Florida to Boston by Train

Not the photographer choice but the most comfortable way to travel. 

It all started when we planned to drive to New England for the autumn colours, and since the destination was the USA as always I planned a visit to my grandfather in Florida. 

So the question was: how would I get from Florida to Boston to meet my hubby who would fly from Sydney direct to Boston? I looked at the options. 

1. fly: it is the fastest and cheapest option, but it is absolutely uninspiring. 
2. drive: as a photographer it was tempting, but then I started adding places where to stop, and the drive would eat the time with my family and for driving straight, where was the fun in that? 
3. train: it would take two days, but I could see some of the countrysides and relax at the same time, and would not add too much extra time.

So train it was. It is not a photographer choice since there is no viewing platforms and all the windows are closed so you can’t shoot the scenery but you can photograph in many of the stops and there is always the challenge of photographing the experience. 

I booked all with Amtrak online. The Silver Meteor from Hollywood, FL to Penn Station, New York and then the Northeast Regional to Boston. 

As usual, I was at the Hollywood station hours before departure and was surprised by the number of people taking the same train. The train stopped, and I boarded, waving good bye for everyone at the station. I was given the schedule of a meal once I boarded and then it was time to explore.

The first part of the trip I had a sleeper cabin (Viewliner Roomette). A lovely space for you to spend the day. The cabin is set up for up to 2 people, with chairs that become bunk beds in the evening.  It is also equipped with a toilet. It took me a while to understand what that  was but it was pretty cool. 

The train stops at over 30 stations, but I was so excited that it was hard to notice. Once we left Tampa (430km north of Hollywood) it was lunch time. I walked down to the dining car, and they placed me on a table with another lady. 

Everyone in the dining car started telling their stories. One of the great things about train travel is you get to meet the people you travel with.  My table companion was heading to Washington to visit her daughter at the university and chose the train since she was taking the daughter’s dog to visit.  But the story that inspired me the most was this couple where the husband suffering from some seizure that could be aggravated by flying so they were taking the train so they could make it to New York to get a cruise to Alaska.  I was inspired that no matter what difficulties, they were going to fulfill their dreams. 

The food was fantastic. Unfortunately, the train does not offer the dietary options of airlines, but the food was first class. 

As we hit the Carolinas the night started and there was not much to see. Since I’m an avid reader, my iPad Kindle app was loaded with books, and I was in paradise. 

After dinner, when I got back to the cabin, they had made my bed for the night. I slept like an angel. The rocking of the train didn’t bother me at all. 

When I woke up we were stopping in Washington DC. After breakfast, my cabin was set for the day trip. From there on I spent the morning looking more of the scenery. Passing by Philadelphia did make me want to get out since the streets we passed by look like a movie set.  So I had to add it to my list of places I would like to go. 

Arriving in NYC was exciting!  But it would be the second time  I passed by NYC, in a month, without looking at the town. 

As we got to Penn Station, I’ve got to say all New Yorkers were fantastic. All passengers were taken to a room to pick up their luggage. Many other passengers said, “I’m jealous of your bag”. Imagine this room full of bags, and most were black, some maroon, etc. and my bags: Orange with flowers!  They stand out anywhere. So I was the first out of the room with my flashy bags. 

I was sent to the waiting room for the Northern  Region since I had first-class tickets. I’ve got to say I was scared of getting lost, Penn Station is massive, so every other corner I asked someone for directions and everyone was friendly. 

Finally, on my last leg of the trip, the 3 hours between New York and Boston, I had a nice guy seating with me, Peter. His family was from Rhode Island and he knew the history of all the little cities, station and bridges we passed by, so I had a free tour.  He also gave me a tip that I should leave the train at a station before  the one I was planning since it was closer to the suburb of my accommodations. 

So 32 hours after boarding the train in Hollywood, FL, I was getting the keys for our Airbnb accommodation in Back Bay, Boston.

The funny thing was that when I boarded the train in Florida, my husband was waiting for his flight in Sydney to fly to New York and then take a  connection to Boston. I arrived only 2 hours after him. 

Does the Silver Meteor offer wifi?

Yes, the train does offer wifi, but in some areas was a bit patchy.  If  you plan to watch movies or videos I suggest to download them before. I did lots of messaging and sending photos, and from time to time, I had to wait for a new station stop to send them. 

Does the Northern Region offer wifi?

Yes, the wifi at the Northern Region worked quite well all trip.