I take all kinds of trains up and down the East Coast from Virginia right up to Boston and especially around DC. So I knows mah trains. Acela is a good option if you are trying to get to/ from DC or BWi, you don't mind spending $$$ and you want a peaceful, more quiet, more businesslike train atmosphere than the regular Amtrak. On the Acela you are far less likely to have to deal with loud student tour groups, or moms with five kids climbing all over the seats, or people who don't know where they're going and have twelve pieces of ratty luggage held together with duct tape. If you are trying to get somewhere "on time", although the Acela is supposed to be faster, as someone else said it is really hit or miss. There are a lot of other trains using the same track and if any one of them breaks down, the train people will try to put the Acelas through first, but it's not always possible. I've also seen Acelas break down and all of their passengers herded like cattle into standing-room-only cars on six-dollar commuter trains. So, it's a crap shoot. The upsides: It's convenient, it's reasonably reliable, it's more comfortable and modern. And if you can get a first-class upgrade, go for it - you get complimentary breakfasts, water, newspapers, all of it really nice, although the first-class car I rode NYC to DC was fuller than I'm used to a fancy train car being. The downsides: Like I said, $$$ and you may not be on time. Also, the cafe cars on the Acelas blow. The cafe cars on the regular Amtraks have booths and tables and are generally much more comfy, though older. On the Acela, forget about sitting in the cafe car to drink your coffee - at most there are hideous little bar stools that no one in their right mind would try to sit on when a train was moving, and a lot of wasted space in general in that car. The food on the Acela, aside from the free food you get if you're first class (which was yummy), also is not anything particularly special or better than the food on the regular Amtrak, which is annoying given that there is no way of jumping off the train at any stops to buy anything. I recommend you bring your own food onto the train with you. read more

The gf and I caught the Northeast Regional from Alexandria to New York City. While perhaps not the least expensive way to get to our destination, comfort and convenience were our prime considerations for taking the train vice driving, taking a bus, or flying. Plus, as a taxpayer, I felt like I had a little skin in the game for using this mode of transportation. Anyway, the Northeast Regional train arrived a few minutes late, but they seemingly wasted no time at each station stop to make up for the lost time. The coach cars we rode on both going and coming were clean (even the restrooms!), the seats were spacious and comfortable with plenty of legroom. There was ample overhead and under storage for our bags. 120v electrical outlets could be found by each seat to keep your cell phone, computer, or other battery-powered device charged up. Unfortunately, the outlets by our seats on our return trip did not work. Perhaps the best thing of all, there was free wi-fi service throughout the train, albeit a bit spotty and slow at times, but it did work and it was free! Amtrak may not be the fastest, most efficient way to travel, but I have to say that it sure beats commercial air travel for ease, comfort, and convenience. I will definitely take Amtrak the next time I go to New York or even Philly! read more

I have mixed feelings about the Amtrak. PROS: 1. Lots of space 2. Won't get carsick 3. Usually on time 4. Usually clean CONS: 1. Omg so expensive 2. Soooo slow - why aren't there bullet trains here?? 3. When it's not on time, you could be waiting for hours 4. Can get super crowded read more

Tickets can be pricey and sometimes the trains can be late, but doesn't that pretty much apply to any type of public transportation that is not the bus? Amtrak is still hands down my favorite way to get to and from NYC, since I can sit comfortably, spread out, and do work while I'm traveling. My biggest complaint is that the coach class regional trains don't have Wifi, and I just can't understand this. Even the Bolt Bus has Wifi, and that only costs $15 each way, and not $75-$100 each way like Amtrak. No ifs, ands or buts, it's high time this was included in the cost of a regular fare. read more

Good luck trying to get decent customer service or any at all. Amtrak seems to have 5 people working throughout the country to answer questions or even pick up the phones. Their chat help is also awful. You can't rely on them. read more

Amtrak got me to BWI in ease and style today. For 18 dollars I took the Regional Train from Union to BWI, all in about 30 minutes. No need to go through long security line. I had even arrived early to the train station, and catching an earlier train was as easy as selecting it at the self-kiosk which prints tickets (AND A FREE CHANGE AT THAT!). I was originally going to Super Shuttle it, which was going to be 62 dollars for a one-way trip without tip--so for a third of the price I got a whole lot of room (sometimes Supershuttles are so crowded-arh), got a nice scenic view, and got to my destination quickly. When you arrive at the BWI train station there is a free 7 minute ride to the airport. To boot all the train guys were extremely friendly. From this day forth if I have to venture to Maryland for a flight Amtrak is my method of choice to get there. read more

