Ok, this isn't really serious, but I was wondering if there is a way to get from NYC to DC on public transit alone (no airlines/Amtrak/Greyhound).

I can get as far as Wilmington,DE from NYC pretty easily. The NJ Transit Northeast Corridor train runs from Penn Station to Trenton NJ. Then, the R7 Septa train runs from Trenton (same platform, timed transfer) to Center City Philly. Then, the R2 Wilmington train (except on Sunday) can get you as far as Wilmington.

On the other end, I can take the Green line Metro from DC to Greenbelt. Then the B30 bus from Greenbelt to BWI Airport. From there, the Light Rail runs into Baltimore.

Is there any transit link between Baltimore and Wilmington,DE?

Plan on 3 days and 25 train/bus/taxi transfers.

I don't get it. If you're using SEPTA & NJ Transit, why not use Amtrak?

Once again, this is NOT for real. I am NOT planning on doing this. I was just curious.

As far as Septa/NJT from Philly to NYC as compared to Amtrak, apparently it's quite a popular choice. It doesn't take too much longer (2:25 vs. 1:30), and it's significantly cheaper ($29.25 round-trip vs $96.00).

Unfortunately, there IS a gap between Baltimore and Wilmington,DE. We've tried to get our son home from his college in DC up here to suburban Philadelphia for cheaper than $96 one-way price on Amtrak.

Hey Liz:

Have you check Greyhound? I just checked quickly and it seems that the ride is under 3 hours and costs $20 one-way from DC to Philly. I don't recommend Greyhound for long distances, but between cities, especially for students, it's a good alternative.

Greyhound isn't public transit. But Amtrak is. In the Boston area, and I believe in NYC too, they run the local commuter rail lines.

I can reduce the gap a little. Check out

www.dartfirststate.com/maps/ncco.gif
www.mtamaryland.com/schedules/marc/marc_system.cfm

From Wilmington, ride the #16 bus to Newark DE. Then ride the #65 bus to Elkton MD. There is public transit in Elkton but it appears limited to the city itself and those with disabilities. If you could travel the ten or so miles to Perryville MD, you could then ride MARC Penn Line into Baltimore.

James, you have a flawed idea of what's public and what's not. The most public form of transportation is your own car. Your gas taxes pay for road building and upkeep. It now costs about $60 million to build one mile of a new lane of highway in the U.S. We all pay for that.

Likewise, you pay for all the large airports in the U.S. through your taxes.