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Rensselaer to Buffalo train

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Rensselaer - Buffalo Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Rensselaer to Buffalo. Traveling by train from Rensselaer to Buffalo usually takes 5 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Maple Leaf train can make the trip in 5 hours and 22 minutes.

Distance261 mi (420 km)
Fastest train5h 22m
Lowest price$47.00
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Service
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Rensselaer to Buffalo

(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)

4.4

4.0

Cassandra

November 11, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Maple Leaf

Pros: I enjoyed my solo seat. Cons: Timeliness. Tips: Be aware of what train you are getting on so you don’t get on the wrong one.

5.0

Joy

September 8, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Maple Leaf

Pros: Better than expected. Cons: Keep up the great work.

5.0

Diane

December 4, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Maple Leaf

Pros: I have some mobility issues. Amtrak staff assisted me and my suitcase on and off the train. They all went out of their way to make sure I was safe and comfortable. Cons: I wish some people wouldn’t talk so loudly, but that’s not Amtrak’s fault.

4.0

Susanne

October 5, 2021- Vacation

Amtrak Maple Leaf

Pros: The ticketing staff in Albany were very friendly and made out start fun. We appreciated the red cap service, and he was very helpful. Cons: Keep up the good work. Tips: Enjoy.

4.0

Sachin

December 23, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Service

Pros: The ticket was seriously a good bargain for money. I booked it in the last minute as well. I will be making all my future bookings from Wanderu from now on. Cons: There's nothing at the moment. Only the wifi in the train was not very good. It didn't work. Tips: Make reservations may be a bit earlier.

What is the price of a train ticket from Rensselaer to Buffalo?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Rensselaer to Buffalo was $47.50. This is an excellent price given the length of the route. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $8.21 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15MJJASONDJFMA
Ticket prices for the train from Rensselaer to Buffalo often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in November when the average ticket price is only $53. If you're thinking of traveling from Rensselaer to Buffalo during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $60 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Rensselaer to Buffalo. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 13 days before departure, you can save around $8.21. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Rensselaer to Buffalo?

2 train services operate from Rensselaer 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:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Empire Service25h 42m$55.95
Amtrak Maple Leaf15h 28m$56.54

  • 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 Rensselaer to Buffalo takes about 5 hours and 28 minutes on this line, and the average ticket price is .

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Rensselaer and Buffalo is approximately 261 miles, or 420 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 22 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.

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

The earliest train departs Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer to Buffalo.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Buffalo to Rensselaer.

City Information

Rensselaer

Rensselaer is a small town located just across the Hudson River from the New York State capital, Albany. The Amtrak train station that serves Albany is actually located within Rensselaer, so many commuters and vacationers alike will pass through the city when traveling in the Hudson River Valley.

Rensselaer itself boasts a rich industrial tradition, and it was known as a major railway hub in the 19th century. One of the appealing local attractions in town is the Crailo State Historic Site. The site is a manor house, built in 1707, that today serves as a museum dedicated to the culture of Dutch colonists in New York State. More museums, activities, parks, and sights are waiting just across the river in Albany for the curious traveler.

The city of Rensselaer is an important transportation hub for Amtrak trains throughout the region, which include the Amtrak Empire Service, Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, Amtrak Maple Leaf, and Amtrak Ethan Allen Express. Between these services, Amtrak connects Rensselaer to New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and beyond. The nearest airport to the city is the Albany International Airport.

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 Rensselaer?

Main departure station: Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

There is one train station in Rensselaer.

All train stations in Rensselaer:

  • Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

Where is the train station in Buffalo?

75 Exchange St - BNYAMT-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution
75 Exchange St - BNYAMT-1

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution
75 Exchange St - BNYAMT-2

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main 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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