New England - South Station or Back Bay to catch ~5:30pm Amtrak train to NYC

Back Bay may be more convenient but I want to make sure I get a forward facing seat where I can plug in the gadgets. Will the seats be filled by the time the train pulls into Back Bay or should I just head over to South Station and be done with it?

Also, are there enough places nearby the Back Bay station (like an Au Bon Pain) in which I can buy something to eat for dinner to bring with me on train?

Thanks.

If seat selection and Au Bon Pain (which is in South Station) are important, definitely go with South Station. The food options in Back Bay are pretty limited.

If not in a rush, the Copley Place and Prudential Center mall areas are in walking distance of the Back Bay station......both have an Au Bon Pain (says their website) and many other food-to-go places.....might even arrange a "Legal Seafoods" take-out for the evening train!

For short-cut to Back Bay Stn, exit the Copley Place mall near Neiman Marcus........enjoy!

a lot of people insist on forward-facing seats -- if you can learn to like the other seats, you'll be more likely to have an empty one beside you (which, IMHO, trumps the direction).

Otherwise, i agree with the other posters that there,s an ABP in South Station (i think); not much at BB. Usually when I go there, i walk half a block to a place called b.good toward the left out the main doors.

If you are coming the airport, the Blue Line subway connects to the Orange Line which connects to Back Bay -- i live in Rhode Island and thats how i go, if i dont need to stop off at my office downtown.

Back Bay may be more convenient but I want to make sure I get a forward facing seat where I can plug in the gadgets. Will the seats be filled by the time the train pulls into Back Bay or should I just head over to South Station and be done with it?

Also, are there enough places nearby the Back Bay station (like an Au Bon Pain) in which I can buy something to eat for dinner to bring with me on train?

Thanks.

The ABP in the Copley Mall is directly across the street from BBY (okay caddy-corner - in the mall, but no need to even go outside). It's a nice one, too.

I'd say the chance of a seat with power is fair, but only can be guaranteed by going to South Sta.

Most seats filled at South Station. I'm particular about where I sit so I would leave from South Station even if I were standing outside Back Bay.

Also, are there enough places nearby the Back Bay station (like an Au Bon Pain) in which I can buy something to eat for dinner to bring take with me on train?
<ducks>

Looks like South Station is the one. Thanks.

a lot of people insist on forward-facing seats -- if you can learn to like the other seats, you'll be more likely to have an empty one beside you (which, IMHO, trumps the direction).Doesn't trump it for me. I start to feel sick when seated backwards. Now if that person next to me has body odor....:D

I didn't realize there is an Au Bon Pain in South Station. I know there is one ~3 blocks away. Plenty of Dunkin Donuts though. ;)

nerd, why is the word "bring" wrong?

nerd, why is the word "bring" wrong?

Bring and take mean two different things:

http://www.ecenglish.com/learnenglish/lessons/bring-vs-take

Common misunderstanding.

Learn something new every day.

My language authorities are Merriam-Webster, Strunk & White, and Funk & Wagnalls. Let's see what any of them says.

Strunk & White

Morons.

Please see: 50 Years of Stupid Grammar Advice (http://chronicle.com/article/50-Years-of-Stupid-Grammar/25497)

I may be too late for Analise's trip, but I still want to post to correct the misinformation in this thread.

1. There are very few rear facing seats on Amtrak trains between BOS and NYP. There are some, but very few; probably less than 5%.

2. In dozens and dozens of trips on this route, boarding at one of the first three stops (BOS, BBY and RTE), I never, ever have had my seat choice limited to a rear facing seat. In fact, I can't recall a single instance where I've seen any passenger boarding at one of these stations not find a forward facing seat.

3. Every seat has access to a power outlet. That said, those sitting in an aisle seat will have to fish their cord under the legs of someone sitting in an adjacent window seat, so it's often preferable to sit in a window seat if you've got a lot of electronics.

4. There are times when seat selection is limited when boarding at RTE, but there typically is no shortage of selection when boarding at BBY (although, yes, you sometimes have to sit next to someone; it can sometimes be difficult to find an unoccupied pair of seats).

5. Regardless of where you sit, you can not count on an empty seat next to you. If you board at BOS, it's likely that no one will sit next to you when you depart, but it's very likely someone boarding at BBY, RTE or PVD will sit next to you.

