Anyone ever taken the Amtrak before? I am looking at heading to Orlando from Raleigh and $42 seems like a hell of a deal.

10/28/2008 1:10:30 AM

That is a good price; prepare for a longass ride. Bring booze, books, and games, and something to drown out other passengers.

I absolutely love trains, but would NOT want to ride from raleigh to orlando.

10/28/2008 1:16:55 AM

http://thewolfweb.com/message_topic.aspx?topic=542883

10/28/2008 1:20:52 AM

It is notorious for being late. I have taken it from Raleigh to Salisbury probably at least 30 times in my life and it is a lot less stressful than flying.

You can keep your phone on and your computer out the whole way. It is pretty quiet and smooth. Also the trains are not usually full like a flight is more room to stretch out. If you have a way to hook your cell phone on your laptop for internet or one of those connect cards it should help the trip a lot faster. (plus you can post updates )

You can also bring some DVD's and headphones for your laptop. I think pretty much all of the trains have AC plugs at the seats now.

10/28/2008 1:22:29 AM

Booze? Seriously?

10/28/2008 1:32:09 AM

Yeah they sell canned beer on board. I am pretty sure you could sneak it on and no one would be any the wiser. Just go up to the snack car and buy one and then keep refilling that cup.

Don't worry about security finding your beers either. Train security consists of an ID check once you are already on board and the train is under way.

10/28/2008 1:36:10 AM

amtrak is great when it's somewhat on schedule; but when you're stuck for 2 hrs b/c there's a cow on the railroad tracks, it can be a little frustrating

10/28/2008 5:11:40 AM

$42 is a steal, for sure. It was like $23 for me to ride it from raleigh to charlotte...one way.

10/28/2008 6:58:08 AM

Well I am thinking of taking the train to ORL and buying a car, then driving it back. I am beginning to think that I could sneak some tools with me on Amtrak that wouldnt make it on the plane. Plane trip is like 4 hours, maybe $100? Train is half that, but supposedly around 14hrs. Driving, at least 9hrs? plus the chance of getting popped with an out of state ticket in a rental on the way down... not cool.

10/28/2008 7:22:57 AM

I did Raleigh to NYC one time on Amtrak and it was pretty nice.

Popped some painkillers and chilled out for about 10 hours. It was cheap too, like 50 up and 70 down. I definitely would do it again.

10/28/2008 7:30:51 AM

I rode to Orlando for 17 each way in college. They train arrived 9 hours late.

I used to ride the train all the time. I really like the concept. It is really quite spacious and I sleep or watch movies on a laptop.

10/28/2008 7:34:00 AM

I used to ride Amtrak when I was living in New York. Up there it was pretty reliable but I've heard the longer the distance the more likely you are to be delayed.

I took a Greyhound from Vermont to Raleigh once. That was... interesting

10/28/2008 7:42:46 AM

Ive used Amtrak prob 25-35 times over the years. Lots of trips from Raleigh to Greensboro/High Point/Charlotte and back. Also used it a shit ton up north. Ive never thought twice about bringing anything on the train I would also take with me in the car.

But...it is slow, and there can be delays. Just bring all of the above mentioned "supplies" and the trip will be just fine. Especially for that price. Plus you have the ability to step off at different stops to stretch your legs, piss, etc. Way better than flying, if you can deal with the speed.

For what you are looking to use it for, I would say go ahead. You will be rested and ready to go once you get to Orlando for the drive back.

Also, be sure to bring a camera, you never know what you are gonna see on the train. Some crazy folk, thats for sure

10/28/2008 8:42:02 AM