Vermonter

[stewmody]

After taking my first LD train trip this past September with a girlfriend (philly > san francisco via the cardinal, southwest chief, and california zephyr), I'm taking my husband on his first train trip from Philly to Vermont in February. While not nearly as long, I'm hoping that it will be just as special in its own way. For those that have taken the Vermonter, what can we expect? What were your highlights? Any pearls of wisdom or other interesting tidbits are greatly appreciated.

Also, we'll be getting off at Essex Junction and staying in Burlington for a long weekend, so any relevant tips are also appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Blue Marble Travel]

Unfortunately, the "Vermonter" is not a great train. Really just a Northeast Regional that doesn't know when to stop. I haven't taken it in a year, but last time I did, it was one of the rare NERegional trains I had seen to not even carry a full café / lounge (just a half car, the other half was business class seating).

The scenery is pleasant enough, at least north of NY, and you should probably google map the route to figure out where the river is north once you reach Vermont, to choose seats on the right side of the train... though the train starts to empty in Springfield, and you can usually move around north of there. My vague recollection is that you should sit on the left, but I hope a local will validate / correct.

Used to be an Essex Jct. - Burlington bus meet the train, but I don't know if that one still exists.

And, a nice trick for one direction: take the ferry from Burlington to Port Kent, and the "Adirondack" south, for different scenery. You can walk from the ferry slip to the station in 5 minutes. This is, frankly, a nicer train and a more scenic route, though it requires that you change in NY to get to Phila.

After taking my first LD train trip this past September with a girlfriend (philly > san francisco via the cardinal, southwest chief, and california zephyr), I'm taking my husband on his first train trip from Philly to Vermont in February. While not nearly as long, I'm hoping that it will be just as special in its own way. For those that have taken the Vermonter, what can we expect? What were your highlights? Any pearls of wisdom or other interesting tidbits are greatly appreciated.

Also, we'll be getting off at Essex Junction and staying in Burlington for a long weekend, so any relevant tips are also appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Cho Cho Charlie]

I haven't taken it in a year, but last time I did, it was one of the rare NERegional trains I had seen to not even carry a full café / lounge (just a half car, the other half was business class seating).

I would strongly suggest going business class. The 2-1 seating in those la-z-boy like chairs is a rare step-up from coach.

 

[Shanghai]

Does anyone know if the bus from Essex Junction to Burlington

still exists?

 

[stewmody]

Unfortunately, the "Vermonter" is not a great train. Really just a Northeast Regional that doesn't know when to stop. I haven't taken it in a year, but last time I did, it was one of the rare NERegional trains I had seen to not even carry a full café / lounge (just a half car, the other half was business class seating).

The scenery is pleasant enough, at least north of NY, and you should probably google map the route to figure out where the river is north once you reach Vermont, to choose seats on the right side of the train... though the train starts to empty in Springfield, and you can usually move around north of there. My vague recollection is that you should sit on the left, but I hope a local will validate / correct.

Used to be an Essex Jct. - Burlington bus meet the train, but I don't know if that one still exists.

And, a nice trick for one direction: take the ferry from Burlington to Port Kent, and the "Adirondack" south, for different scenery. You can walk from the ferry slip to the station in 5 minutes. This is, frankly, a nicer train and a more scenic route, though it requires that you change in NY to get to Phila.

After taking my first LD train trip this past September with a girlfriend (philly > san francisco via the cardinal, southwest chief, and california zephyr), I'm taking my husband on his first train trip from Philly to Vermont in February. While not nearly as long, I'm hoping that it will be just as special in its own way. For those that have taken the Vermonter, what can we expect? What were your highlights? Any pearls of wisdom or other interesting tidbits are greatly appreciated.

Also, we'll be getting off at Essex Junction and staying in Burlington for a long weekend, so any relevant tips are also appreciated.

Thanks!

