First time rider - Norfolk to Boston

I am going from Norfolk to Boston. I selected the Amtrak for the experience and I’m on the same train the whole trip. I have business class on the way there and coach for now on the way back.

I have a hearing loss so I’m a tad anxious now that the trip is later this week. Any tips? Suggestions? I’ve been on a train before but in Mongolia so I’m sure the experience will be massively different.

Do I have to get off at any time? Can I get off for random photos and get right back on? Is there a side that’s better for sight seeing?

Thanks in advance

Most stops are short and you shouldn't get off. The Washington DC stop will be longer to change engines and they might announce how long you'll have and a reboarding time. Other stops, probably no. At New York there will be herds of people getting off, then another herd getting on. You could duck off for a picture, but it would be wise to just keep your seat.

Pacer said:

I’ve been on a train before but in Mongolia so I’m sure the experience will be massively different.

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Amtrak's in-station and on-board announcements will probably be about as intelligible as they were in Mongolia.

But less jocularly...are you returning the same way? Norfolk isn't a particularly busy station and the boarding process will be very clear. I'm less sure if that's true of Boston, so other members might be able to advise and suggest strategies, possibly including getting a redcap or alerting the gate attendant that you have hearing loss. Happy travels!

Even at the longer stop at Washington, if you get off you might want to just stay on the platform near the train. Washington Union Station is a fairly long walk from the train and can be pretty crowded. The boarding gates also close about 5 minutes before departure. It’s not impossible to venture into the station, but you could risk missing your train’s departure.

Pacer said:

Is there a side that’s better for sight seeing?

Thanks in advance

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On the section between DC and Boston, I recommend the right hand side (facing in the direction of travel) as you get a better view along the shore. Southbound the left hand side would be better.

I can't give you any advice on the section between Norfolk and DC as I have never ridden that part.

Aside from New York and DC I do not recall any extended stops but there is not much to see at the stop in New York as it is underground.

Southbound, I recall that there is one station where there seems to be some extra time and passengers are invited to step out on the platform if they want. This has happened twice in recent trips and I think this stop is New Haven.

Hope you have a great trip.

From Norfolk to DC the left hand side is probably a tad bit better since the view of Washington DC as you cross the Long Bridge and proceed through L'Enfant, is to the left. At Alexandria the George Washington Masonic National Memorial is also on the left. But the occasional views of the Potomac between Fredericksburg and Alexandria is on the right.

Views to look for in Connecticut on the right side (going up) and left side (coming back).

You will probably see some ferries at Bridgeport and definitely at New London. Also, between Old Saybrook and New London, look for a stretch of beach running right alongside the train tracks.

After New London, and a bit into Rhode Island, you will see lots and lots of boats out on the water or in marinas.

Also, a couple of other things about Business Class on the Northeast Regionals. You can get free nonalcoholic beverages from the cafe car (coffee, water, etc.). Just show them your ticket showing you are in business class.

Also, I don’t know if by this time you’ve picked a seat, but Amtrak assigns one to you and then you can go in and change it. Some rows do not have great views though—the windows don’t go all the way across and you have a wall there.

I believe row 9 is not good. I also think row10 is good, with a full window.

Others who remember better than I do can chime in on this.

Have a wonderful trip!

Thank you to everyone. I have a seat on the right going up so I’m hoping it’s window seat for business but I’m not sure.

On the way back I plan to sit on the left as I’m most excited to see Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Keep a lookout for the Coast Guard vessel Eagle when you go through New London. I have often seen it from the train. It is kind of off in the distance but it stands right out.

In Boston, just keep an eye on the large schedule board located in the center of the concourse. the track number for your train should be posted about 10 min before departure. If you have luggage, a Red Cap would be a good way to get a jump on the boarding and be assured of a good seat.

I ride the Norfolk-Philly segment a few times a year. Norfolk is a good place to get on the train because it's the first station on the route. So the bathrooms (and everything else) will be clean. The train does not overnight at the station but it does arrive several minutes before scheduled departure. So there's no rush to board like there would be at (for example) Ashland or Quantico. There are no Red Caps in Norfolk but if you need assistance the conductors will help, as will other passengers. The Business Class car is the last car on the train and boards directly in front of the station.

One thing about Business Class is that it's pretty noisy (at least in my experience). If you like peace and quiet, on your return trip try to get a seat in the Quiet Car. It's a Coach Class car but with library rules. The Quiet Car is adjacent to the Business Class car.

Pay close attention to the view outside as you approach Richmond, the tracks cross the James River at the Fall Line. It's a very dramatic view of a much angrier river than you're used to seeing from the JRB or MMMBT. I personally think the right side of the train Northbound is the better view for this specific crossing, but the left side view ain't bad either. Southbound, it's night by the time you get to Richmond.