Train NYC to DC [Acela]
Apr 5, 2014, 8:10 pm
#1
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Train NYC to DC [Acela]
Is Asceola (Sp) fast train that much better than regional train? Any bad issues with regional train service Penn Station to Union ?
Apr 6, 2014, 9:14 am
#2
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As FT has a dedicated Amtrak forum, you might request that a Moderator move your thread to that forum.
As FT has a dedicated Amtrak forum, you might request that a Moderator move your thread to that forum.
Apr 6, 2014, 9:30 am
#3
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The Acela is not really a "fast train" but a "marginally faster train" (approximately 15-20 minutes faster than regional on the NYP-WAS route). But, it is much more pleasant. In Business Class (the lower of the 2 classes on Acela), the seats are nicer than regional, there is greater pitch and the entire environment is better. In First Class on Acela (the higher of the 2 classes), the seating is 2-1 (particularly nice if you are alone), there is a meal served at your seat and alcohol is included.
There are no particularly "bad" issues.
There are no particularly "bad" issues.
Apr 6, 2014, 3:07 pm
#4
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The difference in quality is small, but the price difference is high. For leisure travel, I always book the regular regional train several months in advance to lock in a low price. If travelling for work, I book the Acela because I earn more points. On the train right now, even fully booked, it's a much more pleasant ride than a flight.
Apr 6, 2014, 3:53 pm
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The difference in quality is small, but the price difference is high. For leisure travel, I always book the regular regional train several months in advance to lock in a low price. If travelling for work, I book the Acela because I earn more points. On the train right now, even fully booked, it's a much more pleasant ride than a flight.
Apr 6, 2014, 7:09 pm
#7
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+1 on all of that. I take about 5-6 Acela RTs per month for work, but when I am paying for it, I ride Regional. The Acela seats are nicer, but for where I'm going (WIL to either NYP or WAS) the time difference is pretty minimal and the price difference is pretty large.
Bob H.
Apr 7, 2014, 7:23 pm
#8
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I've never understood the point of the business section on the regional. It's just that that much nicer for the price difference. And the train is plenty nice on it's own. I've sat next to obese people and didn't feel like I was lacking space.
Apr 8, 2014, 7:54 am
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I only book Regional Business, if I expect a train to be very crowded. It improves my chances of no seatmate.
Originally Posted by Kay_nyc
I've never understood the point of the business section on the regional. It's just that that much nicer for the price difference. And the train is plenty nice on it's own. I've sat next to obese people and didn't feel like I was lacking space.
Apr 13, 2014, 7:54 am
#11
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I completely agree with this. I find booking business on the regional (rather than the standard coach) to be the "sweet spot" in terms of value. It is still cheaper than the Acela but nicer than coach on the regional.
Apr 18, 2014, 10:35 am
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Agree with the posters above, I do regional for personal travel, Acela for business travel, because it is significantly more costly. Some regionals do not originate in DC or NY, so are sometimes more off-schedule, too. FWIW, I think Acela First Class NY-DC is one of the nicest and easiest travel experiences you can have in the US, better than domestic First Class air travel except on some transcontinental flights.
Apr 18, 2014, 10:54 am
#13
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Agree with the posters above, I do regional for personal travel, Acela for business travel, because it is significantly more costly. Some regionals do not originate in DC or NY, so are sometimes more off-schedule, too. FWIW, I think Acela First Class NY-DC is one of the nicest and easiest travel experiences you can have in the US, better than domestic First Class air travel except on some transcontinental flights.
Last edited by Kay_nyc; Apr 27, 2014 at 8:09 am