Newbie Vermonter questions

[Jasmin]

My husband and I have a September trip planned on the Vermonter from BWI to Burlington Essex Juntion.

Neither of us have taken Amtrak before and had a few questions. We have outgoing on train #54 and return on #57 and have coach seating. What seating configuration do these have? What side of the train would be most scenic? The amtrak site says they have a snack car...is it a good idea to bring some food and/or drinks since we will be onboard all day? How many cars do these trains have and how crowded are they likely to be? Thanks for any advice.

 

[battalion51]

The seating configuration on the Vermonter is a bit odd. The first 2-3 coaches between BWI and New Haven are "local" coaches. When the train arrives in New Haven these cars will be removed along with the electic motor. The last 4 coaches (and cafe car) are what make the journey north to St. Albans. The 4 coaches will have half the seats facing one way, and the other half facing the other. The reason for this is the train will operate from the other end when you reach Palmer, MA (about 15 miles east of Springfield, MA). From BWI to New York City the best scenery can be had on the right side with some great views of Philadelphia and New York City to be had. Coming out of Penn Station the best views of the city will be on the left side of the train. For the portion of the trip from New Rochelle to New Haven you will be following the Connecticut Shore Line so the right side is more scenic. The portion between New Haven and Palmer really isn't scenic at all. Once you start heading north on the New England Central (after changing operating ends) you will follow the Connecticut River til about White River Junction. The majority of these scenic portions occur just prior to Brattleboro and up til White River Junction on the right side of the train (the original left). After Randolph you'll really start to get into the Green Mountains which are really scenic. After this point you're really better off on the left side of the train (the original right side). So if I were in your shoes I'd be grabbing a pair of seats on the right side of the train out of BWI.

As far as food is concerned, I would recommend you bring some items like chips and maybe a few sodas with you. The hot food they have on board is decent. This page will show you a sample menu of what the Cafe Car carries and the prices. This page from On Track On Line is chock full of great info about Amtrak and some tips for you. If you have any other questions, or something I said was unclear feel free to ask! Have a great trip!

 

[gswager]

If you are booking on the weekend, it'll be more passengers than in the middle of the week. However, September is probably the beginning of changing season for the leaves on trees, so it'll be more passengers. It's all depends on the weather.