Riding the Amtrak train out of town. Amtrak is a convenient option to driving when going up north. The train station nearest to me, BWI, is a 20 minute drive. The platform has stairs and elevator access. There was seating in the platform as well. The trains are usually on time with delays of usually a few minutes. We had coach tickets, which are unassigned seating, you usually get on and find the first available seat. The business class seats are assigned seating at an additional cost. The ride proves to be a reliable form of transportation, which at times can be lower than a plane ticket. There is a cafe cart onboard to grab a snack and/or drink. In the Moynihan Train Hall in NYC, there is "Red Cap" service available for those who would like assistance with their luggage. It's an additional cost and well worth it if you have heavier bags and would like first dibs on a seat on your train (especially if you are riding in coach class). Their desk is located near the ticketed waiting lounge and they are identifiable by their red hats/hoodies (NOTE: Make sure you checkin at the desk to get an official red cap associate). All in all, a nice transportation alternative when traveling. read more

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I am adding one star for Jermaine Jones of Amtrak Penn Station, who is a combined greeter, traffic director, guide, entertainer, and motivational speaker, herding passengers into lines and entertaining the entire train hall. I just wish the Amtrak employees in NJ who couldn't wait one minute for a disabled passenger had 1/1000th of the humanity. I also wish that the only thing I could count on with Amtrak weren't that 99.9% of the time, my train will be canceled, delayed, broken down, or all of the above. read more

First I need to say I lOVE train travel but I got on the train on Dec. 6 with my daughter. I had lost my phone so I did not hv a ticket. I thought I could buy one at the kiosk in Brunswick but it wasn't working. I got on the train and the ticket taker RYAN IRISH told me without any questioning or "costumer service" that I would need to get off the train in Portland. I tried to purchase tickets over the phone but was running into trouble with fraud alerts because I was using my daughter's phone and the circumstances were unusual. I basically needed more time.This guy was menacing while I tried. I was understandably stressed out and got angry. He told me that it wasn't his fault I didn't have a ticket and treating me like a criminal he asked my daughter who was crying at this point if I was really her mother... What is wrong with this man?? I then got off the train explained my situation to another employee who told me to go but my tickets inside which did but that RYAN IRISH would not let me get back on the train. This man was noticeably abusive to me. He should not be working with people. I am actually scared to get back on the train now. read more

Don't you guys feel shameful that you are delayed so frequently and disrupted customers' travel plans so often and without a simple apology? I am really tired of Amtrak's crappy service and ignorant customer service. You operate like a scam! read more

This station Iselin/MetroPark is easy access from the Garden State Parkway at exit 131 that says MetroPark. This is the same station used by NJ Transit. I have used this station many times over the years picking my daughter up when she came home from Boston or other family members. It is an easy station to navigate thru. If picking up there is a parking area for free short term parking so you can meet your person. They also have a parking lot and I have left my car there as long as 4 days. Just make sure if you use the parking lot to hold onto to your ticket, don't leave in the car because after you return from your excursion you enter the garage and pay. Keep that paid ticket so you have it exiting the parking garage with your car. There is a ticket office here which has a coffee stand, a small news stand and seating to wait inside for your train. There are ticket machines for self service outside for NJ transit riders. Traveling on Amtrak you probably bought a ticket ahead of time on line or by phone, however if you didn't you can go inside to NJ transit ticket booth and get a ticket there. Suggest to buy ahead if you can as it is much cheaper. Elevator or stairs to take you up to the platform to catch your train. Whether heading to Boston or Phili via Amtrak or into NYC with AMTRAK I have had good experiences. Now onto to talking about the Acela train by AMTRAK, great way to travel as it is more express and doesn't stop at every station on the route. The ride is smoother and saves you time depending on the route. If you book ahead the cost isn't that much more, but last minute you can pay much more and saving an hour may not be worth it. I always find the conductors very courteous and helpful. read more

I've taken Amtrak twice in my life now (getting muy adventurous), this being the second. Just a short trip from Philadelphia to New York City, and have to say it was so pleasant. The train ride itself was so quiet, calm, and collected. Not to mention the cleanest trains I've ever been on...passenger train or otherwise. A totally convenient way to get from city to city - particularly from my origin to destination. As for the actual process of boarding in Philly: Totally easy. Gorgeous station, and speedy process - although I will say I still get quite unnerved - probably unnecessarily, at not having to go through any security or having bags checked. I mean I appreciated the expedited boarding process, but just a little surprised given all the violence and such currently going on in our world. Will most certainly consider Amtrak again...for this or any other travel destinations. read more

The Amtrak Acela may be the fastest and most convenient way to get from NY/NJ to Washington DC, but the non-assigned seating thing can be a real bummer at times. When I travel this corridor for work, I almost always travel with colleagues who board at different stations along the route. Because Amtrak discourages holding seats for people, it can often be impossible to get seats next to one another. This could be solved so easily by just letting passengers pick their seats at the time of ticketing -- just like on an airplane. What's so ironic is that the trains have aisle/window numbered seating, plus a digital display capable of showing a passenger's last name assigned to the seat. When I asked the conductor why they don't use the system, he explained that they paid a ton of money to install it, but could never get it to work, so they gave up on it. (smh) I guess I shouldn't be surprised given that Amtrak is publicly funded, and any time the government gets involved in just about anything involving money, well, they screw it up. (See also: the U.S. Postal System.) All my griping aside, I do enjoy kicking back with a drink on the train, catching up on work, and soaking in some of the beautiful scenery along the way. It still beats flying. read more

We bought a first class tickets...on website was write about personal cabins, good service...when we came to train I was shocked!!! U haven't personal seats , u was with husband and we must to seat at different place ! Was so ugly!!! Waiters can't clean my seat, was so slowly !!! We paid 1.222$ one way !!! It was hell!!!! read more

Worst customer service ever! I missed my train by less than an hour due to a flat tire. I tried to call as it was happening, had 6 minutes wait time, and was disconnectedness I waited to get TJ train station where I thought they would help me. NO, I was told to call Amtrak and again on hold for another 10 minutes, causing me to miss the net train. Then would not let me put my already paid fate towards a new ticket. I had to buy a completely new ticket!!! Absolutely disgusting, I was treated terribly and will NEVER take Amtrak again! read more