Amtrak Boston to New York (NYC): Northeast Regional and Acela Schedules -Details

Amtrak offers a direct route between Boston and New York with several intermediate stops during the journey. Two train lines operate on this route, including the Northeast Regional and the Acela, offering trains throughout the day at different hours. The Acela completes the journey in 3 hours 48 minutes, while the Northeast Regional typically takes between 4 hours and 15 minutes and 4 hours 30 minutes. Coach fares on the Northeast Regional start from around $22, while Acela First Class can go well above $200. Additionally, free wifi, purchasable food options, and baggage allowance are available for all passengers on board.

Amtrak Boston to New York (NYC): Northeast Regional and Acela Schedules -Details

Amtrak Boston to New York Train

The Amtrak New York-Boston route runs along the Northeast Corridor. Both train types make stops along the way, though the Acela makes significantly fewer, which keeps travel times shorter.

Boston to New York Tickets and Schedule

The journey from New York to Boston takes roughly four hours, and Amtrak runs departures throughout the day from early morning to late evening.

Amtrak Boston to NYC Schedule  

Amtrak TrainDays of OperationDeparture and Arrival TimingsDurationCoach PricesBusiness Class PricesFirst Class Prices
66 Northeast RegionalDaily Service 10:05 a.m. and 3:22 p.m.5 hours 17 minutes $22$55Not offered
65 Northeast RegionalDaily Service6:00 a.m. and 9:17 a.m.3 hours 17 minutes$22$55Not offered
171 Northeast RegionalMonday to Friday7:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.4 hours 30 minutes$29$62Not offered
175 Northeast RegionalSaturday and Sunday11:00 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.4 hours 45 minutes$29$62Not offered
173 Northeast RegionalMonday to Friday3:00 p.m. and 7:40 p.m. 4 hours 40 minutes$29$62Not offered
179 Northeast RegionalMonday to Friday5:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.4 hours 30 minutes$22$55Not offered
67 Northeast RegionalSaturday and Sunday5:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.4 hours 30 minutes$29$62Not offered
2151 AcelaMonday to Friday5:00 a.m. and 8:54 a.m.3 hours 54 minutes Not offered$75$115
2155 AcelaMonday to Friday7:00 a.m. and 10:55 a.m.3 hours 55 minutesNot offered$99$145
2159 AcelaMonday to Friday9:00 a.m. and 12:47 p.m.3 hours 47 minutesNot offered$139$145
2163 AcelaMonday to Friday11:05 a.m. and 2:48 p.m.3 hours 43 minutes Not offered$139$190
2167 Acela Monday to Friday1:00 p.m. and 4:43 p.m.3 hours 43 minutes Not offered$139$190
2259 AcelaSaturday and Sunday5:00 p.m. and 8:48 p.m.3 hours 48 minutesNot offered$99$145

NOTE: Train 66 originates in Boston but is a long-distance southbound service that passes through New York well after its departure from Boston. Passengers must verify the exact arrival times for the New York on Amtrak.com.

Amtrak NYC to Boston Schedule

Amtrak TrainDays of OperationDeparture and Arrival TimingsDurationCoach PricesBusiness Class PricesFirst Class Prices
66 Northeast RegionalDaily Service 5:44 a.m. and 10:05 a.m.4 hours 21 minutes $22$55Not offered
86 Northeast RegionalMonday to Friday12:37 p.m. and 4:52 p.m.4 hours 15 minutes $29$62Not offered
164 Northeast RegionalSaturday and Sunday1:00 p.m. and 5:24 p.m.4 hours 24 minutes $29$62Not offered
82 Northeast RegionalSaturday2:04 p.m. and 6:32 p.m.4 hours 28 minutes $29$62Not offered
88 Northeast RegionalSaturday and Sunday3:00 p.m. and 7:23 p.m. 4 hours 23 minutes $29$62Not offered
94 Northeast RegionalMonday to Friday5:38 p.m. and 10:06 p.m.4 hours 28 minutes $22$55Not offered
96 Northeast RegionalSunday5:01 p.m. and 9:20 p.m.4 hours 19 minutes $29$62Not offered
2190 AcelaMonday to Friday5:27 a.m. and 9:32 a.m.4 hours 5 minutes Not offered$75 $115
2292 AcelaSunday8:20 a.m. and 12:08 p.m. 3 hours 48 minutes Not offered$99$145
2250 AcelaSaturday and Sunday11:11 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.4 hours 4 minutes Not offered$99$145
2192 AcelaMonday to Friday11:58 a.m. and 3:56 p.m.3 hours 58 minutes Not offered$99$145
2162 AcelaMonday to Friday7:03 a.m. and 11:07 a.m.4 hours 4 minutes Not offered$139$190
2252 Acela Saturday and Sunday12:34 p.m. and 4:22 p.m.3 hours 48 minutes Not offered$99$145
2170 AcelaMonday to Friday2:01 p.m. and 5:57 p.m.3 hours 56 minutes Not offered$139$190
2172 AcelaMonday to Friday7:10 p.m. and 11:07 p.m.3 hours 57 minutes Not offered $139$190

