Keystone vs Regional PHL to NYP on a Friday noon?

[me_little_me]

In September we'll be going from PHL one way to NYP on a Friday about noon. There's a Keystone at 11:45am ($78 total) AND A Regional at 12:05PM ($93.50 total). For 2 seniors lugging bags, any suggestions as to which would be the better train to catch?

Should we take B/C ($149.50) on the Regional?

 

[AmtrakBlue]

I think something else to consider is whether or not the Keystone seats will be facing forward or backwards (I vaguely remember that they face backwards in one direction, but don't recall if its east or westbound).

 

[the_traveler]

Also, the Keystones do not have a café (food) while the Regionals do.

 

[Bob Dylan]

I'd say take the Regional since there's a Cafe Car that the Keystone doesn't have, but for the lower fare the Keystone is fine for the short trip! ( 30th Street Station has excellent places to buy Lunch or snacks before boarding.

Business Class isn't worth the extra $50+ for this short a trip unless the Train is Sold Out since Amfleets Is aren't that comfortable.

 

[MikefromCrete]

You might as well take the cheaper Keystone. You'll still have to handle your own luggage. The only difference is the regional will have a cafe car.

 

[PRR 60]

In the Keystones, half the seats in each car face forward, and half to the rear.

I would go for the Keystone. (Right now) it's cheaper and gets you out 20 minutes earlier. I think it is possible to survive an 80 minute trip without a cafe car.

 

[jis]

In general, in my experience, except for on rare occasions, the Keystones are always cheaper than the Regionals between PHL and NYP.

 

[Mystic River Dragon]

I agree about the Keystone. Bring food from 30th Street station in Philly (anything you get there will be better than the Regional café car).

Also, I strongly suggest getting a redcap at PHL, especially because the Keystone line is always long in the station and starts to line up early. The redcap booth is about halfway down the main hall (on the left as you face the angel statue at the end). They will put your luggage on the train cart, give you a time to come back by, and take you down on the elevator and take your luggage onto the train for you. They may even know which way will be facing forward.

The atmosphere, unfortunately, will be the same as the Regional. The Keystone from HAR to PHL is a lovely, quiet train with beautiful scenery and polite people (for the most part). But from PHL north it becomes just another typical train in the northeast corridor.

 

[reppin_the_847]

I agree about the Keystone. Bring food from 30th Street station in Philly (anything you get there will be better than the Regional café car).

Also, I strongly suggest getting a redcap at PHL, especially because the Keystone line is always long in the station and starts to line up early. The redcap booth is about halfway down the main hall (on the left as you face the angel statue at the end). They will put your luggage on the train cart, give you a time to come back by, and take you down on the elevator and take your luggage onto the train for you. They may even know which way will be facing forward.

The atmosphere, unfortunately, will be the same as the Regional. The Keystone from HAR to PHL is a lovely, quiet train with beautiful scenery and polite people (for the most part). But from PHL north it becomes just another typical train in the northeast corridor.

I agree with you on this based on my few Keystone rides (and NE Regionals). It's almost surreal how quickly the change in atmosphere occurs. Between HAR to PHL is almost like an Amish paradise. PHL to NYP is right in the middle of USA's largest megalopolis. A very stark contrast indeed.

 

[kbmiflyer]

Also, I strongly suggest getting a redcap at PHL, especially because the Keystone line is always long in the station and starts to line up early. The redcap booth is about halfway down the main hall (on the left as you face the angel statue at the end). They will put your luggage on the train cart, give you a time to come back by, and take you down on the elevator and take your luggage onto the train for you. They may even know which way will be facing forward.

Cannot agree with this more. Use a Redcap to get your luggage down and help you board early to get a forward facing seat. Well worth a $5 tip (more if you have lots of luggage).

Also agree the keystone is fine as long as you can live without a cafe car for a couple of hours. Plenty of good food choices at 30th Street station.

 

[afigg]

Another factor to consider is that the Keystone is more likely to be on-time. Checking the schedule, the Regional you are considering is #174 which departs PHL at 12:05 PM. #174 originates at Richmond Staples Mill so it is coming from further away. The Keystones generally have fairly good on-time performance (well, for Amtrak).

The Regionals and the Keystones both operate with Amfleet I coach cars so the equipment is the same. The difference, as noted, is no cafe car or any food or beverage options on the Keystone.

 

[PVD]

You said September, if you are talking about the Friday going into Labor Day Weekend be sure to listen to the advice of earlier posters, and do leave a little extra cushion for larger crowds.