First time on Amtrak and first time using Penn/DC/Boston South Station: Acela Express
Feb 2, 2019, 11:39 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 43
First time on Amtrak and first time using Penn/DC/Boston South Station: Acela Express
First time poster here, so please be gentle if I make a forum etiquette mistake!
Whilst visiting NYC in late April from the U.K., I’ve booked myself and my mother on Acela Express round trips to go to DC and Boston on separate days (will be returning the same day- they’ll be long days, but worth it). One leaving at 6am on a Monday, the other at 6.15am on a Wednesday from Penn.
This will be both my first time using Penn station AND my first time using Amtrak/Any US train service for that matter. As my mother is in her sixties and prone to anxiety in new situations/crowded places, I want to make sure I have a plan of attack and know what I need to do and when.
So here’s my worries/questions:
PENN STATION.
1. We’re booked in First Class, so have access to the club Acela lounge: When the train is announced/updated on the board, how long do you usually have to make your way to the platform? Roughly how far of a walk are the platforms that the Acela Express usually arrives at from the lounge? My mother struggles with walking at speed, so I am worried that we’re going to be pushing it with fighting the crowds and also worried about going the wrong way, etc. Is it clearly sign posted?
2. I’ve read about using a red cap to help you board early for those with luggage/unassigned seats. We thankfully will just have back packs and have chosen our seats, but are they still available to use from Club Acela to just make sure we get to right place at the right time? Or at they just available in the main concourse?
3. We’re on very early morning departures, but I’m still expecting it to be busy because it’s NYC and prime commuting time when we’re going. How long before departure would you recommend being in the lounge? Our hotel is 10 mins walk from Penn (I’ll give it 20 though based on my mother’s snail pace), so we’ll be entering the main concourse from street level. Is Club Acela clearly marked?
DC and BOSTON SOUTH.
1. Similar to the above, but we’ll be heading back to NYC at prime time: around 5pm on a weekday. How long should we give it before departure for both? Boston South seems compact, but DC seems huge so wonder how long it takes to navigate?
2. On the map I’m looking at for DC Union, Club Acela isn’t shown; can anyone tell me where it is, so I can get my route through the station planned?
If anyone has any general advice, I will happily take it. Whilst I would be willing to run from lounge to platform if I had to, that’s just not going to happen with my mother in tow. So any help very much appreciated.
Thank you in advance to all those that help or just take the time to read!
Whilst visiting NYC in late April from the U.K., I’ve booked myself and my mother on Acela Express round trips to go to DC and Boston on separate days (will be returning the same day- they’ll be long days, but worth it). One leaving at 6am on a Monday, the other at 6.15am on a Wednesday from Penn.
This will be both my first time using Penn station AND my first time using Amtrak/Any US train service for that matter. As my mother is in her sixties and prone to anxiety in new situations/crowded places, I want to make sure I have a plan of attack and know what I need to do and when.
So here’s my worries/questions:
PENN STATION.
1. We’re booked in First Class, so have access to the club Acela lounge: When the train is announced/updated on the board, how long do you usually have to make your way to the platform? Roughly how far of a walk are the platforms that the Acela Express usually arrives at from the lounge? My mother struggles with walking at speed, so I am worried that we’re going to be pushing it with fighting the crowds and also worried about going the wrong way, etc. Is it clearly sign posted?
2. I’ve read about using a red cap to help you board early for those with luggage/unassigned seats. We thankfully will just have back packs and have chosen our seats, but are they still available to use from Club Acela to just make sure we get to right place at the right time? Or at they just available in the main concourse?
3. We’re on very early morning departures, but I’m still expecting it to be busy because it’s NYC and prime commuting time when we’re going. How long before departure would you recommend being in the lounge? Our hotel is 10 mins walk from Penn (I’ll give it 20 though based on my mother’s snail pace), so we’ll be entering the main concourse from street level. Is Club Acela clearly marked?
DC and BOSTON SOUTH.
