Additional Coverage:
- I spent 16 hours on a round-trip Amtrak ride. Here are 7 mistakes I won’t make again. (businessinsider.com)
A recent round-trip Amtrak journey from New York City to Rochester offered both enjoyable moments and a few lessons learned. The traveler, Samantha Pettyjohn, spent a total of 16 hours aboard trains-seven hours heading north and nine hours returning-splitting her experience between coach and business-class seating for a combined cost of $249.
While Pettyjohn appreciated the ease and novelty of train travel, she encountered several challenges worth noting. Arriving at Moynihan Train Hall nearly 40 minutes early, she found that the train was delayed due to maintenance, and track information was not posted until shortly before departure. On the return trip, she realized that arriving 20 minutes before departure might be more practical, as boarding was not permitted until shortly before the train left.
Seating choices also impacted her experience. The outbound train lacked assigned seats, and although she secured a row to herself, the window view was limited to other trains rather than the scenic Hudson River and landscapes visible from the opposite side. On the return leg, while business class offered a quieter environment, sitting in the last row near the rear of the train resulted in a bumpier ride that made resting difficult.
Connectivity proved inconsistent as well. WiFi was unavailable while passing through a tunnel near Penn Station and remained spotty throughout the trip, making streaming and online work challenging. Pettyjohn recommends downloading entertainment in advance for future journeys.
Food options required some planning. The café car provided decent meals but closed for an hour during the trip, which could pose difficulties without backup snacks. Packing additional refreshments is advisable to avoid hunger during such closures.
Perhaps the most significant oversight was booking a return trip with an extended stop in Albany lasting over an hour and a half. The unexpected delay included limited lighting, sporadic air conditioning, and a closed café, detracting from the comfort of the journey.
Lastly, Pettyjohn found that navigating the train required extra caution. She experienced multiple bumps hitting the overhead luggage racks due to the train’s movement and her own clumsiness, highlighting the importance of mindful movement aboard.
Overall, the experience underscored the benefits and quirks of Amtrak travel. With a few adjustments-timing arrivals more precisely, choosing seats thoughtfully, preparing for limited WiFi and food availability, and carefully reviewing itinerary details-future trips can be smoother and more enjoyable.
Read More About This Story:
- I spent 16 hours on a round-trip Amtrak ride. Here are 7 mistakes I won’t make again. (businessinsider.com)