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Rochester to Schenectady train

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Rochester - Schenectady Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

5 trains operate daily from Rochester to Schenectady. The train trip from Rochester to Schenectady is usually about 4 hours and 53 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Empire Service train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 51 minutes.

Distance187 mi (301 km)
Fastest train3h 51m
Lowest priceRON 180.23
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Rochester to Schenectady

(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Terry

June 15, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Empire Service

Cons: Friendly and helpful in Rochester but very unfriendly and unhelpful in skanecady. Tips: Relaxing and roomy compared to plain travel some nice scenery in certain areas.

5.0

Robert

December 20, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Maple Leaf

Pros: Overall it was a great experience! Tips: Sit back, stretch, relax, sleep, read a book... and no stress from having to drive to your destination.

5.0

Kurt

March 26, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Well received in all areas

4.0

Denise

July 2, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Service

Pros: My first train ride. The WiFi was great! The train wasn’t too crowded and I was able to get a little something to eat. The conductor helped with my bag getting on and off the train. The things I liked on the trip to Schenectady however, were all untrue. There was no help with my bags getting on and off, no WiFi, and no food on the return trip. Cons: Greater food selection. Tips: No.

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What is the price of a train ticket from Rochester to Schenectady?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Rochester to Schenectady was RON 220.67. At this price, taking the train is the cheap and easy way to go. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Schenectady if you book your train tickets at least 5 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra RON 38.77.

Monthly avg. prices

RON 347RON 277RON 208RON 139RON 69JJASONDJFMAM
Mark your calendar for November if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Rochester to Schenectady. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of RON 203. If you're planning a trip from Rochester to Schenectady during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about RON 277 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

RON 347RON 277RON 208RON 139RON 693020100

By booking your train trip from Rochester to Schenectady on Wanderu at least 5 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 38.77 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 Lake Shore Limited is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak19h 4mRON 265.36
Amtrak Empire Service23h 53mRON 188.69
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited24h 10mRON 290.31
Amtrak Maple Leaf14h 15mRON 206.06

  • 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 Rochester to Schenectady every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 254.

  • 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 10 minutes and ticket prices start at RON 180.

  • 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 15 minutes on this line, and the average ticket price is .

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Rochester and Schenectady is approximately 187 miles, or 301 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 53 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 51 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.

Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Rochester to Schenectady. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Rochester at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. 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 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Rochester to Schenectady.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Schenectady to Rochester.

City Information

Rochester

Rochester, NY

Image credit: Ryan Hyde

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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?

Louise M. Slaughter Station - ROCAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

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

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