This a single star because I had an understanding that there would be wifi on the train from reading about the trip online. There was no wifi on the train. When I asked about it, the staff was pretty rude and extremely dismissive. It was like they were offended I even asked. This was in general a terrible experience. I found the staff to be very rude, and unwilling to communicate anything of substance. We stopped constantly, and there were no updates about where we were or why we were stopped. read more

I love to travel and I love trains. I think I simply have a tough time justifying paying double or more for an Amtrak ticket vs. taking the bus (to NY). Sure, the seats are more comfy, the aisles are wider, the conductors are friendly, it is quiet, and there are rarely delays. However, when there are delays, I really have to stop and think about why I would choose to take the train. If I had more cash, I'd surely take the train more often. But, as Miriam stated, it really doe depend on who's paying. Compared to Amtrak out west, we east coasters have a nice time since passenger trains have the right of way over freight. Once you move out of the area, you are almost guaranteed to be delayed do to some cargo trains. In my wishful thinking state of mind, I envision a world where funding goes to create a nation with more rail tracks and faster trains. If you are not taking the Acella, it still takes about 4 hours from DC to NY. Really? Really? We all know the technology is available, so why not pony up and make it happen. So much potential. I sigh. read more

I loved the train trip from New York (Penn Station) to DC. Big chairs, lots of leg room, and on-and-off wifi on the train. It's a very smooth ride, and while I'm sure many of you find the dilapidated sights of Jersey and Baltimore rather boring, I found it fascinating. It's a shame the Amtrak system can't get you everywhere in the US, because it is a much nicer way to travel that going through airports and boarding aeroplanes. read more

Really the only civilized way to get between NY and DC if you can swing the ticket. Comfortable seats, power, wifi, quiet car (watch for the signs!), no traffic, predictable arrival times. And, yes, the wobbling sucks. Tricky to get high scores on angry birds, but nothing really that bad. read more

If you're taking any train south of DC your experience is going to vary. The gates are all crammed together and the order of which they have us board never goes smoothly! The announcer at the boarding gate is always unpleasant, fast talking, assumes everyone understands him and everyone travels often. Wrong, Mr. Announcer Guy! It is also important to note that you are on board to serve the Amtrak staff. It is clear they think the world has dealt them a bad hand; however, you might get lucky and find one person that took customer service training at their previous employment. If you are in coach, the dining car is the best option for seating; however, it closes often to "restock". They will kick you out no matter what delicious hot plastic dish you've just purchased and getting ready to bite into. Lots of nice details about the trains in our country, but we still have a long way to go; especially Union! What ever happened to the slogan "Railroading is People"? Oh, and when I asked if there was a Quite Car the woman laughed, finally getting out a "noooo...!" Nice. Lastly, but certainly not least, to add to your enjoyment Amtrak keeps a sickly sweet air sanitizer on board to spray when "needed". Why they take no consideration to allergies or people with asthma is beyond comprehension. If it was the germ killing spray I would understand, but it only mingled previous smells and thus made matters worse. Statistics suggest that when customers complain, business owners and managers ought to get excited about it. The complaining customer represents a huge opportunity for more business. - Zig Ziglar read more

Amtrak is an embarrassment. Let's boil this down to a simple comparison: Amtrak versus airline. Here's Amtrak: Arrive at the train station. Thankfully there is no invasive security theater like the airport. Although parking your car is more of a pain in the ass. Once you park, navigating to your track is a convoluted mess of signs and ill informed staff. All the way, what you are thinking about is how disgusting the station is. If Amtrak offered a pre-boarding shower, most would take part. The unions have assuredly ensured a substandard experience. So you board the train. What you look for is the LEAST filthiest seat. But to no avail. Seriously, when was the last time they cleaned the train? Exhausted, you take a seat. Then some douche from Baltimore sits next to you. Loud, obnoxious, ugh. Whatever, you think to the cost for the trip. It must be cheaper. That explains the aggravation. NOT. Amtrak is equal to flying. Ugh. Again. Airline: Well this is predictable. TSA are assholes who say the care about security but are actually so ill trained and paid, that they have no fucking idea what they are doing. So I wait in line at the security theater screening post for 30 minutes. Then I go to a restaurant PAST security and order a meal. THEY GIVE ME A STEAK KNIFE!. If I wanted to be an aggressor, this was my chance. How stupid is TSA? TSA ARE MORONS. In the end, they both cost the same. In reality, Amtrak is far, far worse. They charge the same price as flying, when they should be less because it's far safer to travel by train. AMTRAK IS RIPPING US OFF. PERIOD. read more

