I understand that there's a cheap alternative to Amtrak from Penn Station to Philadelphia. I believe you take NJ Transit to Trenton, then SEPTA to Philadelphia. I'd appreciate details.

Yes, that's correct. My son learned about this in college. You take NJ Transit to the last stop in Trenton, and then cross the tracks to get the SEPTA and take it to the 30th Street Station in Philly. It does take longer (because of all the local stops), and it's a bit more inconvenient because you have to switch trains, but it is a significant saving.

Thanks, Judy. Are NJT and SEPTA schedules coordinated, or do you have to a long wait in Trenton?

Yes--you never have to wait more than 10 minutes or so for the SEPTA train. This is a MUCH longer trip than Amtrak, but considering that Amtrak is all screwed up now with the Acelas out of service and everything else overbooked, it's a particularly good option.

Based on

www.septa.org/schedule.cgi?route=r7s&day=1

I'd say scheduling between NJT and SEPTA is very well coordinated.

For NJT, try

http://www.njtransit.com/sf_train.shtm

While the NJT idea saves big bux, you may find the space too sparse (ha ha) and the bodies too plentiful.

That means don't try to bring very much luggage aboard. That means yu'll be jammed in with other commuters.

That means don'tr plan on a pop in the bar car...ain't none, or munching on a hot dog from the Amcafe...ain't none.

I put up with NJT every day. Not bad for the commute with a paper and laptop, but a pain in the tookus when some kid with two suitcases tries to squeeze in.

Although I'm hardly a "kid with two suitcases," I appreciate the info. I'm traveling on a Saturday, so dealing with the suits shouldn't be much of an issue.