Traveling by Amtrak

[Yampa2003]

Coming over to the US in October I notice that looking at the Amtrak timetable, trains on the North East Corridor are shown as all reserved trains.

Is this the case or can I just walk up on the day and get on the train?

Am hoping to travel from New York to Baltimore on a Saturday morning.

Thanks in advance.

Brian

 

[travelingengineer]

I am sure that you Amtrak can accommodate you.  According to its website (www.amtrak.com), you can buy same-day tickets aboard any reserved-only NE train as long it has seats available (not sold-out).  Here is the URL for that information:

 http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Content_C&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241267294545

In October on a Saturday, I would think that there would be plenty of seats still not reserved, and thus open and available.

[DMUinCT]

No problem.  "The Corridor"  Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore, and Washington, Amtrak's 2, 3, or 4 track electrically powered main line.

"Reservation Required" is security required, they want to know who is on board, also Amtrak does NOT "overbook" on 1st and 2nd class (called Business Class) trains 

Just walk up to the ticket counter, show an ID and credit card, get your reservation & ticket, or you can call in advanvce, your choice.  The service is aimed at quick trips by business men.  Long distance trains (over night trains), are mostly run once a day, they are for tourists and may need reservations months in advance.

The "Acela" Trains (similar to the TGV) run every hour and are 1st and 2nd class only.  "Northeast Regional" Trains, locomotive hauled Amfleet Coaches, run about every 2 hours and have Business Class (2nd Class) and Coach Class (3rd Class).

[Yampa2003]

Thanks for that, I'll probably book tickets the day before.

Brian

 

[bedell]

 If you can plan ahead, you will probably save some money with an advance reservation and purchase compared to buying your ticket the same day you travel.  The Amtrak website will show you the price differences.  Welcome and happy travels.  My wife and I have used your trains in the UK and have fond memories.

[travelingengineer]

I agree completely with "bedell," in that planning and purchasing as far ahead as possible is prudent.  Am not sure about coach fare(s), but my experience with Amtrak is that you ought to actually talk with an Amtrak agent at 800-872-7245 to get the best (cheapest) price for sleeping car accommodations (roomette or bedroom).  There are often five (5) different prices for the same accommodation, with the on-line price probably the most expensive.  If you send me a PM, I can inform you about the rate codes associated with these five different prices, so that you can talk knowledgeably with the agent.

[bedell]

Brian, Just thought of another suggestion.  If you travel on a Northeast Regional train form New York to Baltimore, there should be a Quiet Car.  Similar to the same concept in the UK - no cells(mobile phones), no loud talking etc. We have found these cars very pleasant and the crews are pretty consistent on enforcement.  Often the Quiet Car is the first coach behind  Business Class.