Took the train from Buffalo, NY to Penn Station. The train left on time, the seats reclined and were very comfortable, the train is very clean, WiFi was working, and there were outlets. Pleasantly surprised with the service and reliability. read more

Booked my first trip on Amtrak, departing tomorrow. Just received word that now my trip will be by bus. No explanation why, they cant even tell me what time I'll arrive at my destination. Needless to say this will be my last trip. read more

I caught this thing from Union Station, DC, to Penn Station, Baltimore, MD, with my boss one day last week. Wow. What a pleasant experience. I didn't have time to read or apply my makeup or work on my laptop like other riders because my boss and I were talking the whole time but whatever. Face time with the boss is a good thing. It was prompt in both directions and I love the seats. I hope I have the opportunity to take this train again. read more

The waiting area's MARC announcements and signs overshadow those of Amtrak, and pigeons fly around, and they Make welcome aboard announcements in the waiting area...But ultimately a pleasant experience. read more

Amtrak - MARC/Amtrak waiting area - Trains Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I've had nothing but great customer service from Amtrak. Everyone we have encountered on our trip- from the people working in the station to the gentlemen we spoke to over the phone when we needed to make some changes to our trip- have been so friendly and helpful. We traveled from New Orleans to Washington DC and the trip was so much fun. Unfortunately, I broke my ankle in DC so I was super concerned about how I would be able to manage travel back home to New Orleans. We were met outside union station by the friendliest Amtrak employee who helped us onto her golf cart and took care of checking our luggage and brought us to the passenger lounge. She then returned to drive us to the train platform. She even went to get the wheelchair lift as I was unable to manage the stairs getting onto the train. I was extremely relieved and thankful to have her assistance. Amtrak isn't the cheapest travel option but the customer service I experienced is way better than my most recent experiences flying. Oh, and the train was on time. And reasonably clean considering both trips- coming and going- were on visibly older trains. The food also is ok. My husband enjoyed the braised beef more than he thought he would. And the rolls are delicious. Finally, you can't beat the views of America's country side. I would definitely encourage anyone to try an Amtrak trip at least once. We can't wait to plan our next adventure. read more

Up until last week, my boyfriend lived in New York. So I've spent a lot of time on Amtrak over the past year. Things I like: 1. They still accept my way way expired ISIC student ID card which gives me a %15 discount. When booking online, they ask for a number and I put mine in. I bet you could put in anything and it would work. 2. It drops you off at Penn Station which is really convenient if you're going to West 4th. Unlike flying and taking a cab into the city. Things I don't like: 1. Half the time my train was late, like at least 30min to an hour. Sometimes they'd realize that there was a problem with the engine right when we were supposed to take off. Which makes no sense to me when the trains all originate from DC. I'm no engineer, but isn't this something they could figure out before they board the train? 2. Smell. Whatever they use to clean the trains smells like public bathroom. Secret hints: When you get to the station, ignore all the cattle standing in a single file line outside of the gate. There is no official line. I always walk right by them and sit down in one of the seats close to the gate. Then when they make the boarding announcement, you're one of the first on the train and are guaranteed a window. read more

I am one of hundreds of passengers on the Carolinian, NY to Charlotte North Carolina, whose train was cancelled in Washington DC. on January 3rd. Amtrak did nothing to help us, and everyone had to pay their own hotel. The next day we all reported to the station to find that the new train we had been booked on, the Carolinian for January 4th, had also been cancelled. Once again we were all left stranded. If this is their customer service-leaving you stranded two days in a row with no help-I shall not be signing up to ride on their trains in the future. read more

