Travel

[ShopperL]

I'm taking an Amtrak train from Baltimore to NYC.  We will be taking a cruise from Manhattan.  I haven't been on Amtrak for 30 years.  Is there a TSA type of security check point?  How long before boarding should I arrive?  We'll have several pieces of luggage.  Do we carry it on the train with us or is there a baggage car?  Is there a limit on baggage?  I'm obviously clueless on train travel.  Any tips, suggestions, comments welcome!

[Etoile308]

I would start with Amtrak's website. I've never taken the train from Baltimore but imagine it's a large enough station to have Red Caps to assist with you luggage and take you to the train prior to regular boarding. And I'm sure you know that it's customary to tip them for this service and convenience. You can also request they contact your connection and have the Red Caps assist when you arrive in NYC. 

I always arrive 45 minutes before departure. Some may find that excessive but I prefer to be onsite early especially if wanting to purchase food or beverage before boarding. Plus use of restroom is preferable over the train's facilities.

[Janey2]

Go to their website. All your questions are answered.

[We rescue cats]

@ShopperL It will depend on the train you are on, Acela service has different services available than the regionals. More than likely Baltimore offers baggage check, and last I knew Amtrak did not have a limit but a quick call to them will answer your questions, 1-800-USA-RAIL, make sure you have your reservation number to give the agent when they answer. They are often busy but calling during the less busy hours will help, and if they are really swamped they will take a number and call you back, you will not lose your place in 'line' if you choose to use the service. 

[granddi]

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@Janey2 wrote:

Go to their website. All your questions are answered.

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@Janey2  Often the website information is generic and out dated. I think most travelers do the pre trip research and understand the web site use. First hand information is helpful.

One airport will require liquids out of the carry on and another will say liquids stay in the bag.

We go to MLB parks and always check the bag rules. Seldon are they inforced. Most give specific dimensions but clearly carry in bags do not comply. Recently in Seattle we saw bags that would hold a small child! But in DC the bag rule was strictly inforced. 

So experienced traveler reports are a valuable resource to web sites. 

[Darlink]

I've been traveling on Amtrak for years between DC and NYC and beyond. There is no TSA checkpoint per se but security is visible and there are Amtrak security dogs with handlers. Traveling by train is vastly different than flying - you carry your own luggage - no baggage cars. That means you can hope a conductor will help you load and unload your bags up and down the train car but thats not always the case. People are in a rush because most are business commuters and have little patience waiting for people who don't quickly climb aboard and climb down - the steps getting into the cars are very steep so you must take care especially if older like me. Good luck. 

[PickyPicky3]

I've never been to Baltimore's station but in most  large stations you have to walk down about 20 steps to get to the train platform. Not always easy with luggage. 

Once seated, you'll find Amtrak a relaxing way to travel.

In NYC you'll have to climb up 20 steps.

Taxi to the dock is quick.

Don't overpack.

Bon voyage!

[songbird]

I went to NYC recently via Amtrak.  I got on at BWI instead of Baltimore.  Much nicer envronment.  

[ninjawife]

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@Darlink wrote:

I've been traveling on Amtrak for years between DC and NYC and beyond. There is no TSA checkpoint per se but security is visible and there are Amtrak security dogs with handlers. Traveling by train is vastly different than flying - you carry your own luggage - no baggage cars. That means you can hope a conductor will help you load and unload your bags up and down the train car but thats not always the case. People are in a rush because most are business commuters and have little patience waiting for people who don't quickly climb aboard and climb down - the steps getting into the cars are very steep so you must take care especially if older like me. Good luck. 

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It is not true that you will have to handle your own bags.  Baltimore and NYC have Red Cap Service.  Just look for attendants wearing red hats and shirts.  They will help you with your luggage and tips are appreciated.