Amtrak all the way from Boston?

[JMLBrats]

(And we actually start our trip from Southern Maine) Has anyone done this lately. We did this about 11 years ago and I had a horrible experience but I was pregnant and every time that train bounced, I felt sick. Ever since then we've always done the autotrain & I love the autotrain but DH and I are getting tired of the drive to DC to pick up the train.
If we do it from Boston, is it better to transfer in DC or NY? Is it worth it to pay the extra for the first class seats (or whatever they call them)?

Thanks

 

[pepe of ohio]

(And we actually start our trip from Southern Maine) Has anyone done this lately. We did this about 11 years ago and I had a horrible experience but I was pregnant and every time that train bounced, I felt sick. Ever since then we've always done the autotrain & I love the autotrain but DH and I are getting tired of the drive to DC to pick up the train.
If we do it from Boston, is it better to transfer in DC or NY? Is it worth it to pay the extra for the first class seats (or whatever they call them)?

Thanks

We come from northeastern Ohio and transfer in DC.....We only used the AT and that was 30 years ago....not for us driving 9 hours to get it since we never use a car in WDW. It doesn't matter which train, Amtrak or AT, they are both Amtrak. same type and style cars and travel the same rails. Some section of the trip south of DC are quite bumpy.....

1st class are the sleepers....we don't feel it's necessary to go sleepers for the cost....really ridiculous in price...coach seating is fine for us for one night. If I was coming from Boston, I'd prefer DC to NYC....

 

[MAMA GRAVE]

We took Amtrak from Providence to Ohio and it was the worst experience of my life. The train broke down numerous times and the ran out of food halfway there.

Never again!!

 

[JMLBrats]

We took Amtrak from Providence to Ohio and it was the worst experience of my life. The train broke down numerous times and the ran out of food halfway there.

Never again!!

That's too bad. We've always had a positive experience on the autotrain....I have heard of people having bad experiences but so far, so good for us....that's why I'm hesitant about taking the regular train all the way from Boston-it may be too much time on the train for me to deal with. Lorton to Sanford is just about as long as I want to be on the train but then again it does really stink driving the 10 hours to get to the autotrain....

 

[pepe of ohio]

We took Amtrak from Providence to Ohio and it was the worst experience of my life. The train broke down numerous times and the ran out of food halfway there.

Never again!!

We've used regular Amtrak from Ohio to Kissimmee over 20 times and yes, we've had our share of problems but nothing to ruin a trip. I'd rather have an issue on the train then in my auto or on a plane any day. So you've been delayed, everyone knows the trains run late and mechanical breakdowns can occur with any means of transportation but we always arrive at our destination in a timely fashion and always safe....sorry for your experience..

 

[beattyfamily]

I took Amtrak for the first, and probably the last, time last August to save money over airfare.

Live in MA but decided to drive to NYC to get the train there. I didn't want to worry about transferring in NYC with 2 kids etc...

Anyway, I hated it!

You could hear every bodily function going on around you and you can hear every whining and crying toddler and there is no escape.

Also, I was warned but I didn't really believe it but the train is SO freezing. Be sure to bring a blanket. I didn't get a wink of sleep at night between the cold, discomfort of the chair and the noise around me.

Also, the bathrooms. They are gross and by 1 day, they are even more gross.

Now who knows if we had a sleeper if I'd feel differently but those are very expensive so not really an option for us.

Good luck!

 

[MAMA GRAVE]

We've used regular Amtrak from Ohio to Kissimmee over 20 times and yes, we've had our share of problems but nothing to ruin a trip. I'd rather have an issue on the train then in my auto or on a plane any day. So you've been delayed, everyone knows the trains run late and mechanical breakdowns can occur with any means of transportation but we always arrive at our destination in a timely fashion and always safe....sorry for your experience..

It took us over thirty hours to get from Providence to Cincinnati.

Not good.

 

[MAMA GRAVE]

I took Amtrak for the first, and probably the last, time last August to save money over airfare.

Live in MA but decided to drive to NYC to get the train there. I didn't want to worry about transferring in NYC with 2 kids etc...

Anyway, I hated it!

You could hear every bodily function going on around you and you can hear every whining and crying toddler and there is no escape.

Also, I was warned but I didn't really believe it but the train is SO freezing. Be sure to bring a blanket. I didn't get a wink of sleep at night between the cold, discomfort of the chair and the noise around me.

Also, the bathrooms. They are gross and by 1 day, they are even more gross.

Now who knows if we had a sleeper if I'd feel differently but those are very expensive so not really an option for us.

Good luck!

You forgot to mention the smell of feet hanging over the aisles as people were sleeping.

