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Cheap train tickets from Schenectady to Rochester

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Schenectady to Rochester Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

4 trains operate daily from Schenectady to Rochester. The train trip from Schenectady to Rochester is usually about 3 hours and 46 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Maple Leaf train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 39 minutes.

Distance187 mi (301 km)
Fastest train3h 39m
Lowest price$42.00
Trains per day4
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Lake Shore Limited
Train lines3

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Schenectady to Rochester

(Based on 9 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Rory

July 13, 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak Maple Leaf

Pros: Helpful staff. Cons: Clarity of announcements. Tips: Rochester train station is in a sketchy neighborhood.

5.0

Kimberly

March 13, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Service

Pros: I liked that I didn't have to DRIVE :) I also like the fact that they helped me with my suit case. Getting up and down the stairs is difficult for me. I like that they offer to help instead of me having to ask them to help. Cons: None needed. Tips: They have a food car so if you forget your food/snack you can buy one on the train.

5.0

Andrew

January 28, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Maple Leaf

Pros: This was my first ride with AMTRAK, Very comfortable, and spacious. I loved the space between the rows of seats, being that I am well over 6’ and long legs, VERY SPACIOUS! Saw passengers carrying food boxes to their seats (during my trip between stops 4 & 5). Ask the passenger where he got the food from, he told me in the last car (the food car). I waited for the boarding passengers to find a seat and get seated, before I would go for the food. As the train was starting to roll out of stop #4, an announcement was made “the food car for snacks is NOW CLOSED”! It would be nice if they would mention that fact about 1 or 2 stops prior to closing! …. Does AMTRAK offer a military discount or even a senior discount? If so, it would be nice if your app or website somewhere would offer it. I am both, military retired with over 20yrs active duty and a senior in my mid 70’s. …. Overall, I was extremely pleased with my trip. Yes I will definitely go by train again (train vs my truck, train was one-third the cost, and very relaxing, I thank you!). Cons: I know this is hard to do, however; when someone is transiting between cars, and BOTH sliding doors are open, that wind really whips into the cars. I was in row #5, from the front of the car, when those doors opened, cold air RUSHED into the car, and within seconds, my feet were very, very cold. I honestly don’t know how to fix this, BUT, that’s something the designers and engineers can work on. I’m sure I am not the only one who feels this. I look forward to traveling in the future and HOPEFULLY, seeing something has been done to correct or possibly even eliminate the problem. Tips: Sit back, relax, enjoy the scenery, and leave the driving to them (AMTRAK)!

5.0

Nomvuyo

January 24, 2024- Business

Amtrak Maple Leaf

Pros: Speed. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Not right now.

5.0

Terry

June 16, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Service

Cons: Maybe a little expensive for minimal travel. Tips: Wasn’t as bumpy as I thought it would be And pretty quiet traveling.

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Schenectady to Rochester was $45.83. 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 Rochester if you book your train tickets at least 13 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $5.42.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15FMAMJJASONDJ
Ticket prices for the train from Schenectady to Rochester often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $41. If you're thinking of traveling from Schenectady to Rochester during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $55 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Which train should you take from Schenectady to Rochester?

There are 3 train lines with service from Schenectady to Rochester. Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Empire Service23h 45m$49.86
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited23h 50m$77.11
Amtrak Maple Leaf13h 39m$46.08

  • 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 332 Erie Boulevard in Schenectady and arrives at Louise M. Slaughter Station in Rochester. The route takes about 3 hours and 50 minutes and ticket prices start at $49.

  • 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 Rochester takes about 3 hours and 39 minutes on this line, and the average ticket price is .

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Schenectady to Rochester

The distance between Schenectady and Rochester is approximately 187 miles, or 301 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 39 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 departing from Schenectady to Rochester tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Schenectady at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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 4 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Schenectady to Rochester.

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

Rochester

Rochester, NY

Image credit: Ryan Hyde

Link to image attribution

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.

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 Rochester?

Louise M. Slaughter Station - ROCAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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

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