Trains from Albany to New York City

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Rensselaer - New York Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 11 daily trains from Rensselaer to New York. Traveling by train from Rensselaer to New York usually takes around 2 hours and 34 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Service train can make the trip in 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance134 mi (216 km)
Fastest train2h 20m
Lowest price$49.38
Trains per day13
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Service
Train lines6

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Rensselaer to New York

(Based on 45 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Daniel .A

February 14, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Service

Pros: Lo económico y q tiempo. Cons: Que pongan los anuncios en español también. Tips: Lo recomiendo.

Pros: Lo económico y q tiempo. Cons: Que pongan los anuncios en español también. Tips: Lo recomiendo.

5.0

Michele

January 15, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Service

Pros: Ease of travel. Tips: Wifi was in and out Return trip 1 bathroom unusable Not sure if any staff was notified Was end of trip so maybe not.

Pros: Ease of travel. Tips: Wifi was in and out Return trip 1 bathroom unusable Not sure if any staff was notified Was end of trip so maybe not.

5.0

E Robert

January 10, 2023- Couples trip

Amtrak Empire Service

Relaxing and stress-free

Relaxing and stress-free

5.0

Hilary

December 20, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Empire Service

Pros: Scenic, quiet, comfortable. Awesome. Cons: Have uniformed waiters serve hot chocolate and dance on the ceiling! (😜Polar express).

Pros: Scenic, quiet, comfortable. Awesome. Cons: Have uniformed waiters serve hot chocolate and dance on the ceiling! (😜Polar express).

4.0

Beth

September 26, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Empire Service

that I didn't have to drive!!!! :)

that I didn't have to drive!!!! :)

How do you find cheap train tickets from Albany to New York?

The average price for a train ticket to New York is $57.76, Traveling by train on this route is one of the most affordable ways to hit the road from Rensselaer. Wanderu ensures that you find great deals on train tickets everytime, we search all of the best train options to present you the lowest prices available from our partner carriers.

Average prices by travel date

$82$55$27MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Rensselaer to New York will vary between C$52 and C$77. Planning a train trip to New York within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Rensselaer over the next 7 days is C$55. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$103$82$62$41$21AMJJASONDJFM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Rensselaer to New York by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$59 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Rensselaer to New York in May, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$88 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$103$82$62$41$213020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to New York from Rensselaer will be about C$38.24 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Rensselaer to New York?

There are 6 train lines with service from Rensselaer to New York. Amtrak Empire Service is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 7 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak12h 35m$58.08
Amtrak Adirondack12h 38m$65.37
Amtrak Empire Service72h 33m$71.09
Amtrak Ethan Allen Express12h 36m$74.52
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited12h 32m$95.44
Amtrak Maple Leaf12h 41m$77.95
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 1 Amtrak trains from Rensselaer to New York every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $49.

  • Amtrak Adirondack

    Amtrak Adirondack

    Amtrak Adirondack is a cross-border international rail service linking New York City with Montreal in Canada. The ride across the state is very comfortable with generous seat widths and legroom, an onboard café service, power outlets for passenger use, and complimentary WiFi- not to mention gorgeous views of the Hudson Valley.

  • Amtrak Empire Service

    Amtrak Empire Service

    The Amtrak Empire Service is a rail line spanning the Empire Corridor, a rail route through New York state from New York City to Niagara Falls. Several Amtrak passenger trains service this route, providing travelers with multiple options when commuting between cities in New York State. The trains themselves feature free internet, cafe service with snacks, beverages, and meals, and comfortable seats to enjoy the gorgeous views of the Hudson River Valley and Upstate New York.

  • Amtrak Ethan Allen Express

    Amtrak Ethan Allen Express

    Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express line connects New York City to Rutland, Vermont. The scenic trip along the Hudson River Valley includes ten intermediate stops throughout New York and Vermont. This higher-speed rail service departs once daily. Ticket prices from Rensselaer to New York are usually around on the Ethan Allen Express, but you can find deals for as low as $49. Onboard amenities include WiFi and power outlets, plus a cafe car and business class seating options for added comfort.

  • Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

    Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

    The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is an overnight train that runs along some of the best shorelines in the U.S., connecting New York City and Boston with Chicago. The service provides top-tier amenities to its passengers, including free WiFi and dining onboard. The Lake Shore Limited departs from Albany-Rensselaer Train Station in Rensselaer and arrives at NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in New York. The route takes about 2 hours and 32 minutes and ticket prices start at $49.

