Cheap train tickets from Rochester to Schenectady
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Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Rochester to Schenectady. Traveling by train from Rochester to Schenectady usually takes 5 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Service train can make the trip in 3 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 187 mi (301 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 50m |
| Lowest price | $42.00 |
| Trains per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 4 |
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Rochester to Schenectady Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Rochester to Schenectady?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Rochester to Schenectady.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$79.99 | Avg. Price$69.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration5h 17mFaster | Duration9h 25m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Rochester to Schenectady (Based on 6 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from Rochester to Schenectady:
- Amtrak tickets: $60 one-way
- Amtrak Empire Service tickets: $42 one-way
- Amtrak Lake Shore Limited tickets: $65 one-way
- Amtrak Maple Leaf tickets: $42 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Rochester to Schenectady?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Rochester to Schenectady was $53.86. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $34.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Rochester to Schenectady by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Rochester to Schenectady will cost between $52 and $70. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Rochester to Schenectady by month
Ticket prices for the train from Rochester 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 $55. If you're thinking of traveling from Rochester to Schenectady during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $96 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Rochester to Schenectady on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time, you can save about $34.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Rochester to Schenectady?
There are 4 train lines with service from Rochester to Schenectady. Amtrak is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 8h 21m | $93.15 |
| Amtrak Empire Service | 2 | 3h 54m | $60.77 |
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 2 | 4h 9m | $89.59 |
| Amtrak Maple Leaf | 1 | 4h 19m | $72.17 |
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 Rochester to Schenectady every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $60.
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 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 Louise M. Slaughter Station in Rochester and arrives at 332 Erie Boulevard in Schenectady. The route takes about 4 hours and 9 minutes and ticket prices start at $65.
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 Rochester to Schenectady takes about 4 hours and 19 minutes on this line, and the average ticket price is $72.17.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Rochester to Schenectady
There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. 5 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 Rochester. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Rochester to Schenectady for $30.
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
5
The distance between Rochester and Schenectady is approximately 187 miles, or 301 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 50 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)
187
Distance (km)
301
The earliest train departs Rochester at 5:31am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:25pm. 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
5:31am
Last train
1:25pm
Trains from Rochester to Schenectady are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Thursday
Least crowded
Monday
City Information
Rochester
Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.
Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.
The city’s busiest bus station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several bus carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louis M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the bus station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest of downtown.
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 Rochester?
Main departure station: Louise M. Slaughter Station
Opened in 2017, the Louise M. Slaughter Station Rochester is nearly brand new. It serves three Amtrak train lines: the Lake Shore Limited, the Empire Service, and the Maple Leaf. The station was renamed Louise M. Slaughter Station in honor of U.S. Representative Louise M. Slaughter, who died in March 2018. This intermodal transit station is connected to the rest of the area via transit buses and taxis. Spread across 9,500 square feet, Louise M. Slaughter Station has a classic red brick design, with cast stone and granite used in various places. At the station, you will find an indoor waiting area with plenty of seats. There are also several vending machines, an ATM, and restroom facilities.
All train stations in Rochester:
- Louise M. Slaughter Station
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 Rochester?
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