How reliable are trains such as Amtrak for travel plans?

Question

My family is thinking to travel to NC from Pennsylvania in May. Would an Amtrak trip be a good option to consider?

Answer 1

very reliable. highly skilled mechanics and conductors make for a very safe trip. ive been on one trip on a train from grand rapids michigan to chicago. it was absolutely beautiful. it makes for a very scenic trip. cheap too. also, you have a chance to get to meet people on a train ride. i think the route you would be taking goes through mountains. but im not sure. but doesnt matter, because taking a trains makes for a scenic trip. you dont have to worry about having to keep eye on road to look at scenic spots. in a plane, you go so fast, you dont get much of a chance to look at everything. trust me, a train trip is a very good option.

Answer 2

Mr. Bond,

Amtrak is a good way to travel if one has the time, and travel plans are not time sensitive.  If taking your family on a vacation, spend the extra (considerably extra) bucks for a compartment  (of course, the compartment will be as late as the train, but you'll be more comfortable).

Q has come up with a way to neutralize the odd drunk that lurks in every Amtrak lounge car (they are most noticeable when the clock strikes twelve, the time the bar closes).

Good luck on your mission.  Should you or any of your party be captured, I will disavow any knowledge of your actions.

Answer 3

I've had a good experience with Amtrak during my one trip with them (in a week it will have been two years).  However, I was on the Acela, so everything was nice and fancy, because it's all Business class and up, and fast.  I took two trains with them.  They were both around 30 minutes late, but that was because of a huge snowstorm.  My overall impression of Amtrak is that they are nice, and it's a good alternative to flying.

However, for your trip, considering the locations, I'd really recommend flying.  US Airways has hubs in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, PA, and in Charlotte, NC, so if you're going through those cities, definitely fly.  If not, you should still look at flights, because, depending on the times, dates, and locations, flying could be cheaper.

Have a good trip!

Answer 4

trains should be the most reliable b/c weather, traffic,and human nature to browse around play no factor on the schedule. beside that trains are so tight on there schedule if one was late it might could crash into another train