1. Similar to the above, but we’ll be heading back to NYC at prime time: around 5pm on a weekday. How long should we give it before departure for both? Boston South seems compact, but DC seems huge so wonder how long it takes to navigate?
2. On the map I’m looking at for DC Union, Club Acela isn’t shown; can anyone tell me where it is, so I can get my route through the station planned?
If anyone has any general advice, I will happily take it. Whilst I would be willing to run from lounge to platform if I had to, that’s just not going to happen with my mother in tow. So any help very much appreciated.
Thank you in advance to all those that help or just take the time to read!
Feb 2, 2019, 11:41 am
#2
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
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Posts: 17,831
Welcome to FlyerTalk, Rachel1. I hope your trip goes smoothly and that you get some good advice here.
Feb 2, 2019, 12:29 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 34
1. You’ll have lots of time. When they give you the track number, head down the central escalators to the lower level and you can get directly to the track from there and wait for the train. Avoids the whole idiotic line of death that most people wait in.
2. I’m sure the Red Caps can be called to the club to help if you need. Not a bad idea. Realizing that it’s second nature for me, you may need a little guidance.
3. Are you closer to 7th Avenue or 8th Avenue? If you’re coming in from 7th, you’ll have to walk clear through the station to get to the Club. It’s right by the entrance of 31st and 8th. It’s in a back corner. If you walk over by the NJ Transit/Amtrak ticket counters near track 8West, the entrance is stuffed in the corner.
DC:
1. 10-15 minutes I guess. Not sure where you’re coming from. If you’re off the Metro, you have to head upstairs. If you come in at street level, then from the main portico, walk straight through to the back. Union Station is big, but all the platforms are in the back.
2. The club is in the middle of the area where the gates are on the Street level. By Gates D and E. Again not really good directions. You’ll see an Amtrak info desk and if you walk around that, two big wooden doors. Ring the bell. They let you walk out early to the platform from there.
Tried to post links to pix of the entrances but I’m not permitted yet in this board. Someone may be able to that for you.
enjoy your trip
2. I’m sure the Red Caps can be called to the club to help if you need. Not a bad idea. Realizing that it’s second nature for me, you may need a little guidance.
3. Are you closer to 7th Avenue or 8th Avenue? If you’re coming in from 7th, you’ll have to walk clear through the station to get to the Club. It’s right by the entrance of 31st and 8th. It’s in a back corner. If you walk over by the NJ Transit/Amtrak ticket counters near track 8West, the entrance is stuffed in the corner.
DC:
1. 10-15 minutes I guess. Not sure where you’re coming from. If you’re off the Metro, you have to head upstairs. If you come in at street level, then from the main portico, walk straight through to the back. Union Station is big, but all the platforms are in the back.
2. The club is in the middle of the area where the gates are on the Street level. By Gates D and E. Again not really good directions. You’ll see an Amtrak info desk and if you walk around that, two big wooden doors. Ring the bell. They let you walk out early to the platform from there.
Tried to post links to pix of the entrances but I’m not permitted yet in this board. Someone may be able to that for you.
enjoy your trip
Feb 2, 2019, 1:31 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 43
1. You’ll have lots of time. When they give you the track number, head down the central escalators to the lower level and you can get directly to the track from there and wait for the train. Avoids the whole idiotic line of death that most people wait in.
2. I’m sure the Red Caps can be called to the club to help if you need. Not a bad idea. Realizing that it’s second nature for me, you may need a little guidance.
3. Are you closer to 7th Avenue or 8th Avenue? If you’re coming in from 7th, you’ll have to walk clear through the station to get to the Club. It’s right by the entrance of 31st and 8th. It’s in a back corner. If you walk over by the NJ Transit/Amtrak ticket counters near track 8West, the entrance is stuffed in the corner.
DC:
1. 10-15 minutes I guess. Not sure where you’re coming from. If you’re off the Metro, you have to head upstairs. If you come in at street level, then from the main portico, walk straight through to the back. Union Station is big, but all the platforms are in the back.
