Taking Amtrak through New York is one of the most comfortable and scenic ways to travel across the state. Instead of dealing with traffic or airport delays, you can sit back and watch the Hudson River, small towns, and rolling hills pass by your window. From New York City to Niagara Falls, Amtrak connects nearly every major region of the state and even extends into neighboring states and Canada. Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a cross-country journey, the train gives you a view of New York that most travelers miss.

Where You Can Take an Amtrak Train in New York

New York has one of the most extensive Amtrak networks in the country. The system stretches from the southern tip of Manhattan all the way to the Canadian border. The main gateway is Moynihan Train Hall in Manhattan, located next to Penn Station. This modern terminal replaced much of the old Penn Station and is now the heart of Amtrak travel in the city. It’s bright, spacious, and connected to nearly every major subway line, making it easy for travelers to move between long-distance trains and local transit.

Exploring NYC’s $8 Billion Modern Train Station – VIDEO

From Moynihan Train Hall, you can travel north along the Hudson River to Albany, the state capital. Albany-Rensselaer Station serves as the central hub for upstate New York, with trains continuing west to Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, and finally Niagara Falls. There are also routes that head north through the Adirondacks toward the Canadian border, and others that travel east into New England or south to cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

Outside of Manhattan and Albany, several stations play key roles in the Amtrak system. Hudson Station, about two hours north of the city, has become a popular stop for weekend travelers looking for a quiet getaway filled with art galleries and antique shops. In the Hudson Valley, Croton-Harmon serves as a convenient option for commuters and day-trippers. Farther west, the cities of Syracuse and Rochester provide easy access for those living in central New York, while Buffalo and Niagara Falls anchor the western edge of the state. Together, these stations make Amtrak a practical option for exploring both urban centers and smaller towns across the region.

The Different Amtrak Routes Across the State

Several Amtrak lines run through New York, each offering its own route, scenery, and travel experience. The most popular line is the Empire Service, which travels between New York City and Niagara Falls. It’s the backbone of the state’s rail network, passing through major cities like Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo. The ride along the Hudson River is particularly beautiful, especially north of Manhattan, where the train hugs the shoreline and passes historic lighthouses and small river towns.

Another well-known route is the Adirondack, which runs from New York City to Montreal. This route travels through the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, making it one of the most scenic rides in the Northeast. The Maple Leaf line also connects New York City with Canada, traveling through Albany, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls before crossing into Ontario and ending in Toronto.

The Ethan Allen Express goes from New York City to Vermont, passing through Saratoga Springs and Rutland, while the Lake Shore Limited runs all the way from New York to Chicago. This line is popular for long-distance travelers who prefer to see the country by train instead of flying. For those who want something faster and more modern, the Northeast Regional and Acela trains connect New York City with Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. These high-speed routes are perfect for quick business trips or weekend visits along the East Coast.

Each route has its own character. The Empire Service is steady and reliable for in-state travel, the Adirondack and Maple Leaf are more scenic and leisurely, and the Acela focuses on speed and comfort. Together, they make it possible to reach almost any part of the region without a car.

Major Train Stations and What to Expect

The experience of traveling by Amtrak depends partly on where you board. Moynihan Train Hall in Manhattan is the crown jewel of the system. Inside, you’ll find large digital displays, wide platforms, restrooms, cafes, and waiting areas that make it feel more like an airport terminal than an old-fashioned train station. It’s directly connected to the subway system, so you can easily get to or from places like Times Square, Central Park, or the Financial District.

Upstate

Upstate, the Albany-Rensselaer Station serves as a major transfer point for trains traveling east, west, and north. It’s clean, modern, and easy to navigate, with frequent connections between local and long-distance lines. Other stations, such as Hudson, Utica, and Syracuse, are smaller but well-kept, often located near downtown areas where you can walk to restaurants, museums, or shops. Buffalo and Niagara Falls stations are larger regional stops that handle travelers heading toward Canada or the Midwest.

Things to Do and Attractions Along the Routes

Traveling by train in New York offers not only convenience but also access to some of the state’s best attractions. In New York City, you can step off the train and find yourself within walking distance of major landmarks. Moynihan Hall is only a few blocks from Madison Square Garden, Herald Square, and the Empire State Building. A short subway ride will take you to Times Square, Broadway theaters, the Museum of Modern Art, or the High Line park. If you head uptown, Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are easy to reach as well.

Once you leave the city, the scenery changes dramatically. North of Manhattan, the Hudson River Valley comes into view, lined with small towns, forests, and historic estates. Places like Cold Spring, Beacon, and Hudson are known for their walkable downtowns, local restaurants, and art scenes. In Albany, you can visit the Empire State Plaza, the State Capitol, and the New York State Museum. Saratoga Springs is a lively stop with natural mineral springs, a historic racetrack, and plenty of boutique hotels.

Farther west, Syracuse has a growing food and arts scene, while Rochester is known for its museums and lakefront parks. Buffalo has a mix of historic architecture, new restaurants, and access to Lake Erie. The final destination on many westbound routes is Niagara Falls, where the view of the cascading water alone makes the trip worthwhile.

How Airports Connect with Amtrak

While New York has three major airports—JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty—only Newark offers a direct Amtrak connection. Newark Liberty International Airport has its own Amtrak station that connects directly to the terminals via the AirTrain system. This means you can land at Newark and catch a train straight to Manhattan, Philadelphia, or even Washington, D.C., without needing to leave the airport complex.

Train From Newark Airport EWR to Manhattan NYC – VIDEO

For travelers flying into JFK or LaGuardia, getting to Amtrak requires a short trip on local transit. From JFK, you can take the AirTrain to the subway, then ride into Manhattan to Moynihan Train Hall. It usually takes about an hour, depending on the time of day. From LaGuardia, the best option is a taxi or bus into Manhattan, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic. While not as convenient as Newark, these connections still make it possible to combine air and train travel within a single trip.

Why Train Travel in New York Is Worth It

Taking Amtrak through New York isn’t just about getting from one point to another. It’s about slowing down and seeing the state’s landscapes unfold. When you ride along the Hudson River, you see the skyline give way to open water and tree-covered hills. When you head north into the Adirondacks, you pass through small mountain towns and stretches of wilderness that few travelers ever see. Even a short ride up to Hudson or Beacon can feel like an escape from city life.

For many, train travel also brings a sense of nostalgia. You hear the steady rhythm of the tracks, watch stations come and go, and see everyday life happening along the route. Unlike flying or driving, you can get up, walk around, read, or just look out the window. It’s quieter, more comfortable, and often more scenic than any other way to cross the state.

A Few Tips Before You Go

If you plan to take Amtrak in New York, it helps to prepare. Schedules can vary, especially for long-distance routes like the Adirondack or Maple Leaf, which may run only once a day. Booking tickets in advance usually saves money, and downloading the Amtrak app makes it easy to track trains in real time. Food is available in café cars, but bringing your own snacks is smart for longer trips. And while Wi-Fi is available on most trains, it can be spotty in rural areas, so downloading movies or music ahead of time is a good idea.

The Journey Itself

New York’s train system covers nearly every kind of landscape the state has to offer: busy city streets, calm river valleys, mountain forests, and lake shores. Whether you’re a local exploring more of your own state or a visitor trying to experience it without renting a car, Amtrak offers a clear and comfortable way to travel. The next time you think about taking a trip, skip the drive and let the train show you New York from a different point of view.