Train tickets from Boston, MA to New York, NY

Train from Boston to New York: Your complete guide to comfortable and easy travel

Planning a train trip from Boston to New York City? Discover everything you need to know about schedules, prices, amenities, and how to book your train tickets effortlessly with Busbud. Get ready for a smooth journey!

Taking the train from Boston to New York is a popular choice for many travelers, and for good reason! Imagine settling into a comfortable seat, watching the New England landscape pass by, and arriving right in the heart of New York City, without the hassle of airport security lines or battling city traffic. It's a convenient, relaxed, and often scenic way to travel between these two iconic cities.

At Busbud, we're here to make your travel planning as simple as possible. We help you compare train tickets, find the best deals, and book your trip with confidence. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about train travel from Boston to New York, from choosing your train to practical tips for your journey.

‎

Why choose the train for your Boston to New York trip?

When you're considering how to get from Boston to New York, the train offers a unique set of benefits that make it a top pick for many travelers.

First off, it's about comfort and space. Unlike cramped flights or long drives, train travel gives you room to stretch out. You can walk around, enjoy more legroom than on a plane or bus, and even get up to grab a snack or use the restroom at your leisure. It’s a great way to relax before your New York adventure or unwind after your Boston trip.

The convenience is also hard to beat. Amtrak trains take you from city center to city center. You'll depart from Boston South Station, a busy but easily accessible hub in downtown Boston. When you arrive, you'll step out into Moynihan Train Hall, which is part of New York Penn Station, right in the heart of Manhattan. This means no lengthy commutes to and from airports, no waiting for airport transfers, and no dealing with city parking. You're simply there, ready to explore.

For the environmentally conscious traveler, the train is a more sustainable choice. It produces fewer carbon emissions per passenger compared to flying or driving, making it a great option if you're looking to reduce your environmental footprint while traveling.

Beyond that, choosing the train helps you avoid common travel headaches. You skip the stress of airport security lines, the unpredictable traffic jams on I-95, and the worry of finding expensive parking in New York City. Instead, you can use your travel time productively, catch up on a book, watch a movie, or just enjoy the ride. Parts of the route even offer glimpses of the beautiful coastline, adding a pleasant scenic element to your journey.

The trip from Boston to New York City is supplied by Amtrak (who also provides the fast train, Acela). This respected company offers spacious seats and many amenities on board, including a dining car, a quiet car, and business-class and first-class cars.

‎

Amtrak train options from Boston to New York City

Amtrak is the national passenger rail service in the United States and is your go-to provider for train travel between Boston and New York City. They offer a reliable and comfortable service with different options to suit various travel preferences and budgets.

There are two main types of Amtrak trains that operate on the Boston to New York route: the Northeast Regional and the high-speed Acela.

Northeast Regional train from Boston to New York

The Northeast Regional is the most common and widely available Amtrak service connecting Boston and New York. It's a fantastic option for travelers looking for a balance of affordability and comfort.

These trains offer a straightforward and dependable journey. The average travel time for the Northeast Regional from Boston South Station to New York Penn Station is around 4 hours. You might sometimes see estimates closer to 3 hours and 57 minutes, which gives you a good idea of the typical duration. This travel time includes several stops along the route at cities like Providence, Rhode Island; New Haven, Connecticut; and often Hartford, Connecticut, before reaching New York.

Onboard the Northeast Regional, you'll find a range of amenities designed to make your trip pleasant. Most trains offer free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected, work, or browse during your journey. You'll also typically find power outlets at your seat, so you can keep your devices charged. There's a cafe car where you can purchase snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, perfect for when you want a quick bite or a coffee. The seating is comfortable, with ample legroom, and there's space for your carry-on luggage right above your seat.

Acela train from Boston to New York

If you're looking for a faster and more premium travel experience, the Acela is Amtrak's high-speed option. The Acela trains are designed for business travelers and those who prioritize speed and luxury.

The Acela significantly cuts down on travel time compared to the Northeast Regional. A trip on the Acela from Boston to New York typically takes around 3.5 hours. This quicker journey is thanks to its higher speeds and fewer stops along the route. The Acela often bypasses some of the smaller stations that the Northeast Regional serves, leading to a more direct path to New York City.

What makes the Acela a premium experience? These trains feature spacious business class seating, which is designed for enhanced comfort. Many cars are designated as quiet cars, perfect for those who want to work or simply enjoy a peaceful journey. You'll also find improved Wi-Fi service and often at-seat food and beverage service, providing a more refined travel experience.

It's worth noting that due to its speed, premium amenities, and business-class focus, the Acela is generally more expensive than the Northeast Regional. However, for travelers who value time and an elevated level of comfort, the extra cost can be well worth it. There isn't a 200 mph train from Boston to New York City currently; the Acela is the fastest, but its top speeds are typically around 150 mph on certain segments.

