20 best Amtrak trips from Boston

Amtrak trains that depart from Boston can take you up and down the coast or as far west as Chicago. There are multiple options for day or weekend trips, so you don’t have to travel far to have a fun rail adventure. To get started, here are the best Amtrak trips from Boston with good arrival and departure times that don’t require train transfers.

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Providence

Explore Rhode Island’s capital with a 30-minute trip to Providence, Rhode Island. Learn about the city on a narrated boat tour, enjoy the scenery at Water Place Park, eat amazing Italian food in the Federal Hill neighborhood, or head to Roger Williams Park for a zoo, botanical garden, boat rentals and walking trails. Don’t miss the Rhode Island Seafood Festival.

Haverhill, MA

Only 50 minutes away from Boston on the train, Haverhill is an easy day or overnight trip on Amtrak’s Downeaster route. Ski Bradford is a top attraction for skiing and snowboarding. In warmer months, check out Willow Springs Vineyards and John Greenleaf Whittier’s birthplace.

There are multiple trains to choose from each day, with departure from the North Station. If you need to rent a car, an Enterprise office is in walking distance from the Haverhill Station. You can also walk to multiple restaurants and the Passaqua Playground. Otherwise, use Lyft or Uber to get around.

Westerly

Westerly, Rhode Island has beautiful beaches and a quaint downtown that are great to visit in the summer. Be sure to explore the Watch Hill village, which has a lighthouse, historic carousel, ice cream shops, restaurants and retail stores. Travel time is over one hour from Boston on Amtrak. View the top places to stay and best things to do in Westerly to learn more.

Mystic

Mystic, Connecticut is a charming seaport city that’s 1.5 hours away from Boston via train. The Mystic Seaport Museum and the last surviving wooden whaling ship are top attractions, and the recreated 18th Century village is a fun place to visit. Check out the festivals and events and the best things to do in Mystic to learn more.

New London

For a historic getaway, travel 1.5 hours to New London, Connecticut. There are 13 historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places to explore or head to Ocean Beach Park for sandy beaches, amusement rides and more. Consider planning a summer trip around Sailfest and taking a ride on the Cross Sound Ferry to view lighthouses and coastal mansions. View the best things to do in New London to start planning your trip.

New Haven

Home to Yale University, New Haven is about two hours away from Boston (slightly longer on the Northeast Regional). There are many wonderful museums and art galleries to visit on campus, or check out one of the many university events open to the public. If you’re more of a nature person, don’t miss the views and hiking at East Rock Park, which overlooks the city and Long Island Sound. New Haven also has many festivals that you can plan a trip around. Be sure to try the local “apizza” on your trip.

Portland

Portland is Maine’s largest city if you’re looking for a charming destination that has a large selection of restaurants, breweries and sightseeing tours. Travel time is about 2.5 hours on the Downeaster, and there are multiple trains to choose from each day. Top attractions include the Old Port Historic District, Portland Head Light (pictured above) and the local oysters.

Springfield, MA

Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden in Springfield — *Photo by jpellgen/Flickr.com*

Springfield, Massachusetts is 2.5 hours away from Boston on Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited route. There’s only one train each day, so you’ll need to stay overnight, but there are many family-friendly things to check out. Top attractions include the Basketball Hall of Fame, The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and Forest Park, which has greenspace designed by Fredrick Law Olmstead and a zoo. As another perk, the Springfield Amtrak Station is in walking distance of restaurants and hotels.

New York City

See a show, visit museums and attractions, shop and dine on a trip to New York City. Travel time is just under four hours on the Acela Express and almost 4.5 on the Northeast Regional, with departures from South Station and Back Bay Station. You’ll arrive in Penn Station‘s new train hall with easy access to the subway, taxis and rideshare services. An overnight stay is recommended due to the Amtrak schedule and the many things to see and do.

Albany

Albany is five hours away from Boston via Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited train. There’s a lot of history and breweries to explore, including the 1899 New York State Capitol building, New York State Museum and USS Slater. In warmer months, you can also cruise on the Hudson River and walk around Washington Park.

Plan to stay at least one night in Albany as there is only one daily train in each direction. To get around, use Uber or Lyft, or arrange for Enterprise to pick you up at the train station with a car rental.

