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Rochester to Syracuse train

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Rochester - Syracuse Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 7 daily trains from Rochester to Syracuse. Traveling by train from Rochester to Syracuse usually takes around 2 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Maple Leaf train can make the trip in one hour and 10 minutes.

Distance74 mi (119 km)
Fastest train1h 10m
Lowest price$26.06
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Service
Train lines4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Rochester to Syracuse

(Based on 12 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Leanne

July 23, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Pleasant experience and nice to take a break from driving. Cons: Train being on time.

Pros: Pleasant experience and nice to take a break from driving. Cons: Train being on time.

5.0

Terri

July 20, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Maple Leaf

Pros: Relaxing. Piece and quiet. Cons: Cost of beverages. Tips: No.

Pros: Relaxing. Piece and quiet. Cons: Cost of beverages. Tips: No.

5.0

Vanessa

August 2, 2020- Visiting friends

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Was my first time on the train and was amazing! And very few people, easy to social distance. Cons: Could be helpful to have live feed of where train or bus is. Train was running a couple minutes late, like 15. I was also late so I was grateful but would have bee...

Pros: Was my first time on the train and was amazing! And very few people, easy to social distance. Cons: Could be helpful to have live feed of where train or bus is. Train was running a couple minutes late, like 15. I was also late so I was grateful but would have been nice if I didn’t have to wonder id I’ll make it or should try for another ticket. Tips: Don’t NEED to print out to ticket. They ask foe your name on train. And I answered no ti wifi question simply because I don’t know and there was no N/A option.

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3.0

Ethyn

June 28, 2019

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Cons: The train left Rochester nearly 2 hours late and WiFi wasn’t available on the train. Tips: Make sure you have the Amtrak app so you can receive alerts regarding arrival and departure times.

Cons: The train left Rochester nearly 2 hours late and WiFi wasn’t available on the train. Tips: Make sure you have the Amtrak app so you can receive alerts regarding arrival and departure times.

4.0

Virginia

June 10, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Room to get up and walk around.

Room to get up and walk around.

Train service from Rochester to Syracuse

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

In the last month, $39.42 was the average price of a train ticket from Rochester to Syracuse. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $16.27 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$62$41$21MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Rochester to Syracuse will vary between C$32 and C$52. Planning a train trip to Syracuse within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Rochester over the next 7 days is C$34. 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

$34$27$21$14$7AMJJASONDJFM
Traveling from Rochester to Syracuse by train will cost you about the same regardless of the time of year for which you plan your trip. In general, train ticket prices for that route don’t fluctuate much throughout the year, so expect to pay around C$32 whenever you decide to board the train to Syracuse.

Prices as travel date approaches

$69$55$41$27$143020100

Since the average price of train trips from Rochester to Syracuse remains pretty consistent throughout the year, there’s no need to book your tickets too far in advance. However, we still recommend you purchase your train tickets at least 48 hours ahead of departure time to avoid surprise last-minute surges and the risk of the train selling out.

Which train should you take from Rochester to Syracuse?

There are 4 train lines with service from Rochester to Syracuse. Amtrak Empire Service is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak25h 38m$61.42
Amtrak Empire Service21h 20m$34.04
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited21h 22m$51.30
Amtrak Maple Leaf11h 16m$35.70
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Rochester to Syracuse every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $37.

  • 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 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 Louise M. Slaughter Station in Rochester and arrives at Regional Transportation Center - 1 Walsh Cir in Syracuse. The route takes about 1 hours and 22 minutes and ticket prices start at $26.

  • 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 Rochester to Syracuse takes about 1 hours and 16 minutes on this line, and the average ticket price is .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Rochester to Syracuse 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.

Can you take a train all the way from Rochester to Syracuse?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Rochester to Syracuse. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey from Rochester to Syracuse?

The distance between Rochester and Syracuse is approximately 74 miles, or 119 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 10 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains departing from Rochester to Syracuse tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Rochester at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Rochester to Syracuse?

There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Syracuse. 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 Syracuse 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.

Syracuse

Syracuse, NY

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Syracuse might not be the top destination for tourists in New York, but it does have plenty of quirky and fun destinations for all age groups. Upon your first arrival to the city, don’t miss out on the chance to take a stroll around the historic Armory Square, considered to be the top destination by locals. The square also features plenty of restaurants and nightclubs if you are looking for the quarter with the best nightlife in town. If you want to mingle with a good crowd for some fun, the Carrier Dome, which is located within the campus of Syracuse University, will offer the adrenaline rush you need. For those seeking a more culturally-inclined activity, head towards the Everson Museum of Art and marvel at the most significant collection of American ceramics in the country.

Syracuse features a vibrant and diverse food scene. If you enjoy brunch, Modern Malt, a local favorite, is the place to be. And for some amazing authentic Cuban dishes, head to Esquina Habanera.

The busiest bus and train station in the city is the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center. From there you can catch an Amtrak train or a bus run by Greyhound, New York Trailways, OurBus or Jefferson Lines to various cities, including New York, Boston, and Albany. Syracuse is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The Syracuse Hancock International Airport is the principal airport in the city, and it is located five miles northwest of downtown.

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 Syracuse?

Regional Transportation Center (1 Walsh Cir) - SYRAMT-0

Image credit: Kim

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Regional Transportation Center - 1 Walsh Cir

Opened in 1998, the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center (commonly referred to as the RTC) serves as a multi-service stop for travel throughout Central New York. The Transportation Center serves several Amtrak train lines, including the Empire Service, the Maple Leaf, and the Lake Shore Limited, as well as Greyhound and Trailways buses. As the central ground travel hub in Syracuse, the station provides transport for roughly 153,000 people annually. In addition to providing easy access to local landmarks such as the Destiny USA shopping center and the NBT Bank Stadium, the RTC can also take you further afield to popular destinations such as Niagara Falls, New York City, and Washington, D.C., among other places. At the RTC, you will find a Dunkin' Donuts, as well as a Great States newsstand. The free WiFi and climate-controlled waiting area make it a pleasant place to wait for your bus or train.

Train stations in Syracuse:

  • Regional Transportation Center - 1 Walsh Cir

  • Syracuse Hancock Intl Apt

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