Sunday after Thanksgiving drive to Boston (Bridgeport: train, station, Amtrak)

[krayzbone227]

Has anyone here made the drive between Philly and Boston the Sunday after Thanksgiving? It's looking like my options are boiling down to driving or an expensive late(r) night train. I know the drive would be painful, but I'm looking to hear your tales, especially including time of departure and driving time.

Danke.

[PhillyViaBoston]

I've done it in reverse (Boston to Philly) that Sunday. It's a nightmare (8 to 9+ hours), rivaled only by the Sunday after Easter. Don't even think about trying the Cross Bronx or GW Bridge. 95 southbound will be backed up into Connecticut by 2pm, and the NJ turnpike exit 8 lane drop/merge can bring traffic all the way back to Newark airport.

Looks like you will also need to plan around the Jets' 1pm start in the Meadowlands on Sunday the 27th. Expect additional traffic on the NJ Turnpike (both directions) for that.

I've also done the drive late (leave 9pm-ish) the Saturday night after Thanksgiving and made it in record time. Highly recommend that (or leaving early Monday) if you can swing it.

If you're going to take Amtrak get a reservation in advance, and note that - while you may be able to get on the train - it usually doesn't guarantee a seat. If you're staying south of Philly, you may want to consider getting on in Wilmington, DE instead of 30th St Station to up your chances of a seat. Otherwise there's a good chance you'll be standing until NYC.

Good luck!

[Cold Up North]

Been doing south jersey to Boston the sunday after T-Day for 30 years. It is not fun! If you can leave really early in the morning, sunday or monday, it will be a lot less painful. Good Luck!

[NovaDragon]

I've been traveling that route (though in reverse) for the last 15 years. Its not fun. Leave as early as you can. Most of all, just accept that you WILL be stuck in traffic. Makes your blood pressure much lower.

Also, if you can, use 287 to 87 to 84 to 90 if you're going straight to Boston. I usually am going to the Cape so I take 287 to the Merrit Pkwy which, though it can still get crowded, is a little easier than 95 thru NYC, Stamford, and Bridgeport