First Time in American Trains! Washington DC to New York!

Summary

This video script documents a traveler's 24-hour journey through the American railway system, with a focus on the Amtrak experience. Starting from Atlanta to Washington DC and then to New York City, the traveler explores various classes, including economy, business, and first class, commenting on the comfort, amenities, and food options. They also touch on the slower pace of train travel compared to flights, the convenience of city-to-city routes, and the need for infrastructure improvements. The script provides insights into the Amtrak system's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the unique experience of long-distance train travel in the US.

Takeaways

• 🚂 The vlogger is embarking on an adventure traveling from Atlanta to New York City via Amtrak, making it their first experience with American railways.
• 🎒 Many people in America choose trains over flights to avoid high baggage fees, which can be up to $50 per bag on some airlines.
• 🕒 The journey from Atlanta to Washington DC by train takes around 17 hours, which is significantly longer than the 2 hours it would take by flight.
• 🍔 There are limited food options at the train station, with drinks priced around $2 and snacks like chips available.
• 💺 The train seats, particularly in economy class, offer impressive legroom and are comfortable for long journeys.
• 🔌 Each seat has two outlets for charging devices, although the provided Amtrak WiFi is not always functioning.
• 🛋️ The train's cleanliness and comfort are comparable to the Shatabdi Express in India, which the vlogger has previously traveled on.
• 🍳 There is a dining area on the train where passengers can purchase meals, such as oatmeal for breakfast.
• 🚉 The train makes several stops along the way, including a significant delay due to another Amtrak train crossing.
• 🏙️ The vlogger finds Washington DC to be an exceptionally clean city with shiny and well-maintained buildings.
• 🛑 The train's speed is limited by the curvy paths of the American railway system, which is not optimized for high-speed travel.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the video?

The purpose of the video is to document and share the experience of spending 24 hours traveling on American railways, specifically on an Amtrak train from Atlanta to New York City.

Why did the traveler choose to travel by train instead of flying?

The traveler chose to travel by train to make the journey more adventurous and to experience American railways for the first time.

What are the main drawbacks of flying mentioned in the script?

The main drawbacks mentioned are the high baggage fees associated with flights, which can be expensive if a traveler has a lot of luggage.

What is the Amtrak station in Atlanta like?

The Amtrak station in Atlanta is described as small, with an entrance that is open until 12 AM and no parking facilities, as cars can get towed.

How does the traveler describe the seating arrangement in the economy class of the train?

The traveler is impressed with the seating arrangement, describing the leg space as amazing and mind-blowing, especially compared to their previous experiences.

What issues did the traveler encounter with the train's amenities?

The traveler faced issues with the train's Wi-Fi not working and a problem with the bathroom's hot water being too hot to wash hands comfortably.

What food options were available during the train journey?

The food options included drinks like water, Pepsi, and Mountain Dew for $2 each, chips, oatmeal for breakfast, and a choice of salad, barbeque burger, or pistachios and milk for lunch.

How long did the train journey from Atlanta to Washington DC take?

The train journey from Atlanta to Washington DC took approximately 14-15 hours.

What was the traveler's experience with the train's speed?

The traveler noted that the train was really slow, especially compared to other modes of transportation like buses and flights.

What are some of the improvements the traveler suggests for the train service?

The traveler suggests improvements such as a better booking system, timely maintenance of amenities like flushes, and better communication regarding the availability of services like Wi-Fi and phone charging.

Outlines

00:00

🚂 First Experience with American Railways

The narrator embarks on an adventure, spending 24 hours on American railways, starting with a trip to NYC via train for the first time. They visit Atlanta's Amtrak station, noting its small size and lack of parking. The train, number 20 from DC to Atlanta, is boarded without a reserved seat. The narrator highlights the affordability of trains for those who can't afford flight baggage fees and compares travel times by train, bus, and flight. They find the train's legroom impressive and attempt to connect to Amtrak's WiFi, which isn't working. The train leaves on time, and the narrator observes the lack of a booking system and the cleanliness of the coach class bathroom, but notes issues with the hot water.