How to Book Amtrak Trains from Boston to New York

Passengers have several ways to purchase tickets for this route, from booking well in advance to buying on the day of departure.

  1. On Amtrak.com: Visit Amtrak’s official website, enter New York Moynihan Train Hall (NYP) as the origin and Boston South Station (BOS) as the destination, then select the travel date, number of passengers, and preferred train and cabin class. Fares are updated in real time based on seat availability.
  1. Via the Amtrak App: The Amtrak mobile app supports full booking, mobile ticketing, real-time train status, and gate notifications. Passengers can show their ticket directly on their phone without needing a printed copy.
  1. At the Station: Tickets are available at self-service kiosks and staffed ticket counters at Moynihan Train Hall and Boston South Station.
  1. Same-Day Booking: Given the number of departures throughout the day, same-day bookings are generally possible on this route. However, fares are typically much higher close to departure, and booking at least a week or two in advance usually saves a significant amount, particularly on Coach fares for the Northeast Regional.

Cabins and Passenger Amenities on Amtrak Boston to NYC Trains

Both the Northeast Regional and Acela operate between New York and Boston, each offering a different set of cabin classes and onboard facilities.

Amtrak train cabin seating

Amtrak Coach Class

Coach Class is available exclusively on the Northeast Regional and is the most affordable way to travel between New York and Boston. Seats are arranged two-by-two with ample legroom, reclining backrests, fold-down tray tables, reading lights, and power outlets.

Amtrak Business Class on the Northeast Regional

In this cabin on the Northeast Regional, there is reserved seating in a 2×1 or 2×2 arrangement, giving passengers more space than in Coach. Passengers receive a non-alcoholic drink complimentary and earn a 25% bonus on guest rewards points per journey.

Acela Business Class

Business Class is the base cabin on all Acela services. Seats are wider with greater recline and legroom, arranged in 2×2 and table configurations. Passengers can either bring their own meals, snacks, and drinks or purchase them from the cafe cart. They can earn additional bonus reward points on every trip.

Acela First Class

While traveling in this cabin of Acela, passengers receive at-seat meal service with a seasonal menu, complimentary beverages, priority boarding, and access to the Metropolitan Lounge at Moynihan Train Hall in New York and the Metropolitan Lounge at Boston South Station.

Onboard Amenities

Amtrak Free Wifi: Both the Northeast Regional and Acela provide onboard internet connection without charging anything. Acela has faster speeds with higher bandwidth, while the Northeast Regional offers standard public wifi suitable for browsing and messaging.

Dining: Passengers on both services can purchase food and drinks from the café car. On the Acela, Business Class passengers have cafe access, while First Class passengers receive complimentary at-seat meal service.

Amtrak Power Outlets: Every seat class on both train types includes power outlets for charging phones, laptops, and other devices throughout the journey.

Bicycle Policy: Passengers may bring standard-sized bicycles and folding scooters weighing up to 50 lbs as carry-on items on the Northeast Regional, subject to Amtrak’s baggage guidelines. Acela doesn’t permit bicycles as carry-ons.

Accessibility: All Amtrak trains on this route are fully accessible, with wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, and priority seating available in Coach Class on the Northeast Regional. Passengers who require help in boarding the train can request support from Amtrak staff at the station.

Amtrak Discounts from NYC to Boston

Multiple discounts apply to Northeast Regional travel between New York and Boston. Most discounts are available on Northeast Regional fares only and do not apply to Acela Business or First Class.

Amtrak Children’s Discount: Passengers traveling with children can receive a 50% discount for children aged 2 to 12 years. However, infants under two years can travel without a ticket.

Amtrak Senior Discount: Commuters who are 65 and older can get a 10% discount on most Northeast Regional fares. The discount applies automatically during online booking on Amtrak.com.

Amtrak Student Discount: Students aged 17 to 24 with a valid student ID can save 15% on Northeast Regional Coach and Business Class fares.

