cap lim 30

[Phil S]

What are the current rules on whether 30 will go via Martinsburg and make the stop? I read somewhere that if we get to Cleveland later than some cutoff time, the train will bypass Martinsburg.

I'm trying to get off somewhere so I can rent a car and drive down to Staunton, Lexington, or Buena Vista, I can get a one way Avis rental in Hagerstown which is a $45 cab ride from the Martinsburg train station, but what might I be able to do if the train bypasses Martinsburg?

Where does #30 go when it doesn;t stop in Martinsburg? Harpers ferry is also a possibility for getting to Hagerstown. Will it stop there even if it bypasses Martinsburg.?

Overall trip will be Albany OR to Sac Sept2-3, Sac/Chi Sept 3-5, spend night in Chicago (becaused chances of Zephyr making the #30 connection seem very low) and eat at one of those great greek restaurants, then take #30 the following day (6th).

Anyone recommend a hotel near Union Station Chicago?

I took the DRG both ways about 20 years ago. Looking forward tot hat beautiful scenery again even if the silver plates are gone.

Thanks. -- Phil

Two most memorable train trips : Mexico City/Cuernavaca in a freight caboose about 1970, and Sfax, Gabes, Tunis, Constantine, Algiers, Oran about 1976. Moscow, Kiev, Odessa, Bucharest, Begrade was also fun earlier that same year.

 

[Acela150]

The Cutoff time at CLE is 330. It's only missed it once. By 20 mins. If the train misses the cutoff then you're SOL as far as getting where you need to go.

 

[AlanB]

Phil,

Just to be clear, if the train misses the 3:30 AM cutoff time at Cleveland it doesn't go past Cumberland, MD. It terminates there in Cumberland. It's not a matter of just bypassing Martinsburg.

All passengers headed further east than Cumberland are taken off at Pittsburg and are bussed to stations between Cumberland and DC. So you'd have to get off in PGH and board a bus to reach Martinsburg.

Only those passengers headed to Cumberland or Connellsville remain on the train after Pittsburgh.

 

[Phil S]

Thanks Acela and Alan.

That's not so bad. By the time we get to Cumberland, especially given that we're running late, it'll be morning and maybe I''ll even have gotten breakfast. A bus to Cumberland will be fine. Or am I missing something?

Phil

 

[Dovecote]

What are the current rules on whether 30 will go via Martinsburg and make the stop? I read somewhere that if we get to Cleveland later than some cutoff time, the train will bypass Martinsburg.

I'm trying to get off somewhere so I can rent a car and drive down to Staunton, Lexington, or Buena Vista, I can get a one way Avis rental in Hagerstown which is a $45 cab ride from the Martinsburg train station, but what might I be able to do if the train bypasses Martinsburg?

Phil,

If Staunton (STA) is your ultimate destination is there a specific reason you are taking the CAP LTD in lieu of taking the CARDINAL (#50) directly to STA? Granted #50 is a tri-weekly train and it takes some schedule planning when connecting trains are involved. If you can work it, you will ride a very scenic train and will able to get off at your final destination. You will also not have to worry about the potential busing in Pittsburgh while on #30.

Now if you indeed have to/want to take #30 you could get off at the next stop after Martinsburg (MRB) which is Harpers Ferry (HFY). Enterprise Car Rental is in nearby Charles Town and they provide pickup service at HFY. They will request that you call for a pickup after you depart MRB on #30. Enterprise normally does not rent one way but it is worth a try in checking the local office policy in Charles Town. That way you can save time and money traveling from MRB to Hagerstown.

If you stick to your original plan, normally you will not be able to find a cab at MRB waiting for you when the train arrives. You will have to call for a pickup. Let me know if you need any phone numbers for a MRB cab.

 

[sollins]

Dovecote - Been on the Cardinal both ways, wanted to see something new. On tight schedule and Cardinal roommettes were sold out on the one day that would work for me. Yup, I Googled some MRB cab companies. $45 to Avis in Hagerstown which is nearest car rental I could find. Tried Enterprise first but, as you suspected, they don't do one ways. Now I just hope the Zephyr starts running again tomorrow as advertised. Cheers!

 

[railbuck]

If you take the Capitol to Cumberland, you have no worries about the bustitution. Hertz has a location just a few blocks from the station, IIRC, and should be able to pick you up there. Not sure if they would do one way rentals (at a reasonable price) but it might be an option.

 

[Palmland]

Rather than pay the taxi fare to Hagerstown, why not stay on the Capitol into Washington. Lots of rental options in the Washington station. With an early afternoon Washington arrival you should be on your way long before rush hour and I-66 will quickly get you back to I-81. If you want to see the sights on the Capitol, it would be a shame to miss Harpers Ferry and the Potomac crossing.

Having just been to Staunton, it is an interesting older town. The Stonewall Jackson is a great old hotel that has been beautifully restored and within walking distance of downtown attractions. I would also include Charlottesville on your itinerary. Great downtown and the University adds a lot of energy - and good restaurants. The Hampton Inn is an easy walk from the train station. If you go there, you could take the new Lynchburg train from Washington and rent your car there the next day. Just over the mountain (via interstate) from Staunton/Lexington - about an hour.