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Syracuse to Rochester train

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Syracuse - Rochester Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 7 daily train trips between Syracuse and Rochester. The average train journey from Syracuse to Rochester takes 2 hours and 20 minutes, but some Amtrak Empire Service train trips are as short as one hour and 16 minutes.

Distance74 mi (119 km)
Fastest train1h 16m
Lowest price$19.00
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Service
Train lines4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Syracuse to Rochester

(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Baconpants

March 1, 2023- Business

Amtrak Empire Service

Very friendly bar cart and the conductor was very friendly

5.0

Alexandra T

January 22, 2023- Regular commuter

Amtrak Empire Service

Easy to get between home and college this way. Cost is about the same as gas and tolls without putting the miles on my car.

5.0

Wil

October 16, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Maple Leaf

Comfort and price.

5.0

LaDre

January 3, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Service

Pros: Spacing was great. Cons: The heating was absolutely cold.

5.0

Laurel

December 12, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Service

Pros: No stops. Cons: East on time. Tips: No.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Syracuse to Rochester is $21.77, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 29 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $8.90 more.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10AMJJASONDJFM
Mark your calendar for September if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Syracuse to Rochester. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $24. If you're planning a trip from Syracuse to Rochester during March, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $31 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Syracuse to Rochester, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $8.90 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Syracuse to Rochester?

There are 4 train lines with service from Syracuse to Rochester. Amtrak Empire Service is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak25h 47m$36.49
Amtrak Empire Service21h 21m$22.72
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited21h 18m$27.21
Amtrak Maple Leaf11h 16m$24.75
  • 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 Syracuse to Rochester every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $31.

  • 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 Regional Transportation Center - 1 Walsh Cir in Syracuse and arrives at Louise M. Slaughter Station in Rochester. The route takes about 1 hours and 18 minutes and ticket prices start at $19.

  • 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 Syracuse to Rochester takes about 1 hours and 16 minutes on this line, and the average ticket price is .

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Syracuse to Rochester. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Syracuse and Rochester is approximately 74 miles, or 119 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 16 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Syracuse to Rochester on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Syracuse at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. 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 7 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Rochester. 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 Rochester to Syracuse.

City Information

Syracuse

Syracuse, NY

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Syracuse might not be the top destination for tourists in New York, but it does have plenty of quirky and fun destinations for all age groups. Upon your first arrival to the city, don’t miss out on the chance to take a stroll around the historic Armory Square, considered to be the top destination by locals. The square also features plenty of restaurants and nightclubs if you are looking for the quarter with the best nightlife in town. If you want to mingle with a good crowd for some fun, the Carrier Dome, which is located within the campus of Syracuse University, will offer the adrenaline rush you need. For those seeking a more culturally-inclined activity, head towards the Everson Museum of Art and marvel at the most significant collection of American ceramics in the country.

Syracuse features a vibrant and diverse food scene. If you enjoy brunch, Modern Malt, a local favorite, is the place to be. And for some amazing authentic Cuban dishes, head to Esquina Habanera.

The busiest bus and train station in the city is the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center. From there you can catch an Amtrak train or a bus run by Greyhound, New York Trailways, OurBus or Jefferson Lines to various cities, including New York, Boston, and Albany. Syracuse is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The Syracuse Hancock International Airport is the principal airport in the city, and it is located five miles northwest of downtown.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Syracuse?

Regional Transportation Center (1 Walsh Cir) - SYRAMT-0

Image credit: Kim

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Main departure station: Regional Transportation Center - 1 Walsh Cir

Opened in 1998, the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center (commonly referred to as the RTC) serves as a multi-service stop for travel throughout Central New York. The Transportation Center serves several Amtrak train lines, including the Empire Service, the Maple Leaf, and the Lake Shore Limited, as well as Greyhound and Trailways buses. As the central ground travel hub in Syracuse, the station provides transport for roughly 153,000 people annually. In addition to providing easy access to local landmarks such as the Destiny USA shopping center and the NBT Bank Stadium, the RTC can also take you further afield to popular destinations such as Niagara Falls, New York City, and Washington, D.C., among other places. At the RTC, you will find a Dunkin' Donuts, as well as a Great States newsstand. The free WiFi and climate-controlled waiting area make it a pleasant place to wait for your bus or train.

All train stations in Syracuse:

  • Regional Transportation Center - 1 Walsh Cir

  • Syracuse Hancock Intl Apt

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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