05:00

🌅 Overnight Train Journey and Breakfast on Board

The narrator wakes up after a 6-7 hour sleep, still in North Carolina, and comments on the train's slow speed. They experience difficulty washing due to excessively hot water. After a stop in Greensborough, North Carolina, they have oatmeal for breakfast in the dining area for $4.5. The narrator discusses the train's amenities, including a bar that opens in the morning and the option to sleep with a jacket due to the lack of blankets. They also mention the train's delay due to another Amtrak train crossing and the observation that most people use trains for short distances that are too long to drive and too short to fly. The paragraph ends with the narrator looking forward to a potential upgrade to business class on their next train journey.

10:14

🏙️ Arrival in Washington DC and Initial Impressions

The narrator arrives in Washington DC and notes the need for improvements in train infrastructure, such as a non-working flush that was reported. Despite a 15-minute delay, they find the overall experience acceptable. They decide to stay on the train to Union Station for the convenience of a good network and comfort. After arriving, they find the city to be exceptionally clean and the hostel location convenient. They visit a grocery shop and a rooftop before dining at a Mexican restaurant, noting the quality and quantity of the food. The narrator also mentions the high inflation rate over the past three years, as evidenced by the increased cost of staying at the hostel.

15:15

🚄 Early Morning Departure on the Fastest Train to NYC

The narrator wakes up at 5 am to catch the fastest train from Washington DC to New York at 6 am. Despite feeling tired from the previous day's 15-hour train journey, they are excited about the new experience. They choose to take an Uber to the station due to the early hour and darkness, but feel safe due to the clean streets and lack of homeless people. Upon arrival at Union Station, they discuss the train route from Washington DC to Boston, which is the most revenue-generating corridor for Amtrak. The narrator attempts to upgrade to first class but decides against the high cost, opting to experience all classes within a few days instead.

20:17

🛋️ Comfort and Convenience of Business Class on Amtrak

The narrator boards the fastest train from Washington DC to New York, commenting on the train's sleek design and ability to reach speeds of up to 150 miles per hour. They find their business class seat comfortable and explore the amenities, including outlets and WiFi. The narrator compares the train experience to the Shatabdi Express in India and notes that Amtrak's priority over freight trains is often not adhered to, leading to delays. They also discuss the differences between business and first class, recommending against the upgrade due to minimal benefits. The train departs on time, and the narrator plans to enjoy the views and dining experience during the journey.

25:18

☕️ High-Speed Train Journey and Observations on Commuting

The narrator experiences the high-speed train journey, noting an average speed of 103 miles per hour and a maximum of 134 miles per hour. They observe that most passengers are working on their phones or laptops during the commute. The narrator mentions that many people travel daily from DC to New York for work, taking advantage of the train's direct route to Midtown, allowing them to reach their offices by 9:30 am. Despite some difficulty standing and walking in the train due to its speed, the narrator enjoys the views and the dining area, which they also refer to as an observation deck. They note the train's cleanliness and the technology that allows it to navigate curvy paths at high speeds, developed by France. The journey ends with the narrator taking the A train to their office in New York City.

Keywords

💡Amtrak

Amtrak is the national railroad passenger service provider in the United States. In the video's context, it is the primary mode of transportation the traveler uses to embark on an adventure from Atlanta to New York City. The script mentions various aspects of Amtrak's services, such as train numbers (e.g., train no. 20), stations, and the experience on board.

💡Train Station

A train station is a place where passengers can board or alight from trains. The script describes the Atlanta's Amtrak station as small and without parking facilities, highlighting the logistical aspects of starting a train journey.

💡Baggage Fees

Baggage fees refer to the additional charges passengers often have to pay for their luggage when traveling by air. The video mentions these fees as a reason some people opt for train travel instead of flights, as trains are presented as a more affordable alternative for those with a lot of baggage.

💡Coach Class

Coach class is a term used to describe the standard or economy seating area on a train or airplane. In the script, the traveler is excited about the legroom and comfort offered in the coach class of the Amtrak train.

💡Leg Space

Leg space denotes the amount of room available for passengers to stretch their legs while seated. The video emphasizes the impressive leg space in Amtrak's economy class, comparing it favorably to other travel experiences.

💡Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a technology that allows electronic devices to connect to the internet wirelessly. The traveler mentions connecting to Amtrak's Wi-Fi but experiences issues with its functionality during the journey.

