Amtrak Guest Rewards - Need to decide between Acela and Delta

So my new job is going to have me commuting from Long Island (Hicksville area) to DC on a semi-regular basis. My trips will be 1-3 days max probably, and once I am settled into the job, only once or twice a month or so if I do my job right. The first few months will almost certainly be every week, and I'd like to make it a commute rather than an overnighter-special. I'm trying to decide how to do my commutes, and the options seem to boil down to:

1) LIRR from Hicksville to NYP, Acela to DC, cab or rent as appropriate.
2) LIRR to AirTrain, AirTrain to JFK, Delta to DCA/IAD as appropriate, rent car.
3) Same as above, but drive-and-park instead of train.
4) Drive-and-Park at LGA to fly to DCA (no IAD), rent car.

What I need to understand is what the Acela buys me. If I were closer to the city I think it'd be more of a no-brainer, but I am adding 50min to get to NYP on LIRR, and an hour on the Acela over the flights, and the same in reverse. It cuts down on my time in-town, and turns some trips into overnighters probably. Being able to work via phone/laptop most of the train ride is hugely appealing of course. Outside of that, what kind of transport options do I have on the curb once I get to DC? Does it save that much time versus the airport shuffle?

If the cost weren't so much more than the DL flights r/t, it might be an easier choice, but it's almost twice as much when you're talking about pre-purchase pricing right now. I want to know I'm not losing time and money on the deal. Can anyone help me out with the pros and cons for my setup?

A few things to think about (note that I, and a lot of us on the AGR forum, tend to favor train travel):

-You have cancellation flexibility with Amtrak: before tickets are printed, no fee to refund. After tickets are printed, 10% fee to refund or 0% fee to exchange/issue credit. This advantage is significant I think.
-The Acela Express is expensive, especially at its highest fare buckets. You could take the Regionals, either in coach or business class, which are only about 30 extra minutes WAS-NYP. This would almost certainly be cheaper than flying.
-Transport at Union Station in DC: Where do you need to go? The station is on the metro's red line, and there are buses and taxis available right outside the station.
-DCA is a convenient airport (on metro or a quick cab ride from downtown DC), but if you are flying into IAD, that would be a huge disadvantage over Amtrak.
-If you are taking Acela and choose to credit train trips to Amtrak Guest Rewards (and not your CO account), you can quickly earn AGR status, as NYP-WAS will give you 500 points each way (750 in 1st class) as it is a select city pair. Select status can be reached, then, with five roundtrips; Select Plus (giving you Amtrak and CO lounge access) is available after ten roundtrips.
-The train is so much more relaxing, productive, and predictable than air travel.

Can you post your cost comparisons? I'm curious about your figures.

Also, you should take note of this current promotion for Acela (Buy 3, get one free):
https://amtrakguestrewards.com/index.cfm?loc=winterpromo11608.html&category=earn

I'm turning up:

$172 on JFK-DCA on a same-day r/t for next week.
$267 on LGA-DCA for a 1 night stay r/t. (Same day is outrageous so Amtrak has the edge there)

The best I'm turing up with the Acela options is $334, with $376 being more likely on peak times. (r/t) This seems to be the only fare(s) I can turn up no matter what times or days I search, so it doesn't seem like there's much of a fare class variance in NYP-WAS to my eye. Am I missing something?

The cancelation thing is nice for the business I am in where my travel can change at the last minute. I realize the IAD-centric trips will be flying...the nature of my job will put me near some of the DoD-centric parts of gov't, so IAD is really the closest airport for some of them.

I'll probably give it a whirl a few times and see how I feel about it and what it does to me time-wise. For all the extra travel time, it does seem like less of a hassle than the airport options, since the NYP/LIRR switch is as easy as you can ask for.

Without divulging your business, can you give the area in DC that you are traveling to (i.e., Capitol Hill, downtown, Georgetown, Tysons Corner, Bethesda, etc.). That would help me help you (I have either gone to school in or worked in Washington for the past 31 years).