2. The club is in the middle of the area where the gates are on the Street level. By Gates D and E. Again not really good directions. You’ll see an Amtrak info desk and if you walk around that, two big wooden doors. Ring the bell. They let you walk out early to the platform from there.
Tried to post links to pix of the entrances but I’m not permitted yet in this board. Someone may be able to that for you.
enjoy your trip
2. I’m sure the Red Caps can be called to the club to help if you need. Not a bad idea. Realizing that it’s second nature for me, you may need a little guidance.
3. Are you closer to 7th Avenue or 8th Avenue? If you’re coming in from 7th, you’ll have to walk clear through the station to get to the Club. It’s right by the entrance of 31st and 8th. It’s in a back corner. If you walk over by the NJ Transit/Amtrak ticket counters near track 8West, the entrance is stuffed in the corner.
DC:
1. 10-15 minutes I guess. Not sure where you’re coming from. If you’re off the Metro, you have to head upstairs. If you come in at street level, then from the main portico, walk straight through to the back. Union Station is big, but all the platforms are in the back.
2. The club is in the middle of the area where the gates are on the Street level. By Gates D and E. Again not really good directions. You’ll see an Amtrak info desk and if you walk around that, two big wooden doors. Ring the bell. They let you walk out early to the platform from there.
Tried to post links to pix of the entrances but I’m not permitted yet in this board. Someone may be able to that for you.
enjoy your trip
We’ll be walking down 7th, so I’m aiming to go in the main entrance at Penn. Seems easier, according the floor plan, to enter there.
The directions are brill, thank you. We’ll most likely be coming off the metro, so I can use the maps that I have to give myself a good enough plan now that you’ve located the lounge for me.
Another quick question: do staff check your tickets on your way to the track like they do here in the U.K. or just once you’re on board?
Feb 2, 2019, 3:01 pm
#5
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 34
That’s fine, just realize it’s quite a walk and most of the foot traffic is heading the other way since it’s morning rush. Just walk straight down the main walkway, when you reach the Amtrak gate area, the Club will be to the left.
If you’re going the Red Cap route, I doubt they’ll check your ticket. At rush hour, I’m lucky if they check it on the train.
Since youre coming off the metro in DC, Make sure you go to the exit for Union Station rather than First Street. The other end will be a bit of a walk.
If you’re going the Red Cap route, I doubt they’ll check your ticket. At rush hour, I’m lucky if they check it on the train.
Since youre coming off the metro in DC, Make sure you go to the exit for Union Station rather than First Street. The other end will be a bit of a walk.
Feb 2, 2019, 3:04 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 43
That’s fine, just realize it’s quite a walk and most of the foot traffic is heading the other way since it’s morning rush. Just walk straight down the main walkway, when you reach the Amtrak gate area, the Club will be to the left.
If you’re going the Red Cap route, I doubt they’ll check your ticket. At rush hour, I’m lucky if they check it on the train.
If you’re going the Red Cap route, I doubt they’ll check your ticket. At rush hour, I’m lucky if they check it on the train.
Feb 2, 2019, 4:00 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,092
Highly recommend you ask for a red cap in Acela Lounges at NYP, BOS, and WAS. They will escort you to the first class car before general boarding starts, so you won't have to worry about crazy crowds. I always give the red cap five dollar tip, regardless of whether I have bags for him to carry.
Feb 2, 2019, 5:57 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 43
Highly recommend you ask for a red cap in Acela Lounges at NYP, BOS, and WAS. They will escort you to the first class car before general boarding starts, so you won't have to worry about crazy crowds. I always give the red cap five dollar tip, regardless of whether I have bags for him to carry.
Thank you!
Feb 2, 2019, 8:33 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: PVD
Programs: AA-P, B6, DL, SW, SPG_M-P, AGR-S+
Posts: 289
Absolutely! I've used the red caps from the NYP lounge when I've come from a cruise bearing luggage. Just ask at the lounge when you check in and they'll send one when it's time to advance board.
