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funkipus OP t1_j5o8m6c wrote

Reply to comment by Discount-Sushi-555 in Happy Tuesdaily from the platform of Main Street Station. What’s the best spot to see the sunrise? by funkipus

Thanks! An underrated part of taking Amtrak to DC is that it’s way safer than that death race we call I-95.

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turtle_stank t1_j5o8uab wrote

I feel like it's also faster or just as fast?

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Danger-Moose t1_j5obzci wrote

It's especially faster if you leave from Staples Mill and not Main Street.

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Accomplished-Pen-394 t1_j5pxph4 wrote

I took it in early December that way and got to DC in like two hours and earlier than the projected time

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funkipus OP t1_j5o9jdz wrote

At rush hour yes it’s basically the same unless you pay out the wazoo to take the express lanes as much as possible — but even that gets messed up from time to time.

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MelAbs64 t1_j5oq2aa wrote

I already drove to DC this morning and back to drop the parents off at the airport but was able to use the express lanes for free and made it in less than 2 hours. Ezpass Flex is my hero. Otherwise you couldn’t pay me to drive up there early morning.

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CopOnTheRun t1_j5p3f4a wrote

Wait so is it free to use those toll lanes on 95 if you've got the hov switch on? I just got the ez-pass with the switch and I was wondering about that.

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MelAbs64 t1_j5p5nxl wrote

Yup, technically you’re supposed to have 3 people in the car to use it but if you look at the lane entrance sign it should say Ezpass Flex-No Toll

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CopOnTheRun t1_j5p6sic wrote

Yeah I usually carpool up there with some friends, so that's nice to know. Thanks!

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PayneTrainSG t1_j5oufvn wrote

If you have business in the city proper (or Arlington or Alexandria) it’s better to do in every conceivable way. If your final destination is in the wretched stretches to the West like Fairfax and Tysons up to dulles and ashburn, you’re gonna hate life.

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Colt1911-45 t1_j5ptpgp wrote

How much for a ticket if you don't mind saying?

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Accomplished-Pen-394 t1_j5py7sr wrote

Not OP but I did take the train last month and when I booked it was around $60 in total but if you book at the right time you can get a ticket for $16 and sometimes even as low as $12 per ticket so it can range from $24 to over $100 depending on when you book (how far out you book, the month, and the time of departure for the train all factor into the price in my experience)

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funkipus OP t1_j5qos8n wrote

Yep that’s been my experience. It would really be great if Amtrak could make the price structure more stable and commuter-oriented on these routes. $16 per leg is great. Though I wouldn’t balk if it was $20 if I knew it would be that price every time.

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Accomplished-Pen-394 t1_j5qp19s wrote

Mine ended up with an increased price from what I originally paid because I didn’t want to stay as long as I originally planned. (Honestly I was fine with it though)

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Colt1911-45 t1_j5rh8y7 wrote

Even at 100 bucks, that's about what you would spend in gas if you drive a big SUV. Plus you don't have to be stressed from driving in that unpredictable NOVA traffic. I'm guessing there is a Metro station nearby in DC?

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Accomplished-Pen-394 t1_j5rhgx0 wrote

Yes, there’s a good number of them and if I remember correctly one of the stations is located near or in Union station. (I didn’t take it last time because I wanted to walk around.) I happen to really like the train because I hate driving in general

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Colt1911-45 t1_j5rhpwh wrote

I'll have to check it out. It has been a long time since I have checked out the museums. Would make a nice 2 day trip.

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