tidy

can you tell me which train(s) go from NYC to Philadelphia, also if you have a website that would be helpful.

doug_stallings

You have two choices.

You can take Amtrak, a one-seat ride from Penn Station to Philadelphia. Amtrak.com

You can also take a combination of NJ Transit (NJtransit.com) to Trenton and then SEPTA (www.septa.org) into Philadelphia. Trains are timed to give you enough time to walk off NJ Transit and directly onto SEPTA. The transfer is easy.

The second is usually the cheaper alternative for this route but takes longer. So you have to consider the trade-offs. Either way, it's about 2 to 2-1/2 hours.

tidy

thanks Doug

tidy

Doug, so I just looked at the Amtrack site and have some questions. I am looking for either October 15 (PM) or 16 (AM). I live in Colorado and we do not use tains so sorry for my ignorance. I think it looked like the time was only about 1.5 hours and what did Keystone ser, Acela Express, 57 Vermonter mean? Also, it said no checked bags, am I allowed to bring a carry on? Again sorry for my ignorance.

elberko

Acela is the "fast" train, but it isn't much faster and is expensive--you probably don't want to spring for that.

Other trains may have names based on there origin--Keystones start in PA, the Vermonter goes to Vermont. You can ignore the name as they all go through Philly and NYC.

As in Europe, you carry your own luggage onboard, and yes, you can bring luggage.

elberko

Also, the cheapest category of tickets sell out, so it's a good idea to buy your tickets as soon as you know when you are traveling.

The word RESERVED is misleading on Amtrak--seats are not reserved, and it is sometimes hard to find seats together.

tidy

Thank you all so much

PaulRabe

I should mention that the combination of New Jersey Transit and Septa will require a change from one commuter train to another at the Trenton Station. If you don't have a lot of luggage, it's not that difficult, but you have to make the change in a matter of minutes. It does save money, but it's not an optimal way to travel.

IMDonehere

I would not change trains. Yes, you can being luggage on the train, as it common especially by people who take public transportation from Newark Airport.


Penn Station in New York is not passenger friendly. They will first post the track of your train about ten minutes before departure and then there will be a mad scramble.

And I agree with the others, do not waste your money on the ACELA to Philly.

doug_stallings

As for me, I've never paid double to triple the price to take Amtrak to Philadelphia, though I do it fairly often for DC. The change from NJ Transit to SEPTA couldn't be easier. You literally get off one train, walk down the platform a few feet, and get on another. Everyone is doing it, and you just follow the crowds. It does take a bit longer than Amtrak, however.

On Amtrak, "no checked luggage" means that the train won't check luggage for you. You can bring on virtually any number of bags, and as long as you can carry and deal with them yourself, no one is likely to bat an eye. (Technically, though, there are some limits to what you are supposed to bring, but these limits are rarely enforced.)

sf7307

<Penn Station in New York is not passenger friendly. They will first post the track of your train about ten minutes before departure and then there will be a mad scramble.>

Which is why I once boarded a train going in the wrong direction. Oops.

IMDonehere

Which is why I once boarded a train going in the wrong direction. Oops.
__________________________
Maybe the new Penn Station, which is being built across the street, under the General Post Office will be better. Whenever that is finished.

Grand Central Station is much more civilized. And they are working on a connection for the LIRR at GCT which is supposedly going to open December 2022.

tidy

I will be staying some where in midtown when I take the train and should only have a carry on bag. so, now I am a bit confused . Should I depart from Penn or Union. one review said Penn is not passenger friendly. I want EASY, since I do not travel via trains often.

IMDonehere

There is only train terminal from Manhattan to Philly and that is Penn Station. Union Square is just for NYC subways.


If you want easy, take car service.

sf7307

Union Square is just for NYC subways.

and Union Station is the station in Phildelphia. So the trains go from New York Penn Station to Philadelphia Union Station.

elberko

The Amtrak station in Phila. is 30th St. Station.

Liz5959

I'll restate what was said above. Know your train number. About 10 mins before departure time they will announce, on big board, what track number the train will leave on. There will be a mad dash and a long line. Pretend like you're a seasoned NYer and dash with them. Make sure you print out a copy of the ticket, you will need it to get down escalator to the train, and on the train.

It's Penn Station in NY and 30th street station in Philadelphia. On Amtrak website it would be NYP to PHL.

IMDonehere

SF-The OP wrote this, implying both were in NY.

Should I depart from Penn or Union. one review said Penn is not passenger friendly.


As noted above the AMTRAK station in Philly is 30th Street.

DC has a beautiful Union Station as does some other cities, but not Philly.

GBelle

There are buses between Philadelphia & NYC that can be a lot less expensive than trains. If you're going to be mid-town, consider Greyhound. Look for the “premium bus” – it has WiFi and other options included.
http://locations.greyhound.com/bus-r...pa#fare-search

The Megabus maybe less but you will have to stand on a street corner to get it. If you're not familiar with either city, then a station will be easier.

sf7307

Sorry for the mistake. Don't know what I was thinking, probably D.C.