How long is the train from Boston to New York?

The Amtrak Northeast Regional takes about 4 to 4.5 hours; the high-speed Acela takes about 3.5 hours. Both run from Boston South Station and Back Bay to Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station, with no security lines at either end.

How much is a train ticket from Boston to New York?

Northeast Regional fares typically run $29-95 one-way depending on how far ahead you book and the day of travel - midweek advance fares are regularly $29-49. Acela typically costs $110-290. Prices rise as each fare bucket sells out, so booking 2-3 weeks ahead matters more than any promo code.

Is the Acela worth it over the Northeast Regional?

For most travelers, no. The Acela saves roughly 30-45 minutes and offers wider business-class seating, but usually costs two to three times the Regional fare. Both have Wi-Fi, power outlets and a café car. It's worth it when the schedule fits or an employer is paying.

Which stations does the train use in Boston and New York?

In Boston: South Station (downtown) and Back Bay, plus Route 128 for suburban park-and-ride. In New York: Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, at 31st St and 8th Avenue in midtown Manhattan - a subway ride or short cab from most of the city.

Do Boston to New York trains sell out?

Yes - regularly on Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, and around Thanksgiving, Christmas and summer holiday weekends. On those days the cheap fare buckets disappear first and entire trains can sell out. Midweek trains almost never sell out.

Can I bring luggage on Amtrak?

Yes: two carry-on bags (up to ~50 lb each) plus two personal items ride free, stored on overhead racks or luggage towers at the car ends. There's no bag check on most Northeast Corridor trains, but also no enforcement theater - it's far more relaxed than flying.

BostonNew York~306 km / 190 mi

Train Tickets from Boston to New York

Amtrak runs one of America's best rail corridors between Boston and New York: no airport security, Wi-Fi and power at every seat, and arrival in midtown Manhattan. Here's exactly what it costs, how long it takes, and how to pay the least for it.

Updated 3 July 2026

In Brief

How do you take the train from Boston to New York?

Amtrak runs 10-14 daily trains from Boston South Station and Back Bay to Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station. The Northeast Regional takes about 4 to 4.5 hours with fares typically $29-95; the faster Acela takes about 3.5 hours and typically costs $110-290. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for the lowest fares.

Cheapest reliable fare: Northeast Regional booked 2-4 weeks out - often $29-49 one-way.
Fastest option: Acela, roughly 30-45 minutes quicker, with wider business-class seats.
Both arrive at Penn Station/Moynihan Train Hall - in midtown Manhattan, no airport transfer needed.
Trains fill up on Friday and Sunday evenings and around holidays - those days, book early.

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Every way to get from Boston to New York

Two Amtrak services run this corridor, and it's worth knowing which one you're buying. For context, here's how they stack up against the bus and flying:

Amtrak Northeast Regional
Our pick
Amtrak
Duration
3 h 55 min – 4 h 30 min
Typical price
$29–95
Frequency
~9–10 departures/day
The value pick. All-reserved coach seating, free Wi-Fi, power at every seat, café car and a quiet car. Advance fares regularly drop to $29-39 midweek.
Amtrak Acela
Amtrak
Duration
3 h 30 min – 3 h 50 min
Typical price
$110–290
Frequency
Roughly hourly on weekdays
America's only high-speed service. Business and First class only, wider seats, and it holds up best when the corridor is busy. Worth it on expenses; rarely worth 3x the Regional fare on your own dime.
Intercity bus
FlixBus/Greyhound, Peter Pan, Megabus, OurBus
Duration
4 h 15 min – 5 h+
Typical price
$10–45
Frequency
Departures every 30–60 min at peak
Cheaper but hostage to I-95 traffic - Friday afternoons regularly add an hour. See our full Boston to New York bus guide for operators and terminals.
Flying (BOS → LGA/JFK/EWR)
Delta, JetBlue, American, United
Duration
~1 h 20 min in the air; 3.5–4 h door-to-door
Typical price
$60–250
Frequency
Shuttle flights roughly hourly
Once you add getting to Logan, security and the transfer from a New York airport into Manhattan, flying rarely beats the train on total time - and never on hassle.

How to book, step by step

Pick your Boston station
South Station (downtown, most connections), Back Bay (Copley/Fenway side) or Route 128 (park-and-ride south of the city). All trains call at South Station and Back Bay.
Book 2-3 weeks ahead
Amtrak prices rise as seats sell. The $29-49 Northeast Regional buckets go first on Friday, Sunday and holiday trains. Tuesday to Thursday departures stay cheap longest.
Choose Regional vs Acela
Save the Acela premium unless the schedule fits perfectly or someone else is paying - the Regional is only ~30-45 minutes slower over the full run.
Board and ride
No security lines - arrive 15-20 minutes early. Seats are reserved but unassigned in coach; boarding at South Station starts ~10 minutes before departure. You arrive at Moynihan Train Hall, on the 8th Avenue side of Penn Station.

Insider tips

Sit on the left side heading to New York - the Northeast Corridor hugs the Connecticut shoreline and Long Island Sound for long stretches.
The quiet car (usually adjacent to business class) is enforced and genuinely quiet - the best free upgrade on the train.
Amtrak allows two carry-ons plus two personal items free, with no weigh-in culture - a real advantage over the airlines for heavy packers.
Thanksgiving week, Christmas week and summer Fridays sell out days in advance - book those the moment plans firm up.
A same-day round trip works: the earliest departures land you in Manhattan by ~10:00 with an 8-9 hour day before the last trains back.

Boston to New York: FAQ

The questions travelers ask most about this route.

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Train Tickets from Boston to New York

How do you take the train from Boston to New York?

Every way to get from Boston to New York

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Amtrak Acela

Intercity bus

Flying (BOS → LGA/JFK/EWR)

How to book, step by step

Pick your Boston station

Book 2-3 weeks ahead

Choose Regional vs Acela

Board and ride

Insider tips

Boston to New York: FAQ

Continue Planning Your Trip

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How do you take the train from Boston to New York?

Every way to get from Boston to New York

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Amtrak Acela

Intercity bus

Flying (BOS → LGA/JFK/EWR)

How to book, step by step

Pick your Boston station

Book 2-3 weeks ahead

Choose Regional vs Acela

Board and ride

Insider tips

Boston to New York: FAQ

How long is the train from Boston to New York?expand_more

How much is a train ticket from Boston to New York?expand_more

Is the Acela worth it over the Northeast Regional?expand_more

Which stations does the train use in Boston and New York?expand_more

Do Boston to New York trains sell out?expand_more

Can I bring luggage on Amtrak?expand_more

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