<p>In two weeks D and I will be in NYC looking at schools. We’re going to Philadelphia one day to see University of the Arts. Is there anyone here who uses Amtrak between the two cities often? I don’t like to make a reservation for the return trip in case we want to stay later… but I’m afraid we won’t be able to get seats on the way back. Is this crazy? Is there a better way to go between the two cities? I’ve only been to Phila once in my life so not very knowledgeable. </p>
<p>It’s always possible to travel from NYC and Philly on NJ Transit / SEPTA. You take NJ Transit to Trenton and change to a SEPTA train the rest of the way to Philly. The train is usually waiting just across the platform in Trenton. It is also MUCH cheaper than AMTRAK ($15.50 on NJTransit/SEPTA vs. $48 - $90+ on AMTRAK), but it takes longer (2hrs 20min on NJTransit/SEPTA vs. 1hr 20min or less on AMTRAK).</p>
<p>I too will vote for NJ Transit/Septa. On NJT buy thicket only up to Trenton. Buy Trenton-34th st (downtown PHL) on that train (I think it is R3 or R7) - it will be cheaper.</p>
<p>Agree with everything above (trains are easy either way; Amtrak is faster; SEPTA is cheaper). If you really want to save, you could look at the Bolt Bus schedules. The bus is very cheap and reliable and goes right to 30th St. Station.</p>
<p>We’re in our sixth year of sending kids back and forth on this route. At this point, we/they use Amtrak very rarely. We sometimes treated D to it when she was weary after exams and had athletic equipment to tote - the transfer-free ride was a gift. Mostly they use the Bolt Bus these days. They love the wifi and the frequent-rider upgrades and free trips.</p>
<p>Took Amtrack for first time last weekend, Boston to NYC. We usually drive because there are 4 of us and with 4 it costs less to drive. There were only 2 last weekend so counting gas and parking, Amtrack was about the same and allowed me to relax. Timewise it was about the same. I haven’t taken a bus in many, many years, but I am sure Amtrack is much more comfortable than a bus and offers more amenities, like legroom, a nice bathroom, and a club car. No WiFi though, unless you are on Acella.</p>
<p>I know the Boston to NYC run was about 75% full midday Friday and about 60% full Sunday night. If you decide to take Amtrack, don’t wait til they announce the track at Penn Station, stand near the middle of the councourse and head right to it when it is first announced or you may not getting to sit with your D. Everyone likes to sit alone and there end up only being lots of single seats left if you are the last ones on. </p>
<p>I am pretty sure you will be able to get 2 seats at the last minute.</p>
<p>Take NJ Transit from Penn Station in NYC to Trenton, NJ. In Trenton pick up the R7 line of SEPTA, and it will take you into 30th St. station in Philadelphia. It’s much cheaper than Amtrak, and the longer you wait to book Amtrak, the more expensive it seems to get. NJ Transit and SEPTA fares don’t do that.</p>
<p>Agree with NJ Transit/SEPTA is generally more convenient because of the frequency of the trains and is cheaper. If the R7 goes to Suburban Station (the stop after 30th St), it will put you an easy 3 block walk from UArts. If you want any local suggestions for restaurants and things to do, as well as suggestions on how to get the most out of your visit to UArts, feel free to PM me.</p>
<p>Agree on the NJT/Septa route, however the info that you can always get a seat on Amtrak is wrong. After 9/11, all Amtrak trains require reservations (not a specific reserved seat), so gone are the days of standing in the aisles on Amtrak.</p>
<p>My son who went to college in Philly often took the NJtransit/Septa for trips to NYC. Now that he is a young professional in NYC, he takes the Amtrak. Septa is a milk run, and takes twice as long. I recommend the bus, it’s direct and cheaper.</p>