New York, NY to Niagara Falls, NY train with Amtrak

Trains from New York to Niagara Falls

If you wish to travel from New York to Niagara Falls by train, you’ll find several quick and affordable options for a comfortable journey. Find cheap tickets from New York to Niagara Falls when you book in advance. Trains from New York to Niagara Falls are operated by Amtrak, who usually run a schedule of three direct trains per day. The fastest trains from New York to Niagara Falls take around 8h 50min in total. Trains departing from as early as around 7:15 a.m. until around 1:20 p.m.

New York to Niagara Falls train times: Daily Departures

Trains from New York to Niagara Falls depart daily from New York Penn Station. Amtrak offer a schedule of around three trains from New York to Niagara Falls each day, so you can choose a departure time from early morning to afternoon to suit your plans. The earliest train from New York to Niagara Falls depart at around 7:15 a.m. while the latest train departs at around 1:20 p.m. Remember to check train times from New York to Niagara Falls in advance as the frequency of trains may vary on national holidays.

How long is the journey by train from New York to Niagara Falls?

There are around three trains from New York to Niagara Falls each day. The quickest trains from New York to Niagara Falls usually take approximately 8h 50min. These trains are the 281 and 283 Empire Service routes, which usually depart between mid-morning and early afternoon. Amtrak also operate an early morning Maple Leaf train from New York to Niagara Falls, which offers a slower service and takes up to around 9h 35min. Most journeys are direct and do not involve any changes on the way.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from New York to Niagara Falls?

Departure train station: Penn Station, New York City. Pennsylvania Station, more commonly known as Penn Station, is situated right in midtown Manhattan in the heart of New York City, only a stone’s throw from Times Square. The station is accessible by local and regional buses and trains. Penn Station subway stop is also right by the train station. Mention the facilities available at the station. The station is the busiest railway centre in North America and offers plenty of facilities for the many passengers who pass through its doors each day. There are many options for grabbing a drink or bite to eat before your journey, from fast food to hot meals. Seating areas are provided throughout the station, as well as exclusive lounges for business class passengers.

Arrival train station: Niagara Falls Station (NY), Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls Amtrak train station is situated on the New York State side of Niagara Falls city, on the eastern bank of the Niagara River. You can take buses and trains to local destinations as well as across the Canadian border. Buses to the city centre on the Canadian side of the city take around 55min. You’ll find minimal facilities at the station such as vending machines and an accessible waiting room, but there are no baggage storage facilities or Wi-Fi.

New York. Source: Shutterstock

Which train companies travel from New York to Niagara Falls?

Amtrak is the only train company which operates trains from New York to Niagara Falls. Amtrak trains depart from Penn Station in New York City around three times per day and travel directly to Niagara Falls Station (NY). Amtrak offers train services to Niagara Falls from early morning to early afternoon. Choose between fast trains with a journey time of around 8h 50min, or a slower train with a journey time of around 9h 35min if you want to travel earlier in the day.

Amtrak trains from New York to Niagara Falls

Amtrak is the United State’s sole long-distance rail travel provider. It provides an affordable and comfortable inter-city service, and offers both economy and business class tickets. For passengers wishing to book train tickets from New York to Niagara Falls, you can find a daily schedule of direct routes operated by Amtrak. Trains bound for Niagara Falls usually depart from New York around three times per day. If you want your journey to be as quick as possible, trains departing mid-morning and early afternoon tend to be faster than those leaving early morning. Consider the most convenient departure and arrival times before you book train tickets from New York to Niagara Falls, bearing in mind that slower early morning trains will still arrive in Niagara Falls significantly earlier in the day.

Trains from New York to Niagara Falls: Services on Board

Amtrak trains offer various seating options between coach and business classes. Business class passengers travelling from New York to Niagara Falls can enjoy extra legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. Each passenger can bring two personal (12kg) and two carry-on (23kg) items. You can also add additional checked luggage to your booking for a fee. Passengers wishing to bring bicycles on the train can reserve a space for their bike for an additional fee.

Apart from service animals, pets are not allowed on any service from New York to Niagara Falls as the journey time exceeds the limit for travel with pets. Amtrak provides services for passengers with reduced mobility such as ramps to assist wheelchair users when boarding the train. Customers can reserve accessible seats and spaces for mobility devices in advance. Passengers can also enjoy an onboard meal service, which also accommodates travellers with special dietary requirements.

How to find cheap train tickets from New York to Niagara Falls?

The best way to guarantee cheap train tickets from New York to Niagara Falls is to book in advance. If you can be flexible on your time of departure, you’ll find that tickets may be cheaper during off-peak hours. Customers such as senior citizens, students and children can usually get cheaper tickets on trains from New York to Niagara Falls so make sure you check the discounts offered by your travel provider. Most train services also offer railcards and multi-ride passes which allow customers to take advantage of concessionary rates. While slower trains are available, the standard ticket cost is usually the same as faster trains. If you wish to travel in business class, ticket prices do differ between fast and slower trains, so consider travelling on a slower route to benefit from a cheaper ticket.

Train Station New York. Source: Shutterstock

To Niagara Falls by train — travel tips

The city of Niagara Falls is the perfect base from which to explore the impressive Niagara Falls waterfall and surrounding state park. There are plenty of activities available for the whole family to enjoy the beautiful natural sights. Take a boat tour through the mists around the base of the waterfall, enjoy a thrilling ride down the rapids of the Niagara River, or hold your breath as you plunge across the Niagara Whirlpool. Those who prefer to stay on dry land can find plenty of trains around the Niagara Gorge.

Once you have enjoyed a day of exploring the iconic Falls, take a moment to relax in the city’s botanical gardens or find out more about the city’s heritage at the Niagara Falls history museum. With daily direct trains from New York to Niagara Falls, it’s easy and affordable to travel to the city for a weekend break, longer holiday, or as a stop before venturing over the Canadian border.