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Amtrak Empire Service train tickets—Search & book deals

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

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About Amtrak Empire Service

The Amtrak Empire Service is a descendant of multiple train routes that originally merged in 1869. In 1967, the New York Central Railroad created the Empire Service, an inter-city rail line that is now owned and operated by Amtrak. The line itself follows the Empire Corridor, a 465-mile rail corridor spanning New York state, from East to West and North to South. Some trains specifically service the route between New York City and Albany, while others continue to Buffalo and all the way north to Niagara Falls. Together, these trains run an average of 416 trips every day across 16 different cities.

The Amtrak Empire Service is the epitome of convenience and luxury with an affordable price tag. Trains on this rail line provide free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, beautiful views, and a cafe service with a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages for sale. Board the Amtrak Empire Service headed north to visit the Finger Lakes region, stop in Hudson for the Hudson River Valley's wine country, or continue on towards Niagara Falls. Then, take the return trip south to New York City for the lights of Broadway, the view of the Empire State Building, or the history of Ellis Island.

Amtrak partnered with Wanderu in 2015, so you can search all Amtrak routes and trains quickly and easily to find the cheapest train ticket to your chosen destination. Don't forget to enter your Amtrak Guest Rewards member number at checkout to earn points!

Contact Amtrak Empire Service

Phone number:
1 (800) 872-7245

Amtrak Empire Service Amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Toilet
  • Extra legroom
  • Loyalty rewards
  • Power outlets
  • Snacks
  • Wifi

Quickview

Amtrak Empire Service train coverage

Daily Trips
416
stations
16
cities
16
countries
1
  • United States

What travelers are saying about Amtrak Empire Service

Here’s what Wanderu users who have booked trips with Amtrak Empire Service had to say about their travel experience.

Traveling During COVID-19

  • “They took COVID safety precautions seriously.”
    87%

Onboard Experience

  • “The WiFi actually worked for the entire trip”
    80%
  • “I’ll travel with them again just for the staff!”
    85%
  • “Really cheap tickets and really good service.”
    91%
  • “The train got there on time.”
    95%
  • “Seats were really comfy and spacious”
    94%
  • “The train was almost suspiciously clean”
    96%

Amtrak Empire Service reviews from Wanderu customers

Overall review score for Amtrak Empire Service Based on 663 reviews

4.8

Ratings (Out of 5)

Comfort
Timeliness
Staff
Value

Amtrak Empire Service passenger reviews

  • DianaOctober 23, 2026Rochester – New York

    Pros Breaks and ambient lighting and outlets Cons wifi, seat comfort, include middle arm rest, too hot, complementary water

  • MuhammadSeptember 30, 2026New York – Niagara Falls

    Pros Overall the trip was pleasure

  • ChokaSeptember 27, 2026Syracuse – Rochester

    Pros Thanks Cons Goog and nice Tips Nice

  • BettySeptember 18, 2026Syracuse – Rensselaer

    Pros The staff and passengers were very friendly and helpful. I was running very late almost mixed my train, due to so many road closures and having to detour. Had to run from my car to the elevator as the train was already there. The gentleman saw me and told me to slow down. Took my suitcase and put it on the train for me. When I boarded the train out breath and very nice man and young lady offered to put my suitcase up top. I had no strength. Everything worked out Cons I can't complain about anything Tips Always be nice to everyone you never know when you may need them

  • RoopchanSeptember 12, 2026Niagara Falls – New York

    Pros Very scenic, and relaxing. Cons 1. Restrooms facilities could improve 2. Seats were facing opposite direction of travel. Tips 1. Walk with food. 2. Be at station 15 min before 3. Walk with medications in case of further delays.

Amtrak Empire Service Routes & Network

Amtrak Empire Service’s train network features 233 train routes that connect 16 cities serving 16 stations. On average, Amtrak Empire Service performs about 416 train trips every day. The top cities to which Amtrak Empire Service offers the highest number of daily train service include New York and Rensselaer.

Top Cities Served by Amtrak Empire Service
CityDaily TripsEarliest trainLatest train
New York653:42 AM6:10 PM
Rensselaer5012:06 AM11:31 PM
Rochester203:42 AM7:01 PM
Buffalo153:42 AM9:27 PM
Syracuse223:42 AM6:07 PM
Hudson3412:06 AM11:25 PM
Poughkeepsie4312:06 AM11:25 PM
Utica173:42 AM4:52 PM
Rhinebeck4012:06 AM11:25 PM

Amtrak Empire Service Cancellation Policy

All Amtrak Empire Service tickets can be cancelled for a full refund within the first 24 hours after purchase. If more than 24 hours have passed, the cancellation policy and change fee structure for Amtrak bookings depend on the type of fare you purchased:

Saver Fare tickets: A 25% fee applies for any changes. If you cancel the trip, you will receive an eVoucher worth 75% of the original ticket price.

Value Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable up to 15 or more days before departure. If cancelled less than 14 days before departure, a 25% cancellation fee applies.

Flexible, Business and Premium Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable if cancelled or changed before departure.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after the train has departed, so be sure to make your updates as soon as possible if your travel plans change.

If your Amtrak Empire Service ticket is eligible for change or cancellation, you can do that by calling Amtrak’s customer service phone number at 1 (800) 872-7245. To cancel or change your booking online, simply go to www.amtrak.com and click on the “Modify Trip” tab in the upper right corner.

