Train vs. Plane RACE Between NYC and DC

Amtrak's New Acela Debut [00:00]

• The new "next-gen Acela" train can reach speeds up to 160 mph.
• The goal is to compare its total travel time against flying between Washington D.C. and New York City, from city center to city center.
• The test begins in Washington D.C. on the National Mall in front of the Air and Space Museum and will conclude at the Empire State Building in New York.
• The journey will be timed using the "greenergrass stopwatch."

Train Journey: Washington D.C. to New York [00:14]

• The total distance between Washington D.C. and New York is 204 miles, with the train scheduled to take about 3 hours.
• Travel to Union Station was estimated at 10 minutes, with the watch starting as an Uber was being called.
• Arriving at Union Station 30 minutes before departure is recommended by Amtrak.
• First-class ticket holders have access to the Metropolitan Lounge, offering snacks and coffee, and direct boarding.
• The new Acela train is described as beautiful, clean, and sharp, with seats 14 C and D being perfect for the journey.
• These new trains have 27% more seats than the older models and are noted for being quiet.
• Seat comfort is high, with a sliding bottom mechanism instead of a traditional recline.
• Meals and drinks are included in first-class tickets and delivered to the seat.
• The train departed on time at 03:06.

Onboard Experience and Amenities [03:18]

• The first-class car has a 1-2 configuration seating, with tables for two and four, and luggage storage.
• Business class, occupying the rest of the train, has 2-2 configured seats and tables for four.
• A cafe is available for everyone, offering food and drinks for purchase.
• Onboard Wi-Fi is free and was described as equally impressive as the speed.
• A minor issue with an exterior door not closing properly in Baltimore caused a brief stop and a technician's attention, raising concerns about potential time loss.
• The first-class toilet was initially non-functional but later became available, described as a nice, large, and clean space.
• The ride is noted as smoother and quieter than the older Acela trains.
• Breakfast service included a Mediterranean quiche and a Denver omelet.
• The train passed through Philadelphia, where another Acela NextGen train set was spotted.
• Currently, only two departures per day use the NextGen trains, with more to come as crews are trained.

"Even new trains can't solve the problem of outdated tracks and infrastructure. So, let's invest in our real infrastructure."

Reaching New York and The Walk to Empire State Building [08:54]

• The train experienced a brief delay outside Metro Park.
• The trains can reach 160 mph, but limited sections allow this due to shared tracks and infrastructure.
• The train journey was productive, allowing for work to be done.
• The final stop was Moahan Station, with the train creeping along in the final miles.
• A delay was acknowledged, raising the question of whether it would cost the train the race.
• The train arrived in New York 17 minutes late.
• The walk to the Empire State Building began immediately, avoiding public transport to save time.
• The race to the Empire State Building involved navigating New York streets, with an acknowledgment that a cab might have been faster but the goal was to test walking speed.
• The total time from the center of Washington D.C. to the Empire State Building by train was 4 hours, 18 minutes, and 6 seconds.

"Welcome to New York. Do we see the Empire State Building? No."

Flight Journey: New York to Washington D.C. [11:02]

• The stopwatch restarted to time the flight portion of the journey.
• A cab was taken to LaGuardia Airport, with an estimated 30 minutes allowed for the trip, which actually took 34 minutes due to traffic.
• Delta recommends arriving at the airport 2 hours before the flight, a window that can be narrow due to early boarding.
• The cab ride to LaGuardia, including tip and tolls, cost approximately $80.
• Security checks and the airport experience are noted, including a humorously described broken escalator and a still-worn stopwatch.
• The time spent at the airport after leaving the Empire State Building was an hour and 50 minutes, with little perceived progress initially.
• The scheduled flight time was 1 hour and 29 minutes.

Flight Experience and Cost Comparison [13:12]

• The flight was on an E175 aircraft, with first-class seats 3C and D.
• Seat measurements were taken: 39.5 inches of pitch, 13 inches of usable knee room, and 20 inches of width.
• The airplane seats were described as more padded than the Acela seats.
• The actual flight time was 44 minutes.
• Takeoff and landing significantly reduce productive work time on short flights, with only about 20 minutes available.
• Wi-Fi on the plane was not free, unlike the train, and the attempt to connect via T-Mobile was unsuccessful.
• Despite the short flight, the Delta crew provided snacks and water.
• The flight touched down at Washington National Airport.
• Comfort on the train is superior, offering more usable work time and free Wi-Fi.
• Train tickets cost $330 each, with Uber to the station bringing the total to under $350.
• Plane tickets cost $264 each, with cabs to and from airports totaling $100, resulting in a $364 total for the flight.
• The train was the better deal in terms of cost.

"This is going to be close. We're about to touch down at Washington National Airport. But before we find out which one's faster, let's consider pricing and some other factors."

Final Race to the Finish Line [16:33]

• After deplaning, a cab was taken from the airport to the Air and Space Museum, costing $30.
• The cab driver was asked to drop them at the back side of the Air and Space Museum.
• The train's total time was 4 hours, 18 minutes, and 6 seconds.
• The plane journey from the Empire State Building back to the Air and Space Museum took 3 hours, 59 minutes, and 26 seconds.
• The plane finished 20 minutes earlier than scheduled, while Amtrak was 17 minutes late.
• If both had been on time, the train would have won by about 20 minutes.