💡Dining Area

The dining area on a train is a section where passengers can purchase and consume food. The script describes the availability and the ambiance of the dining area on the Amtrak train, including the options for breakfast and the traveler's experience eating oatmeal.

💡Metro System

A metro system is an urban subway network that provides rapid transit in a city. The video discusses the metro system in Washington DC, which the traveler uses to navigate to their destination within the city after disembarking from the train.

💡Hostel

A hostel is a type of low-cost accommodation often used by travelers. The script mentions the traveler's stay at a hostel in Washington DC, noting the cleanliness and good location of the establishment.

💡Business Class

Business class refers to a higher level of service offered in various modes of transportation, including trains, which typically includes more comfort and amenities. The traveler considers upgrading to business class for the next leg of their journey, indicating a desire for a more premium travel experience.

💡Infrastructure

Infrastructure refers to the basic physical and organizational structures needed for a society or enterprise to function. The video mentions the need for improvements in train infrastructure, such as the non-functioning flush the traveler encountered on their journey.

Highlights

The traveler embarks on an adventurous journey on American railways for the first time.

Arrival at the small Atlanta Amtrak station with no parking facilities.

Train no. 20 from DC to Atlanta is boarded without a booked seat.

Economy class offers surprisingly comfortable seats with ample legroom.

Amtrak's onboard WiFi is not working at the moment of boarding.

Limited food options available at the station before boarding.

Observation of the train's bathroom cleanliness and the issue with hot water.

The train's slow speed is noted, taking 7 hours to reach North Carolina.

Breakfast options and pricing on the train are described.

The train's delay due to crossing with another Amtrak train.

The traveler's preference for short-distance train travel in the US.

Attempt to upgrade to first class from business class is unsuccessful.

The train's dining area is well-lit and breakfast is enjoyed.

The train reaches Washington DC, and the traveler comments on the city's cleanliness.

The traveler's experience with the metro system and the convenience of train travel.

A detailed review of the hostel stay, including the rooftop view and location.

Dining experience at a Mexican restaurant and the quality of the food.

The traveler wakes up early for the fastest train from Washington DC to New York.

The train's business class amenities and comfort are explored.

The train's speed and technology that allows it to navigate curvy paths.

Observation of the daily commuter routine from DC to NYC.

The train's arrival in New York and the traveler's transition to the subway.

