Lake Shore Limited nOOb

[KripaluBound]

Hi. Major noob, here.

I'm planning a trip from Chicago to Pittsfield in February, and feeling moderately concerned about the train being late. I know none of you can see the future, and I've read estimates that Amtrak trains run about 70% on time. Anyone have any specific knowledge of this line in the middle of winter? Train arrival time is slated as 4:29pm. If I'm any later than 6pm I'll miss the orientation of the program I'm traveling to attend.

Also, I'll be taking a cab from the Pittsfield station to the place I'm going (Kripalu- Yeah, I'm a yoga nerd). How does one book a cab in advance if you don't know what time you're going to arrive? Or will there be cabs there waiting?

I'll be traveling coach. How is that on the Lake Shore Limited? How's the food?

Thanks

 

[the_traveler]

I've only been to the Pittsfield station once - and that was like 10 years ago. If they haven't built anything else (which I doubt as it's only served by 1 train per day), it was only a platform and a (bus stop type) shelter. I don't recall cabs waiting.

Since you have a specific time you have to be somewhere, my recommendation is to go (if possible) a day early!

Especially since it is within 90 minutes of scheduled arrival time. Although not common, I have arrived over 6 hours late!

 

[MattW]

Actually, it appears they have much improved the Pittsfield station. Here's a link showing both new and old.

http://www.trainweb.org/usarail/pittsfield.htm

 

[thully]

I'd agree with going a day early (or if that isn't possible, you may have to look at other transportation options). The LSL seems to be late frequently, and it would be very dicey as to whether you'd make it on time. When I last took it (albeit westbound), it was 2 hrs late, and this seems fairly common for this route.

 

[PRR 60]

I've only been to the Pittsfield station once - and that was like 10 years ago. If they haven't built anything else (which I doubt as it's only served by 1 train per day), it was only a platform and a (bus stop type) shelter. I don't recall cabs waiting.

Since you have a specific time you have to be somewhere, my recommendation is to go (if possible) a day early!

Especially since it is within 90 minutes of scheduled arrival time. Although not common, I have arrived over 6 hours late!

Surprising as it is, a new station was built in Pittsfield in 2004. It's an actual building with an enclosed, heated waiting room.

Your retreat is in Lenox, about 20 minutes south of Pittsfield. There is a cab stand at the station. It is possible that the local cabs keep tabs on the arrival of the Lake Shore and show up when the train is coming in. Alternatively, you could call a Pittsfield cab company in advance and see of you could pre-arrange a pick-up. Downtown Pittsfield is not exactly bustling in off hours, so if the train was an hour or so late, things could be pretty lonely around the station.

I also think a one-day buffer to account for a late train is desirable, especially if you really want to be at the orientation. There is probably 75% chance you will get to Pittsfield within 30 minutes of schedule, but that still leaves maybe a 25% chance you will not. If you can live with a 25% chance of missing the orientation, then go for it. If the orientation is important, then you are taking a chance you will be disappointed.

 

[the_traveler]

I guess I'm wrong!

First time (this afternoon)!

 

[AlanB]

I guess I'm wrong!

First time (this afternoon)!

Actually, it's the second time you've been wrong this afternoon and in the same post no less!

(which I doubt as it's only served by 1 train per day),

There are actually 2 trains per day; the eastbound Lake Shore Limited and the westbound Lake Shore Limited.

 

[the_traveler]

I guess I'm wrong!

First time (this afternoon)!

Actually, it's the second time you've been wrong this afternoon and in the same post no less!

(which I doubt as it's only served by 1 train per day),

There are actually 2 trains per day; the eastbound Lake Shore Limited and the westbound Lake Shore Limited.

It's only 1/2 of the LSL, so it only counts for 1/2 each!

 

[KripaluBound]

Thanks everyone! I'll look into whether it's cheaper to book an extra night at Kripalu or to fly instead. I really appreciate your input. I would be excited to take the train since I've never taken one before, but I have to think about what makes the most sense.

 

[Blackwolf]

Thanks everyone! I'll look into whether it's cheaper to book an extra night at Kripalu or to fly instead. I really appreciate your input. I would be excited to take the train since I've never taken one before, but I have to think about what makes the most sense.

Any chance you can in the very least fly one leg and train the other? You should really do the LSL at least one direction if you can!

 

[brentrain]

An easy way to check on the on time preformance history of a train is to go to the regular Amtrak web site and click on the "Routes" app. On that page down low on the far left there is a button to click that says "on time perfromance history" then you will click on your train; unfortunately the Lake Shore L shows only about a 50% on time record for the past 3 months. I live in Seattle and take Amtrak from here to portland maine without missing any of the 3 connections (Empire Builder to Lake Shore Limited to The Downeaster. ) Brentrain

 

[KripaluBound]

Thought you might like an update... I've just booked LSL in both directions. It was cheaper to go a day early on the train than to fly.

Flying there and taking the train back was $40 less, but it's worth $40 to have an extra night at Kripalu. Your input was super helpful.

I'll probably take photos en route. If I decide to post them up anywhere, I'll add a link for you.

Thanks again!

 

[RailFanLNK]

Now that you have bit the bullet, please take time on this forum to familiarize yourself with train travel. The do's and the don't and what to expect etc and how to pack. Its a different journey than any other form of travel and it's a journey that I take frequently. I really dislike flying and driving. Good luck!