I’m going to be visiting New York for the first time over a weekend and then heading down to DC on a Sunday evening for work. Right now, I can either take the train (about 3 to 3.5 hours) or hop on a flight from JFK to Ronald Reagan (about 90 minutes), and both options are right around the same price.
My thoughts are that it’ll be too late in the day to enjoy the scenic aspects of a train ride, so it seems like a good deal to take the shorter flight (particularly since Ronald Reagan puts me reasonably close to downtown, where I’ll be staying). However, I have absolutely zero experience with JFK, and I’m wondering if the hassle of going through security and dealing with checked luggage at a major airport like that is worth the 90 minutes of travel time I would potentially save in the end.
So those of you in that part of the country with experience – give me your thoughts. I really need to book one or the other by tomorrow (Tuesday), so your quick advice would be appreciated.
Take the train. Get on, sit, get off exactly three hours later. Infinitely more leg room than any airplane, too.
ETA: Another advantage is the Penn station is right in the middle of Manhattan, whereas JFK is way the hell out at the edge of Queens and is quite a schlep, irrespective of the security/bag check hassle.
100% agree with this. I used to travel back and forth from NYC to DC on business several times a year. The train is WAY easier. When looking at the expense, you have to include the cost of a $60 cab ride out to JFK and a $50 cab ride from Ronald Reagan. Union Station in DC is much closer to the city than is the airport.
Also, you don’t have to deal with crazy security lines. And you have more leg room. And, even at night, the route is pretty scenic (imho anyway). One piece of advice, if you are traveling with more than one suitcase, find a redcap as soon as you get to Penn Station. They will hold on to your bags while you are waiting for the train, then they will put you on the train before everyone else. It’s worth the $20 tip.
Take the train. While flying into National it is easy enough to get on the metro, the NYC end is a pain. You will save time when you factor in security lines and travel to airport, and money when you factor in taxi fare. Plus you will still feel like a human being when you arrive.
Take the train and never mind the scenery. Go directly to the Club Car. You will meet fascinating people and the time will fly. You will wish the trip was longer. I am Peanuthead and I approved and guarantee this message. Really. Been there, done that, loved it.
If you have enough time for a train, you might want to look at the bus instead. Megabus or Boltbus take only about four hours, cost about $20 (when you purchase this late before a trip), and have wifi internet access. (Boltbus has power outlets as well.) It takes just a bit more time, the seats are comfortable, and the price is right.
I promise you that the train will be quicker, more comfortable, and more convenient in every respect. There is absolutely no measure by which the plane is a better option.
JFK is NOT conveniently located, yes it’s on public transportation but it will take you a good hour to get out there by subway from Manhattan. Or you can take a cab, which may or may not be faster, depending on traffic (remember on Seinfeld, “they say no one’s ever beaten the Van Wyck!” - that’s the highway that takes you to JFK) but will certainly cost $50-$60.
Not to mention on the train you can stand up and walk around any time you want. Plus (as has been mentioned) the club car. Consider that between getting to JFK (assuming you’re starting from midtown Manhattan), security lines/boarding, and the slightly longer trip from National airport to downtown DC (again, assuming you’re heading to central DC), you only end up saving half an hour at most. At that point, if the train is the same price, it’s a no-brainer to not have to deal with the hassle of airline security theater and cramped seats.
One thing to note – if you’re travelling in the heart of the summer, the train can have some extreme delays. Their top speed goes way down when the temperature hits, uh, 95? 100? If you’re on an expense account, the delay can be well salved with booze, and a slow train is much more pleasant than a delayed plane because you can walk around. But it’s something to be aware of.
I just took the BoltBus to DC about a week ago. The bus was comfortable, the people were actually interesting, and yeah, it cost $20. The train is a little nicer and a little faster, but damn, $20.
I tried to hint about that to you a few days ago, but you weren’t getting it!
As for the BoltBus suggestions, I’d still prefer the train for the walking around aspect of it all, but if I do this again in the future where I’m really in a pinch, I will keep that in mind. I’m not shy about taking the bus.
I don’t think anyone mentioned it here yet, but most of your NYC-DC flights would be out of LaGuadia Airport, not JFK. Can’t beat that Bolt Bus though. Midtown to Chinatown!
I did this trip as a weekly commute (living near DC, working near the UN in Manhattan) for two years. I did every permutation known:
Plane, National to/from LaGuardia
Plane, LaGuardia to Dulles
Plane, JFK to National
Train
Of the options: National-to-Laguardia was great. When it worked. I had to take a cab from midtown Manhattan out to Laguardia (which is the closest airport), fighting traffic, hoping the weather didn’t suck so badly it screwed up the flights. It often did, as these were Friday evenings and for some reason Fridays were always worse, rain-wise. The only flights on that route were the two shuttle services (I think they were Trump and one other back then) and they tended to be a lot pricier during the times I wanted to fly (Friday evening and Monday morning). If all worked out, it took me about 2.5 hours door to door (20 minutes to airport, 20-30 minutes to depart, hour flight, 20ish minutes home).
JFK to National: Longer ride out to/from the airport at the NY end. Puddle-jumpers only. Also subject to weather delays (including one famous day where they wouldn’t admit our flight would be late, even when the incoming plane HAD NOT LEFT THE PREVIOUS SITE).
Laguardia to Dulles: Jets, but more of a hike at my end of things (I live closer to National). Similar issues with weather though I didn’t do that one often so it wasn’t a huge deal.
Train: Maybe a few minutes late arriving. Never late leaving. By and far the most reliable way to go. As others have said, more legroom and you can walk around more easily.
The train will put you right downtown, closer than National Airport. And Union Station is quite a sight especially in the “great hall” with the vaulted ceiling and the gold leaf and the statues.