I hate that I like it. But I like it, don't love it. It's too expensive. It is sometimes cheaper to fly for goodness sakes?! I would take it much more often if it were 25-30% cheaper. If I do not plan ahead I can pay upwards of $150 for DC to NYC Same trip on bus is literally $20 ($10 if I plan ahead) That is a painful thought. BUT...[big 'but']...we all know bus is simply not as comfortable as the train and bus can be subject to traffic! The train has so much more leg room (and I'm not even tall, but totally appreciate this!) and I can stay with my luggage (plenty of overhead room), and lots of room for my gadgets and papers and tablets and chargers and all that nonsense. Of course all bets are off if you get a nasty train car. That's only happened once and I was really grossed out, but too tired/exhausted to move my seat/luggage. The on-board staff has always been friendly and courteous, which is always welcomed. I like that you can print your boarding pass from home finally (what a concept!). As I get older, despite the price, I seem to be choosing the train over the bus. Getting old sucks sorta. So if you're young, have just a large backpack of clothes, going for a quick weekend or shopping or concert, or dead-tired that you will fall asleep the minute you sit down, I say go for the bus. Otherwise, if you're older, need to "stretch your legs" often by walking, like a bigger better ventilated bathroom, need spotty internet, or have a couple pennies to spare, treat yourself to a train ride. read more

On the whole, my first experience using Amtrak as my mode of transportation was great. I had a morning conference in DC on a Thursday, then took the Red Line over to Union Station, where my wife met me for a 3PM train to Philly. Outside of my wife's frustration of having to drive into DC, it was MUCH less stressful than flying. No need to check your bag (and our bag is HUGE) No need to mess with security. And the seats are much bigger, so us "plus sized" folk can ride in comfort. The train wasn't very crowded, so it was a breeze to move up and down the aisles between the cars. The Wi-Fi worked really well. The dining car left a bit to be desired, but they had a cold Dogfish Head brew, which worked for me. The ride back was a different story. The train from Boston to Richmond was PACKED. The wife and I boarded near the front, but went all the way to the back car to find seats next to each other. We couldn't locate any - the best we could do is diagonal across the aisle. (Although this wouldn't be a problem if some people who traveled together would sit together instead of sprawling about the train.) By the time we boarded in Philly, there was an estimated 500 people on the train. The Wi-Fi this time around was pretty much useless. Not sure if it was the number of people, that specific train, or both. And there was a delay due to AC problems on the train. Still, with all that above being said, I preferred it to flying. You are being dropped right in the middle of city urban centers, so getting to and from the train station is easy and efficient. This is my preferred method of transportation on the east coast. I'll finish with a reference that will surely date me: Come on ride the train it's the choo choo train Come on ride the train, choo choo ride it, woo woo Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah I think I can, I think I can I think I can, I think I can Quad City DJs get no respect. read more

So... if you are not a fan of driving, paying high prices and waiting in line at airports, or just can't stand to take a public bus with all likes of people.... then this is for you. I took the train from DC to NYC last weekend in about 3hrs, 20min. Much faster than driving, much faster than the bus and much faster than flying if you take into account how early you have to arrive at the airport. For the train, you can literally show up to Union or Penn Station 10min before the train departs and still make it. Like many others have stated, the leg room is much better than airplanes or busses. In addition, you get a great view of the land through the large windows on either side of the train. BTW, the trains I took were on time both directions. Now for the "not-so-good" points: train was in not clean, bathrooms were nasty and Penn Station is both hot and nasty all around (Union Station in DC was actually one hundred times cleaner than Penn Station). This train could be faster (or you could pay more for the express train) minus the 6+ stops between DC and NYC... seemed like we were stopping every 30 minutes. They claim to have wi-fi, but this is more like trying to run AOL dial-up from a mountain top... it sucks like no other. They obviously have problems with the service when websites that play movies (Netflix) or have video links are blocked all together. BTW, the food is like buying a meal from a gas station. So... take the train to save time and/or money; don't take the train if you are a Mr. Clean groupie, require modest wi-fi and expect quality food options on board. read more

