I will be taking the Empire Service on Amtrak next week from Buffalo (Depew) to NYC, leaving at 4:34 am. Does anyone have recommendations, ideas or specific interests on the route for me? I see average speed is about 52 MPH. Is the train “generally” on time. Any track work to look for, parts with rough track, sites to watch for along track, and tips for time on train are appreciated.
On 280? Hope you’ll be rested and armed with coffee because the trip will be interesting. Some boring country for a while, but then decaying//rejuvenating towns, the Mohawk River, New York State Barge Canal, to Albany. Then down to NYC along the Hudson’s east bank with some almost sea-like river views, pretty (or not) towns and rich guys castles.
Never having ridden that route, I’ve gleaned the info from books and Google Earth, and friends in the territory. If there’s time, you could do the same. Ya gotta know what to look for or you could just enjoy a morning reverie.
Be on the right side for most of the scenery and on the left to check out the opposing trains and trackage. You might be dog-a-"double s "- sleepy arriving NYC at the advertised 12:35 arrival time, but a great trip indeed.
You can make notes along the way and research later, of course. Enjoy.
RIX
Definitely be seated on the west/ right/ river side from Albany southwards - Sun will generally be shining on the opposite side, so it will be well lit, whereas the other side will tend to be more in shadows. It’s a “top 10” for scenery in the US, IMHO.
Check for how long the layover in Albany-Rensselaer will be, in case you want to get off and walk, get a cup of non-Amtrak coffee or food, etc.
Bannermans’ Castle is a scenic high point - look for West Point, too.
Check out the Amtrak “highlights” for the route as well.
- Paul North.