posted
the best new little station is in pensacola fl. it was built when they extended the sunset to miami back in 97 or so. i usually leave from milwaukee and havent been there since last summer. does anybody know if they finally started the renovation? also sturdevant. these were suppose to take place years ago but i have seen no progress.
Posts: 175 | From: FENCE WI USA | Registered: Oct 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Love Portland, Oregon Amtrak Station! Very passenger friendly, 1800s atmosphere, spacious and great first class waiting rooms with coffee, sodas, etc. Plenty of baggage assistance.
Posts: 133 | From: Florida, U.S.A. | Registered: May 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
PDX had a Christmas themed train set up in the main concourse when I was there in December. I guess I'll put in a vote here for PDX. Especially the Metropolitan Lounge. Nice place to watch trains if you pull back the curtains. In my heart of hearts, though, I'd have to go with LAUPT or, when the Del Mar Station people get done with it, Pasadena.
Frank in rainy, yes again, SBA.
Posts: 2160 | From: Santa Barbara, CA, USA | Registered: Oct 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Came across this old posting, since I love Train Stations I thought we might revisit this survey. I'd like to recomend the New Haven Union Station in CT. It's architecture is similiar to Utica Station. I believe the character of a city/town can be judged on how it keeps its train station.
Posts: 516 | From: New Haven, CT USA | Registered: Feb 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
How about a catagory - "No longer a train station but still in Good Use". I nominate, though I am partial, Mt Clare Station in Baltimore, former B&0 station now home to the Maryland Art Institute...only station built in a hole in the ground!! Also, Ellicott City, MD and Sykesville, MD. Both ex-B&O stations in small towns on the original "Old Line". Ellicott City is now a RR Museum worth visiting if ever in the Baltimore area. Sykesville Station is now an up scale restaurant "Baldwin's" named after the designer and builder of both the Ellicott City and Sykesville stations.
Posts: 34 | From: Carroll County, MD | Registered: Oct 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
This is very old--before I took my western trips and got to see so much more of Amtrak's offerings. Union Station in DC is still probably my favorite Amtrak station, but I have to say I really liked Portland, Oregon, a whole lot, especially the outside. And the staff there were SO nice! The first-class lounge was very very comfortable, and I even got to see a Taglo while I was waiting. Chicago Union Station is huge and attractive, although some of the prettier parts seem underused. But I loved seeing it from the water, taking the architecture tour--a lot of what you see there is not the Amtrak part but the Metra trains, but it really is almost like Venice! I haven't been back to 30th St Philadelphia since I last posted (hope to go later this year) but I do like that one pretty well. I did get a chance to see a bit of Kansas City when the SW Chief stopped there for about 40 minutes, and I liked that one a lot too. Also on the SW Chief line, I liked the Flagstaff station pretty well (including the Gandyman statue outside) and the smaller station of Lamy, NM (very restful and pleasant). And even though it's a little shabby, I still like West Palm Beach for its Spanish/Caribbean feel.
Harpers Ferry, which I've only seen from the train, has got to be the one of the most picturesque locations for any train station. Other stations with nice views of scenery, buildings, etc., from the platform or train were Winter Park FL, by the green; Kissimmee FL; the stop before Tampa (Lakeland?); Glenwood Springs CO; Truckee CA; Eugene OR; Dodge City KS; Rhinecliff NY; West Glacier MT (I think it was that one but I am mixing up the 3 Glacier Park stops and actually I think the others were nice too). The areas around Altoona, FL, Okeechoobee FL, Vancouver WA, Toledo OH, and Quantico VA also have good views, but I cannot remember if you see them from the station or before pulling in or out. Poughkeepsie NY has been fixed up much more nicely than it used to be! (it's a Metro North terminus too). And if you go upstairs from the platform area, the Albany NY station (actually in Rensselaer NY) has a nice view of downtown Albany across the Hudson; the new station is also quite nice as new stations go. I don't remember Utica, but Syracuse looked pretty nice too, though I saw it only from the train. I've been getting more daring in exploring stations when we stop for a little longer, so I also had a chance to explore Orlando more fully on my last FL trip, and liked it much better than what I'd seen before from just the train.
