Recent content by cfsnowy

There used to be a commuter bus from BWI to Annapolis, but that ended several years ago. There's a commuter bus from DC, though not directly from Union Station as far as I can tell: http://mta.maryland.gov/sites/default/files/220CommuterLineForWeb.pdf. For what it's worth, Annapolis appears to...

I've never booked a long distance train, but hope to do so one day. For me, I'd rather eat in the roomette because I prefer being alone-although eating with people wouldn't be a deal breaker-BUT... my size would make sitting in the booth uncomfortable or maybe even impossible for me, not to...

Seems like there's no way to tell. I'd prefer to eat alone, but don't necessarily want to ask for my meal to be brought to the roomette. I guess I'll have to play it by ear.

The Red Caps at NYP are excellent, and well worth the tips. I really like Mr. O'Sullivan, if he hasn't retired yet.

In order to make the connection to the 8:15 AM Adirondack, I'd need to take the 110 from BWI at 4:25AM (yes, Amtrak lets you...I checked the website). Staff doesn't show up at the station until 5AM, and I have a hard time being that far off the road at an unstaffed station. No kidding, it...

Thanks, everybody. I didn't price it out until after I'd already asked the question. You're right, it isn't the best use of an AGR redemption. I'd just go ahead and pay cash and collect points. And yes, the actual BWI station is pretty remote. It's way back off a busy road, and the platform...

I'm thinking about a weekend trip to Montreal sometime in February using AGR points. Can the NE Corridor and Adirondack be considered a single Northeast Zone? Additionally, unless I take a VERY early train from BWI (not really an option, given how remote the station is), I won't be able to make...

I'm not proud to admit this, but I absolutely have to have Nathan's corn dog nuggets when I'm at NYP. Can anything be worse for you? Nuggets, fries and a drink for around $7-8. Very thankful there isn't a Nathan's anywhere close to where I live!

To me, it's well worth the tip to a Red Cap to get around in Penn Station, because I have a totally unreasonable fear of escalators. I usually ask on the train heading to NYP that they call ahead to have a Red Cap meet me downstairs at track level. Even when I don't, there's usually one down...

Thanks again for all the advice. You folks really are the Font of All Knowledge. I really don't need to use a lift; I'll just take my time going down the steps and hope I don't have somebody in a hurry behind me.

High level platforms...that's the term I couldn't remember. Thanks for all the help, folks. Looks like I'll need to start practicing going down steps for future trips when I run into low level platforms.

I'm sure I could phrase this better, but I hope you'll know what I mean. Most of my Amtrak experience is the NEC between BWI and NYP. At both of those stations, I've been able to step directly from the train onto the platform. However, I've seen videos of other stations/other routes where...