PennStateMark

Due to a change in flight plans for a trip to Milwaukee this October, I've found myself considering Amtrak for our trip since for the two of us it'd be cheaper than airfare that's currently showing on Kayak. I'm down to two options, and I'm wondering which is likely to be the best - and when I say "best" I mean mainly which is more likely to arrive on time (I know, freight delays, CSX, blah blah) and which is more likely to be a pleasant traveling experience:

Itinerary 1:
43 Pennsylvanian (Harrisburg to Pittsburgh) 5h 29m; business class upgrade
--Arrive PGH 8:05pm, depart 11:55pm--
29 Capitol Limited (Pittsburgh to Chicago) 9h 45m; reserved coach seat

PRO: My girlfriend is going to school just south of Harrisburg so it will be more convenient for me to drive up there and then to the Amtrak station; cheaper fare.
CON: Almost 4 hours in Pittsburgh between trains...what to do at that time of night?

Itinerary 2:
29 Capitol Limited (Washington to Chicago) 17h 35m; reserved coach seat

PRO: No changing trains
CON: Longer ride in coach (is it worth it for this length of a trip to spring for the roomette?), more expensive fare.

Obviously, the return trip would be a similar itinerary as well. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

joethekay

No matter which option you take you still wind up on the same train from Pittsburgh to Chicago. It the Capitol Limited that is most prone to delays due to freight congestion, etc..
Unfortunately, the brain trust at Amtrak eliminated the once thru train service "Broadway Limited" between Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Chicago, so now you have to change trains in Pittsburgh or take the Capital Limited direct from Washington. The station is downtown, so a google search of restaurants will turn some up to eat in or have a drink in. You may also consider Station Square, which is a short taxi ride across the river to visit and eat. Pittsburgh also has a NHL hockey team so you may consider that option if it is a game day.
If you can afford it, and the sleeper space is available, I would definitely opt for that option. Can't beat the privacy and comfort of our own bed and room (however small) on an overnight trip over a coach seat. Go for it.

PennStateMark

Thanks. I wasn't sure where the Pittsburgh station is, but I know there's plenty downtown and I could probably cajole a couple of my friends to meet up for a few drinks between trains. I'm still evaluating all my options and will discuss it with the better half when she gets home this evening. We don't really have a set itinerary once we get to Chicago/Milwaukee until Friday and Saturday, and the plan was to fly down there Wednesday night. If we can swing it and if we decide to go Amtrak, we'd probably leave Tuesday afternoon so we've got a bit more of a cushion to allow for potential delays.

Nevisian

Take the Capitol Limited from Washington D.C. There is nothing to do at night at the amtrak station in Pittsburgh. You would add to your cost to taxi to a decent restaurant and then back to the Sta, where you would still have to wait. Upgrade to a roomette. "ette" being the operative part. Since it is an overnight trip you will have bunk-bed style accommodations. It's a whole lot better than the coach seats. Check the dining service - meals are included in bedroom accommodations.

Trekker5211

Responding to Nevisian's comment: True right next to the station in Pittsburgh there isn't much, but a few blocks away is the Strip District, which has plenty of bars and nightlife.

I would take the transfer-in-Pittsburgh option simply because I think its good to take a break from being in a train in the middle of the trip.

Brahmama

Hi Mark,
We're actually doing Amtrak but reverse of your trip - from CHI to DC.

Trains are just a fun and different way to travel for us but one thing you really need to know is that they don't usually run on time. For example, we are arriving in CHI on a train that has averaged for the last 2 weeks to be FIVE HOURS LATE!

IMO, you have to have a different mindset on a train - just enjoy it. The thing about stopping in Pittsburgh is the connection - if one of the trains is running late it could screw up your connection for sure.

We always get a sleeper (just too old to sleep vertically) and enjoy the novelty of that and also dinner is included. The steaks are good (or were) and we take a bottle of wine to enjoy at our seats.

If you want a train forum site so you can check OTP, try this:
http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?showforum=3

sorry about the length. Have fun.

bardo1

Good luck. As mentioned your delays will likely be 4-8 hours in either direction.

How much money are you saving by losing a day of vacation in each way as opposed to a 2-hr flight(on both the Pennsyvanian and the Capitol Limted)?

I have never had a good Amtrak experience except for the DC to Boston route. The Midwest is called fly-over country for a reason.

Finally, if you have your set on this or if flying is simply out of the question, then I would choose the Capitol Limited.

PennStateMark

Thanks to all for the feedback. After further consideration, we've decided to keep our changed flight plans instead, since adding a roomette will more than double the cost of airfare. But, I'm bookmarking this because I still like the idea of a long-distance train ride sometime in the future.