We're planning a trip to NYC and DC from California next month, and we were planning on flying from NYC to DC. A friend suggested that we look into taking a train to DC to take in more sights. Is that a good way to go? If so, how long would it take?

The last time I took the train (pre-Acela service) it was about 3 to 3-1/2 hours. It's about the same amount of time door-to-door if you fly.

The sights on the train ride really aren't that interesting IMO. However, the train is very convenient because it takes you from downtown to downtown, so there is no hassle getting to and from the airport. As the previous poster said, the total travel time is about the same as air travel with time to/from the airport included. I don't recall that Acela between NY and D.C. saves you much time. I think the main time savings is between NY and Boston.

Yow! I just checked into prices on Acela --between the cost and your comments about the lack of scenery, I think we'll stick to flying.

Why did you only check the Acela fares? The regular fares are far less expensive and the train only takes about 20 minutes longer. Did you check the Amtrak website? I almost always take the train rather than flying. Getting to/from the NY-area airports is a pain, whereas the trains between Penn Station & Union Station are so convenient. It is true there's no great scenery on the train, but then again there isn't on the plane either -- and honestly, when you factor in the amount of time you spend getting to & from the airports (depending on traffic, rush hour, etc.), I'm not sure that flying saves you much time, if any. I find the train much more relaxing. Just my opinion.

I really like taking the train in the New York City/DC corridor. While the views admittedly are not terribly scenic on the whole, there are a few very nice stretches, such as the Havre de Grace/Aberdeen area in Maryland, and Boathouse Row in Philadelphia. If you like cityscapes, the skylines of Philadelphia and Baltimore can both be quite pretty, particularly lit up at night. (Not to mention the less spectacular Trenton Makes, the World Takes sign, and the Wilmington and Newark skylines.)

One advantage of taking the train is you won't have to purchase your ticket in advance; there are unreserved trains. For example, I'm in New York City right now and need to catch a train to Baltimore where I live...I decided spur-of-the-moment to spend the night here because my cousin called and wanted to have dinner with me. No problem, there are lots of trains every day, I can catch one in the morning. I always purchase my ticket AT the train station using the automated QuikTrak system.

Look into the Acela Regional (as opposed to Acela Express) trains. These tend to be faster, but are the same price as the Northeast Direct.

Have a ball

As another poster said, the Acela train is not that much faster than the regular train on this run, so why pay extra? Amtrak runs special rates all summer long -- second passenger half price; kids free; Triple A discounts; etc. Call and ask for the best rate available. The train ride is simple and pleasant and takes you into the center of each city, avoiding the craze at the airports on the outskirts. Many think it's the only way to go between NYC and DC.

I like the DC-NY train route, but I have to say that I am not sure I understand the "getting to/from the airport" dilemma. If you are going from NY to DC on the Delta Shuttle and taking an early flight (around 7:30 am), it takes about a half hour to get from the Upper West or East sides to LaGuardia by cab (longer by subway then bus). From there, you fly into National, from where it's never taken me more than 20 min to get into the city by cab. So that's an hour, and the flight probably averages out to 45 minutes = 1 hr 45 min, much less than the train...this is in my own experience.

Acela is the most expensive service and Metroliner with guaranteed seat is next most expensive. Call 1-800-USA-RAIL (Amtrak's #) and ask for lowest off peak round trip excursion fare on the regular NYC-DC train. If you have AARP or AAA card there should be an additional discount also available. It should be cheaper than flying and as many have pointed out, once door to door times are calculated it's about the same length of time as flying or only a bit more. It's true there are no great sights to view from the train but I just bring a book as I do on the plane - no big deal.