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Not really surprising, but the real world doesn't always work as you'd expect: Low gasoline prices cut into Amtrak ridership by more four percent, according to a recent analysis -- though less so on short trip (less than 250 miles) than on medium trips (between 250 and 550 miles). Back of the envelope: The cost of driving roundtrip Albany-NYC on $2/gallon gas is about $20 cheaper than the cost on $4/gallon gas. (It's about 155 miles from Albany to Manhattan.) [CityLab]
From way back: The best way to get from Albany to NYC?
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When you calculate the cost of driving to NYC (or anywhere) don't forget to add in tolls & what it costs to park your car when you get there. Two reasons I love taking the train to NYC: I am not going insane in traffic at whatever ridiculous speeds people on the highway want to go, & I don't have to worry about paying to park a car.
... said ethan on Feb 3, 2016 at 4:23 PM | link
Too bad the train isn't better.
... said Ron on Feb 4, 2016 at 9:33 AM | link
Not sure what the back on the envelop math is for most folks, but for me Amtrak is still the better option for my wallet and my heart (so much less stressful and convenient than driving). Granted, I’m a flexible traveler in most instances, so I can often wait for the $37 tickets one-way, but can see how the peak hour tickets (typically $76) can break the bank compared to a drive. For me, the biggest cost inflator to driving into the city is parking. If I’m lucky and find street parking, the trip will be cheaper than the train by about $20. In most instances when I've been forced to drive, parking costs usually make the train tickets a more attractive option. At the end of the day, whether cheaper or a bit more, Amtrak frees up time to focus on other things rather than driving, is more comfortable, allows me to take a pit stop whenever I please, and generally gets me to my destination faster than driving (rarely do I not get stuck in a slog of traffic or waste 15-20 minutes to find parking, eating up any gains driving may make over the train). All around, Amtrak is the best deal in my book.
I think the recent declines can be attributed to a drop off in larger parties (say that family of four coming in from Dutchess or Westchester), where I can see driving being the cheaper option, compared to my math that is reliant on a sole traveler.
... said Rich on Feb 4, 2016 at 10:42 AM | link
Rich - some things to keep in mind:
1. Depending on where you heading, Penn station may be less than ideal arrival point. $17 one way shuttle to JFK may change equation.
2. You can easily get 2-3 people in a car while Amtrak charges per person. Of course, you need a designated driver.
3. Timing may be an issue - although things are easier if you are based in Albany. From NYC, you cannot arrive to Albany before 10 AM, and have to leave before 7 PM - not great timing for a business trip. Just to compare -at some point last train from Buffalo to Albany departed at 10 AM. You just had to include an extra night in hotel into driving vs Amtrak equation.
... said Mike on Feb 4, 2016 at 3:32 PM | link