Of non-Amtrak stations, Quebec City in Canada and Grand Central in NY are my favorites; I am planning to take the tour of the latter the next time I am in NYC on a Wednesday. I also recently saw the Hoboken NJ station and was impressed; Newark NJ, OTOH, though all right, was not as nice as I had been led to believe. Ottawa Canada has a nice modern station, but I don't see why it's so far from downtown--I really don't understand why any train stations are so far from downtown. And Montreal isn't bad, the approach across the St Lawrence is great fun, and it definitely has the best food! Denver station was a little disappointing on the inside--serviceable enough, but a bit bare and barrackslike; however, the outside is quite impressive, esp the one-point perspective as you approach (which I think I saw in that film). Sacramento is also a little spare inside but nice enough, and close to some neat things to explore. Cleveland is a nice new train station, well located, but inside could be nicer. Minneapolis (St Paul) and Miami seemed modern but more comfortable; I noticed Minneapolis had a little first-class lounge, which was a surprise to me. Croton-Harmon NY is very nice in a modern way; it's a Metro North station as well as Amtrak.
Pittsburgh has kept its gorgeous old building, but the actual Amtrak area isn't so nice; in Albuquerque, the adjoining bus terminal is amazingly nice, and at first I thought it was the train station. When I saw the actual Amtrak area , that dumpy little thing (looking more like my usual idea of a bus terminal!), I was not very impressed. I also didn't like Jacksonville much, in the middle of nowhere and not particularly attractive either; and Fort Lauderdale looked very dumpy from the train. Atlanta is nice enough but way too small for the number of people there when I was. I really didn't notice the stations as much as I should have in Charleston and Savannah when I went to those cities, and since then have always been sleeping when I go through; however, I do recall they were both a little too far from the downtown area.
The most disappointing station for me was Salt Lake City; I stayed up late to see it and then when we got there, there was nothing there!!!
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
you didn't say, but it is implied we only cite the stations we've actually seen/used. So: Most Overwhelming: Washington Union. Works on so many levels- as a train station(LD, commuter, corridor). access, the Metro, buses, and Tourmobiles stop there. Amenities. not a bad place to spend a layover; it even has cinemas. As well as the aforementioned shopping and restaurants. Second place: Grand Central. Included because Amtrak "sometimes" uses it. The Great Hall with the constellations painted on it (backwards) is a fine touch. Third: Toronto Union. Its huge vaulted ceiling ringed with the names of Canadian cities served by Canada's two great railroads seems sad, given some are not now served by VIA. This station is to get a major renovation along the lines of Washington Union. Most picturesque: Bridgeport, CT. A surprise I found as my Acela Express waited for time. A relatively small station for the NEC, but a gem. Second place: San Diego. A pretty little jewel box filled with everything a traveler needs, and the red trolleys stop right there. Third: Boston South. An early 20th century bldg. that's mostly hollow, but nicely filled with vendors, a first class lounge, and a full view of the trains through the picture windows. Most contemporary: Oakland Jack London. I didn't get to spend hardly any time in this one, because the Thruway coach connection to S.F. was there as I got off the C.Z., and the C. S. was waiting when I got to the station the next week. Thoroughly modern, though. In most need of a facelift(if they haven't already): Charlottesville, VA. Broken windows, peeling paint on the waiting room; no wonder the doors stayed locked. Most conveniently located: Grand Central, N.Y. C. 42nd Street, Lex Ave Subway, buses & taxis galore. Second place: Williamsburg, VA. A combined station with Greyhound, a 2 block walk from the Colonial area and William and Mary College. Least conveniently located: Wells, ME. A tiny modern depot in the middle of NOTHING! A $20 cab ride to Kennebunkport. Second place: Richmond, VA. (Staples Mill Station). For 3 decades this Amshack was Richmond's only Amtrak station, in the suburbs 20 miles from downtown. City buses stop 3 blocks from (but not at night or weekends). At least there are some eateries in the strip mall 2 blocks down the street. Most historic: Flagstaff Santa FE. Well preserved (perhaps unintentionally) feel of the Old West as you await the SWC. Second place: Richmond, VA. (Main Street Station) A work in progress, this station serves some Corridor trains that pass beside it on tracks elevated to the second story. This is because its neighborhood is in a flood plain.The bldg is a century-old Beaux Arts copy of a French Chateau, with a roof full of cupolas and gingerbread-like filigree, a clock tower that Interstate 95 nearly touches, and a trainshed in the rear. The surrounding area is Richmond's nightclub-restaurant district. I realize this is biased toward the East, but I felt I should boost my part of the Country.
