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Rochester to Rensselaer train

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Rochester - Rensselaer Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 6 daily trains from Rochester to Rensselaer. Traveling by train from Rochester to Rensselaer usually takes around 5 hours, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Service train can make the trip in 4 hours and 2 minutes.

Distance199 mi (320 km)
Fastest train4h 2m
Lowest price$40.62
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Rochester to Rensselaer

(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Alice

May 28, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Service

Do it. It's a great way to travel.

5.0

Kari

February 8, 2023- Couples trip

Amtrak Empire Service

Pros: On time. Friendly staff. Clean train. You can keep your luggage with you, which is nice. So much cheaper and easier than flying. Tips: Do it! Just make sure your bag isn’t too big or heavy. The luggage goes overhead.

5.0

Rosa

November 24, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Maple Leaf

The freedom to relax and enjoy the ride.

5.0

Gail

August 12, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Service

Pros: Saved me from driving! Tips: Amtrak beats being in your car. you can just sit back and enjoy.

What is the price of a train ticket from Rochester to Rensselaer?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Rochester to Rensselaer was $52.80. At this price, taking the train is the cheap and easy way to go. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Rensselaer if you book your train tickets at least 6 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $35.78.

Monthly average prices

$102$81$61$41$20AMJJASONDJFM

Ticket prices for the train from Rochester to Rensselaer often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $62,

If you're thinking of traveling from Rochester to Rensselaer during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $87 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$102$81$61$41$203020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 6 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Rensselaer from Rochester will be about C$35.78 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Rochester to Rensselaer?

There are 4 train lines with service from Rochester to Rensselaer. Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak17h 58m$72.57
Amtrak Empire Service24h 4m$61.12
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited24h 48m$80.78
Amtrak Maple Leaf14h 32m$66.55
  • 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 Rochester to Rensselaer every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $47.

  • 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.

  • 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 Louise M. Slaughter Station in Rochester and arrives at Albany-Rensselaer Train Station in Rensselaer. The route takes about 4 hours and 48 minutes and ticket prices start at $41.

  • 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 Rochester to Rensselaer takes about 4 hours and 32 minutes on this line, and the average ticket price is .

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Rochester and Rensselaer is approximately 199 miles, or 320 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 2 minutes.

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Rochester to Rensselaer. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Rochester at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Rensselaer. 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 Rensselaer to Rochester.

City Information

Rochester

Rochester, NY

Image credit: Ryan Hyde

Link to image attribution

Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.

Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.

The city’s busiest bus station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several bus carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louis M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the bus station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest of downtown.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Rochester?

Louise M. Slaughter Station - ROCAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Louise M. Slaughter Station

Opened in 2017, the Louise M. Slaughter Station Rochester is nearly brand new. It serves three Amtrak train lines: the Lake Shore Limited, the Empire Service, and the Maple Leaf. The station was renamed Louise M. Slaughter Station in honor of U.S. Representative Louise M. Slaughter, who died in March 2018. This intermodal transit station is connected to the rest of the area via transit buses and taxis. Spread across 9,500 square feet, Louise M. Slaughter Station has a classic red brick design, with cast stone and granite used in various places. At the station, you will find an indoor waiting area with plenty of seats. There are also several vending machines, an ATM, and restroom facilities.

All train stations in Rochester:

  • Louise M. Slaughter Station

Where is the train station in Rensselaer?

Main arrival station: Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

Rensselaer has one train station.

Train stations in Rensselaer:

  • Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

Get around town with Moovit

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Need a return trip from Rensselaer to Rochester?

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