The best I'm turing up with the Acela options is $334, with $376 being more likely on peak times. (r/t) This seems to be the only fare(s) I can turn up no matter what times or days I search, so it doesn't seem like there's much of a fare class variance in NYP-WAS to my eye. Am I missing something?
There isn't nearly as much variance, but there is more than you are seeing. (some buckets are probably already sold out or were never available for your travel dates/times).
A quick search of some dates identified what appears to be the five buckets:
$125, $146, $167, $188, $209

I realize the IAD-centric trips will be flying...the nature of my job will put me near some of the DoD-centric parts of gov't, so IAD is really the closest airport for some of them.

Ahh...that makes IAD a little better.

If you ever end up traveling on the weekend, then you can get a discount for the Acela with memberships in AAA, NARP, etc. (assuming 3 day advance purchase), as weekday Acela Express services are excluded from these discounts.

If I were closer to the city I think it'd be more of a no-brainer, but I am adding 50min to get to NYP on LIRR, and an hour on the Acela over the flights, and the same in reverse. It cuts down on my time in-town, and turns some trips into overnighters probably. Being able to work via phone/laptop most of the train ride is hugely appealing of course.
You're adding 50 minutes to get to NYP on LIRR, but how long is the ride from Hicksville to the JFK AirTrain? It's only an extra 20 minutes on the train to NYP. On the other hand, from what I've read, the walk to the AirTrain platform from the LIRR Jamaica platform takes about 5 minutes (maybe less if you run), and the AirTrain runs every 2-12 minutes (I'd assume more frequently during the commuter rush hours) and takes about 15 minutes to get to the JFK terminals. So the time to get to JFK versus NYP is about a wash.

Once you add in the time required to wait in security, navigate to your gate, and board the aircraft (despite the attempt at reduced times the shuttle services aim for), I think the extra hour en-route on Amtrak is more than covered, not to mention on the other end. So I don't think the time factor (point-to-point, anyway) is really a major factor.

So then the question becomes is the extra cost worth the flexibility in refunds and changes, the location of Union Station versus IAD and/or DCA (and your destinations, i.e. if they're accessible by rapid transit versus needing to rent a car), and your comfort and the ability to work en-route.

I think to truly make that decision, you'll need to sample both and see what you value. Especially if you've never done it this way before, it's hard to understand just how much more pleasant travel by train is.

If total point-to-point time isn't an overriding factor, soitgoes' idea of using Amtrak's Regionals instead of Acela is a very good way to drop the cost significantly (even if you choose Business Class). It only adds about a half an hour to the trip.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8703e/4.1.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

If the OP opts to go with Amtrak Regionals, are 10-trip tickets available on the NYP-WAS route?

If the OP opts to go with Amtrak Regionals, are 10-trip tickets available on the NYP-WAS route?
Yes. A 10-ride ticket (for 10 one-ways within a 45 day period) is $784.
A monthly ticket (unlimited rides within a calendar month) is $1,764.

The 10-ride is more expensive than 10 rides at the cheapest bucket, but it makes you immune to the higher bucket prices. For WAS-NYP, the cheapest bucket seems to be $69, with higher buckets at $98 and $132 (there are two other bucket prices, too, I believe). A lot of the weekday trains for travel in the near future are pricing out at $98. With a 3-day advance purchase fare, one could get 10% off these single trip prices with the AAA or NARP discount (joining NARP would make sense if needed, as the savings would quickly pay for the discount) or other discounts that one might qualify for.

To me, the extra time on the train is canceled out by my increased productivity.
The ride is long enough usually for me to get significant amounts of work done. Plus, there are outlets, a decent cafe, and it's generally pretty quiet. Can also make calls if necessary.

For WAS-NYP, the cheapest bucket seems to be $69, with higher buckets at $98 and $132 (there are two other bucket prices, too, I believe).

Regionals only have 4 bucket levels, Acela however has 5 levels.

Regionals only have 4 bucket levels, Acela however has 5 levels.
Ahh...good to know.