I thought about taking the ferry to Port Kent and taking the Adirondack home, but unfortunately the ferry is closed during the winter months, as is the Port Kent station. Thanks for your tips, I'll look into whether the connecting bus is still available.

 

[Train2104]

Does anyone know if the bus from Essex Junction to Burlington

still exists?

Yes...as a local transit bus.

http://www.cctaride.org/pdf/Current%20Web%20Schedules/August/2.pdf

No Sunday service, and the Saturday service doesn't meet the northbound train.

 

[Acela150]

I went from BRA to PHL one time. Intresting turn at Pamler?? One of those small Massachusetts towns. But go business. I did this and it was a great choice. 8 hours in coach would have killed me.

 

[thully]

I did the Port Kent ferry and took the Adirondack last September when I went to Vermont and really liked it (though it would have been nice to have a Sightseer Lounge on the Adirondack). Sometimes that works better for connections than the Vermonter. In my case, I was coming from Michigan (and thus using the CL/LSL to go east), so I had to have someone pick me up in Springfield, MA, the closest I could get to Vermont without an overnight stay or two 5+ hour layovers (one in TOL in the middle of the night) and a bustitution to Rutland (back when Rutland was extremely hard to get to due to Irene's aftermath). If you'll have a car (or know someone with a car) in Vermont, you can always go up to Plattsburgh to catch the Adirondack any time of the year.

I think there is a bus of some sort from Burlington to Plattsburgh, but I'm not sure of the schedule...

 

[Donctor]

Does anyone know if the bus from Essex Junction to Burlington

still exists?

Yes...as a local transit bus.

http://www.cctaride.org/pdf/Current%20Web%20Schedules/August/2.pdf

No Sunday service, and the Saturday service doesn't meet the northbound train.

Don't count on CCTA. One evening I got stuck in Essex when the last two runs were missed. I guess 5% of CCTA's operators were sick.

 

[Shanghai]

Does anyone know if the bus from Essex Junction to Burlington

still exists?

Yes...as a local transit bus.

http://www.cctaride.org/pdf/Current%20Web%20Schedules/August/2.pdf

No Sunday service, and the Saturday service doesn't meet the northbound train.

Thank You.

 

[Shanghai]

Does anyone know if the bus from Essex Junction to Burlington

still exists?

Yes...as a local transit bus.

http://www.cctaride.org/pdf/Current%20Web%20Schedules/August/2.pdf

No Sunday service, and the Saturday service doesn't meet the northbound train.

Don't count on CCTA. One evening I got stuck in Essex when the last two runs were missed. I guess 5% of CCTA's operators were sick.

I wonder what Transit54 would say to your comment??

 

[transit54]

Don't count on CCTA. One evening I got stuck in Essex when the last two runs were missed. I guess 5% of CCTA's operators were sick.

Before I get started, for full disclosure, I work for CCTA.

I'm not sure when your experience occurred, but it had to have been before the middle of 2007, when I started working for the authority. I can't speak for anything prior to that time, but I can't imagine that happening, at least based on my experience. In a worst case scenario, they will assign a supervisor to drive the bus. I've been riding the system for six years and while there are occasionally delays and infrequent cancelations, it's generally a very reliable system. Reliable enough that I don't need to own a car here (though I live right in Burlington, I would not say they same thing for most of the surrounding suburbs).

I take the bus from Amtrak all the time, provided you are coming in Monday-Friday, it works great, unless the train is over an hour and a half late, which is very rare. If you are interested in taking the bus and have concerns, PM me and I am happy to give you my personal cell number.

That being said, if you have a lot of bags and just want a hassle free experience, call Green Cab at 802-316-0700. They are the cheapest and best taxi service in the area and they will meet you at the station. There will be cabs at the station, but they are typically much pricer. The fare to Burlington shouldn't run more than $16-$17 depending on where you are going.

If you have any questions about what to do, where to eat, or how to get around Burlington, just let me know. I've lived here for six and a half years and am always happy to point visitors in the right direction.