Four words to bear in mind: Acela Business Class Quiet. I grew up taking old diesel-powered passenger trains to and from Manhattan. Overflowing toilets making the diesel fumes even worse. Lurching motion. Frequent delays. So when a colleague suggested taking the train for an upcoming business trip to Manhattan from DC, I almost gagged. But after what I'd read, figured I'd give it a try. I hate driving into NYC, planes are too much of a pain for that short a trip and then you have to get from the airport to the actual city... So I tried Amtrak from Union Station DC to Penn Station. And it was actually okay! I didn't love it, but I've used it since that first trip, and will again. Seriously, though, choose the Acela, and get into a business class "Quiet" car. I even have Red Caps carry my bags (tip them well). All of trips have been relatively easy and comfortable. FYI, the WiFi was spotty along the way, and you can't stream anything, so if there's something you want to watch, download it ahead of time. read more

Arrived at the door of the Acela for a 3:55 departure two minutes early and they refused to let me on. As a result, I'm now spending an extra hour waiting for the next train. Get here early - that's all I have to say! read more

More like, scamtrak... They called me and said I need to pay an additional $75 for my ticket because they cancelled the train I booked ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. They said they were doing track repairs so trains weren't able to run from my starting destination. I asked for a refund, they gave me half cash half eVoucher. There are still about 10 Amtrak trains leaving my destination the day of my original booking and they're all double the original purchase price now. read more

Without Amtrak, how could you travel by train more expensively than taking a flight! And I thought this was supposed to be government subsidized. I've traveled by Amtrak to NJ, New York City, Florida and even Manassas, VA. Given I've mostly experienced the Northeast corridor route - notoriously expensive and crowded - I can say that Amtrak has become my last resort means of travel due to the cost. If you aren't one for the effort and traffic of car, the possible shadiness of a bus, or security checks of airports, then Amtrak is the method for you. Personally, I like to be a bit more risky and adventurous in my travel plans. read more

We were delayed by nearly 2 hours because they had to add cars to our train, attach a new engine, reduce static on the PA system, and check the brakes!?! Are you kidding me? What sort of amateur organization is this? I think we'd be better off with chimps running the company. Why can't we have fast and efficient train service like Europe and Japan? read more

Very helpful crew!!! Got on the wrong train and everyone was so helpful with getting us back to where we needed! Amazing people and the lady in the bar/food area was lovely! read more

DO NOT USE AMTRAK pay the extra money and fly. They have never ever been on time ever! Staff sucks, its not worth saving the miney to not fly and get there way faster! An already 13 hour ride turned into a 21 hour ride because of constant delays...my brother rode the train a month later and the same thing happend turned into an 18 hour ride. Its ridiculous just fly or drive! read more

It is FREEZING in the cars. I can't imagine what they're thinking, blasting the AC at what has to be ~55 degrees.

I finally had the opportunity to try the Acela on a trip from DC to Philadelphia. I was traveling on business and normally wouldn't dream of taking this train to save only 20-30 minutes. Wow, it was a nice luxury, akin to first class on an airplane. One big selling point is boarding is faster, although there were security checks that day. My companion got selected, which slowed her experience a bit. But that is neutral to the review. I boarded the train on rush hour and I notice the business crowd was friendlier than I expected. A lot of them knew each other and were chatty and joking around, despite their conservative appearance. The ride itself was smoother and made fewer stops. The seating felt a bit less spacious, but seemed cleaner. I wouldn't recommend anyone spending money on the Acela for a short trip, but a journey to NY or Boston would make better sense. read more

