Cheap train tickets from Buffalo to Schenectady
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Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Buffalo to Schenectady. Traveling by train from Buffalo to Schenectady usually takes 6 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Service train can make the trip in 5 hours and 3 minutes.
| Distance | 250 mi (403 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 3m |
| Lowest price | $51.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Buffalo to Schenectady Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Buffalo to Schenectady?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Buffalo to Schenectady.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$74.96 | Avg. Price$64.17Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration6h 37mFaster | Duration9h 27m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Buffalo to Schenectady (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
There are several train options that can take you from Buffalo to Schenectady:
- Amtrak tickets: $64 one-way
- Amtrak Empire Service tickets: $51 one-way
- Amtrak Maple Leaf tickets: $51 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Buffalo to Schenectady?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Buffalo to Schenectady was $65.12. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $28.11 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Buffalo to Schenectady by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Buffalo to Schenectady will cost between $61 and $78. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Buffalo to Schenectady by month
Ticket prices for the train from Buffalo to Schenectady often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $60. If you're thinking of traveling from Buffalo to Schenectady during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $75 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Buffalo to Schenectady on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $28.11 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Buffalo to Schenectady?
There are 3 train lines with service from Buffalo to Schenectady. Amtrak is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 8h 43m | $90.80 |
| Amtrak Empire Service | 2 | 5h 6m | $59.80 |
| Amtrak Maple Leaf | 1 | 5h 27m | $73.60 |
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 Buffalo to Schenectady every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $64.
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 Schenectady takes about 5 hours and 27 minutes on this line, and the average ticket price is $73.60.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Buffalo to Schenectady
There are 5 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to Schenectady. 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 Schenectady to Buffalo. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Buffalo to Schenectady for $36.
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
3
The distance between Buffalo and Schenectady is approximately 250 miles, or 403 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 3 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.
Distance (mi)
250
Distance (km)
403
The earliest train departs Buffalo at 4:18am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:15pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
4:18am
Last train
12:15pm
Trains from Buffalo to Schenectady are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Sunday
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.
Schenectady
Schenectady is a city in the Hudson Valley about 20 minutes outside of the New York state capital, Albany. Schenectady is a convenient and exciting place to stay if you want easy access to some of the best Upstate destinations, from Saratoga Springs and Lake George to the Adirondacks.
Dive into the area's history by wandering through The Stockade Historic District, a residential area with over 40 homes that pre-date the American Revolution. Then, to pay homage to more recent history, like Thomas Edison's establishment of General Electric in Schenectady, the Museum of Science and Innovation includes exhibits about outer space, engineering and design, inventions, and technology. And remember to stop and smell the roses at the Central Park Rose Garden!
Schenectady is well-connected to other Upstate New York destinations via Trailways buses, including Adirondack Trailways. Intercity buses also provide service to New York City in just over 3 hours. Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited, Maple Lead, Empire Service, and Ethan Allen Express stop in Schenectady with connections to Buffalo, Chicago, Washington, and more. For those who prefer to fly, Albany International Airport is the closest airport to Schenectady.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Buffalo?
Main 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 Schenectady?
Main arrival station: 332 Erie Boulevard
Schenectady has one train station.
All train stations in Schenectady:
- 332 Erie Boulevard
Need a return trip from Schenectady to Buffalo?
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