Train travel

[NQAS]

I have a choice to make.

Need to drive about 800 miles from home to see family.


Three choices. I can fly. (Would prefer not to mainly because while I seeing familiy I need to fly somewhere to see more family.

I can drive. Tiring, but I've done it before.

I can take the train. Not sure if I have to change trains, but I can get within 2 hours of where I need to be.

Re Covid, what's your take on train travel?

[mahatmakanejeeves]

1. What's the route? What are the trains? NT

[NQAS]

6. Northeast

Vermonter.

I took that train a few years ago (pre-Covid). It was fine. Not some great life experience, but not a bad trip. With Delta, though, I'm hesitant. On the one hand, I'm vaccinated and would wear a mask, and I don't have to drive. ON the other hand, I have no clue about how crowded it might be, etc.

I'm conflicted.

[csziggy]

13. Amtrak is requiring masks on all passengers and employees

And doing Covid checks before boarding - probably a set of questions about possible exposure or symptoms.

Federal law and Amtrak policy require all customers and employees to wear a mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose, fits snugly against the side of the face, and secures under the chin at all times while onboard trains and in stations, regardless of vaccination status or state or local laws.
https://www.amtrak.com/planning-booking/policies/coronavirus.html?intcmp=wsp_tab_link_coronavirus_tab4

[EYESORE 9001]

2. It seems expensive

Because I’m a cheap bastid, I’ve never taken Amtrak. Perhaps you can find a deal on their website.

[NQAS]

3. Actually, the cost is fine

One way $157, $207 in what they call business class (not sure how bussiness classy it is). Gas one way would be around $65, but I find the trip increasingly stressful, largely because of traffic and I have pretty bad arthritis in one hip (getting old - not for sissies).

Airfare to Florida from Philadelphia and then from Florida back home (New England) isn't too bad either. Sure, it all adds up, but it's still not as expensive as it could be. I wouldn't mind renting a car to keep the gas cost down, but car rentals are in the stratosphere, so that's no longer an option.

[EYESORE 9001]

4. It does sound more affordable for trips in the eastern US

I had looked at trips west that cost far more than airfare. Perhaps I’ll look again.

[smirkymonkey]

9. I love Amtrak, and business class is so worth it if you can afford it, especially w/ Covid.

First of all, it is either at the very end or beginning of the train next to the cafe car, so it's not a "thur traffic" car, unless it's an Acela train or larger capacity train, which I don't think the Vermonter is, so you aren't getting all those extra germs. They disinfect the cars and make everyone wear masks the whole time they are in the train. Also, business class is quieter, roomier and just more comfortable overall.

I hate flying and I don't drive, so the train is usually my first choice when I travel, unless it's overseas or time is really an issue.

[PoliticAverse]

5. Covid makes take the car likely the best choice. n/t

[Phoenix61]

7. Driving you have gas and hotel for 1 night ea way

If the train puts you 2 hours from were you need to go how do you travel that? Can you borrow a car while there? Covid wise, I think public transport is all the same so I’d op for the plane.

[multigraincracker]

8. Beats taking a Greyhound.

I like train rides.

[Wounded Bear]

10. Travel by rail basically has you spending longer in the petri dish...

If you have to go public transportation, the fastest way would be best for covid protection IMHO. That means flying.

[Fla Dem]

11. I would probably opt for the train but would also consider several issues.

Wear your mask and take a hand sanitizer with you. Find out if wearing a mask is required by all passengers and crew.

How would you finish the last 2 hrs of your travels from the train to your destination? Will a family member pick you up or will you hire a car service?

800 miles will take you 10 to approx. 13 hours to reach your destination if you drive straight through w/o a layover.. If you split it into 2 days you'll have overnight expenses and meals.

Years ago when I was living outside of Philly I took the Amtrak Auto train from Lorton Va to Sanford Fl. One of the best trips as far as travel. I had to drive a couple of hours to get to the departure point, but the great thing was I had my car when I got to the destination.

I did reserve a compartment and you receive not only breakfast but also dinner in the cost. But I had a good book and was all on my own in my little compartment. Just ventured out for breakfast and dinner.

Food and Entertainment. Effective 2020, all Auto Train passengers will continue to receive complimentary breakfast, but only passengers who have reserved a compartment will receive the complimentary dinner: a salad, rolls, a choice from several entrees, vegetables and potatoes, and a choice of dessert.May 1, 2020

https://www.amtrak.com/auto-train-saver-fares?cmp=pdsrch-AT|Brand|Exact-google&gclid=CjwKCAjwx8iIBhBwEiwA2quaqyTyN5q7eDjuhq8TZkiEqscaldsAlx7LvA7jU04XazcrBZEUfjilPxoC0NgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[mnhtnbb]

12. I have a California friend who just went cross country with her husband

by train to Boston. They were booked in a sleeper. Literally this past week.

I've traveled in Amtrak's roomettes from NC to NY and loved it. Pre-covid. Having your own little compartment--if they're available--is really pleasant.

That said, unless you absolutely HAVE to see family right now, I'd postpone the trip until the COVID numbers start coming down. Even vaxxed, there are a lot of people getting breakthrough infections. Do you want to risk that?