My first Amtrak trip from Newark’s Metropark to the DC area was enlightening. For a newbie, train travel can be intimidating. Everyone around you is on a mission. They are in a hurry, they know what they are doing, and you get the feeling that if you get in their way, they will just throw you on the tracks and be gone. When the trains appear in the distance, the loudspeaker crackles and someone in a heavy New Jersey accent yells a bunch of numbers and words, and the only think you can understand is “TRACK ONE”. When the train arrives, you get about 4 seconds to make the decision regarding ifi it’s the train you are supposed to be on, and if it is, you better get on quick.

I suppose the more you do it, the better you get at it, but I will need to do the Amtrk thing a few more times before I feel like a pro at it. I traveled with one of my bosses on this trip, so it was good to be with a rail vet. First thing to know…regardless of what is painted on the train car itself, the first car is always business class on the regional train. On the Acela, the first car is always First Class. There is no First Class on the regional line. The Acela is a high speed train that doesn’t make as many stops between New York and Washington. If you don’t mind going to Penn Station instead of BMI, it’s a a great option. Its always best to pay the extra few bucks, go on the Acela, and upgrade to First Class. The nice thing about the train is you can get some work done. Plenty of room, 120v AC plus at every seat, and a nice snack car make the trip a quick one. My wireless worked the whole way there and back.

Once I get the whole train station thing figured out, I think I will prefer the Amtrak Acela over the regional flights from EWR to DC. Less expensive, and for a day trip, definitely less stress.

The ramp at Penn Station in Baltimore

Outside Penn Station, Baltimore MD

The Acela Arriving at Penn Station