  • Amtrak Maple Leaf

    Amtrak Maple Leaf

    The Amtrak Maple Leaf is an international rail line that runs from New York City to Toronto. It stops at some popular locations on its way, including Niagara Falls and Albany. Onboard WiFi and a cafe car make travel on the Maple Leaf comfortable and convenient. A trip from Rensselaer to New York takes about 2 hours and 41 minutes on this line, and the average ticket price is .

Frequently Asked Questions

How come the train leaves from Rensselaer and not Albany?

The Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station is the train station that serves the Albany area. Although it is right across the Hudson River from downtown Albany, the station is technically located in Rensselaer, NY.

What is the cheapest train from Albany to NYC?

Amtrak has several lines that run from the Albany-Rensselaer Station in Albany to New York City. Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited line offers the cheapest average price at about $49, but there is only one Lake Shore Limited trip offered per day. If you need to take a different train that fits your schedule better, all Amtrak tickets for this trip typically cost around $50, or just over.

Is there an express train from Albany-Rensselaer to NYC?

There is technically an express train from Rensselaer to NYC: Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express between New York City and Rutland, VT, is designated express, but the trip from Rensselaer to New York usually takes about 2 hours 35 minutes and as little as 2 hours 20 minutes — just like the other Amtrak options for this route.

Is there a bus from Albany to New York?

There are 23 direct bus trips per day from Albany to New York, with tickets averaging about $23. Bus lines that cover this route include Adirondack Pool, Adirondack Trailways, Greyhound, Megabus and Peter Pan Lines. Buses leave from within Albany rather than Rensselaer.

Is it safe to travel by train from Rensselaer to New York during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the train ride from Albany to New York?

The distance between Rensselaer and New York is approximately 134 miles, or 216 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 34 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 20 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

What is the busiest day for trains from Albany to New York?

"Because many passengers travel from Rensselaer to New York at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for trains. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for train travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go."

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Rensselaer at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

How many train departures serve New York each day?

There are 11 scheduled trains on most days. 13 of these are direct connections to New York. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from New York to Rensselaer.

City Information

Rensselaer

Rensselaer is a small town located just across the Hudson River from the New York State capital, Albany. The Amtrak train station that serves Albany is actually located within Rensselaer, so many commuters and vacationers alike will pass through the city when traveling in the Hudson River Valley.

Rensselaer itself boasts a rich industrial tradition, and it was known as a major railway hub in the 19th century. One of the appealing local attractions in town is the Crailo State Historic Site. The site is a manor house, built in 1707, that today serves as a museum dedicated to the culture of Dutch colonists in New York State. More museums, activities, parks, and sights are waiting just across the river in Albany for the curious traveler.

The city of Rensselaer is an important transportation hub for Amtrak trains throughout the region, which include the Amtrak Empire Service, Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, Amtrak Maple Leaf, and Amtrak Ethan Allen Express. Between these services, Amtrak connects Rensselaer to New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and beyond. The nearest airport to the city is the Albany International Airport.

New York

NYC-0NYC-1NYC-2

New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world for a reason – it offers numerous opportunities for a great time to visitors of all ages and interests. For the culturally inclined travelers, the city boasts a unique collection of world-famous museums, as well as the chance to see the best plays and musicals that Broadway has to offer, or check out the latest production at the Metropolitan Opera. If sightseeing is your cardio, NYC is the place to be – just by walking around town, you can visit such iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. Or hop on a ferry to Ellis Island to meet the Statue of Liberty up-close and personal.

NYC’s five boroughs feature more than 1,700 parks, including the gorgeous Central Park, making it one of the best cities for outdoor activities in the country. As for the nightlife, there’s no argument that New York City is the biggest party hub in the U.S.

With three major bus and train stations in Manhattan alone – Port Authority, Grand Central & Penn Station – and three nearby airports, NYC is one of the predominant travel hubs in the world. If you are ever looking to get out of town, NYC is centrally connected throughout the state and region, you can easily hop on a train to Albany to go explore upstate New York.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Rensselaer?

Main departure station: Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

There is one train station in Rensselaer.

All train stations in Rensselaer:

  • Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

Where is the train station in New York?

New York, NY - Penn Station - NYCPEN-0

Main arrival station: NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station

Pennsylvania Station, or just Penn Station, is the main train station in New York City. All Amtrak trains to and from NYC use Penn Station as their only train stop in Manhattan. Penn Station offers easy connections to various other types of transportation, including commuter rail (the Long Island Rail Road and the NJ Transit both operate out of Penn Station), airport transit, and six lines of the NYC Subway, making it the busiest train station in the Western Hemisphere. Located in the heart of Manhattan, right by the world-famous Madison Square Garden, Penn Station is close to various points of interest such as Times Square and the Empire State Building, as well as many restaurants and retail stores.

Train stations in New York:

  • NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station

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