NYC to Washington by train
May 31st, 2015, 10:17 PM
#1
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NYC to Washington by train
I'll be travelling between NYC and Washington DC by train in October. My travel agent tells me that there is no benefit in booking early as the price will be the same whenever I book. I have my doubts about this! Could someone familiar with this Amtrak route clarify this for me please.
Jun 1st, 2015, 03:14 AM
#3
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You should reconsider your choice of travel agent.
Amtrak offer discounts on many routes and for a variety of reasons.
Often you can get about a 20% discount by booking at least 14 days before you travel. Tickets may also be cheaper depending on the time of day--tickets departures before 8AM may be cheaper.
Here's a full list of promotions:
http://www.amtrak.com/latest-promotions
Amtrak offer discounts on many routes and for a variety of reasons.
Often you can get about a 20% discount by booking at least 14 days before you travel. Tickets may also be cheaper depending on the time of day--tickets departures before 8AM may be cheaper.
Here's a full list of promotions:
http://www.amtrak.com/latest-promotions
Jun 1st, 2015, 04:00 AM
#4
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You definitely need a new travel agent - unless you are paying them a fee for ticketing you they want you to take the most expensive price tickets so they can get a commission.
There are always discounts for advance purchase if at least 14 days out - and prices can vary by chain (those on friday and Sunday evening are often highest and may even be standing room only. (Your ticket is not for any specific seat and if the train is full - very rare - you need to stand.)
There are always discounts for advance purchase if at least 14 days out - and prices can vary by chain (those on friday and Sunday evening are often highest and may even be standing room only. (Your ticket is not for any specific seat and if the train is full - very rare - you need to stand.)
Jun 1st, 2015, 05:36 AM
#5
Amtrak has 3 and sometimes 4 "bucket" prices on any route. The lowest bucket is usually 14 to 20 days before the travel date. If your travel date is flexible, you can use this site to see when the cheapest trip is. http://biketrain.net/amsnag/amSnag.php
If you live in the US, you do not need a travel agent to get Amtrak tickets. On my most recent trips, I have printed out my "ticket" which was a Q code with my name, reservation #, date, train # etc. My 'tickets" come by email.
The conductor shines his little scanner on the Q code and you are officially a paid passenger.
Visit AMTRAK.com to learn any policy questions. Amtrak does add another car to NE Regional trains if they are near capacity on reserved seats. If a train is at capacity, you might have to sit for awhile in the cafe car.
If you live in the US, you do not need a travel agent to get Amtrak tickets. On my most recent trips, I have printed out my "ticket" which was a Q code with my name, reservation #, date, train # etc. My 'tickets" come by email.
The conductor shines his little scanner on the Q code and you are officially a paid passenger.
Visit AMTRAK.com to learn any policy questions. Amtrak does add another car to NE Regional trains if they are near capacity on reserved seats. If a train is at capacity, you might have to sit for awhile in the cafe car.
Jun 1st, 2015, 05:56 AM
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Sounds to me like raclou has a very "smart" travel agent. Since travel agents generally get a percentage for what they sell, he knows that the longer raclou waits to book, the more expensive the ticket, so he's trying to head off ordering them early and thereby reducing the amount of his commission.
But I'm with tomfuller. I have no idea why someone uses a travel agent to book something so simply self-booked as an Amtrack ticket.
But I'm with tomfuller. I have no idea why someone uses a travel agent to book something so simply self-booked as an Amtrack ticket.
Jun 1st, 2015, 06:25 AM
#7
The lowest "bucket" for a NE Regional is $52 for a "saver" ticket. The highest fare is $303 for a business class ticket on an Acela. The Acela takes 47 minutes less to go from NYP to WAS.
You know the travel agent is ripping you off if he charges $303 and then gets you a NE Regional ticket.
You know the travel agent is ripping you off if he charges $303 and then gets you a NE Regional ticket.
Jun 1st, 2015, 07:28 AM
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If you're taking a personal trip that's not on the employer's nickel (or you're self-employed and it's your da-n nickel), then why are you effing around with a travel agent? Travel agents normally receive COMMISSIONS, which are calculated as a PERCENTAGE of the cost of the ticket sold. That means the agent has no incentive to save you money. Some agents and some bookings are flat fee arrangements between the carrier and the agency, and that would help you.
Ultimately, Amtrak has a website (like Fodors does!) and on that website you can purchase tickets. Amtrak also engages in dynamic pricing, just like the airlines. Buy early, buy cheap.
If you're taking a personal trip that's not on the employer's nickel (or you're self-employed and it's your da-n nickel), then why are you effing around with a travel agent? Travel agents normally receive COMMISSIONS, which are calculated as a PERCENTAGE of the cost of the ticket sold. That means the agent has no incentive to save you money. Some agents and some bookings are flat fee arrangements between the carrier and the agency, and that would help you.
Ultimately, Amtrak has a website (like Fodors does!) and on that website you can purchase tickets. Amtrak also engages in dynamic pricing, just like the airlines. Buy early, buy cheap.
Jun 2nd, 2015, 04:57 AM
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To figure out if prices get closer to the date, one could also check close dates and far away dates to see if they are the same. You should recommend the travel agent do the same. Perhaps she is confusing Amtrak with NJ Transit or regional trains in Italy or something.
Jun 3rd, 2015, 10:41 AM
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I don't think there is any need to book this far in advance, though, unless you are absolutely sure when you want to go. I have taken that route several times, and yes the prices rise closer to the date, but I've never booked 4 months in advance. I book maybe a month or two at most.
Jun 3rd, 2015, 11:00 AM
#12
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What Christina says is correct. You need to book a month or two in advance to get the best fares, but there's no need to book this far in advance. However, the trains to DC often sell out, especially on weekends, and prices are significantly cheaper if you book in advance.