So then the question becomes is the extra cost worth the flexibility in refunds and changes, the location of Union Station versus IAD and/or DCA (and your destinations, i.e. if they're accessible by rapid transit versus needing to rent a car), and your comfort and the ability to work en-route.

I think to truly make that decision, you'll need to sample both and see what you value. Especially if you've never this way before, it's hard to understand just how much more pleasant travel by train is.

If total point-to-point time isn't an overriding factor, soitgoes' idea of using Amtrak's Regionals instead of Acela is a very good way to drop the cost significantly (even if you choose Business Class). It only adds about a half an hour to the trip.

I think that's really the best advice. My customers are spread all over the reigon, which means Amtrak will only be an option for some of them, some of the time. I need to do it a few times, see what kind of productivity gains I get, and decide if it makes sense to make it a regular part of my DC trips or not. I haven't done the LIRR-to-AirTrain transfer either, so I wasn't sure if it was right there or if there was some overlap. I have done the train commute a bunch, both out here to Seattle (to Portland) and NJT into Penn, so I know I like trains. That's why I'm considering it.

The cost isn't a huge deal as we have a pretty big travel budget, but I still need to be able to explain to my boss the benefits of paying more for a slower mode of transport if I am going to do it often. :)

The cost isn't a huge deal as we have a pretty big travel budget, but I still need to be able to explain to my boss the benefits of paying more for a slower mode of transport if I am going to do it often. :)

Well to me that's easy. Would he rather be able to call you pretty much at anytime along the way, or would he rather you be out of touch for an hour? Same regarding the clients. Additionally would he rather you be productive with your travel time or not? You can be doing work on a laptop, answering emails, even spread out your work a bit on one of the tables spread throughout the coaches, or you can accomplish nothing while squished into the middle seat on a shuttle plane.

One other thing to add to the equation is the potential for delays/cancellations. If you are flying in/out of any NY area airport, your travel time is likely to be substantially longer than the time shown on the schedule. Amtrak, while certainly not perfect in this regard, is generally much better than the airlines at getting you to your destination at the time promised.

One other thing to add to the equation is the potential for delays/cancellations. If you are flying in/out of any NY area airport, your travel time is likely to be substantially longer than the time shown on the schedule. Amtrak, while certainly not perfect in this regard, is generally much better than the airlines at getting you to your destination at the time promised.

One of my coworkers who works in the area and has had to travel the corridor pointed that out too...the schedule is all RJ's, and those are the first planes to get delayed and canceled when things go wrong at JFK/LGA, whereas the trains just run...perhaps a little late, but they run.

I've also heard from some folks that travel on the Acela or Amtrak ex-NYC to DC or Boston when booked a certain way can get you Continental miles.

I've also heard from some folks that travel on the Acela or Amtrak ex-NYC to DC or Boston when booked a certain way can get you Continental miles.
I think for this they have to be booked as Continental codeshares through Continental, which is sometimes cheaper, often more expensive, and must be in conjunction with a CO flight segment. I don't think this is too terribly helpful to the OP.

I think for this they have to be booked as Continental codeshares through Continental, which is sometimes cheaper, often more expensive, and must be in conjunction with a CO flight segment.
Nope.
There are two ways to earn CO miles for Amtrak travel.

One method involves CO codeshares for travel to and from EWR. For this, you book through CO.
Earn Base Miles, Elite Qualification Miles and Elite Qualification Point(s) (on qualifying fares) per Coach or Business class segment on Amtrak when you fly on Continental and make a connection at Newark Liberty International Airport to/from any of the following Amtrak destinations: New Haven Rail Station, CT; Stamford Rail Station, CT; Philadelphia 30th Street Station, PA; Wilmington Rail Station, DE. See the chart below for codeshare mileage accrual information.

