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I've got a trip in June from Denver to Boston. East of Chicago Amtrak wants to put me on the Capital to Pitts. and then the Pennsylvanian as far as Philadelphia then a Regional to Boston. That's OK with me as far as Phil. I've not taken the trip across Penn. before, so it's new territory for me. #42 is supposed to get to Phil. at 2:50. The next Acela to Beantown is at 4:37...1hr. 45min. What do you think; is that too close?
Posts: 518 | From: Maynard, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2000
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I'm surprised that they have booked you onto the Capitol eastward from Chicago given #6's usual tardiness. I would have thought that a safer connection would be to the new 10:00pm departure of the Lake Shore and then to the 448 connection from Albany to Boston.
Having said that, the Pennsylvanian is an interesting ride. I'd try for Business Class on that. Chances for the connection in Philly are pretty good......otherwise they will get you on the next train to Boston afterwards.
Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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Why, Mr. Black, if you are traveling Sleeper, must you be rousted at 430A. "Last chance" at Wash for either an Acela or Regional to Boston is 4PM. If #30 doesn't make that, then it looks like #66 - and lest we forget, the Sleeper is gone!!!
Unfortunately, at NY, that same Regional leaving at 8PM is also "last chance".
On an upcoming October trip to Stamford, I'd like to give 48 a "crack" as there are parts of Eastern OH Western PA that I have never seen from a train by light of day. However, the thought of trekking X Town by taxicab to GCT to the albeit frequent MNR trains, or God forbid, waiting for #66 is not what I have in mind (THAT wouldn't happen" I'd pay the $100 for a taxicab to the hotel I use in Old Greenwich and trash the Amtrak ticket). If I were other than "brite eyed and bushy tailed" next day for family, I would have to listen to the 'why do you mess around with those trains, why don't you just fly like everyone esle does?' comments that would surely be hurled my way.
Looks like that trip will be by auto - Amtrak will be "out' one route I have customarily used in the past.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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TBlack and Gilbert Norman, it looks like you're two who could be advantaged by a through Chicago-Pittsburgh-Philadelphia-Boston train, a logical combination of trains that already exist.
Posts: 137 | From: Willow Grove, PA | Registered: Dec 2005
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I too don't understand why, if you are going to Boston, they didn't put you on the Lakeshore Ltd. The connection to the Capital Ltd in Chicago is far more problematic than the one you are concerned about in Philly; the LSL, on the other hand, is now leaving Chicago at 10PM, much better chance of you making it. And, if your Zephyr should be close to on time, you would have more time in Chicago, which is always nice--could even have some good food there instead of Amtrak food! Between trains, you can leave your luggage in the Metropolitan Lounge if you have a sleeper.
I'm also confused about your post--you say they are putting you on a Regional, but then you mention an Acela. Don't you have to pay extra for the latter?
Personally, if for some reason I had to take the Capitol Ltd rather than the LSL, and if I had paid for a sleeper (or used points) and were taking the Acela afterward, I wouldn't want to get out in Pittsburgh at what could be 5:30 AM (but probably wouldn't be hahaha) when I could go all the way to DC with the sleeper and all the way from DC on the Acela. Though the Pennsylvanian is a pretty ride, all that changing around and riding coach through PA will simply make you tired.
Speaking of tired, if you do get the Lakeshore Ltd in the end, you might want to spring for business class on the section between Albany and Boston. It won't cost anything close to what the Acela costs!
As for the connection you ask about, when I took the Pennsylvanian, NYC to Pittsburgh and back, it was 1/2 hour late one way and about 1 hour 15 minutes the other. But I have no idea what it generally is like. However, if you miss one train, there are plenty of other trains from Philly to Boston, aren't there?
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
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Forgive my tardiness in replying to all your helpful thoughts. I had to go to NYC to play with my grandchildren. I agree with your thoughts on the timing of the LSL being much more likely; who knows what that computer is thinking about? Anyway, I've taken the LSL many times, starting in 1944 and I was trying to find a new route east (sort of like Columbus in reverse). I don't mind the 4:30 wake up, Mr. Norman, sleep is one thing I can do anytime on a train. Another querk in the system is that it wants to put me on a Regional train from Phil. to Boston while there's an Acela that leaves later and gets to Boston sooner. I suppose the computer is trying to be cost conscious. But I fooled it by not only booking the Acela, but going 1st class besides! Which I can justify because it's not costing me anything to get to Denver in the first place.
Incidentally, this is the first real train trip I've taken since I met up with Frank from SBA in Seattle which had to be 3 years ago. It's very difficult reading about the new menu, reconfigured lounge cars, ID checks and all the other fun things you all have experienced while I sat on the sidelines. Now it's my turn!
Posts: 518 | From: Maynard, MA, USA | Registered: Sep 2000
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