No stars is not an option. The trip on the train from Los Angeles to Albuquerque was good, 3 out of 5. The mistake in charging me for dinner and breakfast...it's what kept the trip on the train from being 4 out of 5. The response I have gotten back from Customer Relations...-3 out of 5. You can see how no stars is achieved. I had a week off (06DEC-14DEC 2012). Christmas this year was gifts created by a buddy of mine in San Diego. He makes the most incredible renewed beach item sculptures and recently opened his own studio. My impression of his artistry had me commission 6 sculptures to be given as gifts. Fortunately, the recipients all live within reasonable proximity to the train lines I took from San Diego to Albuquerque. With stops at Oceanside, Los Angeles, Barstow, Flagstaff, Gallup and Albuquerque, I was able to carry all 6 sculptures and complete delivery of each in under 24 hours. Add to that the schedule, the relaxation of train travel and the great price...VALUE! From San Diego to Oceanside on the Coaster, I spent $5.50. From Oceanside to Los Angeles Union Station, I spent $15.00. From Los Angeles to Albuquerque, I spent $222 ($162 for the coach fare and $60 for an upgrade to a private suite). Add in that meals are included and I can carry anything I might want in addition (or buy it from AMTRAK at an increased price) on, and it is a great way to travel. Boarding at Los Angeles, I met the porter who would be providing service to my sleeper car (turns out there were only 2 of us riding on that car). Bill was outstanding, made me aware of dinner service, took my reservation for dinner, and educated me about breakfast service times and process, advised on the showers and asked if I wanted turn-down service. He was also the alarm clock for the Barstow and Flagstaff stops, as the cellphone is in and out of service, so I did not trust the clock. 7 PM, I made my way down to the dining car as per my reservation. I was seated and handed the long menu, which I signed and wrote down my room number. I enjoyed dinner and had a glass of wine. After dinner, I submitted my debit card to pay for the wine. Unknown to me, my dinner was also charged to my debit card even though the meals are included in the upgrade to a room. After dinner, I proceeded back to the room. Because of space limitations on this review, I cannot go into a description of the sleeper train. I fired up my laptop and went back to Boston Legal on DVD. 9;40 PM, Bill came by to let me know we would be at Barstow in 15 minutes. 5:20 AM, Bill came by to let me know we would be at Flagstaff in 15 minutes. Bill came by about 7 and asked if I wanted to have the shower demonstrated. I chuckled and said I figured I could run it unless the buttons are somehow unique. He laughed and said they are not. I showered, went to breakfast and spent the morning in the observation lounge, just watching New Mexico go by. Without ever handing over my debit card a second time, I was charged for the breakfast service. On arrival at Albuquerque, my trip complete, I thanked Bill and tipped him for his wonderful attention to my needs. Fast-forward to December 27...I am reconciling my online bank statement with my receipts...only to see charges for meals on Amtrak...$12 and $14. I went to Amtrak online, opened up my frequent traveler account, and sent an email asking why I was charged. Autoresponder says I will have a response within 48 hours. That response is that Customer Relations has received my file and will respond. I am advised in the next line that the turnaround between my submitting my complaint and the response could be WEEKS. Fast-forward to January 30...no further response from Amtrak. This inspires a phone call...to wait on hold for 6 minutes only to be transferred for a hold of nearly 30 minutes. Ms. Liz Griggs answers, and when I ask for follow-up, she asks if I can read. When I reply that I can, Ms Griggs says "The answer you seek is written in the email. It says 'Please be advised that a response may take several weeks.' When I reply that it has already been several weeks, she replies that it may be several more weeks. In asking for Ms. Griggs' supervisor, I am told that if I want to speak with someone else, I can hang up and dial in to speak with someone else. Wow! Considering that Amtrak is US Government owned, I guess I was anticipating a little more attention (and maybe a resolution) by making contact with someone over the phone. To be summarily dismissed by the representative I am calling for help is certainly disconcerting. Since I have received no satisfaction from Amtrak, I have made contact with my bank to take the money back from Amtrak. It is one of the debit card blessings...the bank can take the money back for up to 60 days. Bill, I will look forward to again making the trip by train from Los Angeles to Albuquerque. It is my hope that you are again working the next time. read more

Talking about Amtrak.. i was just there not too long ago.. Washington DC has a nice Station along with the inside shopping area and outside business world.. i have to say Very nice.. hey i actually wanted to work there. i do have my Safety badge for being around train station or should i say very well educated safety monitor guy. read more

this was the worst decision I ever made. the ride to my destination was fine and the staff was actually nice however coming from Chicago. we literally had a crew member say we couldn't sit somewhere because they were "his seats." they misplaced riders and put handicapped people up top. the train stopped multiple times because their conductor sucks. the conductor wouldn't alert anyone of smoke breaks why we were stopped when the cafe was open or anything. we would sit in random places for 40 mins, without a word from staff as to wtf was going all. All in all save the extra money to fly or drive or whatever but whatever you do never take this shit. not worth your time or money and you will be atleast 3 hrs late to your destination read more