Feb 2, 2019, 9:58 pm
#10
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 311
The way it works in NY Penn's Acela Lounge is that you give your name to the rep at the desk when you check in and they add you to a list. When the red cap is ready, they call all the names on the list over the PA (the tannoy, I think, in the UK?) and you meet your red cap outside the door.
Feb 3, 2019, 1:01 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 43
The way it works in NY Penn's Acela Lounge is that you give your name to the rep at the desk when you check in and they add you to a list. When the red cap is ready, they call all the names on the list over the PA (the tannoy, I think, in the UK?) and you meet your red cap outside the door.
I wonder if BOS and DC have a similar setup too? They seem a lot more manageable in size and layout though, so I’m not too worried if they don’t offer the same. Definitely be nice though!
Thank you again everyone!
Feb 3, 2019, 1:49 pm
#12
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CT/NY
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium; Amtrak Select
Posts: 61
You've been given very good advice re: red caps and Penn in general. Just to emphasize, Penn coming in from 7th Ave. is very confusing and can be overwhelming even for those familiar with it. Give yourself a little extra time to get through it to the Amtrak/Club Acela area if you choose to enter on 7th (entering on 8th a little less intuitive but less overwhelming).
In DC you won't need a red cap as you'll board directly from Club Acela. It has its own door out to the tracks and they board from the club before the regular boarding call. The tracks are literally right there (unlike at Penn).
In Boston it's similar to Penn but the station is less confusing and overwhelming. Often there are red caps right outside the lounge and you can just tell them you'll need help getting onto XXXX train. They will then come into the lounge and get you when it's time.
In DC you won't need a red cap as you'll board directly from Club Acela. It has its own door out to the tracks and they board from the club before the regular boarding call. The tracks are literally right there (unlike at Penn).
In Boston it's similar to Penn but the station is less confusing and overwhelming. Often there are red caps right outside the lounge and you can just tell them you'll need help getting onto XXXX train. They will then come into the lounge and get you when it's time.
Feb 3, 2019, 1:59 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 43
You've been given very good advice re: red caps and Penn in general. Just to emphasize, Penn coming in from 7th Ave. is very confusing and can be overwhelming even for those familiar with it. Give yourself a little extra time to get through it to the Amtrak/Club Acela area if you choose to enter on 7th (entering on 8th a little less intuitive but less overwhelming).
In DC you won't need a red cap as you'll board directly from Club Acela. It has its own door out to the tracks and they board from the club before the regular boarding call. The tracks are literally right there (unlike at Penn).
In Boston it's similar to Penn but the station is less confusing and overwhelming. Often there are red caps right outside the lounge and you can just tell them you'll need help getting onto XXXX train. They will then come into the lounge and get you when it's time.
In DC you won't need a red cap as you'll board directly from Club Acela. It has its own door out to the tracks and they board from the club before the regular boarding call. The tracks are literally right there (unlike at Penn).
In Boston it's similar to Penn but the station is less confusing and overwhelming. Often there are red caps right outside the lounge and you can just tell them you'll need help getting onto XXXX train. They will then come into the lounge and get you when it's time.
Our first train leaves around 6am, so I’m going to starting walking from the hotel about 5am (10 min walk according to google, but double it due my mother). This should hopefully give us plenty of time to take on Penn and find the lounge. Having read some less-than-positive reviews on the Club Acela Lounges, I don’t want to be sat there too long either.
We’ll just have to use the first trip as a tester.
Feb 3, 2019, 2:11 pm
#14
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Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,993
If you are at the hotel the day before to me sounds like worth doing a practise run (without mother) to be sure of the way, going to correct entrance etc. Its only 10 minutes there and 10 minutes back to hotel. I have done that several times in USA when getting trains.
Feb 3, 2019, 2:51 pm
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 43
You guys have all been brill. Thank you.
Random last question (and a very British one at that): Do they serve normal tea in either the lounge or the train? I see mentions of iced and green tea on menus, etc, but I can’t stand either of those and I don’t drink coffee. First world problems! Haha