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Last Aug., We were going to take Amtrak from FL to AZ, made it only to Jacksonville, FL when we were told we would have to bus it to NO to pick up the westbound train (instead of a night in a sleeper).
We got a refund, drove a rental west and were very disappointed in Amtrak-we really wanted to take the train.
Being more of an optimist(and having my sister take the route two times since then),we are going from West Palm Beach to Richmond, VA. How are our chances of success this time?
A week later after travelling by rental car, to some scenic spots, we will pick up another train in Albany, NY to Montreal,Canada.
How is this route? What happens at the border?
We really want Amtrak to succeed and people should be willing to try again after a bad experience.
posted
I too was in Florida last August and wished to travel on the Sunset. However, CSX was doing track work and they closed the line, so it was not Amtrak's fault at all. And, of course, maintenance is essential for safety.
Can't say I like the Silver Service... but you might have a better experience!
Geoff M.
Posts: 2426 | From: Apple Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000
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Two months ago I took the Silver Meteor from Winter Park Florida to New York. Everything worked very well and the train arrived 30 minutes early into Penn Station. As for Montreal, a city I know well, the only Amtrak train service is the Adirondack that departs New York in the early morning. This is a coach only train with just a snack car. Given the poor on-board amenities, and the fact that the journey takes over ten hours, I have avoided this train. However, if you can endure it, I'm told that the scenery is excellent especially during the colourful fall season.
Posts: 524 | From: Toronto Ont. Canada | Registered: Mar 2001
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Hi Maryann, I have never been on the Adirondack, but I did cross over on the Maple Leaf into Niagrara falls and this is how it went down. Keep in mind that this was pre- 9/11 so it may be more strict now. There was an anouncement a half hour or so before our arrival at Niagara Falls, ON telling us what to do. Canadian Custom's officials would board the train and spend 30-45 minutes checking passengers. We were told to be sure and use the restroom before hand as we were NOT TO LEAVE OUR SEATS during the custom's inspection. Also, we were to know the precise location of all well identified baggage. Don't forget proper identification. At the time, my original birth certificate was good enough, but now I would strongly suggest a passport, ESPECIALLY for getting back into the U.S. as that has seemed more difficult even then. You will be given a form to fill out and be sure to write legibly and be precise. Also be precise and respectful of the officials as I've gathered they appreciate a no-nonsense event. Friendly and polite Canadians to be sure, but short and professional. Don't have any fruit or other ag products with you. They will ask you what your business is in Canada, and how long you plan to stay. When I crossed at Vancouver they wanted to know how much money I had and whether I had a job back home, but in Niagara they didn't. All in all it was a pleasant experience but still a bit intimidating. Just be smart and you should have no problems. And of course don't even THINK of having anything even remotely suspicious with you. Enjoy your trip, I hear the scenery around Lake Champlain is great, and if you're lucky maybe you'll see the Nessie-like monster that supposedly lives in it!
P.S. When coming back into the U.S., remember that those guys at the border have the ultimate authority on whether or not to let you in!
Posts: 106 | Registered: Jan 2004
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I wouldn't call the Adirondack's amenities poor, Royaltrain -- although that description definitely applied to the now-vanished, Chicago to Philadelphia "Twilight Zone" version of the Pennsylvanian. All that was missing were crates of squawking chickens in the luggage racks. But it was lots of fun nonetheless.
The Adirondack is a perfectly comfortable, well-maintained train -- and the amenities (Amfleet coaches and a cafe car with booth-style tables) are what you'll find on every all-coach train in the East.
The scenery is what sets it apart from the others. The Adirondack is one of Amtrak's most beautiful routes. During the spring and autumn, in particular, I've found it actually rivals the Coast Starlight.
Unfortunately, since the original poster and her family will be boarding at Albany, they'll miss the most spectacular part of the route (the Hudson River between New York City and Albany). But the ride through the Adirondacks and views of huge Lake Champlain (sit on the right side of the train) are worth the price of the ticket.
As for border formalities, take a look at the recent discussion on this forum called "Border Crossings and Upgrades."
[This message has been edited by dilly (edited 02-14-2004).]
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Hi all, I really appreciate all that typing to give me soo much info.
I am looking forward to the 2 trains this Oct. I won't miss any scenery as our car travel will take us thru VA, PA, NY (the part, also, from Newburgh to Albany along the Hudson).
We will be ready for the border Xing-with passports and no food, etc. Hope all our fellow passengers do the same and reduce time at the border.
Last year the delux b'room WPB to AZ was $579 (2 1/2 days travel), this year the same b'room was over $800 fr WPB to Richmond(20 hrs travel!). So we took the standard for $319- big price difference!
We won't be going back to US on the train as we will be going by ship back to FLL, so just one border Xing on Amtrak.
Last year we crossed from Idaho to Alberta- just looked at passports and asked some questions-very smooth. Thanks again.
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