photo by Jennifer
Ann asks:
“Would appreciate hearing from folks about Amtrak on-time performance from DC to NYC and back. How long have delays lasted? Should I take a bus instead?”
Some early responses:
“Always been pretty smooth and no major issues for me. So much better than the bus.”
“Not a regular commuter on the train but I’ve experienced those heat-related slowdowns. Early morning trips are a good recommendation!”
“It’s been good enough. There are usually some delays. I budget in a half hour to be safe. Depends on the price, but if it’s close, the train is way better than a bus, especially if you take the acela. Trains do needlessly slow down sometimes in small towns and farmland for no apparent reason.”
“Echoing what others have said – generally within 5-20 minutes of scheduled arrival. Can take a few minutes to emerge from the station(s) so factor that into your timing.”
“It’s generally fine and within 20-30 minutes. Once in a while there’s a meltdown but those are infrequent.”
“More variables on a bus with traffic than with the train.”
“I usually take it a few times a year. Never had a serious delay. Actual arrival time vs scheduled usually between 5-30 minutes.
Booking far out also helpful in terms of cost.”
“i’ve taken it a few times and it’s been very timely both directions. on the way to NYC i i’ve always been on one of the first trains in the morning though so that could be a factor”
“I’ve always had good experiences on NY-DC trains, but if traveling in summer important to know trains slow down when tracks heat above a certain temperature-I’d expect delays during upcoming heatwave”