Train from Hershey to nyc ?! (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh: buy, construction, price)

[bluewin888]

How is the experience and price ?

[briantroutman]

There is no passenger train service from Hershey to New York. Amtrak does, however, operate the Keystone Service trains which run from Harrisburg to NYC, although these are by way of Lancaster and Philadelphia, not a straight shot across the I-78 corridor. The trip takes about 3 1/2 hours. and trains run seven times daily on weekdays. At present, tickets cost $62 on short notice—or $47 if you buy non-refundable “Saver” tickets will in advance.

I’ve been on Keystone trains in the past, although never the full route from Harrisburg to New York. I have no real complaints—the trains are roomy and comfortable.

[bluewin888]

Good option. Have trains at night?

[ki0eh]

The closest Amtrak stations to Hershey are Middletown and Elizabethtown, both within 10 miles. Some trains skip Middletown station, none skip Elizabethtown. However, the local buses from Hershey go to downtown Harrisburg, not either of these locations. https://www.amtrak.com/routes/keysto...ice-train.html

Most of the trains on the Keystone Service line run between Harrisburg and New York City (Penn Station). Sometimes, early morning or late evening, or due to construction, some Harrisburg trains can terminate in Philadelphia (30th St Station) not New York. Basically they run from 6 am on weekdays or 7 am weekends, every couple of hours until 10-11 pm (not all night).

One daily train (numbered 42/43) is from/to Pittsburgh. This is not usually the best train to travel just between Harrisburg and New York, as it is subject to delays on the rail line west of Harrisburg shared with freight trains, and also has a longer schedule delay at Philadelphia to change locomotives. You can avoid this by taking one of the other trains numbered 600-something, that run the whole way on electricity. However, the Pittsburgh train is the only one of the trains that has a cafe car; none of the other trains offer any food or beverage service.

The trains have wifi and 120V electrical outlets. The wifi is not strong enough for video, and gets flaky when the trains are full.

[toobusytoday]

I have to say that sounds like a reasonable price and speed. Looks like just over 3.5 hours to NYC, which is probably about the time it would take to drive. Cost is a little high, but so is a bus and if you drive it, you'd have tolls, parking and gas. Not really commutable, but a nice way to get to Philadelphia or NYC.