12 best Amtrak trips from Cleveland

The Capitol Limited and the Lakeshore Limited Amtrak routes stop in downtown Cleveland and can take you to big cities, mountain towns and amazing landmarks. Both routes travel between Chicago and the East Coast, and both unfortunately arrive in Cleveland in the middle of the night. If you want to avoid the awkward train departure times, we recommend flying to Chicago for many train travel options. Otherwise, here are the best Amtrak trips from Cleveland that don’t require a flight or train transfer.

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Pittsburgh

A three-hour train ride from Cleveland, Pittsburgh has many museums (including the Andy Warhol Museum), a historic botanical garden, sporting events and interesting neighborhoods to check out. For scenic views, ride the Duquesne Incline (pictured above) or visit the Mount Washington neighborhood for skyline overlooks. Bus, bike, walking and ghost tours are also great ways to explore the city.

Pittsburgh can be a day trip, or check out hotels near Pittsburgh Union Station and the best places to stay in Pittsburgh for overnight accommodations.

Niagara Falls

Book your tickets to the Buffalo-Depew Station to visit the majestic Niagara Falls. There are many tours for experiencing the waterfalls up close and natural attractions to explore. Train travel time is three hours, and the Niagara Falls State Park is over 30 minutes away from the Amtrak station by car. Use rideshare, a taxi or Enterprise rental car (pickup service available) to get there and to the hotels in walking distance of the state park. However, you can return same day on Amtrak if you rather not stay overnight.

Rochester

With access to Lake Ontario, the Erie Canal and the Genesee River (including the Genesee Riverway Trail), Rochester is full of waterfront experiences. Plus, the Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York is a short drive away (Enterprise offers pickup service) where you can visit vineyards and go hiking to see waterfalls. For more things to do, check out the many museums, spend the day at the lakefront beach or Seabreeze Amusement Park, and attend the Lilac Festival in May.

Travel time from Cleveland is just over four hours, and you have the option for a day trip. Otherwise, view the best places to stay in the city to plan your getaway.

Syracuse

Visit Syracuse, New York to check out the many events and the cultural scene. The New York State Fair and festivals are worth planning a trip around, and you can also shop and play at the sprawling Destiny USA mall or drive to the Finger Lakes (the nearby Enterprise offers pickup service). Other top attractions include the Erie Canal Museum, Syracuse Stage and the zoo. Train travel time from Cleveland is about 5.5 hours and you have the option to return to Cleveland on the same day.

Chicago

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

About seven hours away from Cleveland via train, Chicago is full of exciting things to do. You can go to a baseball game at Wrigley Field, explore Navy Pier, view the city from the Willis Tower Skydeck, and visit the many museums and music venues. In the summer, be sure to check out the boat tours, beaches and many festivals.

It’s best to stay one night or longer to see the sights, but a day trip is also doable. Popular hotel areas near attractions include the Loop, West Loop and River North.

Cumberland

Cumberland, Maryland is a mountain getaway that is 7.5 hours away from Cleveland on Amtrak. You can hike or bike on the Great Allegheny Passage, C&O Canal Towpath and in Rocky Gap State Park. History fans will enjoy the C&O Canal National Historical Park, Allegheny Museum and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. For golf, spa and casino, consider staying at the Rocky Gap Casino Resort or view top places to stay for other ideas.

It’s helpful to have a car to get around and see the sights. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is near the Amtrak station and offers pickup service.

Albany

New York’s capital, Albany is full of history, craft beverages and urban parks. Top attractions include the1899 New York State Capitol building (pictured above), New York State Museum, Albany Institute of History and Art and USS Slater. In warmer months, you can also cruise on the Hudson River, walk around the beautiful Washington Park and explore the Corning Preserve. Plan to get an Uber, Lyft or taxi to reach downtown after arriving at the Albany-Rensselaer station. You’ll also need to stay in the city at least one night — travel time from Cleveland is nine hours.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is full of history and beautiful scenery. The town played an important role in the Civil War, and we recommend a certified guide tour to learn about all that has happened here. The other must-do activities include visiting The Point (where two rivers meet), Jefferson Rock and various hiking trails for beautiful river and mountain views. You’ll also find the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters nearby.

Travel time on the train is about 9.5 hours and you’ll arrive next to the Potomac River, restaurants and shops in the downtown area. For a convenient place to stay, Town’s Inn, Stonehouse Bed & Breakfast and The Ledge Bed & Breakfast are in walking distance of the station and the attractions.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is full of museums, monuments, year-round events and restaurants. Consider a sightseeing tour to easily explore the many attractions, and plan your trip in March to view the cherry blossoms or in fall for great weather and fewer tourists. Travel time from Cleveland is just over 11 hours and you’ll arrive at Union Station where you can transfer to the WMATA red line or get a ride with Uber, Lyft or a taxi. Plan to stay at least one night. View the best places to stay in Washington D.C. to learn more.

New York City

For a big-city getaway or October trip to view fall foliage in the Hudson River Valley, travel 13 hours on Amtrak to New York City. You’ll arrive at Penn Station with easy access to the subway, commuter trains, taxis and rideshare services, which makes it easy to visit the many museums, attractions, restaurants, Broadway shows and shopping destinations.

We recommend staying in New York City at least two nights to have enough time to sightsee and go to a show. Midtown (near Broadway theaters), West Village, Upper West Side and Chelsea are some of the popular areas for an overnight stay.

Boston

Eat lobster and clam chowder, drink local craft beer and relive American Revolution history in Boston. The Freedom Trail and Boston Tea Party Ships are a must-do, plus there are many boat tours for enjoying the city from the water. Travel time is almost 15 hours to Boston’s South Station. You can also book your Amtrak ticket to the Back Bay Station, which is closer to Fenway Park, Copley Place shopping mall and Newbury Street stores and restaurants.

A two-night stay is recommended because trains arrive in the evening. View the best hotels in Boston, and consider planning your trip around the Fourth of July, St. Patrick’s Day in March or Saint Anthony’s Feast in August.