Philadelphia

Head to Philadelphia for cheesesteaks, special events and historic attractions including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. You can book tickets on the Acela Express (five-hour ride from Boston) or Northeast Regional (five hours and 45 minutes away), with departures from South and Back Bay stations. Trains arrive at the historic 30th Street Station near The Franklin Institute and Philadelphia Museum of Art, and there is easy access to bike rentals, commuter trains, subway trains and rideshare services.

With multiple trains to choose from each day, you can technically spend about five hours in the city and return to Boston same day.

Wilmington

For a relaxing getaway with parks, museums and a riverwalk, ride Amtrak from Boston to Wilmington, Delaware. Amtrak trains arrive at the historic Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station, and you can walk to downtown Wilmington, rent a car at the station or use Lyft and Uber to get around. Check out upcoming events that you can plan a trip around, and make arrangements to stay at least one night. Travel time is just over five hours on Acela and just over six hours on the Northeast Regional.

Baltimore

Baltimore is about six hours away from Boston by train on the Acela Express and seven hours away via the Northeast Regional trains. Because of the hour of time saved, the Acela Express may be worth the extra the cost. Uber and Lyft are recommended ways to get around once you arrive; the Inner Harbor is about a 10-minute car ride away. Top attractions in the area include crab cakes, National Aquarium, Fort McHenry National Monument, B&O Railroad Museum and the historic Fell’s Point neighborhood. Plan to stay at least one night in the city.

Utica

Almost eight hours away from Boston on the Lake Shore Limited, Utica is a charming city that has things to do all year long. Explore museums, the zoo, local breweries, a large public market and a scenic railroad. Plus, in the winter you rent a car at the nearby Enterprise and drive 30 minutes to the Woods Valley Ski Area. There are multiple hotels near the historic train station or check out vacation rentals in more scenic areas outside of town for a true getaway.

Washington D.C.

With free museums, stately monuments, numerous events and a huge restaurant scene, there is always something to do and eat in Washington D.C. The train trip from Boston is seven hours via the Northeast Regional and about 8 hours on the Acela Express. DC’s Union Station has a direct connection to the WMATA red line, so you can easily get around without a car. Many tours are also available to help you see the many sights.

Alexandria

George Washington considered Alexandria, Virginia his home town, and you can experience his colonial life in the well-preserved Old Town historic district. It’s a great place to walk around, shop and get something to eat. You can also rent a sailboat, kayak or standup paddleboard from the Washington Sailing Marina on the Potomac River. Or get on the water taxi to visit The National Harbor, The Wharf (pictured top of page) and Georgetown. Travel time from Boston is around nine hours.

Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is a family-friendly destination that’s 13 hours away from Boston on Amtrak. It’s the southernmost beach that you can reach on one train (otherwise, you have to transfer in New York City or D.C. to the Palmetto, Silver Meteor or Silver Star to reach the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida). The closest Amtrak station is Norfolk, where you will need to rent a car (Hertz is closest and can pick you up) or take Uber or Lyft to the ocean. Don’t miss the boardwalk, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Center and Neptune’s Park, which has free concerts.

Roanoke

Almost 14 hours away from Boston by train, Roanoke is in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and a great summer or fall escape. With a rental car, you can go hiking at Mill Mountain Park and Carvins Cove Nature Preserve. The Roanoke Valley Greenway and the Virginia Museum of Transportation are also top attractions in town. View the top things to do in Roanoke to learn more.

Williamsburg

Visit Williamsburg, Virginia to explore the Colonial Williamsburg living museum for an immersive step back in time. If amusement parks are more your thing, request a Lyft or Uber car at the Amtrak station and travel 15 minutes for a day of fun at Busch Gardens. Travel time from Boston is about 15 hours — consider a fall trip for foliage and fun events. For more information, check out the best things to do and top places to stay in Williamsburg.

Chicago

View from Navy Pier Ferris Wheel — *Photo by Adam Arroyo/Flickr.com*

If you want to an experience a long-distance Amtrak trip and spend a night on the train, travel from Boston’s South or Back Bay Station to Chicago. Travel time is about 22 hours on the Lake Shore Limited route, with the option to book a roomette or bedroom for private sleeping accommodations.

The Chicago Amtrak Station is next to a water taxi stop, or you can walk to multiple CTA train stations and hotels in The Loop. There’s something for everyone here, including beaches, museums, live music venues and plenty of restaurants for steak, pizza and everything in between.

Trains arrive in Chicago in the morning and depart at night, so you could technically get off and back on the train on the same day, but staying in the city at least one night is recommended.