Posts: 510 | From: Richmond VA USA | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Oops, I forgot : The "Don't go outside the Station Building " Award. Washington Union. (at night) Yes, the Capital Dome is pretty seen from the front of the station, but DO NOT go to it at night, unless you are in a large group or you happen to be Batman. Second place: New Orleans Union. Or WAS, before Katrina. And second place Most conveniently located: Chicago Union. Next door to the Sears Tower. Ya can't miss it! Williamsburg, VA should have been third.
Posts: 510 | From: Richmond VA USA | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
While we're on this topic, I can't resist mentioning LA's Greyhound terminal in the heart of what is arguably the worst skid row in America. I know it's not RR, but sometimes Amtrak passengers need to go here. Don't go for a sightseeing stroll in this 'hood please, unless you have a CCW and what goes with it.
Posts: 588 | From: East San Diego County, CA | Registered: Oct 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
You folks who've chosen Washington's Union Station must be relying on the concourse, rotunda and other "public" areas; because the "business" end of the station...at least that portion through which the Crescent transits the Nation's Capitol is a disaster and a downright shame. You might as well consider Toledo beautiful, because it's platforms most nearly mirror the LD platforms at Washington
Posts: 83 | From: MERRIMAC,MA | Registered: Feb 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Change at Jamaica -- I am not sure what you mean about Washington DC Union Station -- what is the "business end?" I agree with other posters that this is a beautiful station, considering its conventient location, its dozens and dozens of shops, restaurants, etc., its Club Acela 1st class Lounge, and its nice covered platforms.
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
Change at Jamaica: Yes, that is what I'm focusing on. But I am not sure which part you mean. The platforms where I've always arrived (usually on a Regional) or waited (the Florida or one time the Crescent) seemed fine to me. What part do you mean?
Jerome: I've had dinner in the Union Station area between Union Station and Capitol at night and never found it too unsafe. Of course, this was 9 or 10 o'clock; I'm not sure what time you mean. I guess it also depends on which direction and street you mean. But there are some pretty nice hotels between Union Station and the Capitol (I know one has a nice Irish bar called the Dubliners in it) and a restaurant called La Colline in that area and so on.
Posts: 2642 | From: upstate New York | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Here's one station that's no longer on the Amtrak network, yet modestly attractive nonetheless: D.U.D., aka Duluth Union Depot, in Duluth, MN. It has the Lake Superior Transport Museum contained within. It's done in the French Norman style, and looks like a chalet. it has the capacity to serve 60 trains per day. http://www.duluthdepot.org/
-------------------- "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one corner of the Earth all one's life." Posts: 506 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Mar 2002
| IP: Logged |
quote:Originally posted by RRRICH: Change at Jamaica -- I am not sure what you mean about Washington DC Union Station -- what is the "business end?" I agree with other posters that this is a beautiful station, considering its conventient location, its dozens and dozens of shops, restaurants, etc., its Club Acela 1st class Lounge, and its nice covered platforms.
The through platforms at the east end of the station, used by the LD trains for points south and the Regional trains continuing to Newport News, as well as the VRE trains. Platforms themselves are very ugly and the corridors inside the station leading to them are like hospital corridors (though at least they have large windows looking down on the tracks). Boarding the Crescent is nothing like boarding the Capitol Limited.
