Calling all Amtrak experts

[iadis58]

Could you please answer a question for me please, on the eastern trains, we will be going from Philadelphia to Williamsburg Va. Is it possible to get pre assigned reserved seats? Is this available if you go business class? I think standard coach fare only gaurantee's you a seat a seat on the train but all seating if first come first serve. If you upgrade to business class, does that give a gauranteed seat? What other perks? Is it worth it? Also does anyone know the options from getting from/to train station in Williamsburg? Will a taxi be the only choice. Thank you

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

When I had questions about Amtrak recently, I posted my questions here: http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/forum/3-amtrak-rail-discussion/ . The folks on that board were very helpful, and you don't have to sign up; you may post as a guest.

Not to say that the DIS folks aren't friendly or helpful, but those guys on the other board are very, very familiar with Amtrak.

 

[PurpleDog]

I take the train all the time from Lynchburg to Washington DC and back. The last time I had a customer rep on the phone I asked specifically about reserved seats and was told no, no seats, not even business class, are reserved.

We never have a problem finding great seats on the way up, its when leaving Union Station in DC and coming back south that we have had to stand sometimes or only single seats are available - at least until we get to Charlottesville.

 

[iadis58]

I had forgotten about that site, I have posted on there years ago. Thank you for reminding me.

 

[buckirj1]

You didn't mention how many of you there are, so I'm guessing around 4 people in your party. There are no assigned seats on regional trains. You might want to consider using a Redcap/porter at 30th Street Station in Philly, and tip him well. Redcaps usually take passengers downstairs to track level before general boarding is announced, so your chances of being together aren't bad. On the way back from Williamsburg, there's only a few stops before yours (Virginia Beach, Norfolk and Newport News), so you might get lucky there, too. WBG is a small station, and has no redcap service.

There aren't a lot of taxis at the station, and they tend to go quickly in my observation. However, Williamsburg has an excellent public transit system acessible to many hotels and tourist areas. You can look up hotels and attractions on the website (http://www.williamsburgtransport.com), and figure out which route to take. The Amtrak station is the hub for all buses. If you're staying in one of the official Williamsburg hotels, you might be able to pre-arrange a shuttle, but I think they're close enough to walk if everyone in your party is reasonably mobile.

Have fun, I love Billsburg.

 

[lisa-upnorth]

buy coach,take a taxi and all will be fine

there is no reserved seating on the train and the coach fare is the best choice for saving $$$$ this is not a long trip so get on,relax and you'll be there in no time