Travel Tip For U.S.

[Nordlys]

Hi. I am traveling to U.S. east coast with my Thai wife in 5 days. We're spending two weeks in DC and NY, visiting my friends from int'l school here in both cities. Now I have a new agenda on my itinerary - visiting an old friend for a few hours in the city of Trenton on our way NY from DC.

So my question is...

1) does Amtrak allow passenger to get off the train and hop on another as you like or do they only have reserved seats (do I have to buy two tickets, DC - Trenton & Trenton - NY?)?

2) do they have cloak service/lockers to leave suitcases at Amtrak station? I found out Grand Central in NYC no longer has one after 9/11.

My wife's passport with still valid U.S. tourist visa has expired. Is there anything more than the new and old passport that she has to produce at U.S. immigration at the point of entry?

[bangkokburning]

) does Amtrak allow passenger to get off the train and hop on another as you like or do they only have reserved seats (do I have to buy two tickets, DC - Trenton & Trenton - NY?)?

My hunch is that you will need separate tickets. This line is believe it or not a commuter NYC-WDC.

2) do they have cloak service/lockers to leave suitcases at Amtrak station? I found out Grand Central in NYC no longer has one after 9/11. X

If they took them out of NYC sure there are none in Union Station WDC

My wife's passport with still valid U.S. tourist visa has expired. Is there anything more than the new and old passport that she has to produce at U.S. immigration at the point of entry?

I have no knowledge of this but from my reading here, that's it. make sure she is dressed conservatively (imo).

[CMSteve]

1) Although they are not very strict on the times of your travel, they will stamp you ticket in DC. If you get off at Trenton and try to get back on, you will be stopped for trying to use a used ticket. Another option would be to take the Amtrak to Trenton, and the NJ Transit train to NYC. Amtrak will be more comfortable.

2) I've never used the baggage lockers in Penn station, but I think if Grand Central is not allowing usage, Penn will probably not allow it either.

3) All you should need is the new and old passport with valid visa. May want to give a call/email over to the US consulate to confirm.

[gotlost]

Just keep the two passports together, no problem. Have a great trip.

[Nordlys]

Thanks all for the inputs.

I think I'll do as CMSteve recommended... DC - Trenton Amtrak and Trenton to Penn Station NJ Transit. I hope it's not too much a hassle connecting to Grand Central (I'll stay in White Plains) with couple of suitcases.