New Member, Hey

[MattASI]

Good Day all. I'm just a guy who's been interested in trains, especially passenger ones, for much of my life now. Came across this forum some time ago, and finally decided to sign up. Live out in the western US, but I'm planning to take a trip down to Boston on the Downeaster as part of planned family reunion I'm going to.

It's a Pleasure to meet you all.

 

[pennyk]

Welcome to Amtrak Unlimted.

 

[AmtrakMaineiac]

Good Day all. I'm just a guy who's been interested in trains, especially passenger ones, for much of my life now. Came across this forum some time ago, and finally decided to sign up. Live out in the western US, but I'm planning to take a trip down to Boston on the Downeaster as part of planned family reunion I'm going to.

It's a Pleasure to meet you all.

Consider going Business Class on the Downeaster it has more comfortable seating including single seats if you are traveling alone, and free non alcoholic drinks.

 

[fdaley]

Consider going Business Class on the Downeaster it has more comfortable seating including single seats if you are traveling alone, and free non alcoholic drinks.

The extra fare of $12 for Business Class between Portland and Boston also seems a bargain compared with the BC surcharge on most other Amtrak regional routes (the base fare is quite low too). And the last time I took it, the Downeaster cafe attendant took drink orders at our seats, which is a level of service I haven't seen on Amtrak BC elsewhere.

 

[AmtrakMaineiac]

The extra fare of $12 for Business Class between Portland and Boston also seems a bargain compared with the BC surcharge on most other Amtrak regional routes (the base fare is quite low too). And the last time I took it, the Downeaster cafe attendant took drink orders at our seats, which is a level of service I haven't seen on Amtrak BC elsewhere.

Yes it is a bargain. The service by the cafe attendant varies, some of them come into BC and take drink orders and deliver them, others don't and you have to go to the counter.

 

[daybeers]

Welcome! The Downeaster is one of Amtrak's best and most unique routes. Highly recommend checking out the cafe car: the menu is unique to the route and includes whoopie pies. I would also echo the recommendation of upgrading to business class.

 

[Brian Battuello]

Another vote for business class! And unfortunately people have figured it out, so as soon as you know your dates, grab some seats!

 

[joelkfla]

Consider going Business Class on the Downeaster it has more comfortable seating including single seats if you are traveling alone, and free non alcoholic drinks.

Does it feature advance seat selection?

 

[Brian Battuello]

It does not. But the seats are great!

 

[MattASI]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Unfortunately for me, this is supposed to be part of a family day trip, so I'm likely going to be joined by a number of relatives. So whether or not we're in business class or coach is going to be up to those actually organizing the whole thing. But thank you all for the recommendation, if I ever had back out that direction, I'll remember to book business.

Will definitely be checking out the cafe car though.

 

[Brian Battuello]

If you're travelling in coach with a group, y'all can go to the cafe car, buy a reasonable number of snacks and drinks and sit at the tables for four for a while. The view is a bit better than in the coaches and it is easier to talk without bothering folks around you.