Wanderu also offers an affordable trip protection option by Allianz Global Assistance that you can purchase when booking your tickets. In addition to 24-hour assistance during your trip and coverage for lost or damaged baggage, trip protection can help you get your money back in case you need to cancel or change your trip. You can file a claim to have any Amtrak change or cancellation fees reimbursed if you cannot travel due to covered reasons such as illness, extreme weather, or required work shifts.

Amtrak Empire Service Baggage Policy

Carry-On Baggage

  • One (1) personal item – max. weight: 25 lbs (12 kg), max. dimensions: 14 x 11 x 7 in (35 x 28 x 18 cm)

  • Two (2) carry-on items – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 28 x 22 x 14 in (71 x 56 x 35 cm)

Additional Carry-On Rules:

  • Strollers and car seats do not count toward the carry-on limit.

  • Overweight bags must be repacked so they are under 50 lbs. Boxes may be purchased at staffed stations to aid in repacking.

  • A $20 excess baggage fee will be charged for each carry-on and personal item above the quantity and size limits. A maximum of two excess bags are permitted per passenger.

Checked Baggage

  • Two (2) items for free – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 75 in / 191 cm (length + width + height)

  • Up to two (2) additional items: $20 fee per item

  • Oversized baggage (76-100 inches total): $20 fee per item

Not all Amtrak Empire Service routes offer checked baggage service. Check ahead before traveling.

Additional Checked Baggage Rules:

  • Your luggage should be checked at least 45 minutes before the train departs.

  • ID tags are required for all luggage.

  • All luggage must be in containers that are suitable for transport (storage tubs and plastic bags are not allowed).

Special Items

  • Bicycles up to 50 lbs (23 kg) may be checked for $20.

  • Folding bikes (max 34 x 15.5 x 48 inches / 86 x 39 x 122 cm) can be carried on board for free.

  • Skis & snowboards count as checked baggage if under 50 lbs (23 kg) and 75 linear inches (191 cm).

  • Wheelchairs, walkers, and CPAP machines can be brought onboard for free.

For more information, check out Amtrak's Baggage Policy page.

Amtrak Empire Service Train Guide & FAQs

Yes, Amtrak Empire Service offers WiFi on their trains. Although most trips with Amtrak Empire Service will have WiFi as advertised, some trains might not come equipped with WiFi and onboard WiFi can lose its connection in rural areas. We recommend you bring a book or download a movie just to play it safe. Amtrak Empire Service WiFi is generally best used for surfing the web, checking emails and chatting with friends; you shouldn’t count on the WiFi to binge watch your favorite show.

Yes, there are power outlets onboard Amtrak Empire Service trains. You can generally find one or two sockets per row of seats, so be a good traveller and check if your seat neighbor might want to charge up their devices as well. With the onboard power outlets, you can charge both a computer and USB devices with a USB power adapter that typically comes with most phones and tablets.

Since Amtrak Empire Service might sometimes use replacement train vehicles, not all trips are guaranteed to have power points. We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your phone for all trips over 2 hours, just in case.

On a typical day, Amtrak Empire Service has 416 scheduled train trips in total. However, the exact departure and arrival times vary depending on the day and route. The best way to find the exact schedule for your trip is to use the search tool on this page.

No, Amtrak Empire Service does not offer will call tickets. You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station.

Yes, Amtrak Empire Service requires you to present an ID to an agent to be allowed to board the train. Make sure you have identification issued by a government agency that meets the carrier’s requirements. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, won’t work.

Yes, there are bathrooms on Amtrak Empire Service trains. The bathrooms are pretty basic and include a toilet, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Most bathrooms don’t have running water. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times.

Amtrak Empire Service provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. Be sure to pack a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry.

Amtrak Empire Service does not require a printed ticket to board the train. Instead, an eTicket is sent to you via email when you make your reservation. You can use your smartphone to show this eTicket to the ticketing agent as you board.

Amtrak Empire Service goes the extra distance to deliver premium features to its customers.

Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? Well you’re in luck as Amtrak Empire Service offers extra legroom seating. Since there is no standard of what extra legroom is, the extra space you get may vary between train lines, but getting extra is always good.

Yes, Amtrak Empire Service allows minors 13-16 years of age to travel unaccompanied, with restrictions. Children aged 12 and under must travel with another person who is at least 18 years old.

Tickets for unaccompanied minors cannot be booked online and must be booked by calling Amtrak at +1 (800) 872-7245.

Cheap Amtrak Empire Service tickets recently found on Wanderu

With 416 trips per day on Amtrak Empire Service, there are a lot of great deals to uncover for the bargain hunter, and Amtrak Empire Service tickets start at just SEK 128.84. Check out some of the latest and greatest deals snatched up by Wanderu users.

How do I get the best deal on Amtrak Empire Service tickets?

Wanderu is the best place to score cheap Amtrak Empire Service tickets with the lowest available fares every day. Plus, you can compare Amtrak Empire Service prices with trips offered by other train companies to be sure you’re getting the best deal on your tickets!

Pro travelers know that booking your ticket well in advance is key to finding the lowest price. Ticket prices normally go up the closer you get to the travel date, so don’t miss out on a good deal when you see one. If you can be flexible with your travel date, you can also get cheap tickets by traveling on weekdays instead of weekends.

When you’re ready to book, type your departure city and destination city in the search bar above, select your travel date, and let Wanderu work its magic to show you all of the best bus and train ticket prices available for your trip. Pick the ticket that’s best for your budget, schedule, and preferences, and complete the booking right on Wanderu to secure your great deal.

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