Philly
 

Never having been to Philly before, I am going to be there for one week. I will have my 18 yr. old daughter who is dying to see NYC. Is a "day trip" via train a doable deal? Please advise with any recommendations. Unfortunately, I will not be able to overnite in NYC>>>just there early, and back to Philly very late. Thanks bunches!!!

It certainly is do-able. Amtrack from 30th St. Station to NY Penn Station.

You can check times on Amtrack's website.

At best to NYC it is 70 minutes, at worst 100 minutes. Buses of course are cheaper, but less comfortable, they take about 2 hours.

amtrak.com will also list discounts, AAA is 10% off I believe. You can no longer purchase tickets on the train.
Easiest is to pruchase on line and then use your credit card to pick them up at the station vending machine. I would suggest in both NYC and Philly to get to the station 20 minutes before departure.

This is definitely doable - I do it all the time. To save time, you could take one of Amtrak's more express trains - but you will pay for the time savings; they are expensive compared to more local routes. But you might consider it to make more of your time in NYC.

Thanks to all in the know...further questions...In regards to advance reservations, I "imagine" we could decide upon a departure time; however, a return time from NYC would be most difficult. Can the tickets be open-ended? I am from rural Texas...the only trains I see are full of coal, so I need help...thanks so much...

Another option besides Amtrak would be to use the commuter trains: Septa and NJ Transit, to get from Philly to NYC. You would need to change from Septa to NJ Transit in Trenton (a tiny train station where it is easy to change - the NYC/Philly connection there is planned). The upside of using these two trains is that it's a lot cheaper, and you won't need to worry about reservations: they are completely open-ended. The downside: an extra hour of travel time each way and the change in Trenton (which I personally don't find a big deal). Also, the Septa and NJ Transit trains have no bathrooms or dining cars.

Here's a suggestion: take Amtrak early in the morning and take NJ Transit/Septa back, because you don't need to worry about reservations. You can buy tickets at ticket machines before you get on the train - on the train too although they'll hit you with an on-train surcharge.

www.septa.org (you want the R7 to Trenton)
www.njtransit.com (Northeast Corridor Line to Penn Station, NYC)

Andrew

On most days the last amtrak return trip is 11pm. Post 9-11 you must reserve ticekts for a specific train.

You can do this-reserve for a specific train and make sure you right down your
reservation #. If you want to come back earlier or later call amtrak on your cell phone and change the time. Then pick up your ticket at the station.

You can always get the return schedule in advance and purchase tickets at the Kiosks in Penn Station. The key is you MUST have a ticket for the desired train in order to board.

And yes, trains stop at 11pm. And don't start back till 3am. I speak from experience here. ;)

...and this is why I adore Fodor's website. You folks are the best, and I sincerely thank you for your input!!!