Any way to take a long-distance train on a short corridor trip?
Mar 31, 2017, 6:27 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Programs: American Airlines Platinum, National Executive
Posts: 3,790
Any way to take a long-distance train on a short corridor trip?
Amtrak doesn't seem to sell tickets for its long-distance trains between stations along certain corridors that are served by numerous other trains. For example, you can't buy a ticket on the Crescent between NYC and Philadelphia, and you can't buy a ticket on the Lake Shore Limited between NYC and other stations south of Albany.
However, is there a way around this (other than buying a ticket for a longer trip and getting off early)?
I have a trip from NYC to Rhinecliff, NY and would much rather take the Lake Shore Limited than an Empire Service train. If I just buy a ticket for an Empire Service train and somehow get on the LSL anyway, will I get charged a fine? (I assume so.)
Thanks.
However, is there a way around this (other than buying a ticket for a longer trip and getting off early)?
I have a trip from NYC to Rhinecliff, NY and would much rather take the Lake Shore Limited than an Empire Service train. If I just buy a ticket for an Empire Service train and somehow get on the LSL anyway, will I get charged a fine? (I assume so.)
Thanks.
Mar 31, 2017, 6:36 pm
#2
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Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,522
Amtrak doesn't seem to sell tickets for its long-distance trains between stations along certain corridors that are served by numerous other trains. For example, you can't buy a ticket on the Crescent between NYC and Philadelphia, and you can't buy a ticket on the Lake Shore Limited between NYC and other stations south of Albany.
However, is there a way around this (other than buying a ticket for a longer trip and getting off early)?
I have a trip from NYC to Rhinecliff, NY and would much rather take the Lake Shore Limited than an Empire Service train. If I just buy a ticket for an Empire Service train and somehow get on the LSL anyway, will I get charged a fine? (I assume so.)
Thanks.
However, is there a way around this (other than buying a ticket for a longer trip and getting off early)?
I have a trip from NYC to Rhinecliff, NY and would much rather take the Lake Shore Limited than an Empire Service train. If I just buy a ticket for an Empire Service train and somehow get on the LSL anyway, will I get charged a fine? (I assume so.)
Thanks.
Your best option is to buy a ticket on the LSL for a point beyond your intended destination.
Occasionally, the LSL shows up on the list of weekly discounted trains.
Mar 31, 2017, 8:51 pm
#3
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: NYC
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Some people do this in the NEC by booking trains to ALX or another VA station and detraining in WAS. I took a roomette from NYP to ALX on one of the Silver trains once for the novelty of it. I actually needed to go to ALX, but the attendant asked if I was departing in WAS, because it is common. The roomette was only about $20 more than business class on a Regional.
Apr 4, 2017, 12:20 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: United States
Programs: UA, AA, DL, Amtrak
Posts: 4,647
If you have flexibility in travel dates, it's possible to buy a ticket to Schenectady on the LSL for just $5 more than an Empire Service ticket to Rhinecliff. If you need to travel on a specific day, the price difference could be significantly higher, though.
If do choose the "Schenectady workaround" be sure to notify a conductor that your plans have changed and you need to detrain in Rhinecliff. I'm not sure, but it's possible that not all doors would open at Rhinecliff and you may find yourself having to ride to Albany if you're not careful.
If do choose the "Schenectady workaround" be sure to notify a conductor that your plans have changed and you need to detrain in Rhinecliff. I'm not sure, but it's possible that not all doors would open at Rhinecliff and you may find yourself having to ride to Albany if you're not careful.
Apr 4, 2017, 5:37 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2008
Programs: AGR
Posts: 120
If you have flexibility in travel dates, it's possible to buy a ticket to Schenectady on the LSL for just $5 more than an Empire Service ticket to Rhinecliff. If you need to travel on a specific day, the price difference could be significantly higher, though.
If do choose the "Schenectady workaround" be sure to notify a conductor that your plans have changed and you need to detrain in Rhinecliff. I'm not sure, but it's possible that not all doors would open at Rhinecliff and you may find yourself having to ride to Albany if you're not careful.
If do choose the "Schenectady workaround" be sure to notify a conductor that your plans have changed and you need to detrain in Rhinecliff. I'm not sure, but it's possible that not all doors would open at Rhinecliff and you may find yourself having to ride to Albany if you're not careful.
Apr 12, 2017, 10:10 am
#9
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DCA ZWU
Programs: AGR WOH
Posts: 1,785
Pay close attention to the "only receive passenger" notations in the PDF timetables -- they'll let you know which stations you're allowed to (dis)embark at. You can buy an NYP-Albany ticket and leave at Rhinecliff, for instance.
Several of the LD trains have Alexandria as the first "legal" stop, but others go further. I've had to look closely at this in my attempts to use the LD trains' bike racks... it's easy to bike from DC to ALX, but getting to Manassas or Fredericksburg isn't worth the hassle.
Several of the LD trains have Alexandria as the first "legal" stop, but others go further. I've had to look closely at this in my attempts to use the LD trains' bike racks... it's easy to bike from DC to ALX, but getting to Manassas or Fredericksburg isn't worth the hassle.
May 2, 2017, 3:48 pm
#10
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: In the front cabin
Programs: I fly UA, drive Hertz and sleep around...
Posts: 167
My only experience on LD vs Commuters is on the CHI-STL route, where I always prefer to take the Texas Eagle over the Lincoln Service. On this route it is definitely doable. Matter of fact, that's how I became an Amtrak fan. My first trip ever was on Amtrak from STL to CHI in a roomette.
May 3, 2017, 11:28 am
#11
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: BWI
Programs: DL FO
Posts: 312
I used to take the Carolinian from Wilmington to Baltimore, on my way home from visitng my parents. It's about 10 minutes faster than the regional trains, and the Wilmington departure time was perfect for Monday mornings if my mom dropped me off on her way to work. Amtrak readily sells tickets for short trips on the Carolinian.