I think there is a bus of some sort from Burlington to Plattsburgh, but I'm not sure of the schedule...

Unfortunately, there is no bus to Plattsburgh, or any good way to get from Burlington to there without driving.

 

[transit54]

I wonder what Transit54 would say to your comment??

Beat me to it by six minutes! :lol:

 

[Donctor]

I'm not sure when your experience occurred, but it had to have been before the middle of 2007, when I started working for the authority.

It was before mid-2007, and was my only visit to Burlington before actually living there.

 

[Blue Marble Travel]

Yes, true that.

Unfortunately, the "Vermonter" is not a great train. Really just a Northeast Regional that doesn't know when to stop. I haven't taken it in a year, but last time I did, it was one of the rare NERegional trains I had seen to not even carry a full café / lounge (just a half car, the other half was business class seating).

The scenery is pleasant enough, at least north of NY, and you should probably google map the route to figure out where the river is north once you reach Vermont, to choose seats on the right side of the train... though the train starts to empty in Springfield, and you can usually move around north of there. My vague recollection is that you should sit on the left, but I hope a local will validate / correct.

Used to be an Essex Jct. - Burlington bus meet the train, but I don't know if that one still exists.

And, a nice trick for one direction: take the ferry from Burlington to Port Kent, and the "Adirondack" south, for different scenery. You can walk from the ferry slip to the station in 5 minutes. This is, frankly, a nicer train and a more scenic route, though it requires that you change in NY to get to Phila.

After taking my first LD train trip this past September with a girlfriend (philly > san francisco via the cardinal, southwest chief, and california zephyr), I'm taking my husband on his first train trip from Philly to Vermont in February. While not nearly as long, I'm hoping that it will be just as special in its own way. For those that have taken the Vermonter, what can we expect? What were your highlights? Any pearls of wisdom or other interesting tidbits are greatly appreciated.

Also, we'll be getting off at Essex Junction and staying in Burlington for a long weekend, so any relevant tips are also appreciated.

Thanks!

I thought about taking the ferry to Port Kent and taking the Adirondack home, but unfortunately the ferry is closed during the winter months, as is the Port Kent station. Thanks for your tips, I'll look into whether the connecting bus is still available.

 

[stewmody]

Don't count on CCTA. One evening I got stuck in Essex when the last two runs were missed. I guess 5% of CCTA's operators were sick.

Before I get started, for full disclosure, I work for CCTA.

I'm not sure when your experience occurred, but it had to have been before the middle of 2007, when I started working for the authority. I can't speak for anything prior to that time, but I can't imagine that happening, at least based on my experience. In a worst case scenario, they will assign a supervisor to drive the bus. I've been riding the system for six years and while there are occasionally delays and infrequent cancelations, it's generally a very reliable system. Reliable enough that I don't need to own a car here (though I live right in Burlington, I would not say they same thing for most of the surrounding suburbs).

I take the bus from Amtrak all the time, provided you are coming in Monday-Friday, it works great, unless the train is over an hour and a half late, which is very rare. If you are interested in taking the bus and have concerns, PM me and I am happy to give you my personal cell number.

That being said, if you have a lot of bags and just want a hassle free experience, call Green Cab at 802-316-0700. They are the cheapest and best taxi service in the area and they will meet you at the station. There will be cabs at the station, but they are typically much pricer. The fare to Burlington shouldn't run more than $16-$17 depending on where you are going.

If you have any questions about what to do, where to eat, or how to get around Burlington, just let me know. I've lived here for six and a half years and am always happy to point visitors in the right direction.

I think there is a bus of some sort from Burlington to Plattsburgh, but I'm not sure of the schedule...

Unfortunately, there is no bus to Plattsburgh, or any good way to get from Burlington to there without driving.

Thanks so much, transit 54. Will definitely call Green Cab, and may very well PM you as we get closer to our travel dates to get your recommendations.