6. When I can, I often will board at BOS, rather than BBY, for increased seat selection, but doing so absolutely is not necessary to get a forward facing seat and access to a power outlet. (Note that, although not official policy, one can ride a MBTA commuter rail train for free from BBY to BOS. Just look at the monitors behind the agents at the ticket window to see on which track the next BOS-bound train is arriving, and just hop on it. The conductors won't object and won't ask for a ticket. I often do this when I'm NYC-bound but have the time to travel back to BOS before my train departs.)

7. As noted, although the food options are more convenient at BOS -- since they're housed in the same building -- there is no shortage of food options convenient to BBY, including some surprisingly good food sold from the carts right in the station, and Au Bon Pain and Starbucks within an easy walk. (The best food options for the train are a sub from Al's State Street, or a chacarero sandwich from Chacarero, both easy walks from BOS.)

[Note, for those unfamiliar with the station codes, that BOS is Boston South Station, BBY is Boston Back Bay Station, and RTE is Route 128 (Westwood) Rail Station.]

I may be too late for Analise's trip, but I still want to post to correct the misinformation in this thread.Nope, not late at all. I'll be doing this trip in early April.

1. There are very few rear facing seats on Amtrak trains between BOS and NYP. There are some, but very few; probably less than 5%.That's great. Thank you.

2. In dozens and dozens of trips on this route, boarding at one of the first three stops (BOS, BBY and RTE), I never, ever have had my seat choice limited to a rear facing seat. In fact, I can't recall a single instance where I've seen any passenger boarding at one of these stations not find a forward facing seat.

3. Every seat has access to a power outlet. That said, those sitting in an aisle seat will have to fish their cord under the legs of someone sitting in an adjacent window seat, so it's often preferable to sit in a window seat if you've got a lot of electronics.Good to know. Thanks.

Regardless of where you sit, you can not count on an empty seat next to you. If you board at BOS, it's likely that no one will sit next to you when you depart, but it's very likely someone boarding at BBY, RTE or PVD will sit next to you.I'm catching a ~5:30pm train. I never assumed I'd have both seats to myself.

(Note that, although not official policy, one can ride a MBTA commuter rail train for free from BBY to BOS. Just look at the monitors behind the agents at the ticket window to see on which track the next BOS-bound train is arriving, and just hop on it. The conductors won't object and won't ask for a ticket. I often do this when I'm NYC-bound but have the time to travel back to BOS before my train departs.)Hey, that's great to know. I'm staying at the Westin Copley Plaza. So that's convenient. I'm not planning to be at the hotel late in the day but who knows, maybe I will.

Thanks again.

The Westin Copley is right there, though, and right next to the ABP. In fact, you'll never need to go outside to hit the awesome ABP (it's really a nice one as far as they go) all the way from the Westin Lobby to the train platform. It seems a shame to be that close and go all the way to BOS when you're definitely going to have a forward facing seat with power. You're right though, you'll probably have a seatmate for at least part of the journey.

... the awesome ABP ...An oxymoron if I've ever heard one.

If you are coming the airport, the Blue Line subway connects to the Orange Line which connects to Back Bay -- i live in Rhode Island and thats how i go, if i dont need to stop off at my office downtown.

I know this is moot, but for posterity's sake:

If you're coming from the airport, you'd be idiotic to take the Massport shuttle bus to the Blue Line to the Orange Line to Back Bay when the Silver Line goes directly from the terminals to South Station.

(But if you're staying in a hotel at Copley Place, you'd be equally idiotic to go all the way back to South Station when you're right there at Back Bay already.)

If you're coming from the airport, you'd be idiotic to take the Massport shuttle bus to the Blue Line to the Orange Line to Back Bay when the Silver Line goes directly from the terminals to South Station.I don't get your point. You still need to get from Sout Station to Back Bay. It seems that the consensus (with which I completely agree) is to take whichever bus comes first, the Silver Line bus or the MassPort shuttle to the Blue Line. In my experience (which is considerable), either method takes about half an hour.


