4.0
Pros: Yes. Cons: Station show on screen. Tips: It is good option for traveling.
3.0
Wifi was awful. Train was late getting to renselear.
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Trip Summary
4 trains operate daily from Buffalo to Rensselaer. The train trip from Buffalo to Rensselaer is usually about 6 hours and 4 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Empire Service train can get you there in as little as 5 hours and 14 minutes.
| Distance | 261 mi (420 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 14m |
| Lowest price | US$47.00 |
| Trains per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Service |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Buffalo to Rensselaer
(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)
4.6
Train service from Buffalo to Rensselaer
- Amtrak tickets: US$53 one-way
- Amtrak Empire Service tickets: US$47 one-way
- Amtrak Maple Leaf tickets: US$47 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Buffalo to Rensselaer?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Buffalo and Rensselaer cost US$53.53, on average. Booking your trip at least 22 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around US$10.21 more.
Average prices by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Buffalo to Rensselaer will range from US$52 to US$60. If you're planning to travel by train to Rensselaer in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Buffalo you can find in the next 7 days is US$52. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly average prices
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Buffalo to Rensselaer. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of US$55. If you're planning a trip from Buffalo to Rensselaer during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about US$66 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Buffalo to Rensselaer. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 22 days before departure, you can save around US$10.21. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Buffalo to Rensselaer?
There are 3 train lines with service from Buffalo to Rensselaer. Amtrak Empire Service is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 7h 40m | US$80.72 |
| Amtrak Empire Service | 2 | 5h 25m | US$49.62 |
| Amtrak Maple Leaf | 1 | 5h 49m | US$48.83 |
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 Rensselaer every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$53.
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 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 Buffalo to Rensselaer takes about 5 hours and 49 minutes on this line, and the average ticket price is .
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Buffalo and Rensselaer is approximately 261 miles, or 420 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 14 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.
Trains departing from Buffalo to Rensselaer tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. 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 Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Buffalo at 04:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00. 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 4 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Buffalo to Rensselaer.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Rensselaer 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.
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 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 Rensselaer?
Main arrival station: Albany-Rensselaer Train Station
Rensselaer has one train station.
Train stations in Rensselaer:
Albany-Rensselaer Train Station
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Need a return trip from Rensselaer to Buffalo?
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