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Old 07-23-2007, 03:44 AM
 
1,605 posts, read 3,906,019 times
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Greetings. I am planning to travel from DC to Pitt to visit some friends during August. I just wanted to know about the quality of Amtrak's train in PA. I'm taking the Capitol Limited, as well as Regional Service to Philly and the Pennsylvanian to and from the burg. I used to take Greyhound to visit my friends beforehand, but I'm really getting sick of its lack of service and quality. I just wanted to know about the reliability, quality, and scenery of these trains.
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Old 07-23-2007, 10:53 AM
 
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It will be the most scenic train ride of your life...once you make it past the Harrisburg area. Until then, its sort of like going through one huge winding metroplex of suburbs. The pennsylvanian is a must for any railroad person. The trip through the alleghenies is great, horseshoe curve, the ride through Cambria county down the mountains past little towns like south fork and portage and cresson, the history of johnstown, then the city of pittsburgh itself, which is my favorite city. I've seen the big ones, but there's no place like Pittsburgh.
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Old 07-23-2007, 10:09 PM
 
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It will also be one of the slowest. Aren't there a dozen or more stops on that train? I remember a friend took an Amtrak from Philly to Pittsburgh via Harrisburg once and it took...14 HOURS. I hope they have better direct service nowadays

Cap
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Old 07-24-2007, 12:30 AM
 
Location: Center City Philadelphia
1,099 posts, read 4,602,078 times
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Service between Philly and Harrisburg is high-speed and electrified now, reaching top speeds of 110mph and it does the trip in 90 minutes. But Harrisburg to Pittsburgh is old fashioned diesel, with only two trains a day.
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Old 07-24-2007, 08:23 AM
 
Location: palm harbor
471 posts, read 1,654,957 times
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Is there a reason you are going through Philly rather than taking the Capitol Limited direct from DC?
I've ridden both trains many times and seeing the Horseshoe curve is the only reason I would consider taking that longer route involving a change of trains.
The capitol limited is a nicer train and has some nice scenery going through Harper's Ferry. It has a diner and checked baggage available. The Pennsy has only a snack car-and the last time I took the train it was closed.
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Old 07-24-2007, 01:14 PM
 
1,605 posts, read 3,906,019 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cariad View Post
Is there a reason you are going through Philly rather than taking the Capitol Limited direct from DC?
I've ridden both trains many times and seeing the Horseshoe curve is the only reason I would consider taking that longer route involving a change of trains.
The capitol limited is a nicer train and has some nice scenery going through Harper's Ferry. It has a diner and checked baggage available. The Pennsy has only a snack car-and the last time I took the train it was closed.
The Capitol Limited, although is a direct service, arrives at Pitt at around midnight (compared to the Pennsylvanian's arrival at 8 pm). Although I wouldn't mind taking the Capitol Limited, especially for the scenery, the schedules for it are even more inconvenient than the Pennsylvanian.
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Old 07-24-2007, 08:55 PM
 
Location: palm harbor
471 posts, read 1,654,957 times
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If the timing for arrival is most important, then go that route. As long as there are no connection problems and you are comfortable with a longer time on board the train, it should be fine.
Pack some snacks, just in case the snack bar is closed-or if you are thrifty or on a tight budget. I always take something to read, but never do, as I end up watching the scenery.
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