Richmond VA to Boston, MA - On which side would you sit?

[Roger]

Taking the Northeast Corridor train from Richmond to Boston on Monday (and back later in the week). I'm torn what side gives me the better view. The right side, facing the ocean, seems like the no-brainer, with the many water views. But then the left side gives you views of the land, perhaps better views of the cities (and the majestic view going through New York?) Just out of curiosity, which side would you choose, if you could only choose one?

 

[amamba]

Right for the ocean. You do get a better view of NyC skyline and Philly from the left.

 

[abcnews]

I thought I recall that the NYC Skyline was on the right side, with the statue of Liberty, etc.. Am I confusing the NJ Turnpike with the NEC? I can't recall seeing NYC from the left side.

 

[Eric S]

I thought I recall that the NYC Skyline was on the right side, with the statue of Liberty, etc.. Am I confusing the NJ Turnpike with the NEC? I can't recall seeing NYC from the left side.

Left side (traveling NYP-BOS) has a better view of NYC when traveling over Hell Gate Bridge.

 

[MattW]

Going into New York from the South, you may see a portion of the city from the train through the right side. Leaving New York and particularly going over Hellgate, the city is on the left side when going North/East and has the better view in my opinion, but going North/East, you'll have to sort of look "backwards" a bit. From the railfan's perspective, the left side by be more "scenic" since American trains typically run on the right side tracks and you'll see trains passing you on the left. The way I worked it on our trip from Atlanta to Boston and back was to sit on the left side of the train both directions so I would get "the other" view on the return plus the railfan views.

 

[the_traveler]

Up to NHV, it doesn't really matter. North/east of NHV to PVD, I like the right side for the views of Long Island Sound (at times feet away) and Narraganset Bay!

 

[TCRT]

Personally, I would sit on the right - the views of the ocean from NHV to PVD are well worth it - and then just go to the cafe for the five minutes the train traverses the Hell Gate bridge if viewing the NYC skyline is a priority.

 

[the_traveler]

Not to mention that the Kingston station is on the right side northbound!

 

[Dovecote]

I would sit on the left side for good views of WAS and PHL. If you happen to be leaving on a morning train, if sitting on the left, you will also be spared of the sun glaring off the window. At NYP, I would take my seat check stub and move to the right side for eventual views of Long Island Sound. Remember to place your seat check stub above your new seat location.

 

[Anderson]

Northbound, definitely right/east. You'll have a nice view of the Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay, and Delaware River/Bay at different times.

 

[gdj]

RVR - BOS is my most frequent trip. On whole, the right side is best for the reasons others have given. Occasionally, I will ride on the left side for a change. If I was limited to riding on only one side, it would be the right.

 

[TimePeace]

I'd sit in coach on the right, and move into the cafe car periodically for variety and perhaps specific views (in particular Hell Gate Bridge).

 

[gatelouse]

Trains on the left, water on the right.

If the train isn't too packed, I'd take advantage of the ability to switch seats freely on the NER. Ideally right side RVR-PHL, left PHL-NHV, and right again NHV-BOS. PHL-NHV would have the greatest frequency and diversity of passing trains, plus that postcard view of Manhattan departing NYP.

 

[C&O RR]

Sit on the right side and bring your sun glasses.

I enjoy going through the middle of Ashland and wishing I owned one of those houses on either side of the tracks. Then again, I wonder how much money it was take to fix up and put in modern wiring.

One of the houses on the right side has a tennis court. A few years ago when it was for sale I looked into it and realized that heating the place was not cheap.

 

[the_traveler]

1342837263[/url]' post='381688']Personally, I would sit on the right - the views of the ocean from NHV to PVD are well worth it - and then just go to the cafe for the five minutes the train traverses the Hell Gate bridge if viewing the NYC skyline is a priority.

Why go to the cafe car?

Just turn your head - you can see out of the windows on the other side of the car too from your seat!