41 replies to this topic

[Amtrak Watcher]

It depends on the train and even more on you. I've taken the exact same train (but with another name) between both points you specify, and consider Business Class, in this instance, worth it. But I only travel with Amtrak on business trips, and appreciate the increased likelihood that Business Class affords of empty seats. I often need the space to accommodate my laptop and books. I'm confused over the name of the train. Someone else on this forum can be more reassuring for you.

[Amfleet]

B-51 an active member on the boards has said the Palmetto Business Class usually runs a light load. It is a referbished Amfleet II Coach which means 60 seats per car, 2 on each side, foot and calf rests, overhead luggage racks, reading lights, and 2 restrooms at one end of the car. The "extras" included in Business Class are complemtry non-alcoholic beverages, evening movies on the overhead televisions, pillow, and blanket. The Palmetto does have a Cafe Lounge with a choice of meal selections plus snacks and other beverages.

This is one of the only trains I would recomend taking Business Class as the ones on short-distance trains are nothing more than Coach with free drinks. Hope this helps. B)

[Amfleet]

It was only the Silver Palm for a short while (1997-2002??). Before the Palmetto I believe was a daylight train between New York and Savanah, GA.

[Amtrak Watcher]

Amfleet said it well. This particular train has an especially nice business class service. As one who has selected business class on just about all the routes available (Cascades, Surfliner, etc.), this one is the most likely to seem worth the extra money.

As an asside, I generally buy business class on any route where its available (even the ones where there doesn't seem to be much of a reason to), just to get the AC power outlet for my laptop and the increased possibility of an empty seat nearby.

[Amfleet]

Some other routes I suggest Business Class would be the Vermonter and Downeaster. Mainly becasue they use the ex-Metroliner/Northeast Direct First Class cars. I aslo beleive the Pennsylvanian will have these cars which should enhance the Business Class "experience". Trains to avoid Business Class would be any Acela Regional or Midwest trian. Can't speak for the West though.

[Amtrak Watcher]

I like the GPS maps on the Cascade. The Cascade can get very crowded when the folks from Portland go to Seattle for certain sports events.

There are two seats on each side of the isle on the Surfliner in business class, but many are empty and all have an AC power outlet. There are free goodies to eat at one end of the car, free newspapers, and somebody brings a box lunch or supper (with free wine if you like) to your seat at meal time. There are some "entertainment centers" in the seat backs, but I've never seen them working. the Surfliner business class can get a bit crowded on weekends. It's an especially nice ride, and lots better than driving from Los Angeles to San Diego and back on a nice weekend.

I'm a sucker for business class. If it's available, I'm buying it.

[battalion51]

As Amfleet alluded to I have ridden the Palmetto a couple of times before (the last being at the end of July). Nonetheless here is what can be expected from Palmetto Business Class, the car is located towards the front of the train, ahead of the lounge, but behind the baggage car. The cars are all refurbished up to Concept 2000 Standards (the blue and grey style). The car features movies on TV screens (the TVs are up in the baggage racks) which are kept silent. You can access the audio for the TVs (or the limited music library) by connecting headphones to an outlet in the arm rest (similar to the style used on Boeing 757's, 767's, and 777's but these take regular headphones). Despite the music being offered I would still recommend bringing a CD player (or something along those lines). Towards the rear of the car (by the restrooms) is a cooler which has complimentary beverages and coffee, you may recieve a copy of USA Today, but I'm not sure if this is still offered. Business Class also offers one main adavantage over Coach, not as many people. Because so few people use Business Class there are plenty of empty seats (which is more of a key if you are travelling solo overnight). Also be advised that until Febuary 19 this schedule change is in effect for the NB Palmetto. Enjoy the trip!

[Long Train Runnin']

S Trains to avoid Business Class would be any Acela Regional or Midwest trian. Can't speak for the West though.

Hi - I read this in your quote...why do you say to avoid business class on any Acela Regional? I'm traveling Newark,NJ to Baltimore, MD. Is that what you're referring to?

This thread is 7 years old.

[the_traveler]

And now the "regular" trains are called "Northeast Regionals" (although many including myself just say Regionals). The "fast" trains are "Acela Express".

[caravanman]

I was a bit confused too, by the reference to B-51 as fairly active.. all now clear given the age of the posts. Guess that is something to check first every time, the date!

Ed.

[the_traveler]

The California trains probably arent worth the extra money but Ive only been on the Surfliners, not positive about about the others??

That's the only CA trains that have BC! There is no BC on the SJ or CC trains - or on the Thruway buses!

I personally would say the Cascades in the northwest are worth the extra $ for BC!

[uptheirons29]

I'm all for business class travel too here in the West, and you all are right, the Surfliner biz class arent all that and a bag of chips, except for that old Amfleet one which I did rode back from Santa Barbara back to LA in 2004. I got to meet the starting goalie of the UCLA women's team in that ride, along with her roommate, one of the midfielders, and that was pretty neat. I like the leather seats and serene, old school feeling of the single level car. I've also been on the Cascades Biz class, and that was very nice....love that Talgo. I'll be on the Wolverine business class next month from K-Zoo to Chicago....is that train's business class worth the extra money, as opposed to the Surfliners?