Where to go by train from New York: 10 interesting routes
'17.02.2026'
ForumDaily New York
Traveling by train in the United States isn't as easy as in Europe or Japan. But New Yorkers and visitors are lucky. The city is one of the country's major rail hubs, offering easy connections to both neighboring states and far-flung destinations. Travelleisure tells about the best routes.
Amtrak offers more than a dozen routesTrains run north to Montreal and south to Miami. Regional carriers Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road connect New York City with Connecticut, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island.
If you're looking for travel ideas, here are the best train journeys routes from New York City that are worth taking the scenic route for.
New York - Chicago
- Route: Amtrak Lake Shore Limited.
- Duration: 19 hours.
The Lake Shore Limited train departs daily from New York City to Chicago. The route passes through scenic areas of upstate New York, including the Hudson Valley and the Finger Lakes region. The train then travels along the shore of Lake Michigan and arrives in Chicago.
The best seats are in the Viewliner carriages. For example, Viewliner Bedroom Suite with a fold-out bed. This is convenient for an overnight trip.
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Chicago is definitely worth a visit for an architectural walk. Art Institute of Chicago and the "Cloud" sculpture in Millennium Park. You can stay at the hotel Pendry Chicago.
New York - Westerly, Rhode Island
- Route: Amtrak Northeast Regional.
- Duration: 3 hours.
For a short trip, take the Northeast Regional to Westerly, one of the best weekend getaways in New England.
The train passes through picturesque Connecticut scenery, offering views of water and rural fields.
In Westerly you can stay in Ocean House is one of the best beach resorts in the country.
Stroll through the city center. Try chocolate at Hauser. ChocolatierHave dinner at Cinder Restaurant. Or head to the beach. Misquamicut State Beach.
New York - Boston
- Route: Amtrak Northeast Regional or Acela.
- Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes on Regional or 3 hours 45 minutes on Acela.
Continuing north, you'll reach Boston. The train passes through Providence and picturesque rural areas.
The Acela is faster but makes fewer stops.
In Boston, you can take the route The Freedom Trail. Visit the house. Pola Revira. Take a look at Institute The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Fine Arts are also worth a visit. During baseball season, catch a Red Sox game at Fenway Park.
You can stay at The Langham Hotel, Boston.
New York - Philadelphia
- Route: Amtrak Northeast Regional.
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
The train arrives at the station William H. Gray III 30th Street Station. The station opened in 1933 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The ceilings reach 29 meters in height. Art Deco elements have been preserved inside.
While in town, try the city's famous cheesesteak. Popular spots include: Dalessandro's, Angelo's Pizzeria and Jim's South St.
Wm. Mulherin's Sons is suitable for accommodation. Hotel.
New York - Wilmington, Delaware
- Route: Amtrak Northeast Regional.
- Duration: 2 hours.
The train passes through green landscapes. The station is located next to the Christina River.
In Wilmington, you can visit the Delaware Art Museum and explore Fort Christina.
Visit the Nemours Estate, a 81-hectare garden and a 77-room mansion.
You can stay in Hotel Du Pont, opened in 1913.
New York - Washington
- Route: Amtrak Northeast Regional or Acela.
- Duration: 3 hours 40 minutes on Regional or 3 hours on Acela.
The train goes via Philadelphia and Baltimore.
In Washington, D.C., visit the National Mall and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. See a performance at the Kennedy Center. Center. Plan excursion to the White House.
You can stay at The Watergate Hotel.
New York - Adirondack, New York
- Route: Amtrak Adirondack.
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes.
The train heads toward Montreal. One of the most scenic sections is to Saratoga Springs.
The route passes through the pastures and towns of the Hudson Valley.
In Saratoga Springs, you should visit Saratoga Spa State Park. ParkSee a performance at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Adelphi is suitable for accommodation Hotel.
New York - Montauk
- Route: Long Islandd Rail Road.
- Duration: 3 hours.
The train goes along Long Island.
In Montauk, you can visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse and stroll along Ditch Plains Beach.
Go horseback riding from Deep Hollow Ranch.
You can stay in Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa.
New York - Sleepy Hollow
- Route: Metro-North railroad.
- Duration: 1 hours
The train departs from Grand Central Terminal.
Sleepy Hollow is famous as the setting for Washington Irving's short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow."
You can visit Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, see the Headless Horseman Bridge over the Pocantico River, and visit the estate. Kykuit.
New York - Pittsfield, Massachusetts
- Route: Amtrak Berkshire Flyer.
- Duration: 4 hours.
The train runs from the end of June to the beginning of September.
The route runs along the Hudson River Valley.
On the way you can go to Poughkeepsie and visit Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site.
In Pittsfield, the Berkshire Museum is worth a visit. Museum and go hiking on Mount Greylock.
