Baltimore ANA is a relaxing train ride away

RWB · June 29, 2008 3:02AM

If airfares, baggage charges and hassles have gotten to you, consider taking the train to Baltimore for the ANA convention. From NYC, Pittsburgh, Boston, etc. total travel time is about the same as flying and you get a comfortable seat, space to wander around, food and drink and no hassles about your laptop computer or cell phone.

If you’re flying into BWI airport, take the light rail into the city. It stops next to the convention center.

RTS · June 29, 2008 3:25AM

I like the Amtrak Acela quiet car from NYC to Baltimore...very relaxing.

erroid · June 29, 2008 3:27AM

I'm going with a friend(his car), but he's continuing on to NC; I'll be taking the train back to NYC.

DaveG · June 29, 2008 3:35AM

I agree, Amtrak from NYC is a great way to get to Baltimore.

But, I just looked at the schedule from Pittsburgh - it's certainly cheap, but it takes all day to get there!

tmot99 · June 29, 2008 3:41AM

I saw the light rail when I got out of the airport, but didn't know exactly where it went or how long it would take. I probably would have saved a few bucks, but oh well. Are there multiple routes that I'd have to be sure to catch the right train or transfer at a different location?

mrearlygold · June 29, 2008 3:48AM

I never took a train from NYC to Balt but will be doing so for this show.

YaHa · June 29, 2008 3:55AM

When is the Ana meeting? Can anyone join? WHat do you have to do? thanks, btw I live 45 miles from the convention center and I have front row seats in the endzone behind the goal posts anyone ever want to buy my tickets for their out of town team visiting my Ravens maybe we can stike a deal. Lastly no Steeler fans, I promised my friends in my section.

RWB · June 29, 2008 4:23AM

The ANA is July 30-Aug 3.

Re: Pittsburgh - Yeah, just checked the schedules and they run you through either Washington or Philadelphia so the whole trip takes about 8 hr.... Now if a bunch of dealers got on the same train, think of the deal they could make in that time....

mrearlygold · June 29, 2008 6:07AM

<< <i>The ANA is July 30-Aug 3.

Re: Pittsburgh - Yeah, just checked the schedules and they run you through either Washington or Philadelphia so the whole trip takes about 8 hr.... Now if a bunch of dealers got on the same train, think of the deal they could make in that time.... >>

Some might need a straight jacket after that trip

foodude · June 29, 2008 6:46AM

When is the Ana meeting?

Here is a link: ANA

COALPORTER · June 29, 2008 7:03AM

NEVER use Amtrak if you need to be somewhere on time.
The last time, and it will be the LAST time, i took Amtrak from
Philly to Baltimore there was standing roon only, broken AC, and the train was delaid 2 hours for a 90 mile trip. - ANYTHING but relaxing.

Murdermore's light rail isn't much better. the last two times i flew to
Murdermore, light rail wasn't even operating to the airport so i ended up taking Amtrak all the way upto Penn Station and then coming back downtown on lightrail- what a total hastle. And at least this was in the fall, when it's not murdering hot outside. - oh well, chit happens

NumisOxide · June 29, 2008 7:36AM

99% sure I'm gonna be there. Planning on making reservations this week.

pf70collector · June 29, 2008 9:47AM

It is a 20 minute walk along the promenade to the convention center from Fells Point where I work.

RWB · June 29, 2008 9:54AM

Interesting comment from the tunesmith.

Last time I had a significant delay on Amtrak was about 12 years ago. I have experienced short delays (under 1/2 hr). I'd guess their on-time performance is certainly better than airlines, and no lost baggage, long arrival delays, weather problems, or surcharges. Unreserved trains tend to be full, but they sell only as many tickets as they have seats. I usually get some work done on the ride to Philadelphia or NYC.

The purpose of the post was simply to remind collectors that there are viable alternatives to being stuffed in a sausage tube and slung through the firmament. Naturally, come to the Baltimore ANA by whatever means you find most appropriate and personally comfortable.

mrearlygold · June 29, 2008 9:55AM

Doesn't amtrak offer cars like this?

RWB · June 29, 2008 10:05AM

I think - and please correct me if I'm wrong - those are photos of some of the unreserved seating cars. Reserved cars, business class and first class are less "pedestrian."

The trains also have a "quiet car" where anyone with beeping, honking, or twittering devices is thrown off the moving train.

golfer72 · June 29, 2008 12:08PM

I was thinking of taking the bus to Baltimore from NYC. Megabus has a route to Baltimore but the stop is about 15 miles from the Convention center so I would have to take another bus to the show. Anyone ever used Megabus?

WTCG · June 29, 2008 4:43PM

The Acela Express service is fast and comfortable and a great idea for getting around the Northeast Corridor. The Acela Regional trains can feel a little pokey, though.

2ndCharter · June 30, 2008 3:23AM

Relaxing, you say? Just for the heck of it, I got on the Amtrak web site and checked their schedule out. The only available train in my area leaves Greenville, SC at 11:00 p.m. and arrives in Baltimore the next morning at 11:00. On a return trip, the train leaves Baltimore at 5:00 p.m. and arrives back down here at 5:00 a.m. I think I'll pass.....

DaveG · June 30, 2008 3:33AM

It's true that Amtrak is a very good way to travel in the Northeast Corridor (Washington to Boston).

Outside of that (and maybe another route or two), however, it's just not a viable alternative.

Longacre · June 30, 2008 3:37AM

I find NetJets to be most relaxing.

RWB · June 30, 2008 3:41AM

You're right! The train can work very well for many, but not so well for others. Same for driving on I-95, standing in a slug line, or taking the bus...now, about those sausages...

MacCrimmon · June 30, 2008 3:52AM

<< <i>I find NetJets to be most relaxing. >>

Yeah, none of the usual hoi polloi!!!

Coinosaurus · June 30, 2008 4:00AM

I'll be driving from JFK in the middle of the night - unfortunately there are no trains between 10pm and 3am. At 80mph I can probably get there faster anyway

Baltimore ANA is a relaxing train ride away

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