Traveling from New York to Boston by train is one of the best ways to get between these two great cities. We’ve taken flights, buses, and made the drive, but after taking the train for the first time we were sold. So whether you’re planning a trip to the east coast or looking for a fun and easy way to travel, we got you covered!
Why Should You Travel From New York to Boston by Train?
There are a number of reasons why traveling from New York to Boston by train will make sense for your journey. Let’s start off with the fact that it’s extremely convenient! Once you get to the world-famous Penn Station in New York City and jump on the train, you’ll be en route direct to Boston.
That’s right! No switching or getting off the train. In just a few short hours you’ll be pulling into the heart of downtown Boston at South Station!
Flying is obviously the fastest way to get from New York to Boston. Yet, when you factor in the price, time getting to the airport, going through security, etc… it can be quite the hassle.
We’ve taken the bus several times as well and it’s simply not as comfortable as going from New York to Boston by train.
The second option we would pick is to a rent a cheap car. This makes sense if you want to do a road trip and explore several places along the way. However, the downside is if you choose to drive you’ll have to deal with traffic, parking, and the hefty expense of gas.
After factoring in all of these things, it’s no wonder why the Boston to New York train is such a popular option!
6 Tips For Traveling From New York to Boston by Train
1. Buy Your Tickets in Advance
The first tip we have for you is to purchase your tickets in advance. As soon as you know your schedule you’ll want to head to the Amtrak website and buy your seats.
As we mentioned, this route from Boston to New York by train is very popular. That means the tickets will sell out fast! Not only that, but the price will likely increase the closer to the date of departure with the train filling up.
2. Consider the New York to Boston Express Train
When booking our train from New York to Boston we noticed there was different durations. Some were anywhere from 4 to 5 hours while another was closer to 3.5.
Luckily, there wasn’t much of a price difference for us to take the shorter express train! On the dates and times we picked it was only $15 more for each ticket. While this isn’t always the case, it’s something to consider when traveling from New York to Boston by train.
You’ll also be able to pick which class and cabin you prefer. For such a long ride it may be nice to treat yourself to a first class ticket!
3. Get to the Train Early
If you live in New York or have visited before then you know what the traffic can be like. I mean it is one of the biggest cities in the world after all!
For this reason, make sure you get to Penn Station early. Check out the Best Hiltons in NYC before your visit and pick somewhere close to give yourself more time.
The last thing you want is to miss your train from New York to Boston that you’ve already paid for. In addition, Pennsylvania Station underwent a $6 Billion dollar renovation in 2021.
While it may have been nothing special years back it’s now a really nice place to hang out! We recommend arriving early, grabbing a bite to eat, and relaxing before your departure time.
Make sure you pay attention to the electronic boards and loudspeaker announcements. The gate number isn’t typically announced until shortly before boarding.
4. Check Your Cabin & Seat Number
When traveling from New York to Boston by train know that there are different types of tickets. Depending on the train, you’ll either have reserved or open seating. Reserved means you have an actual seat number your assigned, while open seating means you can sit anywhere within your cabin class.
Also check what cabin you are in so you can board at the right section of the train! It will be annoying (especially if it’s open seating) to move throughout the cabins after you get on. The employees do come around and check your tickets so make sure to follow these rules!
5. New York to Boston Train Activities
It’s quite a long ride so make sure you have something to keep you occupied on the train. We love to use our kindles to read while travel, watching movies, or use the opportunity to work and write blogs.
There is wifi on Amtrak which is a nice perk of going from New York to Boston by train. You will also have some decent views out the window during the portion of the ride along the ocean.
Sleeping is also a nice option to pass the time. Just make sure you set an alarm so you don’t miss your stop in Boston!
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
6. Know Where You’re Getting Off
The last thing to know about going from New York to Boston by train is which stop to get off at. This is important as there are 2 different stops once you get to Boston. You’ll have the option of either getting off at Back Bay or South Station.
South Station will be the official last stop with everyone exiting the train and also where you make connections to Boston Logan International Airport.
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own tips for traveling from New York to Boston by train? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where to Stay in New York City
NoMad – Hotel Giraffe by Library Hotel Collection – Boutique hotel with a rooftop garden and quick walk to Union Square Park and Chelsea. The hotel is decorated with classic photos from the 1920’s and 1930’s.
Tribeca – Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown – Historic high-end hotel in the heart of New York. Close to the Brooklyn Bridge and Seaport District.
Little Italy – NobleDEN Hotel – Great location in the Italian district and steps from Ferrara Bakery and Chinatown. Some of the rooms have a terrace or balcony which is not common in the city!
Times Square – LUMA Hotel – Modern design with bright bold patterns which reflect the energy of the area. Great place to stay near all the action of Times Square.
Chelsea – The Hotel Chelsea – Built in in the 1800’s with history reflected in its unique style. Known as one of the best historic hotels in the city.
East Village – The Bowery Hotel – Beautiful boutique hotel with floor to ceiling windows and an industrial loft design. Ideal location in one of the most popular neighborhoods in NYC.
Hudson Yards – Equinox Hotel Hudson Yards New York City – Plush accommodation with a sleek design. Rooms range from deluxe to scenic skyline suites.
PIN FOR LATER ↓
New York Travel Planning
Flights: We always find great flights using Skyscanner and Kayak. This way you can plan your trip around the cheapest and most direct routes.
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld can be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for hundreds of activities around New York. Book a luxury brunch harbor cruise, skip the line at the Empire State Building, or go on a Manhattan helicopter tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years and they are there when we need them.
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
