Gwendolynn

I've been trying to research trains from NYC to visit a friend in Boca Raton. Can't find any definitive info. It looks like there is a station in Ft. Lauderdale. Also, I'd like a "sleeper" or whatever they're called these days and the only options I find are coach seats ...for a 30 hour trip.

I really wanted a nice leisurely trip but looks like I'll have to fly... ugh. Has anyone done this recently? Most recent posts are 4 to 5 years ago.

mztery

I'm not sure about your question but it is a popular route and sleeper seats sell out quickly. if you can change your dates you might be able to get a sleeping accomodation. I haven't done this trip but i did do a couple of longer trips in coach and it was tiring and not worth it.

tomfuller

Deerfield Beach is a few miles closer to Boca Raton (DFB).
You will find that if you do find a sleeper that it will cost about 3 times as much as the coach seat.
If you have the luxury of time, take a train to Washington DC or Richmond. Sleep there and then take the coach Silver Service to Deerfield Beach. I have slept many thousands of miles in coach on Amtrak trains in the last 10 years.

Gwendolynn

tomfuller... thanks so much for that information. I do have a bed in DC -

ronkala

If you consider Richmond be sure to check arrival time on the return trip. I was considering Richmond to Charleston this week but on the return trip the train arrived in Richmond at 4:00 or 4:15 a.m. Not knowing what the station is like at that time of the night, I decided against it.

AAFrequentFlyer

or take the auto train from Lorton, VA (just few miles south of Washington D.D) to Sanford, FL. just north of Orlando. For ~$169 each way they will transport your car and of course you will have to pay for the seat and/or sleeper.

This is the premier Amtrak train as they make booku bucks from it so the service is the best in the world.

Coach seat includes free sit-down restaurant service, free movie(s) in the lounge, wi-fi, etc. The sleeper car passengers will be seated in a different dining car with better food.

Your car will save about 2K miles of wear and tear. No gas expense and if you think about it, that's worth the price of admission. No rental needed is another cost to consider.

Gwendolynn

Hi AA.... I'm a New Yorker... I don't have a car. - -
Thanks anyway.

AAFrequentFlyer

k,

hope you can find the sleeper for your trip.

Good luck and have a wonderful trip!

Dukey1

I do NOT understand this at all. There are TWO different trains that run from New York to South Florida, the Silver Meteor and the Silver Star. What DATES are you looking at?

tuscanlifeedit

I did a search and under the coach seat price was a button for Buy Rooms.

Gad, they're expensive. But obviously available. I tried for next Monday.

tomfuller

If you buy your tickets more than 2 weeks in advance, you usually get a lower "bucket" price than closer to your date of travel. You can ride the Silver Star from New York for $133 in coach in May (to DFB). The 2 bed roomette in May will cost you and additional $293.
If you check a date and it says "other options sold out" it means that all the sleepers assigned to the train are sold.
If you can sleep in DC and then take the overnight train in coach, you will save about $280 considering the food you may buy on the train.
If you ask a conductor if there is a roomette on the train that is not sold, the conductor can sell it to you for a reduced rate.

mztery

Just a reminder that sleeper cars include meals so it's expensive but a bit less than it looks like.

Gwendolynn

Thanks all.... my search skills must be faltering. I found info on the Silver Star awhile back... but haven't been so succesful recently. The Amtrak sites are really a PIA. Anyhow, I'm going to bed now and will investigate all of the above in the bright lite of day.

Muchas gracias to all.