Amtrak is an exploitative business. Their pricing is astronomical. Their tracks are centuries old. If you miss a plane, most airlines will put you on the next flight, no questions asked. If you miss an Amtrak train, you will be paying hundreds of dollars. Think about that. Amtrak's service is slow, the WiFi onboard isn't consistent. Their customer service is horrendous. The only reason this company has not gone out of business is because they are publicly funded and they are basically a monopoly. Amtrak does not care about its customers, or even its own failing business. read more

Why can't they repair the track north of Baltimore, but before southern Delaware? It's seemed dangerously unstable for decades. Sunday afternoon returns from Penn Station in New York are chaotic mob-scenes, with many late or cancelled trains, everyone desperately rushing for their replacement train. They seem to constantly underestimate the number of seats they've sold so it's often uncomfortably crowded. Last Sunday, two trains broke down and they attempted to accommodate everyone on an already crowded train. But the conductors are saints. None of this is their fault. read more

I booked tickets 2 days in advance. My mother in law canceled on me the night before. Amtrak wouldn't refund her ticket of $13. I was paying a total of $63. I can't believe a company that was making that much money off of me wouldn't refund $13. I even took the complaint to the BBB, but they still wouldn't refund the money. I can't believe how awful this company is with customer service. read more

Great big GIANT THANK YOU to Amtrak for getting hundreds of us safely from NYC to DC on Sunday morning (January 24). I caught the first train back (9:05am). It was a little late arriving, but the crew was fantastic!! Very patient and maintained a sense of humor - totally worked hard to get everyone safely to their destinations. At each stop, they had to de-ice the engine and shovel out the doorways from the accumulated ice. It was also pretty awesome to be inside watching the train haul through snow with no problems. At times, there was a white-out from the window. But we were warm and happy inside. Penn Station was up and running like nothing was going on. DC - as usual - completely unprepared for snow. DC gets a negative 25 stars (not the Union Station people - just the mayor and her total incompetence). read more

Have taken the ride from Union Station to Penn Station a couple of times and I am a fan. On the last adventure, the trip had to be cancelled at the last minute; the agents at the ticket counter were very understanding and very helpful, although the line itself had a few challenged folks in it (yes, you, the lady with the ENORMOUS bag that you wanted check), the line moved swiftly and with one agent working the line to address simple issues without having to go the to counter. Anyway, the trip was cancelled, the tickets are good for a year, I'll use them later...although maybe next time I'll go Acela read more

I haven't been on Amtrak since I was in fifth grade en route to DC for the annual safety patrol field trip from FL. So when my friend suggested it instead of flying or driving up to Boston, I was taken aback....both by the suggestion and why haven't I considered Amtrak in the past? This Amtrak station was super easy to find coming from the metro and they have tons of self serve kiosks to get your tickets from pre-boarding. All the employees I dealt with were pretty friendly but the boarding process seemed a little skewed. There was a huge line but no one really knew if it was for the right train so it was like the blind leading the blind. My main gripe is that they don't have reserved seats in coach so it's first come first serve and some people are jerks and take up the aisle seat and won't let anyone else sit there. The conductors come through and check your ticket right after departure however the whole no security no x ray thing is off putting. Maybe it's just me and I've seen a movie where a bomb just magically goes off? On the flip side, the nice thing is you can bring food and drink with you instead of handing over some of your hard earned money to the food cart (which closed right before you get to Penn Station in NYC) The Northeast regional was an eight hr trip from Washington DC and even though the chairs were semi comfortable with it's recliners, my booty still aches. With the train you also get superb people watching. There were more normal people than i expected but also some weird ones as well. If you're not in the quiet car, you get to hear awesome conversations and people watch at the same time. Like today, across from me was a dude clutching onto a bag of hot dog buns and that's while I listened to a woman talk about some man named Dominick and his feet soaking ritual. The quiet car is a nice touch but it's more crowded than other cars due to the whole silence is golden thing. Restrooms were quite spacious and had me wondering if some people attempt the mile high club, do others attempt the rail trail club? Next time I will definitely check out the Acela route from going to DC to NYC or Boston, it's alot faster than the regular line and still a reasonable price. read more