Taking AMTRAK from the west coast to Broadway

[Kristie-K2]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 3:40pm

Since my boyfriend doesn't want to go to Manhattan this year(he says going 5 times in 4 years is enough) I am going myself and taking Amtrak across the USA. It takes three days.

I am excited and scared at the same time. I must see three or four Broadway shows, but am afraid of being in the city by myself especially at night.

First question...Has anyone taken Amtrak across the country?
Second...Any POSITIVE suggestions on how to have a safe time in the city.
I will wear all black, carry no purse and act like I own the city...What else?......Thanks, Kristie K, single girl in the City

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 3:41pm

I will wear all black, carry no purse and act like I own the city...

You want to look like a smug ninja?

[D2]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 3:52pm

Kristie, honey, the NYC rep for wearing all-black? Not so much in the spring/summer months. It's a fall/winter thing.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 3:57pm

I remember walking around Times Square after midnight back in 2005 and feeling very safe. There's tons of police everywhere. There was no real reason to be afraid. Just don't walk through central park or other quiet street after dark, but that's true of any city.

[Robert Taylor]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:02pm

I've taken Amtrak very long distances before and I would recommend you get yourself a compartment if you are going to be on a train for more than a day and a half. It's fun, the food is good, but don't expect to get in on time...or really anywhere near on time.

And I've been to NYC about a dozen times now and have NEVER felt really unsafe in Times Square.

[Geridith]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:04pm

I'm from CA originally and looked into Amtrak coast-to-coast and found it pretty much as expensive as a plane ticket. Are you just looking for the cross-country-via-train experience? If not, I would just fly.

You're fine in midtown at night.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:05pm

Times Square is very safe, if you get a hotel in Times Square you won't really need to walk around that much either. Also, I wouldn't wear black... and if you're not carrying a purse, are you carrying a back pack? Because that makes you seem like a tourist.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:08pm

Kristie-K2, you've been watching too much LAW & ORDER.

New York City is one of the safest cities in the country.

At all times of day/night, no matter what your gender is or what you're wearing.

Just come and have fun.

[Kristie-K2]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:10pm

Thank Guys....Good, about the Black thing...I am now packing reds and blue and yes I have a roomette from Eugene to Chicago...

[Kristie-K2]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:12pm

Funny...Law and Order...I staying by Union Square.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:16pm

I would not recommend AMTRAK cross-country. Unless you want the experience, as previously noted. It takes FOREVER and is just as expensive as a plane ticket. Save yourself time and hassle and fly.

Also, as a NY tourist who has visited over a dozen times since 2006, it is VERY safe and I have gone BY MYSELF since I was 20. I have stayed at the YMCA as my "hotel" by myself. Safe as ever. I have never felt in danger. And I have been on 42nd Street as late at 4am.

[Kristie-K2]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:21pm

Thanks...I am feeling a little better...and I love Amtrak. We take it all the time to Los Angeles.

[Wanna Be A Foster]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:23pm

Yeah, but it's not going to take you three days to fly.

[WishingOnlyWounds2]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:25pm

LAX to JFK $179 on Jet Blue- just a suggestion.

Updated On: 4/23/09 at 04:25 PM

[CapnHook]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:33pm

$436.00 LA to NY on Amtrak roundtrip. DAMN.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:38pm

I would love to take the train from EAST COAST to WEST Coast for the scenery, but might not have the patience- yeah riding a plane might be the same amount you would spend.

No. You dont need to wear all black (LOL) unless you want to be a part of Chicago's All That Jazz production number and singing Whoope! Jazz!!! You can wear anything.

NYC is very safe- its not what you think...

J*

[Eris0303]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:39pm

I've been to NYC on my own many times and have never had a serious problem. I've been approached a few times for handouts or guys acting like the wanted to pick me up. But as long as you're smart you'll be okay. As others have said Times Square is very crowded at night. If you have trouble help is a shout away.

A few points though:

Don't take out your wallet on the street. No matter who asks you. If you think you'll want to buy something from a street vendor have a little cash in your pocket or somewhere easily accessible. I never will take out my wallet in plain sight. Also, don't look like you had a wad of cash with you. When I go into the city I just take what I think I'll need. I'd suggest doing the same and leaving any extra someplace safe. Most hotels have a safe for guest use so that might be an option. Also, if you don't have a lot of cash you'll be better able to stick your budget (if you have one).

A nice container of pepper spray couldn't hurt either. A friend of my mom's gave me a cannister of pepper spray that's disguised as a perfume bottle. I've never had to use it but knowing it's there should I need it is helpful.

All in all, be smart. If you look like a target you'll become a target.

And as for the amtrack thing..I'm going to go with everyone else on this and suggest flying. You'll be able to spend more time in the city and see more shows.

[PiraguaGuy2]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:40pm

I assume you'll be spending most of your time in the theater district. You REALLY don't need to worry about safety.

If you're going to wear all black, why not go the full mile and dress up as Catwoman?

[PalJoey]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 4:48pm

That whole thing about New York being dangerous is very 1970, Neil Simon's The Out of Towners with Jack Lemmon and Sandy Dennis.

Nowadays Times Square is almost identical to Las Vegas. The only thing you're in danger of is having a family of fat people block the sidewalk.

The parents are usually too big to budge, but sometimes you can drop-kick one of the chubby children.

You'll have a great time. The park at Union Square has been renovated too, so you'll have a pleasant place to sit outside.

[Hank]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 5:01pm

I once took amtrak from Newark to Jacksonville, FL. It took 19 hours, but it was an experience. Another time, while waiting for another train, I watched as the Crescent (to New Orleans) rolled in. It was late afternoon and I could see through the windows as the stewards were setting the tables in the dining car. I was fascinated, and later on I checked out time and money details and found it much it much more practical to fly.
But don't let me talk you out of the rails. If you have the time, and are in the mood, go for it.

[lesmis]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 5:56pm

I took Amtrak from Phila to San Francisco and back from Seattle to Philly. The scenery especially near Denver was amazing. On the return trip, our train hit a pick-up truck that tried to beat the train. Fortuneately, the driver survived.

Updated On: 4/23/09 at 05:56 PM

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 6:02pm

Kristie, I have lots of good advice about staying in nyc alone if you want it. I would be happy to elaborate about hotels, travel and so forth...via PM.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 6:06pm

Unless you don't like to fly, I would suggest flying also. Air fares are pretty cheap these days.

And I will chime in on the city being pretty safe. I have walked the city at 4:00 in the morning and no problems.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 6:57pm

I agree with what everyone else has said. Being only 24 and a female myself, and going plenty of times by myself, I can say it is safe to be by yourself. Just be smart about where you go after dark. Getting some familiarity with the subway system also helps.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/23/09 at 7:08pm

I hardly ever take the subway when I am there. I walk the city all the time.