ago in which I posted a link to an Amtrak site that has discount codes..you could probably find it with a 'search'

That was me! btw, thanks

Here is the link to the site w/ Amtrak coupon codes:

Amtrak Promotion Code, Coupons & Discounts: 2009 Amtrak Codes

And this is the thread that you mentioned: Ever take Amtrak from DC - Boston?

citydweller · 08-14-2009, 09:51 AM

Great, thanks for the info !

CHIP72 · 08-17-2009, 08:26 PM

You shouldn't have any problems riding on Amtrak. I recommend a seat that faces forward too, not because of potential sickness but because you'll want to look out the window and see what's out there. (I've personally never had a problem with sickness riding backwards in a train, and I do that all the time on the DC Metro.) Assuming you'll be traveling during daylight hours, you'll want to sit on the right side of the train. You'll get excellent views of Manhattan (though not as good as you'd get on the NJ Turnpike) near Newark and some good views of Center City Philadelphia and to a lesser degree Baltimore sitting on the right side. The big benefits of sitting on the left side are being able to see the other 3 Susquehanna River bridges (US 40, CSX railroad line, and I-95), downtown Wilmington, I-495 just north of Wilmington (where cars will be going 75 MPH and the train will still easily pass them) and downtown Newark (visible at the same time that you can see midtown Manhattan on the other side of the train).

I'd strongly recommend bringing some reading material and bringing food/drinks with you too, unless you aren't hungry. Though all Amtrak Northeast Regional trains have a cafe car, the food isn't very good and it's expensive.

Have fun in NYC, definitely one of my favorite places. If you plan on riding the NY subways extensively, make sure you get a day pass.

PenguinSix · 08-18-2009, 07:53 AM

You can get motion sickness on an Amtrak. I've seen it happen and it's not that uncommon. But you should follow some basic rules, primarily don't sit backwards and I would also, if possible, sit closer to the engine if you can. The first cars are not as bumpy as the last ones, so it seems. I'd also minimize walking while on the train, as that is when you feel every bump. It's not exactly jerky, but it does roll back and forth a bit from time to time.