Amtrak Military Discount: Active-duty U.S. military personnel, their spouses, and dependents receive a 10% discount with a valid military ID. Veterans also qualify for the same 10% discount, though the veteran discount is not valid on weekday Acela services.

Amtrak Group Discount: People traveling in groups of 6 or more on this route can save up to 60% on base coach prices. Group bookings require advance coordination through Amtrak’s group sales team.

Night Owl Fares: On select late-night Northeast Regional departures along the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak offers discounted Night Owl fares. These represent some of the lowest available Coach prices on the New York-Boston route.

Tips to Save More on Amtrak Boston to NYC

These are some practical ways to lower the cost of this Amtrak Boston to NYC route.

Book Early: Coach fares on the Northeast Regional start from around $22 at their lowest and increase when seats are limited. Booking two to three weeks in advance typically secures the best rates.

Travel Midweek: Tuesday through Thursday departures generally have more seat availability at lower prices. Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, and Monday mornings are the busiest times on this route and tend to carry higher fares.

Choose the Northeast Regional: The Acela saves between 15 and 30 minutes over the Northeast Regional on this route, depending on the specific service. However, Acela Business Class starts at roughly $75 or more, compared to Coach fares as low as $22 on the Northeast Regional. 

Arrive at the Right Boston Station: Trains on this route stop at both Back Bay and South Station in Boston. Back Bay is closer to the Fenway neighborhood and Newbury Street, while South Station connects directly to the Red Line subway and the Silver Line to Logan Airport. Hence, confirm before booking the tickets.

Earn Points on the Journey: The Amtrak Guest Rewards program is free to join and awards points on every trip. Business Class passengers on the Northeast Regional earn a 25% bonus, and on Acela earn at an even higher rate. They can redeem the points for future travel.

Consider Multi-Ride Tickets on Amtrak: Frequent travelers between New York and Boston may benefit from Amtrak’s multi-ride ticket options, which reduce the cost compared to purchasing individual one-way tickets each time.

Passengers traveling from Amtrak New York to Boston have a selection of Northeast Regional and Acela departures throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased online, via the app, or at the station on the day of travel, though advance booking remains the most reliable way to secure lower fares and preferred seats.

FAQs

How long is the Amtrak ride from Boston to New York?

The Amtrak journey between Boston and New York takes approximately 3 hours 45 minutes on the Acela and around 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes on the Northeast Regional.

Which Amtrak train is faster: Acela or Northeast Regional?

The Acela is the faster option as it has fewer stops along this Boston to NYC route. It is also Amtrak’s premium high-speed service.

What is the cheapest Amtrak ticket from Boston to NYC?

Coach fares on the Northeast Regional can start from as low as $22 when booked in advance. Prices increase closer to departure dates.

Does Amtrak go directly from Boston to New York?

Yes, both the Northeast Regional and Acela operate direct services between Boston and New York without requiring passengers to change trains.

Which Boston stations does Amtrak use?

Amtrak trains on this route stop at: Boston South Station (BOS) and Boston Back Bay Station (BBY).

What station does Amtrak arrive at in New York City?

All trains arrive at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station (NYP) in Manhattan.

Is wifi available on Amtrak Boston to NYC trains?

Yes, complimentary wifi is available on both Acela and Northeast Regional trains. Acela generally offers faster and more reliable internet speeds.

Does Amtrak have food service on this Amtrak Boston to NYC route?

Yes, both train services include a cafe car where passengers can purchase snacks, meals, coffee, and beverages. Acela First Class passengers receive complimentary at-seat meal service.

Can I bring luggage on Amtrak from Boston to New York?

Yes, passengers can bring carry-on luggage without additional fees. Amtrak also allows personal items and checked baggage on select services.

Are there power outlets on Amtrak Northeast Regional and Acela trains?

Yes, power outlets are available at every seat in both the Northeast Regional and Acela trains.

Does Amtrak offer Business Class between Boston and NYC?

Yes, business Class is available on both the Northeast Regional and Acela. Acela also offers a premium First Class cabin.

Aelric Novandar
THE AUTHOR

Aelric Novandar

Aelric Novandar is a rail travel researcher and content specialist at ZadRails. She focuses on simplifying train travel for passengers across the United States and Europe. With a strong interest in rail networks, station infrastructure, and passenger experience, Aelric creates well-researched guides covering train routes, railway stations, schedules, onboard amenities, and practical travel tips.

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