Transcripts

So friends, Today we're spending

24 hours in

American railways

and then

Once again friends

Going to NYC

Don't know why I get to go often

because of work

This time, I thought lets make it more adventurous

by going via train

My first time in American railways

Directly I am going Athlanta's

Amtrac train station

So here we go Amtrak

It looks like very small station

of Athlanta

And here is the entrance

And this entrance is open

till 12Am

And there is no parking in Amtrak station

Car will get towed

And its full today

So there is our train

Train no. 20 has arrived from DC to Athlanta

And I am gonna take that to washington DC

Majorly, only those people take train in America

who cannot afford to pay baggae fee of flights

Baggage fees of flight is a lot

Like if you want to add one baggage then $30

And one delta airlines, it even goes to $50

If you have a lot of baggages, then trains are affordable

But in 90% of the cases

Everyone prefers flight

Like it will take me 17 hours to go to DC

12 hours in bus

and 2 hours in flight

Wow

Wow, boarding has already started Everyone standing with their big baggages

Boarding has started

Seat is not booked, so I have to walkin fast

And there is not much to eat at the station

except drinks

Like water for 1.5$

Pepsi for $2

Mountain dew $2

All drinks are for $2

and there are some chips

Before boarding there are little bit chips

I mean there are not much options

If you forgot protein bar then you're gone

Lets go

This is waiting area of first class

I was waiting in other class

Now its turn for my boarding

So here is my train

Its train no.20 but

here the other number is 205

and

mine is economy class

It is also called coach class

and I am very very excited

And today two trains are going

One is going Luizana

Luziana

which will come in some time

And mine washington DC

And seats are first cum first serve

so have to run

Seats are looking comfortable from here

I got seat on the spot

See leg space is amazing

Its mind blowing, I am really impressed

will show you again

Just see the leg space here

I'm 5'5 and legs are coming here

When I am in economy class

My legs hit here

with 5'8 height sometimes

Just see how big is leg space

And if I want to sleep now

then see the magic now

Here I can keep feet like this

Lets see how down it goes

like this

Their hardware is bit broke

But now its fine

Now just keeping feet here and lets see how back the seat goes

mindblowing space

So I can sleep

Just connected to Amtrak wifi, not working yet

Not working at the moment

Like this is very comfortable

Every seat have two outlets

So my outlet is set

laptop charging

Lets work

We're leaving exact on time

So bathroom of Amtrak looks like this

This coach class

I think it is pretty good honestly

Before today, if I have travelled in any train in India

That is shatabdi from Amritsat to delhi

So seats looked very competitive to that

Now I have window seat

And they changed somehow

saying that many seats are empty obviously

but they're not allowing me to change

They said that more people will come on next station

After they will give me the window seat according to whats left

Don't know, they don't have booking system

that I didn't liked

So bathroom is pretty clean honestly but

Problem is that water is so hot that

I'm not able to wash hands

You can see the steam from water

See so much water is coming

that I am not able to wash hands

so much hot water

So lets meet directly in morning, I am going to sleep

Will see you tomorrow

Good night

So its going to be 7 in morning

I slept for almost 6-7 hours

Still we're just in North caralina

still virginia hasn't come

Train is really slow

So this is one of their biggest stop

greensborough, North carolina

After almost 7 hours

Hands got red while brushing

So much hot water

even it is so difficult to rinse mouth

Its really hot

look at this

Like steam is coming out

I think in camera its not visible

but there's a lot of steam

These are the options

I'm gonna go for oatmeal

All these are options for breakfast

Here alongisde is the dining area

So the dining area is very well lit

I'm gonna eat my breakfast

This is oatmeal

plus cup of milk

Both costed me $4.5, not too bad

And I think it should be enough

Their bar opened in morning only

wow

And along they gave this tray

I'm pretty sure that this will be very sweet

It is maple and brown sugar

And their trash is something like this

You have to pull it

Many people come with blanket or something

coming prepared to sleep

Luckily I brought jacket

Could sleep comfortably with that

Speed limit is 35 on this road

so we're able to beat that car easily

Expiry date is written on this milk

but october 12 is written on this

Today is october 9

Its ok, it'll work

And once agai friends, wifi not working

And only my data is working

and even speed is less in that also

like not much network in virginia

So they just announced that

