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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Buffalo to Ithaca per day. The average train journey from Buffalo to Ithaca takes 5 hours and 20 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 125 mi (201 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 20m |
| Lowest price | US$49.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Buffalo to Ithaca?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Buffalo to Ithaca. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 5h 20m | US$49.00 |
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 Buffalo to Ithaca every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$49.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Buffalo and Ithaca is approximately 125 miles, or 201 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 20 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Buffalo to Ithaca on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Buffalo at 12:00 and arrives in Ithaca around 5 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Ithaca to Buffalo.
City Information
Buffalo
Buffalo is a great budget destination that will not burn through your pocket. Located just a few hours’ drive away from Niagara Falls, the city serves as a transportation hub for tourists who want to marvel at the sights of the famous landmark. Visitors can either enjoy the tour from a boat, or walk around the section behind the falls themselves. If you opt for a more idyllic and peaceful destination instead, Forest Lawn is a good choice. A beautiful cemetery that is far from the hustle and bustle of the big city, the destination is a perfect spot for a picnic. As the day winds down to an end, don’t hesitate to attend a performance at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, which features lavish interiors as well as amazing Broadway shows.
Buffalo’s chicken wings are the city’s trademark dish, and tourists who wish to grab a bite could do so at Duff’s Famous Wings or Anchor Bar. For a wider selection, The Left Bank is an even better option.
The principal bus station in Buffalo is the Metropolitan Transportation Center downtown. Travelers can catch buses by Greyhound, New York Trailways, Fullington Trailways and Barons Bus Lines from this station. The main Amtrak train station in Buffalo is located on Exchange St not too far from the bus station. Buffalo is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s principal airport is the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which is located in the suburb area of Cheektowaga. The city is also served by the nearby Niagara Falls International Airport.
Ithaca
Blessed with over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles, Ithaca is every outdoors fan’s petit haven. The most notable, and the tallest of the bunch, is the Taughannock Falls. There are hiking trails located close to the falls that will provide an amazing overlook of the falls itself, but do stay away from the water in the gorges. If hiking is not your cup of tea, perhaps a boat cruise on Lake Cayuga, which is the longest of the Finger Lakes, will offer the tranquility and peace of mind you need. For culturally-inclined tourists, don’t hesitate to take a short detour to the State Theatre of Ithaca, which offers top-tier shows and concerts that charm locals and visitors alike.
Ithaca boasts even more restaurants per capita than New York City, and its amazing food scene seems to have a little bit of everything for everyone. For the best burger in town, check out Ithaca Ale House. If Italian food is your thing, the door at Franco’s is wide open for you.
Several bus carriers conduct trips in and out of Ithaca, including Greyhound, OurBus, Flixbus and New York Trailways. Unfortunately, there are currently no Amtrak trains that go to Ithaca. The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport serves as the town’s main airport. It is located three miles northeast of the city center.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Buffalo?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 75 Exchange St
Situated in a busy area, the Amtrak Station on Exchange Street is a central hub of transportation for the city of Buffalo. The primary services provided by the station include the Amtrak train lines, Empire Service and Maple Leaf, as well as intercity buses on Amtrak Thruway. The station is not the first passenger train station on Exchange Street, as there have been four previous stations on the same street. The most recent building includes a state-of-the-art waiting area as well as drop-off and pick-up zones. The station also features a parking lot with plenty of spaces. Possible destinations from Buffalo include Niagara Falls and New York City.
All train stations in Buffalo:
75 Exchange St
Where is the train station in Ithaca?
Main arrival station: Ithaca, New York
The Ithaca bus station at 131 E Green St is only a short walk from the downtown district. This station serves several leading bus carriers, including OurBus, FlixBus US, New York Trailways, and Greyhound, with buses departing regularly. Its handy location adjacent to a convenience store means that you can pick up any last-minute supplies for your trip. The bus station is also a short walk from the Ithaca Commons shopping center; here you can catch a movie while you kill time between connections. If shopping isn't your thing, take a walk along the nearby Six Mile Creek to stretch your legs before your journey.
Train stations in Ithaca:
Ithaca, New York
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