Boston to New York

Me and the present Mrs Treelo are visiting Boston and New York (including a trip to Toronto) next Spring. We intend flying to Boston, taking a drive to Toronto, few days in Boston then taking Amtrak to NYC. The question is - do I need to book the Amtrak journey before we leave UK or is it best do it in Boston before the Toronto part of the trip[?]

While we are fairly au fait with the southeast and the west coasts, this is our first stay in the northeast so advice would be appreciated.

[honey lamb]

A couple of years ago (maybe four) I tried to book an Amtrak ticket from NYC to Washington on-line. I couldn't do it and was told to call a 1-800 number to book. Naive that I was [:I] (it was my first trip to the USA) I did. I was getting along famously till the lady at the other end of the phone asked for my zip code. I explained that we don't have anything that equates to zip codes over here (we don't yet have postal codes and in fact a letter sent to me with just the name of the town would in all probability reach me) She however was of the opinion that not having a zip code was incompatible with life [:0] and told me she could not complete the booking without an American zip code [ii]. The problem was solved by my going to the station and booking the ticket there and then when I arrived in NYC. No problem. I did the same thing a couple of years later on taking the Amtrak from Washington to EWR for our return flight.

[ChuckC]

Hi Treelo,
The Amtrak service between Boston and New York is frequent and so there's no worry about actually getting a seat. However, if you wish to have a reserved seat, I'd recommend booking ahead at http://www.amtrak.com.

If you have questions about NYC I'm certain there are many of us on the Forum only too willing to assist.

Chuck-

[honey lamb]

Originally posted by ChuckC
Hi Treelo,
The Amtrak service between Boston and New York is frequent and so there's no worry about actually getting a seat. However, if you wish to have a reserved seat, I'd recommend booking ahead at http://www.amtrak.com.

Chuck-

Except, Chuck, he would probably run into the same problems I did, unless they've refined the site to accept overseas bookings.

I ve bee looking into this recently. haven't booked yet but I see the web site does allow you to choose a foreign ( non USA) addrees although still asks for state and zip code. Appears they will only mail to a US address but you can opt to collect from a machine.( put in your CC out come tickets.)

Not all stations have machines but I beleive NY Penn and Boston South do

Acela Express seem best bet First and Business seats only and faster than regional train allthough a little more expensive.

Boston will also allow you to retrieve tickets via machine. Do try to book the fast train: Acela, first class if you can manage it. It's a pleasant journey and lovely coastal scenery as it flies down the eastern seaboard.
Er..wondering why the drive to Toronto--now there's some scenery worth giving a miss (unless you are a big fan of flat). I'd much prefer the quick flight to the long drive. That is why airplanes were created?
RR

Originally posted by honey lamb
Except, Chuck, he would probably run into the same problems I did, unless they've refined the site to accept overseas bookings.

I've definitely been able to book a train trip on http://www.amtrak.com before now, without any problems. I've not tried it for about 18 months though and maybe they've since changed the booking engine to be unfriendly to foreigners?

It's a serious problem with some US-designed booking engines - when you select a non-US country, it should switch off the "required" items for zip code and state.

Cheers,
Mike

Thanks, as usual, for the advice guys. This forum is sooooooooo friendly and helpful. Think I'll try booking Amtrak seats and see if I encounter the same problems as honey lamb, although mike-smashing seemed to manage OK. P'raps things have changed since you tried honey lamb:)

road runner:

I want to drive to Toronto because I love driving - simple as that - and have never done the trip before. We'll stop off along the way and see some new places which we obviously couldn't see from the air.

Chuck:

Thanks for the offer of advice. I have had some already from other forum members, but I may take you up on your offer later.[y]

Also booked Amtrak no problem from the UK. The Web site isn't hugely friendly but it does work.

My advice, book in advance just so you know, and consider first class, it's not that much more than standard.

Enjoy your trip.

[honey lamb]

P'raps things have changed since you tried honey lamb

Hopefully

Well if you must drive--best do it from the Canadian side-- Niagara Falls is lovely on the northerly side, and lodging, dining are far better. The US side is Route 90--which has literal high points--1700 plus feet in Blandford, Mass not reached again until South Dakota. A v. popular route back in prairie schooner days as is easy in the oxen.

RR

Acela Express is great - like the Eurostar but even more space.

For a short journey like Boston to NYC, its not much more to upgrade to F. Complimentary drinks if I recall and the train attendant help with the bags when boarding. Beats all the TSA delays and removal of belts and shoes.

Arrange to pick up ticket from machine at railway station. You insert your credit card and all the tickets you purchased come out. Never had a problem booking with a UK credit card.

Originally posted by Treelo
Me and the present Mrs Treelo are visiting Boston and New York (including a trip to Toronto) next Spring. We intend flying to Boston, taking a drive to Toronto, few days in Boston then taking Amtrak to NYC. The question is - do I need to book the Amtrak journey before we leave UK or is it best do it in Boston before the Toronto part of the trip[?]

While we are fairly au fait with the southeast and the west coasts, this is our first stay in the northeast so advice would be appreciated.

I used Amtrak to travel between Washington DC and NYC last year. Booked the tickets before I left the UK and it was a matter of no more than inputting my reservation number into an automatic machine at the station to get the tickets. Would imagine the process would be the same for your route.

Thanks for that catsilversword - and all other posters - I think I'll book the train before I leave UK.

[ChuckC]

Originally posted by Treelo
Thanks for that catsilversword - and all other posters - I think I'll book the train before I leave UK.

And, as others have said, Treelo, you can certainly use the automatic ticket machine in the station to print your ticket. You will need a credit card and, in case the machine doesn't work, your reservation number to show to the agent at the ticket counter.

Chuck-

Chuck, [y]