(But if you're staying in a hotel at Copley Place, you'd be equally idiotic to go all the way back to South Station when you're right there at Back Bay already.)If I find myself at Back Bay Station 15 or more minutes early, I'll typically hop on an inbound MBTA commuter rail train for the 5-minute ride to South Station. There's absolutely no downside, and the upside is a more comfortable station to wait in (including access to Amtrak's Club Acela) and a greater choice of seats when boarding the train. It's certainly not a big deal, but if I have the time I'll typically do it.

The Westin Copley is right there, though, and right next to the ABP. In fact, you'll never need to go outside to hit the awesome ABP (it's really a nice one as far as they go) all the way from the Westin Lobby to the train platform. It seems a shame to be that close and go all the way to BOS when you're definitely going to have a forward facing seat with power. You're right though, you'll probably have a seatmate for at least part of the journey.I'll be taking an early evening train so I won't be at the hotel...unless they'll hold my luggage for me....now there's a thought.

(Note that, although not official policy, one can ride a MBTA commuter rail train for free from BBY to BOS. Just look at the monitors behind the agents at the ticket window to see on which track the next BOS-bound train is arriving, and just hop on it. The conductors won't object and won't ask for a ticket. I often do this when I'm NYC-bound but have the time to travel back to BOS before my train departs.)

It is official policy that BBY to BOS is free:

http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6720

Somewhat-related question; how crowded are the trains (the regular NE Regionals, not the Acela) heading into NYP on Sundays? I'm looking at a trip in late September and wouldn't mind leaving mid- to late afternoon, unless the conventional wisdom would suggest otherwise.

Thanks

Somewhat-related question; how crowded are the trains (the regular NE Regionals, not the Acela) heading into NYP on Sundays? I'm looking at a trip in late September and wouldn't mind leaving mid- to late afternoon, unless the conventional wisdom would suggest otherwise.It is not unusual for those trains to sell out, but that's no reason to change your plans. If you have a reservation, you'll definitely get a seat.

Good to know. +1 will be with me; do you think we'd have problems finding an open pair of seats on a Sunday afternoon?

Good to know. +1 will be with me; do you think we'd have problems finding an open pair of seats on a Sunday afternoon?
Leaving South Station? No problem whatsoever.

Also, are there enough places nearby the Back Bay station (like an Au Bon Pain) in which I can buy something to eat for dinner to bring with me on train?



It's worth noting that every Amtrak train between Boston and New York has on-board food service. Selection is limited but it's a viable option. Obviously if you have time at the station to buy something (i.e. while you're waiting for the train) it's more efficient to buy food ahead of time than to go to the cafe car. But if you're running late there's no need to risk missing the train just to grab a bite to eat.


3. Every seat has access to a power outlet. That said, those sitting in an aisle seat will have to fish their cord under the legs of someone sitting in an adjacent window seat, so it's often preferable to sit in a window seat if you've got a lot of electronics.



This recent thread in the Amtrak forum is worth reading:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amtrak-guest-rewards/1192914-aisle-seats-power-cord-etiquette.html

Good to know. +1 will be with me; do you think we'd have problems finding an open pair of seats on a Sunday afternoon?

Leaving South Station? No problem whatsoever.Even leaving from BBY, it's very unusual to have a problem finding two seats together. Once you get to RTE, however, it can be more challenging.


This recent thread in the Amtrak forum is worth reading:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amtrak-guest-rewards/1192914-aisle-seats-power-cord-etiquette.htmlI have yet to have a problem negotiating the etiquette of using the power outlets on Amtrak trains.

It's worth noting that every Amtrak train between Boston and New York has on-board food service. Selection is limited but it's a viable option. Obviously if you have time at the station to buy something (i.e. while you're waiting for the train) it's more efficient to buy food ahead of time than to go to the cafe car. But if you're running late there's no need to risk missing the train just to grab a bite to eat.I know of the food service; it's convenient if you have no time as you said. But the choices are limited and overly priced.

I want to make sure I get a window seat facing forward so I will go to South Station. But I like knowing that I can leave my bags as the hotel in Copley Plaza and then take any train from Back Bay to South Station for free. It is ANY train including commuter or Amtrak, right? If I want to get to South Station by 5, what time do you recommend I catch a train to South Station from Back Bay? Do trains leave every few minutes?

I know of the food service; it's convenient if you have no time as you said. But the choices are limited and overly priced.

