Image Source: 123rf.com
Many people choose to travel by train because it is so cost-effective. You can go from coast to coast in the United States for as little as $236 if you book early enough in advance. That said, there are some absolute horror stories dealing with Amtrak and it seems like where you depart and where you wind up have a lot to do with travelers’ overall experience. So, here is a look at the six worst Amtrak stations in the U.S., according to folks on the internet.
Williams Junction, AZ
Williams Junction has been labeled as one of the worst Amtrak stations in existence. Although Amtrak discontinued service to this station in 2018, it continues to live on in travelers’ nightmares. One Reddit user described the station as “a platform and sign in the middle of nowhere.” Another person on a Raildroad.net thread wrote, “I would vote for Williams Junction, AZ. It wins on all counts. In terms of amenities, there’s literally nothing there but a sign and a slab of concrete. In terms of accessibility, it’s not accessible by private vehicle, down a long and winding dirt track. In terms of convenience, it’s in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by forest and an animal reserve.”
Pittsburgh, PA
Throughout the online discussion regarding the worst Amtrak stations in the U.S., Pittsburgh was mentioned multiple times. The main gripe regarding Pittsburgh’s Amtrak location is that it used to be a huge station. However, now what serves as the station is essentially a shack out back of what used to be. “One of the sad cases where the original station is intact but they build a newer, cheaper building,” one Reddit user commented, referring to Pittsburgh’s Amtrak station.
Newark, NJ Penn
Newark wasn’t rated as terribly as the first two stations mentioned, but it was called “ghetto” by some people on the web. One person wrote, “Newark, NJ is ghetto but at least there are lots of trains and things within the station, and a ghetto downtown area nearby.” Common complaints about Newark’s Amtrak station include lack of cleanliness, homeless people lingering around the station, limited seating, and an overall unwelcoming atmosphere.
Stamford, CT
Out of 71 reviews on Yelp, the Stamford Amtrak station has a 2.5-star rating. Earlier this year, the main complaint was that construction made a lot of the station inaccessible. “Want to have trouble picking people up and dropping off? Then this is the station for you,” one person quipped on Yelp. “A station that doubles as a homeless shelter? This is for you.” Other reviews complained about the station being cash-only with no warning and many of the attendants being rude and unhelpful.
Elyria, OH
Looking at the Amtrak website, it is no wonder that the Elyria station was named among the worst of the worst. Underneath the “features” listed for the station, Amtrak notes the location is unstaffed, there is no ATM, no payphones, no ticketing kiosks, no restrooms, no vending machines, and no WiFi. Overall, travelers have described the station as “iffy” with less-than-desirable conditions.
Houston, TX
Considering that Houston is one of the largest cities in the U.S., you might think that the Amtrak station would be on the nicer side. However, it is the exact opposite. Bloomberg described it as one of the ugliest stations in the country. “Houston’s Amtrak station looks like a backwards veterinary practice, a place where the cats euthanize the doctors,” Kriston Capps wrote. Redditors agreed with this assessment, with many travelers calling the station a “shed.”
Avoiding the Worst Amtrak Stations in the U.S.
Luckily, many of the worst Amtrak stations around the country can be avoided. In fact, there are people frequently Googling stations closest to these to get out of having to stop at these desolate locations. If you want to have the best travel experience possible, you may want to do the same.
What do you think is the worst Amtrak station you’ve ever been to?
Read More
- 5 Money Lessons to Take With You Into the New Year
- 10 Essential Skills Every Modern Gentleman Should Master
Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.
Leave a Reply