The second method is for purchasing normal Acela Express tickets from Amtrak between New York and Washington or Boston. Instead of an AGR number, the CO FF number should be provided to Amtrak (you have to call or have an agent do it at the counter).
Earn 500 Base Miles, 500 Elite Qualification Miles and one Elite Qualification Point per Business class segment or 750 Base Miles, 750 Elite Qualification Miles and two Elite Qualification Points per First class segment on Metroliner and Acela Express trains (no connecting flight required) between New York's Penn Station and the following train stations: Boston's South Station, MA; Boston's Back Bay Station, MA; Boston's Route 128 Station, MA; Washington D.C.

For reservations for the Metroliner and Acela Express markets listed above, call Amtrak at 800.USA.RAIL and be sure to provide your OnePass number for mileage credit.

http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/onepass/earn/other/amtrak.aspx

Oh wow. I stand corrected. Interesting.

Oh wow. I stand corrected. Interesting.
The two programs are confusing, so I think a lot of people misunderstand.
I think most regular travelers on the Acela Express are better off with AGR points, at least until they get to Select+ (which is just 10 roundtrips in Business Class WAS-NYP). I think the program is attractive for occasional Acela travelers who need EQMs on CO who wouldn't travel enough to get AGR status (CO travelers benefit from Select+ in that they get access to all of the President's Clubs).

I was faced with a similar situation 2 years ago, but my travel was to Boston rather than DC. I decided to fly and after 2 weeks gave up and switched to the train. Best move I ever made. The major problem with flying is that all the NYC airports (especially EWR in my case) are notorious for delays. But the delays are much worse for the short hauls to DC and BOS. As soon as there are problems they will put a ground hold on you (because all of the other arriving flights are already in the air) and you will wait… and wait… and wait. What is even more annoying is your flight will show on-time until about 20 minutes before departure… then delay, after delay, after delay. I could have just been unlucky, but my first 4 flights were all delayed between 1 and 2 hours (I did 13 round trips on ATK and my worst performance was 20 minutes late). The switch to ATK was so much more relaxed and stress free. No more playing shoe games with the TSA, or having to try and smuggle my toothpaste on the plane.

However… please be a courteous cell phone user on the train (in Japan, for example, people will go to the vestibule to make or receive a call… how civilized :)). I found loud cell phone yackers to be my number one annoyance on the train. :mad: (I was traveling in First, so the quiet car was not an option.)

I had my first Acela trips this week...3 one-ways. I have been sooooo tired of the waiting game...wait...wait...wait for the always delayed EWR-BOS/DCA flights!

The only downside to the 3 trips I had was the stations!

Amtrak stations STINK! (DC, Wilmington, and especially NWK!!!)

I was hustled (attempted to be) at NWK and had to step over homeless people in WIL all between 1pm and 3pm!

The only downside to the 3 trips I had was the stations!

Amtrak stations STINK! (DC, Wilmington, and especially NWK!!!)


What's wrong with the station in DC? That's one of the nicest train stations in the country.

And if you ride Acela frequently enough in Business Class, or if you travel in First Class, then you'll gain the use of the Club Acela lounge in DC.

Amtrak stations STINK! (DC, Wilmington, and especially NWK!!!)
I'm not sure what would classify in your mind as a good train station, if you think Union Station stinks. It is, as AlanB notes, one of the nicest train stations around--and that includes pretty much every European station I've ever been through. Wilmington, my home base, is not quite up to that standard, but it is a lovely old building and has good seating/decent bathrooms/a fine coffee shop and convenience store/lots of parking. What else do you need? I can't say much about Newark, but again, a great old station with plenty of seating and retail options.

However… please be a courteous cell phone user on the train (in Japan, for example, people will go to the vestibule to make or receive a call… how civilized :)). I found loud cell phone yackers to be my number one annoyance on the train. :mad: (I was traveling in First, so the quiet car was not an option.)

Cellphone users can be a problem in F. My "limit" is if I can still hear someone through my Bose NC headphones with the Moody Blues at moderate level, I will give them a dirty stare. If that doesn't work, I have no problem going up to him/her and saying, "Excuse me, would you please speak more softly -- I have a headache and am trying to sleep." If that doesn't work, then I keep staring: People hate being stared at when they're talking on the phone -- they think you're "spying" on them. Well, YES, if you're going to speak so loud...