Our train is going to stop because

One more Amtrak train is going to cross us

So we will wait and then proceed

but will be little bit late

Supposed to reach DC at 2pm

Almost after

14-15 hours

Yeah

So almost

Almost after 14 hours

or maybe 15 hours

With bus, I would have reached in 12 hours

I have noticed that majority people

Take for short distance

like from Athlanta to virginia

From Virginia to New york

Washington DC to New york

Short distances, which Americans define

And its too long to drive

too short to fly

on those it works more

Like virginia came now

whole train filled up

And same way I'm pretty sure

the moment DC will come

My train to New york from DC

Wait for it because thats going to be hopefully business class

I have given my name for auction

I have bid for first class

Lets see if I get upgrade or no

So stay tuned for that as well

And those who don't know

The fastest rail network in US

is from New york to washington DC

Thats the fastest train ever

I'm gonna compare the speed

Its going to be a lot of fun

So for lunch, we have I think

I don't like turkey, So I won't eat it

I don't even eat Ham also

Probably, I'll go for salad

Barbeque burger, I think this sounds good

They were out of vegetarian burger

chicken burger, They had nothing

So I got pistacios

and milk

Again have to drink milk

So this is 160 calories and around

6gm of protein

and this is of $1 and that is for $5

So this is the map of metro system of DC

So if you see carefully, we were before at

Kingstreet

which is right here So this is

where we were

which is in virginia

So this metro goes till here also

I could have stopped there

And I could go union square which is

soomewhere in the middle

But I thought if I have paid till there already

Lets just go in the train and then

good network is here and it is very comfortable

So decided to

stay here and from here directly metro

From here to directly union square

And thats red taxi of DC

So frist train journey completed today and

I think, many improvements are needed in infrastructure

For example my flush was not working in morning

So I reported immediately

There was written that if some problem comes then report directly

I reported

other than that, we're 15 min late

No worries, its no big deal

And other than that

Just announced that

When train is going to NYC from here

woever wanted to charge phone

Only it will work from Athlanta too DC

not after that

So some improvements are surely needed

I havehad only milk since morning

That also just two cups

So thats why I am gonna look for real food

So this sald will work

Its $12

And once again friends

Washington DC is the cleanest city I have been to

I mean it looks so clean

Roads and everything, no scratches at all

And this area is union center

below this is metro station

Metro doesn't go to my hostel

Thats why I'll have to take an uber

And it reminds a lot to me CP a lot

So this is my hostel friends

Look at all the buildings

they're so shiny and clean

Everything is so shiny and

Much cleaner than

Any other buidling I have seen

Its very shiny

Location of my hostel is very good

This is the hostel, with Arpit also I came here

And to my right

There's a grocery shop

lets go to check in

So this is the rooftop of my hostel

When I came 3 years back and

4 years back also

Always I stayed in this hostel

And before it costed me 415-$20/day

Now $45/day

Inflation is really high in last three years

came to mexican restaurant and

Didn't ate much since morning

finally having real food

in a mexican restaurant

Quantity is not so good than it is usually

So it has these three

This chicken and little bit of rice

and beans

I wish it was bit more to eat

because I am very hungry

So very good morning everyone, just woke from my hostel

at 5am in the morning

Today is my fastest train

at 6am from washington Dc to New york

Its easy to say that I woke 5 Am

In reality, I'm still extremely tired

That train journey of 15 hours

Slept easily and comfortably

but realized in evening that body is energyless and head is spinning

hard to even walk

Trains are much much tiring

Today's train is fastest for sure

But how much tiring, lets find out

and business class

So finally did a uber

I saw the metro that goes from my hostel

It will take 28 min

If I will walk then 35 min

Either walking is better or Uber, So I chose uber now

From my hostel road, it is 30 min walk

There's no one

at like 6 am, its completely dark

Still feeling very safe because you know

nearby are not much homeless people

and everyone here

See roads are so clean even at night

even zero scratches

than on New york and other roads

And see this road also

Looking so much clean

Even at like

5 Am in the morning

So safest place

to be at 5 Am

As per I experienced till now

Alongside is Dc scooter shop

All scooters are here like this

No one has any problem

No one is afraid of these being stolen

Thats a big thing here

So thats it right?

I can stop here?