Acela Express

The Acela Express is the fastest and most efficient way to travel between Boston and NYC, with journeys of around 3.5 hours and numerous departures every day. Though prices may be higher than Amtrak Regional, Acela is the best option to save time and avoid the hassles of airports and traffic.

Amtrak Regional

The Amtrak Northeast Regional train is a slower train with a maximum speed of about 100mph. Tickets for the Amtrak Regional are usually cheaper than similar options, and the journey takes four to five hours. These trains are the best options for those who want to save money and are also more environmentally friendly than driving or flying.

Amenities on Amtrak trains

There are plenty of amenities on board the Amtrak and Acela trains for passengers to enjoy their journey, like Café Service, free Wi-Fi and a Quiet Car for those who want to work or simply need a silent place to relax. Seats also have power outlets so you can charge your devices and stay connected.

‎

Booking your Boston to New York train tickets

Finding and booking your train tickets from Boston to New York should be a straightforward process. With Busbud, we aim to make it even easier, helping you compare options and secure your spot without stress.

How to find the best train fares

The cost of a train ticket from Boston to New York can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. Generally, prices start at $19 for a one-way trip, with round-trip tickets sometimes offering a slight discount, though it's always worth checking one-way fares too. Here are some tips to help you find the best fares:

• Book in advance: This is one of the most effective ways to save money. Amtrak often offers lower fares for tickets purchased weeks or even months ahead of time. As the departure date gets closer and trains fill up, prices tend to increase.

• Be flexible with dates and times: If your travel dates are flexible, try searching for tickets on weekdays (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) rather than weekends, and during off-peak hours (mid-morning or late evening) rather than rush hour. These times often have lower demand and therefore lower prices.

• Choose the Northeast Regional: As mentioned, the Northeast Regional is typically more affordable than the Acela. If speed isn't your absolute top priority, opting for the Regional can lead to significant savings.

• Compare prices: This is where Busbud comes in handy! We let you easily compare prices for different departure times and even different travel modes (like Boston to New York bus tickets), so you can see all your options in one place and choose what works best for your budget and schedule.

Boston and New York train stations: Your travel hubs

Knowing your departure and arrival stations is key to a smooth train trip. Both Boston South Station and New York Penn Station (including Moynihan Train Hall) are major transportation hubs, offering good connections to local transport and amenities.

Departing from Boston South Station

Your train journey from Boston to New York will begin at Boston South Station, often simply called South Station. This historic and grand train station is located at 700 Atlantic Avenue, right in the heart of downtown Boston. It's easily accessible by various forms of public transportation, including the MBTA subway (Red Line and Silver Line) and numerous bus routes. This makes it convenient for both Boston locals and tourists exploring the city.

Inside South Station, you'll find everything you need before your trip. There are ticketing counters, waiting areas, restrooms, and a variety of food and beverage options, from quick coffee shops to casual dining. It's a bustling station, but generally well-organized, with clear signage to guide you to your platform. We recommend arriving at least 20-30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, especially during peak hours, to give yourself enough time to navigate the station and find your train.

Arriving at New York City's Moynihan Train Hall (Penn Station)

Your destination in New York City will be Moynihan Train Hall, which is part of the larger New York Penn Station complex. Located across 8th Avenue from the original Penn Station, between 31st and 33rd Streets, Moynihan Train Hall offers a dramatically improved arrival experience. Opened in 2021, it's a modern, bright, and spacious facility, a stark contrast to the often-crowded and subterranean feel of the old Penn Station.

Moynihan Train Hall (and by extension, Penn Station) is incredibly well-connected to New York City's public transportation network. You'll have direct access to multiple subway lines (A, C, E, 1, 2, 3 lines), as well as various bus routes. This makes it incredibly easy to get to any of New York City's boroughs, whether you're heading to Times Square, Central Park, Greenwich Village, or beyond. The area around Penn Station is also surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. Just step off the train, and you're in the center of it all.

‎

What to expect when booking with Busbud

Booking your train tickets from Boston to New York through Busbud is designed to be a seamless and empowering experience. Our goal is to give you all the right information to book confidently, feeling understood and stress-free.

When you use Busbud, you'll find a clear, easy-to-understand platform. Simply enter your departure and arrival cities, your travel dates, and the number of passengers. We'll then show you all available train trips from Boston to New York, including different departure times, ticket prices, and train types (Northeast Regional and Acela).

One of our main competitive advantages is that we empower travelers by showing you not just train options, but often bus options as well. This allows you to quickly compare the fastest and cheapest ways to travel, making an informed decision that truly fits your needs. You can easily filter results by price, departure time, arrival time, and even specific amenities.

