Cheap train tickets from Rochester to Erie
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Rochester to Erie. Traveling by train from Rochester to Erie usually takes 2 hours and 41 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 145 mi (233 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 41m |
| Lowest price | $40.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Lake Shore Limited |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Rochester to Erie Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Rochester to Erie?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Rochester to Erie.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$59.45 | Avg. Price$45.68Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration2h 41mFaster | Duration3h 30m |
There are several train options that can take you from Rochester to Erie:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Rochester to Erie?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Rochester to Erie was $43.00. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $21.46 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Rochester to Erie by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Rochester to Erie will cost between $37 and $43. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Rochester to Erie by month
Ticket prices for the train from Rochester to Erie often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $37. If you're thinking of traveling from Rochester to Erie during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $61 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 Rochester to Erie on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $21.46 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Rochester to Erie?
There are multiple trains that travel from Rochester to Erie, including Amtrak Lake Shore Limited. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Lake Shore Limited | 2 | 2h 41m | $59.45 |
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 125 W 14th St in Erie. The route takes about 2 hours and 41 minutes and ticket prices start at $34.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Rochester to Erie
Trains leave the station in Rochester twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Erie with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Erie to Rochester. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Rochester to Erie for $31.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
2
The distance between Rochester and Erie is approximately 145 miles, or 233 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 41 minutes, Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.
DISTANCE (MI)
145
DISTANCE (KM)
233
The earliest train departs Rochester at 11:29pm while the last train of the day leaves at 11:29pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
11:29pm
LATEST TRAIN
11:29pm
Trains from Rochester to Erie 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.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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.
Erie
Named for the Great Lake it sits upon, Erie is one of Pennsylvania's most picturesque cities. Erie is about halfway between Buffalo and Cleveland and about two hours north of Pittsburgh.
One of the most popular spots to visit, Presque Isle State Park, is a curved peninsula that extends into Lake Erie and creates 11 miles of beaches. Swim on the beaches, birdwatch near some of its lagoons, or tour the Presque Isle Lighthouse for a full day of lakeside exploring. Then, head up to the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower on the bayfront for epic panoramic views of the park and lake beyond.
Discover the city's buzzing nightlife by visiting downtown Erie, where you'll find numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs. Go big with a concert at Erie Insurance Arena, or watch a horse race at the Presque Isle Downs & Casino.
Barons Bus Lines and Jefferson Lines provide affordable bus transportation from Erie to Cleveland, Columbus, Buffalo, and beyond. The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited runs from Chicago through Erie, onward to Boston and New York City. Erie International Airport has a handful of flights to Charlotte and Chicago, but if you're flying from Erie, you'll find more destinations available from Buffalo or Cleveland's airports.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in Erie?
Main arrival station: 125 W 14th St
Erie has one train station.
All train stations in Erie:
- 125 W 14th St
Need a return trip from Erie to Rochester?
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