Simple and efficient, this US train journey beats flying hands down

The journey

Union Station, Washington DC, to Moynihan Train Hall, New York City, with a scheduled journey time of three hours and 15 minutes aboard Amtrak Vermonter, one of several services on this route (ending in North Vermont).

The Vermonter travels from Washington DC to New York and beyond, finishing in North Vermont.

The class

Coach Class where seats are not reserved. The only other class is Business (the advantage here, being priority boarding).

Carbon emissions

Around 0.058 kilograms per person versus 0.207 kilograms per air passenger (the DC to New York leg is entirely electric; Amtrak also has part-diesel route locomotives).

Boarding

This is the worst part of the experience, no matter the train. The platform number isn’t announced until about 15 minutes before boarding. In DC, passengers form a line, while in New York, once announced, there’s a mad rush to hit the escalators that lead to the platform (stanchions are being implemented increasingly for compulsory queuing). Platforms are narrow with massive pylons; for fewer people, walk swiftly to the furthest carriage. To climb aboard you must navigate a gap and two very steep steps.

The seat

To climb aboard you must navigate a gap and two very steep steps.

Coach class seats are wide and comfortable and are arranged in a 2-2 formation. Depending on the carriages, half the seats face forward, the other half to the rear. A seat pocket, an overhead light, and two power sockets (note: 120V) are great for reading and working. The seat reclines a comfortable 10 centimetres. Wi-Fi is free throughout the journey and is sufficient to send and receive emails.

Baggage

Three storage shelves at one end of the carriage are useful for larger bags, though smaller pieces are easily stored overhead.

Bathroom

For someone with a fear of being stuck in the toilet should there be a power failure, I like the fact that this is a manual operation: you slide the door’s red knob into lock/open position. Restrooms are wheelchair-friendly, though there’s no changing station for toddlers.

Food + drink

The cafe car has six or so booth-like tables and seating and these are quickly snaffled by office workers. The menu? Mainly American junk food, from chocolate treats to burgers. That said, there’s vegetable and hummus, or cheese platters, too. Coffee is Starbucks (I give it a miss).

One more thing

The sooner in advance you purchase your tickets, the better, with the cheapest about $US49 ($75). Prices rise considerably (up to$US259) the closer your departure date.

The verdict

Amtrak’s Vermonter is an efficient, uncomplicated way to travel between DC and New York. With no pre-departure fuss, and with central train stations, it beats flying between the cities hands down.

Our rating out of five

★★★½

The writer travelled as a guest of Norwegian Cruise Lines. See amtrak.com; ncl.com