We also pride ourselves on offering a secure booking process. You can book your tickets in your preferred language and currency, making it convenient for international travelers and locals alike.

Most importantly, for select routes, we offer our unique Refund for any reason add-on at checkout. This is a game-changer for travelers who value flexibility. If you opt for this add-on, you can get a full refund on your ticket when you cancel up to 15 minutes before your departure time. This means you can book your trip with complete peace of mind, knowing that unexpected changes won't leave you out of pocket. It’s one of the ways Busbud helps make your journey truly stress-free.

Once your booking is complete, you'll receive your e-ticket directly to your email, ready to be shown to the train staff, often right on your phone. Our customer support team is always ready to help if you have any questions before, during, or after your booking.

‎

Practical tips for your train trip

To make your train journey from Boston to New York as enjoyable as possible, here are a few practical tips from your friendly travel expert:

• Luggage policy: Amtrak is quite generous with its luggage policy. Most travelers can bring two personal items and two carry-on items onboard for free. This is usually plenty for most trips, even for a few days. If you have larger bags, checked baggage services are available at major stations like Boston South Station and New York Penn Station, but check Amtrak's specific policies for details and size limits.

• Onboard amenities: Take advantage of the amenities! Connect to the free Wi-Fi (available on most trains) to catch up on emails or stream entertainment. If you need a charge, most seats have power outlets. Don't forget the cafe car for snacks and drinks, or feel free to bring your own. It’s your journey, make it comfortable!

• Arrival in NYC: Once you arrive at Moynihan Train Hall, take a moment to orient yourself. Signs are clear, directing you to exits, subway lines, and taxis. New York City's subway system is vast and efficient, connecting you to all the major boroughs and attractions. Download a subway map app or grab a physical map to help you navigate the city like a local.

‎

Comparing train travel to other options

While this guide focuses on train travel, it's helpful to understand how it stacks up against other popular ways to get from Boston to New York. Busbud makes it easy to compare these options side-by-side.

Train vs. bus from Boston to New York

The bus is often the cheapest way to get from Boston to New York. Bus tickets can sometimes be significantly less expensive than train tickets, especially if you book well in advance or find promotional fares. The journey duration by bus is typically similar to the train, ranging from 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and stops.

However, the main difference lies in comfort and amenities. While modern buses often offer Wi-Fi and power outlets, the seating can be more cramped compared to a train. Trains generally provide more space to move around, dedicated cafe cars, and a smoother ride. If budget is your absolute top priority, the bus is an excellent choice. If you prioritize comfort and a bit more freedom to move, the train might be worth the extra cost. Busbud shows you both options, so you can easily weigh price against comfort and choose what’s right for your trip.

Train vs. flying from Boston to New York

For such a relatively short distance, flying from Boston to New York is often less efficient and more costly than taking the train, especially when you consider the full scope of travel time and expenses.

While the flight itself might be only an hour, you need to factor in:

• Commute to and from airports: Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston and the NYC area airports (JFK, LaGuardia, Newark Liberty International Airport) are outside their respective city centers, requiring additional travel time and cost.

• Airport security and waiting times: Arriving at the airport 1-2 hours before your flight, going through security, and waiting for boarding can add significant time.

• Total travel time: When you add airport commutes and wait times, a "short" flight can easily turn into a 4-5 hour journey, similar to or even longer than the train, which travels directly city-center to city-center.

• Cost: Flights often come with hidden fees for luggage, seat selection, and airport transfers, making the total cost higher than a train ticket.

From an environmental perspective, trains produce significantly fewer carbon emissions per passenger than planes, making the train a more sustainable travel choice. For a stress-free, convenient, and often equally time-efficient journey for short distances, the train generally comes out on top compared to flying.

Train vs. driving from Boston to New York

Driving from Boston to New York offers flexibility, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The drive typically takes around 4 hours without traffic. However, traffic on I-95, especially around major cities like Providence, New Haven, and particularly around New York City, can be notoriously heavy. A 4-hour drive can easily turn into 5 or 6 hours during peak times.

Beyond traffic, you'll need to consider:

• Tolls: There are several toll roads and bridges along the route.

• Gas costs: Fuel expenses for your vehicle.

• Parking: Finding and paying for parking in New York City is often difficult and expensive.

• Stress: Driving yourself means you can't relax, read, or work. You're constantly focused on the road.

Choosing the train means you can avoid all these headaches. You don't have to worry about directions, traffic, tolls, or parking. You can sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving, arriving refreshed and ready to enjoy your time in New York.

📷 New York City Skyline

‎

📷 Boston South Station on an evening

‎

📷 Moynihan Train Hall Entrance

‎

📷 Penn Station