December 21, 2006

Bucking the Amtrak crowd at Penn Station

Taking Amtrak out of New York City can feel like a massive cattle call as the herds impatiently wait under the big board, anxious to learn where their train will board. If you don't play the game, you could spend the next several hours standing in the train's aisle dreaming of a squished airline seat.

Just in time for the holidays, the National Geographic Traveler blog jumps in with a few Amtrak tricks for Penn Station. Among the advice:

(Little-known tip for boarding in Penn Station: Don't stay upstairs with everyone else near the giant departures board—also for losers. Go downstairs and watch the Amtrak, not NJ Transit, departure screens on the wall at the bottom of the stairs. In our experience, they post the track number on the screen before they announce it on the PA system, so you get a head start. Familiarize yourself with the locations of the tracks so when your track is posted you'll know where to go. On the platform, walk to the farthest car to avoid the crowds. You'll be sitting comfortably in your primo seat when the passengers from the main waiting room finally arrive.)

December 21, 2006 08:01 AM in Arrivology

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