 

[stewmody]

Alright guys, one last question. I see how some of you recommend upgrading to business class. I'm familiar with the coach cars on the Cardinal, SWC, and CZ. Are the coach cars (and seats) the same as on those LD routes, or are they smaller? I found coach to be quite comfortable, especially when it's just for a day trip. I'm especially interested to know if they have the same leg room with leg rest. If not, I'll definitely look into an upgrade.

Thanks again!

 

[Acela150]

Alright guys, one last question. I see how some of you recommend upgrading to business class. I'm familiar with the coach cars on the Cardinal, SWC, and CZ. Are the coach cars (and seats) the same as on those LD routes, or are they smaller? I found coach to be quite comfortable, especially when it's just for a day trip. I'm especially interested to know if they have the same leg room with leg rest. If not, I'll definitely look into an upgrade.

Thanks again!

Much smaller. I believe the pitch is 39 inches on Amfleet I's. On Amfleet II's it's a lot more! In BC you would get that pitch! Plus as stated it's the Lazy Boy Style Seating and I did it once for 8 hours from BRA-PHL and it was worth it! In coach I would have gone nuts! :lol: The only NER train that offer the BC we have talked about is 66/67. The overnight train. Did that train once and that was a long train ride to BOS from PHL. Also about 8 hours. But these BC seats are by far the most comfortable on the system!

Steve

 

[stewmody]

Alright guys, one last question. I see how some of you recommend upgrading to business class. I'm familiar with the coach cars on the Cardinal, SWC, and CZ. Are the coach cars (and seats) the same as on those LD routes, or are they smaller? I found coach to be quite comfortable, especially when it's just for a day trip. I'm especially interested to know if they have the same leg room with leg rest. If not, I'll definitely look into an upgrade.

Thanks again!

Much smaller. I believe the pitch is 39 inches on Amfleet I's. On Amfleet II's it's a lot more! In BC you would get that pitch! Plus as stated it's the Lazy Boy Style Seating and I did it once for 8 hours from BRA-PHL and it was worth it! In coach I would have gone nuts! :lol: The only NER train that offer the BC we have talked about is 66/67. The overnight train. Did that train once and that was a long train ride to BOS from PHL. Also about 8 hours. But these BC seats are by far the most comfortable on the system!

Steve

Thank you Steve, that information changes everything!

 

[palmland]

We took the Vermonter about a year ago from St. Albans to NY. Great trip and it should be even more scenic with the no foilage for better river views and perhaps some snow. But, are you sure you want to go to Burlington in February? A similar day train, the Palmetto, will get you to the much warmer and just as interesting city of Charleston, SC. It is a slightly longer trip, but you do have the option of taking an overnight train as well.

But, if you stick with the Vermonter, the half BC, half Cafe cars are very nice. Since the train does reverse direction in Palmer, MA you will be riding backwards for part of the trip. If that bothers you, the coaches were not crowded north of New Haven. On our train half the seats in the each car faced in opposite direction from the rest of the car. If you got the center seat, you'd have two facing seats and could really spread out.

 

[Acela150]

We took the Vermonter about a year ago from St. Albans to NY. Great trip and it should be even more scenic with the no foilage for better river views and perhaps some snow. But, are you sure you want to go to Burlington in February? A similar day train, the Palmetto, will get you to the much warmer and just as interesting city of Charleston, SC. It is a slightly longer trip, but you do have the option of taking an overnight train as well.

But, if you stick with the Vermonter, the half BC, half Cafe cars are very nice. Since the train does reverse direction in Palmer, MA you will be riding backwards for part of the trip. If that bothers you, the coaches were not crowded north of New Haven. On our train half the seats in the each car faced in opposite direction from the rest of the car. If you got the center seat, you'd have two facing seats and could really spread out.

When I returned from BRA to PHL the seats were facing forward from BRA to Palmer then Backwards from Palmer to PHL. So maybe 4 hours. Somewhere around there. But it wasn't to bad. Still worth the money!

 

[Donctor]

Still worth the money!

Sure is!