I want to make sure I get a window seat facing forward so I will go to South Station. But I like knowing that I can leave my bags as the hotel in Copley Plaza and then take any train from Back Bay to South Station for free. It is ANY train including commuter or Amtrak, right? If I want to get to South Station by 5, what time do you recommend I catch a train to South Station from Back Bay? Do trains leave every few minutes?First, I personally guarantee you that you will get a forward facing window seat, even if you choose to board at BBY rather than South Station.

To answer your questions:

The Amtrak trains are not supposed to permit South Station-bound passengers to board at BBY. That said, the one time I tried it, I had no problem.

For MBTA commuter rail schedules, go to www.mbta.com. It's kinda like traveling from Penn Station to Jamaica Station: there can be several trains in a row, but there also can be long gaps between trains. The ride itself is only 5 minutes, but I wouldn't board a South Station-bound train unless I had at least 15 minutes before my Amtrak train was to depart South Station, just in case on delays pulling into South Station.

My experience is that they usually, but don't always, announce the South Station-bound trains at BBY. For the most accurate information, look at the flat screen monitors behind the shoulders of the MBTA ticket agents. Those will show all of the trains and the track numbers.

Personal guarantee? That's pretty confident. :) If that's the case, why schlep to South Station? :p

They rotate most of the seats at the end of each run so that most of them are facing the direction of travel. I would not worry all that much about getting a seat facing the right direction for you.

Personal guarantee? That's pretty confident. :) That's my shorthand way of saying that I've been a Boston-NYC weekly commuter for the last six years, and I can't recall ever seeing a shortage of seats for passengers boarding at BBY. Even on soldout trains, passengers originating in Boston seem to be fairly evenly distributed between BOS, BBY and RTE. So while I've seen seating choice limited at RTE, I've never seen it limited at BOS or BBY.

If that's the case, why schlep to South Station? :pThe reasons include (1) although there is no shortage of food options near BBY (and the food carts at BBY are not to be overlooked), and the food court at South Station is no better than a mall food court (including the requisite faux Chinese food), there are some unique options at South Station, including a stand that specializes in grilled cheese, and an outpost of Rosie's Bakery, which sells delicious cookies, (2) if you have some time to kill, South Station is a much, much nicer station than BBY, and (3) for those entitled to access, there is a Club Acela at South Station, but not BBY.

Rosie's and the grilled cheese place sound worthy of a visit! Where are they w/r/t Au Bon Pain? I know where that is. :p

Rosie's and the grilled cheese place sound worthy of a visit! Where are they w/r/t Au Bon Pain? I know where that is. :pThey're both in the central hall. The grilled cheese place is a little counter opposite the information booth, and Rosie's is in the far left corner of the central hall (assuming you have your back to the tracks and are facing the main entrance). Walk around; you can't miss 'em.

Thanks.

Back from Boston. RS fans must have been so down in the dumps, not one person even remotely sneered as I walked by in my 2009 World Series Champion Yankees hat. :p The hat was necessary as it rained on and off.

I could have caught that train home from Back Bay. The train was never crowded. But no way to have known that.

Boston is such a great walking town. We walked nearly everywhere between the MFA and Bunker Hill. The MFA new American wing is very nice. Bummed that Faneuil Hall was closed for what looks like endless construction. Hope it's better planned than the Big Dig was.

Thanks, everybody, for your assistance.

Thanks for checking back in to let us know how everything went!

Glad you enjoyed BOS. It really is a great walking city (when the weather cooperates)! :)

Thanks for checking back in to let us know how everything went!

Glad you enjoyed BOS. It really is a great walking city (when the weather cooperates)! :)We walked even when the weather didn't cooperate. :p I walk in NYC in inclement weather; why do anything differently?

Thank you all for you advice; it was very helpful. We took the 2 p.m. Regional from BBY yesterday afternoon and had no problem in finding open seats in coach. By the time we reached Providence, the train was quite full and I felt badly for the folks walking up and down the aisles looking for seats (and what is up with the people who think the 'please remove your personal items from the seat next to you to make room for others' announcements don't apply to them?).

Overall, it was a very relaxing (other than dealing with Penn Station) way to travel between Boston and NYC.