aussie_10

We (4 adults ) will be catching the train from Boston to New York City.

We are renting an apartment in the North End and will leave Boston on a sunday for NYC.

Which is the best station to catch the Amtrak train from? We will catch the regular train.
I was thinking Boston South station as the train starts from there and it may be best for us to load our suitcases and locate seats.

Also would it be best to catch a taxi from our apartment to the station, there all be 4 of us with suitcases after a 6 week USA trip. Maybe 2 taxis or a maxi cab? (Do they have them in Boston)

DonTopaz

South Station is where you want to leave from if you're staying in the North End -- it's not at all a long distance. If you weren't hauling suitcases, it would in fact be a very nice walk, just following the Rose Kennedy Greenway from the North End to South Station.

Because the distance is so relatively short, a taxi will be inexpensive: with 4 people and lots of luggage, it makes sense to use 2 cabs.

aussie_10

Thanks Don for your reply.

The sunday of our departure is the weekend of the Head of the Charles regatta.
I hope that won't be a problem getting to the station.

elberko

In case you don't know, Amtrak ticket prices are lower if bought well ahead.

I have found NE corridor trains to be very full, especially on Sundays--don't dawdle getting to the station. Best way to travel between those cities, though.

aussie_10

Thanks elberko

I have been looking at the tickets on Amtrak.
I will try to purchase them soon they are a very good price, I think. $52.

Hoping to see a little of the countywide along the way.

elberko

Those SAVER prices go fast--especially as you need 4.

There isn't much "countryside" along the route--it's a pretty congested part of the country, but you'll see some.

china_cat

Actually, the coastline through Connecticut is quite pretty. Sit on the left side of the train for nicest views.

I don't think the regatta will cause you any issue getting to/on the train.

aussie_10

Thanks china_cat,
I will book on the left side for the views.

Getting excited as our trip planning is coming together

elberko

Unfortunately, you can't book exact seats on Amtrak--even in business class.

tomfuller

If you are flexible with the date you want to travel on Amtrak, this website will help find the lowest price:
http://biketrain.net/amsnag/amSnag.php

cw

You can hire a red cap to help with your luggage at South Station and they will board first and find for you the seats you want. Don't forget to tip them.

DonTopaz

As for views from the train, the views from the right side can be just as impressive. You do get ocean views on the left side, but the right side gives some excellent takes of the towns and rivers below. And the view of the Manhattan skyline when the train makes the left turn to Queens pretty much trumps all the other views ... YMMV, of course.

aussie_10

Thanks for the great suggestions.

So South station sounds like the best place to board the train.
Can you pick any carriage? Just not business?

How do you hire a red cap? Do they get to go on first? Do we follow them on? How much does it cost and how much should we tip them?

I guess with whatever side we sit on the train trip will be relaxing, hopefully!

tomfuller

A red cap will help you get your baggage on board. There is no charge for this service but they do like a tip of $2-4 per bag when they have helped you.
A uniformed Amtrak employee will assign your seat in whichever coach car they want you in. Buy your tickets 14 days in advance for the best price. http://www.amtrak.com/northeast-trav...rain-discounts
The low bucket price for advance purchase seems to be $52PP from Boston South (BOS) to New York Penn (NYP).

nytraveler

If you have a lot of luggage you may also want to get a red cap when you arrive at Penn Station - since the Amtrak platforms are a long climb (stairs or escalator if the latter is working) up to the first concourse (then another long escalator up to street level).

elberko

On most trains, in addition to a business car, there will be a cafe car, a "quiet" car, and the rest will be regular cars. Business class is the only extra price car.

aussie_10

Thank you all for the great wealth of information.

I now understand the "process" much better and am looking forward to our train trip.

I think the red caps sound like an excellent idea.

When do the uniformed Amtrak employees assign us to our seats. On the platform?

ellenem

Traveling many times on the route in question between Boston and New York handling my own luggage, one boards the train and picks an empty seat. The seats are never assigned. A group traveling together might not find seats near one another if the train is crowded.

"A uniformed Amtrak employee will assign your seat in whichever coach car they want you in." Not sure what tomfuller means by this, unless this is a particular part of red cap service.

For other routes out of New York, an Amtrak employee on the platform sometimes suggests one sit in a particular train carriage depending on the destination (true for the train to Montreal), but a particular seat is never assigned.

elberko

I've never used a red cap either...ellenem describes what I've done/seen.

doug_stallings

Just to be clear, while someone may tell you to "walk forward ... plenty of seats there", no one will assign your Amtrak seat for you. It's all up for grabs.

Certain cars may be blocked off so there will still be seats at Back Bay station.

The reason why a lot of people use red caps is because that will often get you on the train earlier and give you a better choice of seats. It's a particular issue in NYC because of the mob scene trying to board the trains (gates are called only about 5 minutes before departure, and then there's a mad scramble); red caps help you down to the platform early.

In Boston, you'll likely know the gate when you arrive.