Additional Coverage:
- I took a $249 round-trip Amtrak from New York City to Rochester. Here are 9 things that surprised me. (businessinsider.com)
All Aboard! My Amtrak Adventure from NYC to Rochester
From crying babies on planes to chance encounters on the subway, I thought I’d experienced everything public transport had to offer. Then I took an Amtrak trip from New York City to Rochester and back.
My round trip in May cost $249 – $69 for a seven-hour coach ride upstate and $180 for a nine-hour business class return. While I’d taken shorter Amtrak trips before, this was my first full day on the rails, and it was full of surprises.
Penn Station Predicaments
My 7:15 a.m. Thursday train from NYC was delayed nearly an hour due to maintenance.
Amtrak’s advice to arrive 30 minutes early had me at Penn Station by 6:40 a.m., but confusing signage and last-minute track updates resulted in a frantic scramble to board. Despite my early arrival, I ended up at the back of the line.
Thankfully, my return experience at Rochester’s Louise M. Slaughter Station was a breeze, with clear signage and helpful conductors.
Coach Class Comfort
Surprisingly, the coach car was quiet and uncrowded. Despite being one of the last to board, I found a whole row to myself!
The pleasant AC and extra space were a welcome relief, allowing me to stretch out and relax during the long journey. I was also surprised by the relaxed atmosphere.
Passengers frequently left their belongings unattended while visiting the café car or restroom, seemingly without a worry. The presence of conductors regularly patrolling the cars added an extra layer of security.
A Surprisingly Tasty Lunch
Around midday, I headed to the café car. I opted for the Caesar salad ($9.50) and a bag of chips ($2.50).
I was pleasantly surprised by the freshness and flavor of the salad. It was far from the wilted, pre-packaged meal I’d anticipated and kept me satisfied for hours.
One thing to note: the café car closes for about an hour during the trip, so plan your snacking accordingly.
Business Class: Not Quite First Class
For my return trip, I splurged on business class. Located at the very back of the train, the single business class car felt surprisingly small and intimate, with only five rows of seats.
Its proximity to the café car made it a bit louder than coach. Ironically, the single seat I occupied offered less space than my coach experience.
Although the larger seat, footrest, and complimentary drink were nice perks, I ultimately preferred the peace and quiet of coach.
Unexpected Layover
My return trip took two hours longer than expected due to an unannounced hour-and-a-half layover in Albany. While I didn’t mind the opportunity to stretch my legs and enjoy the nice weather, the lack of AC during the stop was less than ideal. Next time, I’ll be sure to check for direct routes.
Scenic Views Upstate
The views along the upstate route were stunning. Quaint towns, glimpses of the Hudson River, and even some wildlife sightings made the journey a visual treat.
While I’ve taken Amtrak to Boston and Washington, D.C., before, the scenery on this trip was truly memorable. If you’re planning a trip to upstate New York, consider Amtrak for a picturesque and surprisingly enjoyable travel experience.