I have many friends who did trains between Boston and NYC. They basically all agreed that they sucked, especially at holidays. They're super-crowded, never on schedule (my roommate once showed up seven hours late), and generally fairly hellish when the first two conditions are in place.

They may have improved in the meantime, but I'd kind of doubt it.

DC to NYC is much better than Boston to NYC. I spent 1.5 years doing Baltimore - NYC and back on Amtrak every other week. You can no longer buy unreserved tickets, so it's unlikely you won't get a seat.

We still go to Baltimore and DC on the train for preference. You are right about no security - we generally get there 10-15 minutes in advance of the leaving time. It's so much less hassle than flying.

Doh. That doesn't sound good, occhiblu. But the airports will be pretty hellish too, and I'd have an assigned seat on the train just like the plane. Hrm...

On preview: the security thing settles it, I think. I'll have a reserved seat just like the plane, so that shouldn't be an issue. And I'll end up right in Penn Station, rather than out at JFK.

Yeah, right after I posted I remembered reading the DC/NYC route is generally better.

So, uh, just don't continue on to Boston. :-)

I recommend it too. Yes, it will be crowded and a bit late on a holiday, but it is roomier than the shuttle plane, and overall time spent travelling would be close to the same. Less hassle is correct, and you arrive right at Port Auth.

(oh, but you don't get a specific seat, mullacc - at least not in coach class.) My tip: go immediately to the very front or very back of the train, don't waste time by walking through the middle of it. Then you're more likely to end up with a seat that you want.

Ah, thanks for the correction and advice, gaspode.

This express train is scheduled to take 2:45--if it runs on time, that'll blow away the collective time it would take to fly.

I did Philly to DC regularly (and have done Baltimore to DC and DC to Chicago) more than once without any difficulty. The two times I did DC to NYC on the Amtrak (not a holiday, once a weekend and once a weekday) it was smooth as silk, less hassle, more room and less time than flying.

I recommend it, especially if you have little luggage and go with business class (do they still do that on that route?).

Yeah, I booked a business class fare.

A little late, but the DC>NYC train is a breeze.

Thanksgiving travel sucks all around, but I've done the trifecta: I've flown, driven, and Amtrak'ed from Boston to NYC, and Amtrak is hands down the best option, IF you can afford it. Much, much better than dealing with either the roads or the airports. Every mode of transport is gummed up that day, and it's hellish no matter what you do, but when you're traveling between major cities on the Eastern seaboard along with everyone else, the train is the way to go. No parking hassle, a comfortable seat, less chance of delay than with a flight, no idiot drivers to contend with, time to read and listen to music, a snack bar, the ability to stretch your legs if you need to take a walk down the aisle...and so on.

Just be ready for a really, really crowded train. I once had to take one from Mystic, CT, to NYC late on Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving, and we had to stand in the vestibule because the train was oversold. Not a huge deal; we got there. But if you want to be sure and double sure, use whatever premium service lets you reserve a guaranteed seat, and board early.

Yeah, NYC-DC train is a breeze. Even at holiday time. At Union Stn. (DC), they'll tell you your gate when you get your tix. Just stand near the front; don't sit in the waiting area, because two lines will form and if you don't get right up in front you'll be left in one of the lines after everyone else realizes it's a free-for-all. At Penn Stn. (NYC), hang around near gates 11/12; they'll tell you what track about fifteen-twen ty min before departure. On weekdays, the last (back) car in the train is the Quiet Car -- no cell phones, loud conversations, or puling whelps. It's usually got seats and it's a nice way to ride.

The train's comfortable and convenient; you'll end up in the city, not out in Queens or Jersey, and the time it takes, including check-in and security, is equal to the time it takes to fly, all told. You can arrive at the train fifteen minutes before it leaves, no problem (though I don't recommend it). And bring all the contraband you want: there's no security.