5.0
Pros: EVERYTHING the staff is warm friendly super helpful. Cons: Additional food car. Staff takes 2 tables. I traveled Wed, Thur & Fri round trip. Always the same. Tips: Take the train every chance you get.
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Trip Summary
3 trains operate daily from Schenectady to Buffalo. The train trip from Schenectady to Buffalo is usually about 5 hours and 15 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Maple Leaf train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 58 minutes.
| Distance | 250 mi (403 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 58m |
| Lowest price | $47.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Service |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Schenectady to Buffalo
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Schenectady to Buffalo?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Schenectady to Buffalo was $47.00. This is an excellent deal, especially considering the length of the journey. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Buffalo if you book your train tickets at least 11 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $19.84.
Monthly avg. prices
Ticket prices for the train from Schenectady to Buffalo stay pretty consistent throughout the year. You can expect to pay around $54 regardless of when you plan to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Schenectady to Buffalo doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from Schenectady to Buffalo?
2 train services operate from Schenectady to Buffalo. Amtrak Empire Service usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Empire Service | 2 | 5h 19m | $55.18 |
| Amtrak Maple Leaf | 1 | 5h 6m | $56.87 |
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 Schenectady to Buffalo takes about 5 hours and 6 minutes on this line, and the average ticket price is .
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Schenectady and Buffalo is approximately 250 miles, or 403 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 58 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.
Trains from Schenectady to Buffalo are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Schenectady at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. 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 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Schenectady to Buffalo.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Buffalo to Schenectady.
City Information
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.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Schenectady?
Main departure station: 332 Erie Boulevard
There is one train station in Schenectady.
All train stations in Schenectady:
332 Erie Boulevard
Where is the train station in Buffalo?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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
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