Additional Coverage:
- I paid $180 to sit in business class on a 9-hour Amtrak ride from Rochester to NYC. Next time, I’ll stick to coach. (businessinsider.com)
A recent Amtrak trip from New York City to Rochester provided a firsthand look at the differences between coach and business-class travel on the Maple Leaf route. The traveler opted to take the coach seat for the northbound journey and upgrade to business class on the return trip, with mixed results.
Departing early from Penn Station, the coach ride was delayed by about an hour but otherwise comfortable. The car was moderately filled, allowing plenty of space to stretch out, work on a laptop, and enjoy the passing scenery-although sitting on the right side of the train limited views of the Hudson River. A visit to the café car mid-ride offered a chance to stretch and grab a light meal, despite the bumpier experience toward the rear of the train.
The return trip aboard business class began at Rochester’s station, with a ticket price of $180. Business class promised a larger reclining seat with a footrest, extra legroom, and a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage.
However, the business-class car’s location in the caboose meant a notably bumpier ride, which at times caused discomfort and motion sensitivity. Noise from the adjacent café area further detracted from the experience.
Later, relocating to a quieter seat at the back improved the ambiance, but the ride remained rough compared to the coach trip.
An extended stop in Albany added to the delay and discomfort, as the car became hot and stuffy with limited ventilation. The complimentary ginger ale was a nice touch but did little to offset the overall inconvenience. Scenic views along the return route, including riverside towns, wildlife, and wildflowers, were highlights of the journey.
Ultimately, the traveler concluded that while both classes offered pleasant experiences, the premium cost of business class did not deliver enough advantages for this particular trip. Coach provided ample comfort and space, especially given that the train was not overly crowded for much of the journey. For longer Amtrak routes with full meal service, business class might be worth considering, but for trips upstate, sticking with coach is a more economical and satisfying choice.