New York City New York City Getting There By Train

Though getting in or out of New York by train isn't necessarily cheaper than flying, it is certainly more scenic, and it delivers you directly to the heart of Midtown. You can save a significant amount of money by purchasing tickets in advance, so plan ahead. Amtrak (☎800-USA-RAIL/872-7245; www.amtrak.com) is the major provider of intercity passenger train service in the United States. The website lists up-to-date schedules, fares, and arrival and departure info. Students with a Student Advantage Card or an ISIC (see By Bus, below, for how to purchase) save 15% on fares and AAA members save 10%. To be eligible for most discounts, tickets must be purchased at least three days in advance. Weekly specials listed online offer discounts of up to 90%.

Amtrak's trains connect NYC to most other parts of the country through Penn Station, 33rd St. and Eighth Ave. ( Ù 1, 2, 3 to 34th St./Penn Station/7th Ave.; A, C, E to 34th St.-Penn Station/8th Ave.) Routes run from Boston ( One-way from $54. 4-5hr.), Philadelphia ( One-way from $42. 1hr.), and Washington, DC ( One-way from $63. 3-4hr.). The Long Island Rail Road and New Jersey Transit both run out of Penn Station. The local MTA Metro-North Railroad runs to upstate New York and parts of New Jersey out of Grand Central Terminal, 42nd St. and Park Ave. ( www.grandcentralterminal.com Ù S 4, 5, 6, 7, S.)