Anyone ever travel via Amtrak with a toddler?

One of my best friends lives in Washington, DC and I desperatly want to go visit her, with Troy (who'll be 3 in May).

My options are:
(1) Drive, but it's 6 hrs and not sure I can manage that by myself with Troy.

(2) Fly, but then I have to rely on my friend for getting us around. And the lowest prices I've seen are ~$130/person. Also need to manage w/ carseat alone.

OR

(3) Amtrak, it's ~ 3.5 hrs and still have to rely on my friend for getting around and again, carseat.

Thoughts? Concerns?
TIA!

Re: Anyone ever travel via Amtrak with a toddler?

I have done all 3 of your options, but with a 3 yr old and 1 yr old.
The easiest was the driving, without a doubt!!!

If you have a portable DVD player, Im telling you it will be a breeze. Pop in a movie, after the movie is over make a pit stop. After the pit stop, pop in another movie... and so on!

GL with your decision!!

Re: Anyone ever travel via Amtrak with a toddler?

Honestly I live in D.C., and I think your easiest option is to drive. I have taken the Amtrak many times, and I think it would be a hassle to carry bags/car seat, by yourself with a toddler. I agree with the above poster about the movies/rest stops. Your best bet would be to leave super early in the morning (5am). Whenever we head to NY or head home we make the best time at that hour. You won't have any traffic which is key. You should make it down by 10am. Hopefully he will sleep in the car if you get him up really early to leave. As for rest stops make sure to either stop at the last one on the NJ turnpike or the first in MD. The DE one is closed until who knows when. Good luck. FM if you have any questions.

Re: Anyone ever travel via Amtrak with a toddler?

I'd drive. Or fly.

I drove by myself with Christopher to Maryland for Thanksgiving and it wasn't too bad at all, no DVD player either

I think Amtrack is and I used to take it when I was in college to visit friends in DC and it becomes a commuter train at certain points (i.e. CROWDED) and it just wasn't fun.