The Boston Traveler, Part I

In view of these factors, the Boston traveler might want to consider taking the Acela Regional down to New York City and catching the Lake Shore there. It takes longer, but when I did it that way last December, it was not only more comfortable but less expensive, by about $20.00 . I recently got prices for three different departure dates for Boston to Chicago, and in each case the Boston-New York-Chicago itinerary was less expensive. Even taking Business Class instead of coach on the Boston to New York run was only $34 more. Depending on your time frame, this option is worth some thought.

South Station

South Station continues to be one of my favorite train stations. Much of the original architectural detail has been retained, such as the carved molding and beautiful ceiling. Yet the station has been made very functional and comfortable for the traveler, with multiple food stands, a full service restaurant, coffee bars and pastry stalls, a full service bank and multiple ATM machines from other banks, a bookstore, a news stand, plenty of cafe table seating and spotless restrooms.

The bus station, with connections to Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and other destinations, is a short walk next door, and local trains and the subway come into South Station.

Metropolitan Lounge

If you are traveling first class, meaning that you have reserved a sleeper on the Lake Shore, or are taking the Acela Express, you can use the newly opened Metropolitan Lounge. One flight up from the waiting area, on the mezzanine level, the lounge overlooks the main floor of the terminal, with a great view. If you are very early or your train will be leaving late, you can leave your baggage in the lounge and go out and explore, or get a meal, or just take a walk.

The lounge currently has three computers with Internet access that are available for your use and there are also data ports to use with your own laptop or handheld device. Or, you can just sit and watch television or read in very comfortable chairs. Refreshments, including juice, soda, water, tea and coffee are available.

Useful Web Sites

South Station, Atlantic Avenue and Summer Street, Boston, MA. (800) 872-7245.

To read some history about the station, and view a 1912 photo of South Station, go to http://home.att.net/~barrwp/boston.htm

Another South Station web site with some great current photos is http://209.130.14.39/GPS_New/SouthStatio...

Amtrak, http://www.amtrak.com/

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