RAILforum: Lakeshore Limited Question

This is topic Lakeshore Limited Question in forum Travel at RAILforum.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
http://www.railforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/1/11.html

Posted by MJA (Member # 13) on :

I’ve been watching the on time status of the Lakeshore Limited for the past couple of weeks, because my husband and I will be taking it next week from Rochester to Chicago. The train is scheduled into Rochester at 12:09AM but usually arrives at 2AM to 3AM. We have to leave the house 1 1/2 hours before train time. Even if the train is running late when we leave the house, it could make up considerable time between Syracuse and Rochester. Should we just arrive at the station 1/2 hour before the scheduled departure and sit there several hours if it’s late? We’re planning to connect to the California Zephyr, so a whole vacation will be messed up if we miss the train. I think the answer to this question is probably yes, but I thought I’d check with you experienced train travelers. Thanks.

Posted by LtPete (Member # 72) on :

I have taken the Lake Shore westbound twice and both times it ran pretty close to on schedule. My suggestion is to get to the station in time for the scheduled departure no matter how late the train is supposedly running. You don't want to miss the train if it makes up some time. when arriving at the station and waiting for a train my rule is: early is on time and on time is late.

Posted by Jim (Member # 65) on :

Absolutely get to the station on time! Consider the consequence of a missed train - it isn't like an airport where another one will be going the same way in a few hours!

By the way, enjoy your trip - and don't worry about late trains. They WILL happen, so if you "go with the flow" your vacation will be much more enjoyable.

By the way, my experience has been that the train is much more likely to be on-time eastbound (at least at Rochester) than westbound.

By the way, enjoy your trip - and don't worry about late trains. They WILL happen, so if you "go with the flow" your vacation will be much more enjoyable.

By the way, my experience has been that the train is much more likely to be on-time eastbound (at least at Rochester) than westbound.

Posted by budd (Member # 97) on :

quote:
Originally posted by MJA:
I’ve been watching the on time status of the Lakeshore Limited for the past couple of weeks, because my husband and I will be taking it next week from Rochester to Chicago. The train is scheduled into Rochester at 12:09AM but usually arrives at 2AM to 3AM. We have to leave the house 1 1/2 hours before train time. Even if the train is running late when we leave the house, it could make up considerable time between Syracuse and Rochester. Should we just arrive at the station 1/2 hour before the scheduled departure and sit there several hours if it’s late? We’re planning to connect to the California Zephyr, so a whole vacation will be messed up if we miss the train. I think the answer to this question is probably yes, but I thought I’d check with you experienced train travelers. Thanks.

The Lake Shore Ltd. is very unreliable and NOT recommended for travel through NYS by Empire State Passenger Assoc. Be prepared to over-night in Chicago for your connection with the Zephyr.

Posted by reggierail (Member # 26) on :

Be prepared to over-night in Chicago for your connection with the Zephyr.

IP
Don't understand that comment! The layover time is about 6 hours. The train although late often, is very seldom that late. If your boarding station is staffed then arrive 30 minutes early so you can check bags through on to the Zephyr. Otherwise arrive at sceduled departure time allowing for problems enroute to the station & for traffic. Call 1-800-872-7245(1-800-USA_RAIL)for updates leaving several stations prior to yours. The train cannot make up 2 hours on a 45 mile segment scheduled for 30 minutes. Use your judgement & the advice of Amtrak reservations. Have a great trip. Reggie

------------------

Posted by budd (Member # 97) on :

quote:
Originally posted by reggierail:
Be prepared to over-night in Chicago for your connection with the Zephyr.
IP
Don't understand that comment! The layover time is about 6 hours. The train although late often, is very seldom that late. If your boarding station is staffed then arrive 30 minutes early so you can check bags through on to the Zephyr. Otherwise arrive at sceduled departure time allowing for problems enroute to the station & for traffic. Call 1-800-872-7245(1-800-USA_RAIL)for updates leaving several stations prior to yours. The train cannot make up 2 hours on a 45 mile segment scheduled for 30 minutes. Use your judgement & the advice of Amtrak reservations. Have a great trip. Reggie