I'm planning on traveling to Albany this fall for a symposium on the future of death penalty research. My friend Janet has graciously offered to let me crash at her house (big scarry dog not withstanding).
According to Mapquest, the drive from Morgantown to Albany is roughly 8 hours. While not a horrible drive, that's more time than I want to spend in the car for a work-related thing. So, I started pricing out alternative options.
Flying
I was pleasantly surprised. I can buy a plane ticket for less than $300. Though this will involve driving to Pittsburgh (70 minutes), hopping a puddle-jumper to Dulles, and then flying a big plane to Albany. The last time I checked into airfare for this trip, a ticket couldn't be had for less than $400. I'll have to strongly consider it.
However, with the new airport security hassles... one must be at the airport ungodly early. With the connection and layover, the flight will take nearly 4 hours. Getting to the airport 2 hours early bumps us up to 6 hours and then the 70 mile drive to Pittsburgh during rush hour bumps us up to more than 7 hours. Alternatives are looking attractive.
Amtrak
Well if its going to take me several hours regardless of my transportation, I figured I'd check out the train. For $180, I can board a train in Pittsburgh at 7:00 a.m. and arrive in New York City at 5:00 p.m., then wait 2 hours for a northbound train to Albany. I think I'll drive.
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3 comments:
Lo! If I could'st muster courage to fly
t'would be naught but a wicked lie
when'st more behind the wheel do'th die
to say t'is only heights that make'th me shy
-LDM
For the record, the "big scary dog" is a sweet and lovable creature who is prematurely judged based on her size (120 lbs) and breed (Rottie). I expect a full written apology after you meet her to make up for this libel!
Also if you're still thinking about the train, you might be able to get a faster connection from NYC to Poughkeepsie on the metro-north line and I could pick you up there. Still makes for a very long day, but I hear that people who don't have motion sickness can actually get work done on the train. Just a thought.
I have researched alternative travel arrangements for several trips ove rthe last couple of years. Not surprisingly, "not going" usually turns out to be the best alternative.
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