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Boston to Rensselaer train

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Boston - Rensselaer Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

9 trains operate daily from Boston to Rensselaer. The train trip from Boston to Rensselaer is usually about 9 hours and 14 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Lake Shore Limited train can get you there in as little as 5 hours and 13 minutes.

Distance138 mi (222 km)
Fastest train5h 13m
Lowest price$13.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Boston to Rensselaer

(Based on 10 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Keith

October 14, 2023- Business

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Loved the space between seats, plenty of room. They were so comfortable. Such a smooth journey. Tips: Traveling by train is a fantastic way to get around.

4.0

Abigail

August 22, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: We didn’t need to drive! Cons: Areas for large luggage-need more.

5.0

Jane

July 21, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: The Amtrak bus ride took LESS than 3 hours and arrived earlier than expected! Much better than the train ride that take more than 5 hrs. And the cost was low too! I sat next to sn interesting person and we had a nice conversation with enough space to pursue our separate work. Highly recommend this travel! Cons: I was confused as to where to meet the Amtrak bus - the South Station train station or South Station bus station - and just made it in time for the bus. So I would suggest that Wanderu makes this clear in their publicity. Thank you! Tips: In Boston meet the Amtrak bus outside the South Shire train station.

5.0

Laurel

December 19, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: Even though it was not the train I was expecting (trip got moved to a bus) it was still a wonderful experience. Thanks for getting me home to my family during the holidays! Tips: When the train was moved over to a bus, we arrived on location about 2/ 2.5 hours early so prepare for that!

5.0

Peter

October 3, 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Pros: The staff Could not have been nicer Great trip! Cons: Nothing perfect!

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Boston to Rensselaer was $94.61. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Rensselaer if you book your train tickets at least 29 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $79.89.

Average prices by travel date

$165$110$55AprApr

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Boston to Rensselaer will cost between $79 and $162. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly avg. prices

$175$140$105$70$35MJJASONDJFMA
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Boston to Rensselaer. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $108. If you're planning a trip from Boston to Rensselaer during November, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $172 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$200$160$120$80$403020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Boston to Rensselaer. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 29 days before departure, you can save around $79.89. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Boston to Rensselaer?

2 train services operate from Boston to Rensselaer. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 8 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak89h 46m$141.36
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited15h 17m$36.99

  • 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 8 Amtrak trains from Boston to Rensselaer every day, as well as 11 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $56.

  • 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 South Station in Boston and arrives at Albany-Rensselaer Train Station in Rensselaer. The route takes about 5 hours and 17 minutes and ticket prices start at $13.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Boston and Rensselaer is approximately 138 miles, or 222 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 14 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 13 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 Boston to Rensselaer on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Boston at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. 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 9 scheduled trains on most days. 2 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 Boston.

City Information

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):

Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.

From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.

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 Boston?

Boston, MA - South Station - BOSSST-0

Image credit: Tony Hisgett

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: South Station

South Station is the largest and busiest train station in Boston, and a major transportation hub for the greater New England area. South Station's 13 tracks are used by Amtrak, Acela, the MBTA commuter rail, and the MBTA subway system (a.k.a. the "T") with connections to the Boston Logan International Airport. You can also access intercity bus service in the adjacent South Station Bus Terminal. South Station's historic train terminal opened in 1899 right in downtown Boston, and is close to many points of interest like the Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and the hip Seaport district. At the terminal, you'll find free WiFi, luggage storage, a 24-hour information booth, and 14 dining options, including that New England favorite, Dunkin'.

All train stations in Boston:

  • South Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

Where is the train station in Rensselaer?

Main arrival station: Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

Rensselaer has one train station.

All train stations in Rensselaer:

  • Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

Get around town with Moovit

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From the Wanderu blog

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