 

[Mduff]

Last year we drove from CT to FL, down to Boca, and then up to Disney for a few days, back down to Boca for a week, and then back up to CT. We're trying to decide if we should do the auto train this summer, figuring even if we have to drive to VA to get the train, we'll have a break from driving and sleeping in a motel. I have heard some mixed feelings about the autotrain - people either love it or hate it. Such a hard decision to make - I'm one of those plan ahead people so I want to book now if we're taking the train!

 

[WDWisTheBest]

We come from northeastern Ohio and transfer in DC.....We only used the AT and that was 30 years ago....not for us driving 9 hours to get it since we never use a car in WDW. It doesn't matter which train, Amtrak or AT, they are both Amtrak. same type and style cars and travel the same rails. Some section of the trip south of DC are quite bumpy.....

1st class are the sleepers....we don't feel it's necessary to go sleepers for the cost....really ridiculous in price...coach seating is fine for us for one night. If I was coming from Boston, I'd prefer DC to NYC....

Here is one viewpoint from Pepe.

I took Amtrak for the first, and probably the last, time last August to save money over airfare. Live in MA but decided to drive to NYC to get the train there. I didn't want to worry about transferring in NYC with 2 kids etc...

Anyway, I hated it!

You could hear every bodily function going on around you and you can hear every whining and crying toddler and there is no escape.

Also, I was warned but I didn't really believe it but the train is SO freezing. Be sure to bring a blanket. I didn't get a wink of sleep at night between the cold, discomfort of the chair and the noise around me.

Also, the bathrooms. They are gross and by 1 day, they are even more gross.

Now who knows if we had a sleeper if I'd feel differently but those are very expensive so not really an option for us. Good luck!

And, here is another opinion. Sooooo what to do?

 

[pepe of ohio]

Here is one viewpoint from Pepe.



And, here is another opinion. Sooooo what to do?

Just a follow up and to answer you: A plane is no different, people wise. It takes all manners of people traveling to impact your means of travel.

I'm had worse experiences on planes....Yes, traveling coach is communal..I have not problem sleeping in a train car with 80 others for one night..what's the big deal? Restrooms are what they are due to unmannerly people abusing the facilities. If you're that conscious of others, book a sleeper and be by yourself (they are pricey but private)

In over 20+ trips by train, instances have occurred to delay our arrival, freight breakdowns, medical emergencies, train mal-functions but those are not the norm...we've had many a trip with no problems what so ever. We've rode coach the whole way and have done a roomette on occasion (asking once on board for any available) and they do try to make up lost time in route but some occasions are just out of Amtrak hands and you do arrive late, so what, , again not the norm.

I don't fly any more and driving is too long, stressful and chaotic so our only means to get to WDW is via Amtrak. No body scanners to go thru, no TSA bag searches and no arriving 3 hours before boarding. We're in our own reserved pair of seats, no one bothers us, take ear plugs if noises impact your sleep and blinders. We pack a lunch with snacks and drinks and roll on down the tracks watching the country roll by and mind our own business. Amtrak tries to keep the restrooms clean, there are stops along the way for processing the restrooms and it's just a place to relieve oneself...not a beauty salon or resting area. Most of the travelers we've encountered are seasoned train riders, considerate of others and mind their own business but just like anywhere or anything, there are exceptions to the rule.

The only way to make a decision, is try it yourself, it's like resorts, one persons dream and another person say it's a dump. Train travel is what you make of it, it's an experience, an adventure, you're traveling with others in a semi confine space. Go, enjoy and relax...

 

[beattyfamily]

It was a horrible experience and I'll never recommend it to anyone, ever.

Flying 3 hours vs. 24 hours on a train, I'll take the flying, hands down.

Lesson learned...the hard way!

 

[rockydek]

We take the train from Boston to Orlando all the time.

However....We do book the large room...private bathroom ,with a door.
The smaller room is okay...Very tight quarters and the toilet is in the same room...No door.
We do fly...when we do a cruise or go west. But prefer not to.

It is ...what you make it... Of course we would all rather be somewhere in 3 hours as opposed to 26 hours.

Make it an adventure and you may like it...We do not have kids and are always put in an adult occupied car...This may make a difference.

The Auto train is great...We don't book a room on the Auto train...Its only 16 hours. I like that we wake up and we are in Orlando.

 

[gokenin]

I just find it funny that almost every country in the world has train services that are more widely used than here in the US. Is it because we are so impatient and we can't stand not getting where we want when we want? I plan on trying the train should I go to Disney later in the year after all if people across the world can travel by train and enjoy it why can't I.

 

[beattyfamily]

I just find it funny that almost every country in the world has train services that are more widely used than here in the US. Is it because we are so impatient and we can't stand not getting where we want when we want? I plan on trying the train should I go to Disney later in the year after all if people across the world can travel by train and enjoy it why can't I.

Please post a trip report with your experience. I'd love to hear it.

That isn't why I hated it. I'm not 'so impatient'. I explained why in my previous post.