Posts: 76 | Registered: Jul 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Changeatjamaica and abefroman329, you are right about the platforms used by the Southbound passengers. That seems to be a part of the station remodeling they forgot to complete. A far cry from the platform used by Acela Express passengers! That one reminds me of a futuristic airport. But the platform/ramp takes about 20-25% of the total station experience. And far fewer passengers use that section, as most travel to/from the NEC. Speaking of Greyhound, I notice the bus station attached to Boston South is even more attractive than the train station! How often does this happen?
Posts: 510 | From: Richmond VA USA | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Mr. Nicholson, I very strongly disagree with you about Bridgeport. To me it is the pits! When arriving from the south you have to take the elevator ,if it is working, down drag your bags through a tunnel under the tracks to the street. There is no parking and anyone meeting you has to sit in a locked car waiting because it is in a terrible part of town. Frankly I find absolutely nothing pleasing about it. It isn't even an Amtrak station. It's for commuter trains. You can't check baggage, get a redcap or buy a ticket. I guess it proves the fact that oeople's opinions do differ. As to all the complaints about DC I guess I am one who doesn't care about the looks of the platform. Maybe that is because we always get taken out to the train by the people mover.I love the inside. the restaurants offer so much choice and the shops are great for browsing. The lounge is so comfortable. I think one of the more horrible ones is Birmingham Al followed by Charleston, SC
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
| IP: Logged |
Thank you for your kind words about Bridgeport Ct, we here in CT don't often hear many good things about Bridgeport. What is best about the Bridgeport Station is the view of the Bridgeport Harbor and the small modern baseball stadium "Home of the Bridgeport Bluefish." The trains, Amtrak and Metro North pass behind the right field wall.
I love the Richmond Main Street Station it is restored along with area, its not just clubs and restraunts but they have restored the old water canal with tour boats right over the three level track. Cudoes for Richmonds use of the old Union Station now a Science Musueum but with many of the train station signs and areas kept up.
Posts: 516 | From: New Haven, CT USA | Registered: Feb 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thanks. BTW, Richmond Union is still a working station-kinda. The American Orient Express uses it on its "Antebellum South" tour by backing onto the single remaining track behind the station from the RF&P railyard near the Staples Mill Station. It stays there a couple of nights during the tour.
Posts: 510 | From: Richmond VA USA | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
If it hasn't been said already then I'll say it. Worst Amtrak station of them all......
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nothing more then an old Santa Fe MOW building used for the station. Such a large city and hub of the southwest deserves better. Maybe if the Rail Runner becomes successful the city might see the need for a better long distance terminal....but seems unlikely. Poor ABQ
-------------------- Matt Visit gallery for photos of our train layouts Posts: 579 | From: San Bernardino Subdivison | Registered: Dec 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I used the Anbuquerque statiion once, and the only reason I didn't list it as one of the worst was the Navajo selling trinkets on the platform. Besides, its windows weren't broken.
Posts: 510 | From: Richmond VA USA | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Thank you for all your inputs. I love to travel down through our Japanese friends station site http://snow.prohosting.com/usarail/ . The question is "When will he ever get to Vermont?" It is great that many of the historic stations are being renovated. I guess if you ever look at Penn Station its legacy is that it so many cities and towns across the country felt it was a crime to tear down there train stations. Looking at some of those Amshack's in places like Rochester, St Louis and Cincinnati you had the feeling the designers and builders felt the trains would not be running too much longer.
Love to here about other interesting train stations Amtrak or not. I just spent a portion of my tax return on station picture books from the Train Web section I think I need a new coffee table.
Posts: 516 | From: New Haven, CT USA | Registered: Feb 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I haven't looked at our Japanese friend's web site lately, but I believe he has stopped (at least temporarily) photographing stations because of the recent hype about security and photographing on RR property.
Posts: 2428 | From: Grayling, MI | Registered: Mar 2002
| IP: Logged |
Printer-friendly view of this topic
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
