Amtrak Question

[tabbycat31]

Ok I'm heading down to DC in a few weeks as I got into a field organizer training (yes!). Since there's NO parking in DC, I am going to take Amtrak.

My question for anyone who knows the system well--- I've decided on what train to take down, but I'm unsure on which one I will be taking back (whether it is Friday night or Saturday morning and what times). They would be out of peak travel schedule. (it's DC to Trenton NJ so they're rather frequent)

I want to go ahead and book a round-trip ticket, but are Amtrak tickets open like a commuter rail ticket is or do you have to specify a train? I'm confused here.

[pokerfan]

1. In my experience

I've been able to catch earlier or later trains with a coach seat but I don't know if that's policy or on an availability basis. Check to make sure.

Sleepers might be a different story of course, but I think they're really the only civilized way to travel:

[Captain Hilts]

10. It's THE most civilized way to travel. Too bad there are no 'singles' any more. nt

[MajorChode]

2. You are smart not to drive into DC

It's a big hassle, especially during the week during normal office hours.

My experience with Amtrak is it's more like buying an airline ticket. You buy your ticket for a specific train at a specific time. Amtrak does sell passes, but I think it would be too pricey unless you are making several trips. You can buy your ticket at the station right before you board. You might pay a little more than buying advance tickets, but not much in most instances.

There are a lot of commuter trains that serve DC. You can drive to an outlying station, park, and ride the commuter train. Just be careful about driving to the last station or two before downtown, because the parking lots fill up quickly during the week in the morning. They aren't as bad at most of the stations that are farther away but some of those parking lots fill up too. There's also a lot of options for buses.

[JanMichael]

3. I have used Amtrak quite a bit and love it.

Go to the website and look up the routes needed. Also look at the weekly specials and other promotions for discounts. Plus if you have AAA that a 10% discount, students are I think 15% off.

If you need to change your train on the return just call their 800 number and they'll switch it for no fee.

[KamaAina]

4. From the shore, it is possible to take the NJ Transit train up to Newark and catch Amtrak there

rather than drive to Trenton and park there. It would take a bit longer and cost more, though. :hi:

[tabbycat31]

5. I have family near Trenton

I plan on driving over there, parking in their driveway (free), and getting a ride.

[KamaAina]

6. Fair enough. One last question:

Who's gonna feed Tabby while you're gone? :shrug:

[tabbycat31]

7. parents will be here then

and they feed him better food than I do (rotisserie chickens or tilapia filets vs Fancy Feast)

[Captain Hilts]

8. If you're travelling on a Friday Evening or Sat. morning, upgrade to Biz class. nt

[Gormy Cuss]

9. Booking the ticket means you have a reservation for specific trains.

You can change the reservation pretty easily and while there are fees for some changes I don't think it's applicable to all changes.

Why not ask Amtrak directly? 1-800-USA-RAIL