Oh yeah

Okay

Thank you so much

welcome, take care and have a good one

You too, Thank you

So, Now I am here at the union station

about to take the fastest train

and the route that I am taking

around my train which is from

Wahington DC to New York

It is the most taken

This belt from washington DC to Boston

Its the east corridor as they say

More than 30% revenue generating path is this one

majority of money

Made my Amtrak is here

More than 40% money comes from here

Rest of the train network is not good

And if you see carefully

Symmetrically this is right in front of the white house

So

I think no, this is right in front of the capital buiding

So infront is the capital building

fully vertically

And now I am going straight to

Union centre which is right here

And why majority Americans take this route

Even though it is 30 min more than flight route

if you go checkin and all

because of the convienience

You start from the city

city part of union city is connected to metro station

From city then directly to Manhattan

middle of midtown

so this convienience

city through city

Door to door

because of this, all money is worth it

Friends, I just bid

to upgrade business class to first class

Anyway this train costed $150

Even I bid $100

that first class gets upgraded

but bid was unsuccessful because

They're saying I tried to bid on the spot

on the spot I tried to upgrade business class

to first class

They said $400

But business class is also enough

I won't give $400 for first class because tomorrow

There one more first class upgrade

We're doing trip from New york to DC by bus

So not good too upgrade today

It'll be like

Economy business and first class

All the three experiences in 3 days

This is their food court

At 5 am, it is closed

So the train is on time but

gate is not announced yet

haven't announced even at 5:30am

Train will come by 6 am

from

I just have this left as food

because everything is closed even the jumbo juice

Boarding has started

This is my boarding

First class starting first

and my train will come at e side

So the fastest train

really excited

Boarding is E18

so here it is E

very excited for the fastest train

So here we go

It on time, 6am track 18

And it looks more beautiful too

Like the shape is like japanese train

and this goes upto 150 miles an hour

because

even though the path is little bit curvy

for most of the Amtrak route

It has the ability to get adjusted to the curve

Are you read friends to go as fast as 150 miles an hour

More than around 250km/hour

Leaving in fifteen minutes

Firstly first class Amtrak

I need to find my business class coach

here we go

So, business class

originates from Washington

And here is cafe also, lets eat something

This is the eating area

so eating area is really cool

So here is my seat

Its very comfortable

Looks very very comfortable, business class

So lets try

If I press this buttton then

It'll go fully down

and

Lets see whats here

if we can sleep or no

I don't think we can sleep for 3 hours

This it came down little

Oh

Thats good enough

Trying to bring it more down

Last train had more space but

This is most moeny making train for Amtrak

With upgrade it would have been a lot of fun

So just like the previous train

It has two outlets

And lets try the wifi

Lets see if wifi works or no this time

Okay

I thought it can move also

pull up

Ok, like this we can work

No one has used this wifi till now, lets see it

In India also, I have not been to much fast train because

the previous train was equivalent to speed of shatabdi

But shatabdi is more fast

So Indian railway is definitely better

If there's succesful railway in US

Acc to the rules

Amtrak should be given priority over frieght trains

but they break the rules

The freight trains get priority, thats why my previous train

got delayed by 15 min

Lets see how on time, this train is

So the difference between first class is

Seat is quite similar

but food will be given, thats the only difference

And priority check in

here this is the kitchen

So 5 min more

Never choose this seat

These seats have less legroom

because if someone comes in front

then there's no space left in legs

Glad that I didn't chose this seat

Will go to my seat in some time

And one more recommendation

I just shown you the first class seat

Not worth upgrading

just little more leg space and food, Thats all

Wifi is actually good enough to browse

but little bit slow

but browsing is possible

I mean at decent speed

Still loading the page but it is decent enough

Its honestly more packed than I thought

So now its 6am

It has started on exact time

We'll see the sunrise around 6:30am

So here is the cafe

I'm going to eat here

So this is the place to stand and eat

I think in dining area, this feel

if you will see how the views are changing

I'll come after sunrise as well

I can feel the speed

Really feeling it a lot

above 100 miles for sure

Here is my fresh egg sandwich

I'm really excited

so lets see

And this is car no.5

I need to go to car no.6

Really hard to walk straight

That is $7

And you won't believe

In the train also, I was able to have stable data connection

Obviously wifi was not stable but

Thanks to my stable data connection

by mint mobile

which gives you unlimited data and calling in $15

You can checkout because

This is a steal deal and

It is very well connected throughout the US

Go checkout with link in description below

Really enjoying a lot

We have went 125 max

This is the bathroom of the fastest train in US

This is very much cleaner, I loved it

It was same as previous train

Main reason why US doesn't have high speed trains

is because

Path is not straight

It is curvy path

This is the only train which can go along the curvy path

and it has technology developed by france

And this is my 4th time to NYC

Like everytime, I am very excited

And this is my fav and coolest way to go to the city

Last one hour, avg speed 103 miles an hour

max 134 miles an hour

pretty good

we hardly touched 150 miles an hour

130 was even for less than 5 min

directly New york to New jersey

It had 4-5 stops

but its super fast

Avg speed of 100 miles an hour

And majority people in this plane

You won't believe that all

are on phones or laptops

Many people commute everyday from DC to New york

because what happens in many remote companies

so they stay in DC

and they wake by 5 and take train by 6

reaching directly to NYC by 9 AM

And you're reaching midtown, so you're reaching work at 9:30am

And go back home at 9 as well

There is enough room for everyone to walk but

Even standing here is diffcult

When train is going at 100 miles an hour

Able to manage somehow

This is a beautiful view

Beautiful view

This dining area is very beatiful

It is also known as observation deck in some trains

And fall colors have also started coming

So in Jersey, train has stopped for 2 min

to allow the freight train, so I'm gonna get some water

So finally out

More than 80% train got empty here

rest going to boston

I'm going to take the A train to office

Subway is to the right

You won't believe

And entry is very difficult

people are coming out so fast

I will enter from that side

Wow

within one stop, 47th street

Its so near

if this is the train, that means

And all were working in train

It is so early that even the beagal cart is not here