I had to sit with a stranger which makes a big difference, IMHO when you have to try and sleep at night, especially if they aren't skinny and invade your space which was the case for me.

It is very difficult to sleep at night when you have a stranger next to you.

Unlike flying from Boston, for 3 hours, I was stuck on the train for 24 hours. It stunk, people were SO loud, we had a whining toddler that was only quiet when he was asleep which wasn't long, we heard snoring, passing gas, burping, people on phones in the middle of the night, kids watching movies and listening to music without headphones, and OMG, the toilets were way grosser than the airplanes, IMHO. Plus, I cannot stress enough that it is FREEZING. You MUST bring a blanket or you will be too cold to sleep.

I also got a horrible rash on the ride home.

I say to each their own. There's no 'right' answer, only experiences and opinions. I kind of feel like I have to defend my opinion but I really just want to share to help others make a good decision, be prepared and to learn from my mistakes (not enough blankets, having to sit next to a stranger).

I actually agree with trying it once so you know for yourself. I feel that way about most things. But I will never take the train again unless it is super cheap compared to flying AND I do not have to sit next to a stranger....but in an ideal world, I much prefer flying.

 

[gokenin]

Please post a trip report with your experience. I'd love to hear it.

That isn't why I hated it. I'm not 'so impatient'. I explained why in my previous post.

.

I wasn't directing my previous post towards you but I just feel that way based on many posts that come from any train thread on the boards. Like I said if I go I am thinking about it but also thinking of doing a roomette to be honest.

 

[MAMA GRAVE]

Please post a trip report with your experience. I'd love to hear it.

That isn't why I hated it. I'm not 'so impatient'. I explained why in my previous post.

I had to sit with a stranger which makes a big difference, IMHO when you have to try and sleep at night, especially if they aren't skinny and invade your space which was the case for me.

It is very difficult to sleep at night when you have a stranger next to you.

Unlike flying from Boston, for 3 hours, I was stuck on the train for 24 hours. It stunk, people were SO loud, we had a whining toddler that was only quiet when he was asleep which wasn't long, we heard snoring, passing gas, burping, people on phones in the middle of the night, kids watching movies and listening to music without headphones, and OMG, the toilets were way grosser than the airplanes, IMHO. Plus, I cannot stress enough that it is FREEZING. You MUST bring a blanket or you will be too cold to sleep.

I also got a horrible rash on the ride home.

I say to each their own. There's no 'right' answer, only experiences and opinions. I kind of feel like I have to defend my opinion but I really just want to share to help others make a good decision, be prepared and to learn from my mistakes (not enough blankets, having to sit next to a stranger).

I actually agree with trying it once so you know for yourself. I feel that way about most things. But I will never take the train again unless it is super cheap compared to flying AND I do not have to sit next to a stranger....but in an ideal world, I much prefer flying.

We take the train from Boston to Orlando all the time.

However....We do book the large room...private bathroom ,with a door.
The smaller room is okay...Very tight quarters and the toilet is in the same room...No door.
We do fly...when we do a cruise or go west. But prefer not to.

It is ...what you make it... Of course we would all rather be somewhere in 3 hours as opposed to 26 hours.

Make it an adventure and you may like it...We do not have kids and are always put in an adult occupied car...This may make a difference.

The Auto train is great...We don't book a room on the Auto train...Its only 16 hours. I like that we wake up and we are in Orlando.

How much is it to take the train from Boston to Orlando?

 

[pepe of ohio]

How much is it to take the train from Boston to Orlando?

Rough scenerio from Boston to Orlando, round trip in June for one person is 262.00....no discounts...........

 

[JMLBrats]

How much is it to take the train from Boston to Orlando?

The cheapest we could get it as a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids) was around $825 in coach.(but that is for round trip-so not bad) It was twice as much if we want to get 2 roomettes. It's not cheap. We drive or take the autotrain or regular train because DH does not fly. Flying is just not an option for us. I hate flying anyway-way too much bull-crap to put up with IMO. yes,the train takes a long time to arrive but you can walk around, go hang in the lounge, etc.
Like I said, I love the autotrain, but for us it's a 10+ hour trip through NY and DC just to get to it. Sometimes we wonder if it's worth the bother which is why we are considering trying the train from Boston again....the only reason I hesitate to take it from Boston is because it's not a straight shot-you do have switch in NY or DC which means more time waiting inbetween trains. That is annoying and is one of the other reasons I prefer the autotrain.
And like the other poster earlier said, it's one of those things that you just have to try for yourself. You will hear all kinds of bad and good reviews.

 

[mommycrawford]

We took AMTRAK from NYC last summer, and it was very comfortable in coach, but bring a blanket! It got very cold at night, and they cannot regulate the temperature!

As my DD11 could tell you, for females, bring any feminine hygiene products you might need....THEY DON"T SELL ANY ON BOARD!