Cellphone users can be a problem in F. My "limit" is if I can still hear someone through my Bose NC headphones with the Moody Blues at moderate level, I will give them a dirty stare. If that doesn't work, I have no problem going up to him/her and saying, "Excuse me, would you please speak more softly -- I have a headache and am trying to sleep." If that doesn't work, then I keep staring: People hate being stared at when they're talking on the phone -- they think you're "spying" on them. Well, YES, if you're going to speak so loud...

Anyone disturbed by loud talking can easily solve that problem by riding in the "quiet car" in Acela Business Class. Can't imagine why you wouldn't do that.

Sorry, duplicate post.

Anyone disturbed by loud talking can easily solve that problem by riding in the "quiet car" in Acela Business Class. Can't imagine why you wouldn't do that.

Because wxguy and myself were referring to FIRST class on Acela. There is no quiet car for FIRST. BTW, I specifically mentioned this in my post as I fully anticipated someone would tell me to use the quiet car. :rolleyes:

Because wxguy and myself were referring to FIRST class on Acela. There is no quiet car for FIRST. BTW, I specifically mentioned this in my post as I fully anticipated someone would tell me to use the quiet car. :rolleyes:

Correct, schriste. I don't mind people talking softly on their cellphones in the F car. I do mind them YELLING for hours on end. You can be heard just as easily by speaking softly. Have you ever ridden on public transit in Asia? Everyone's on a mobile phone -- yet you can hear no one. It's such a difference!

Have you ever ridden on public transit in Asia? Everyone's on a mobile phone -- yet you can hear no one. It's such a difference!

Yes I have, as I mentioned, in Japan passengers usually go to the vestibule to yak. In Japan many suburban railways and subways ban cell phone use.

I am on the Acela as I type this, and it's hands down the more pleasant alternative to flying. I can use my phone, tether for internet, wander to the cafe car if I want, etc. And the Quiet Car is nice.

Oh, and the legroom is great too.

The service is expensive, though.

If you end up taking Delta, get a lounge membership and make sure that there are elite-level passenger (i.e., shorter) security lines available for when you get status.

I would take the train just because NY airports, as pointed out above, have bad delays, especially later in the day; sitting in a coach seat for an hour on the runway is no fun at all. Also, Acela seats are spacious so your trip will be more comfortable than if you were to fly in coach.

Luggage is less of a hassle on the Acela as well; you don't have to check it planeside as you might on Delta if you're on a regional jet.

Finally, Amtrak has a lot more DC-NY trains per hour than Delta has planes, and the train is less likely to be fully booked. You'll have a lot more flexibility with tickets on Amtrak and you won't get hit with the standard $100 change fee plus fare difference that Delta (I'd guess) will charge when you change in advance.

And if you ride Acela frequently enough in Business Class, or if you travel in First Class, then you'll gain the use of the Club Acela lounge in DC.If you're a member of the CO Presidents Club you can use your card to use Club Acela :p

Since you mentioned you are on LI, consider taking ISP-BWI on WN. It is only about a 30 minute drive from Hicksville to ISP, and ISP would be far less congested than JFK, LGA, or NYP. The only disadvantage is that BWI may be inconvinent from where you are trying to get to in the DC area.

Since you mentioned you are on LI, consider taking ISP-BWI on WN. It is only about a 30 minute drive from Hicksville to ISP, and ISP would be far less congested than JFK, LGA, or NYP. The only disadvantage is that BWI may be inconvinent from where you are trying to get to in the DC area.

I was thinking of that too as a possibility, given that the trip can often be quite cheap.

BWI for DC is only a bit more inconvenient than Dulles for the most part - and there is a free shuttle bus that runs to the BWI Rail Station to connect with both MARC Weekday commuter trains and Amtrak trains. Also, there is a B-30 bus that goes non-stop to Greenbelt Metro for $3.00 from there.


Though I'd personally prefer the train ride, I do admit the Islip to BWI connection might be competitive in time and price.