If you live in New York City, it’s incredibly easy to take an Amtrak trip with the many trains that stop at New York Penn Station. Day excursions are doable or you can plan a longer journey to national parks, beach destinations, and even Canada.
In this guide, discover the best long-distance train trips from New York that are seven hours or longer in length. Options include overnight routes that have private rooms as well as daytime-only routes with coach seats. Many destinations also have airports, so you have the option to fly in one direction to reduce your round-trip travel time.
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Table of Contents
Burlington
Best for: Summer trips, fall foliage
An Amtrak trip to Burlington, Vermont is a great way to view fall foliage or escape hot summer days in the city. You’ll arrive within walking distance of Lake Champlain and downtown, which has several hotels, many restaurants, and a pedestrian mall. Top activities include walking or biking the Burlington Greenway, drinking craft beer, and going on lake cruises.
NYC to Burlington Overview
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Ethan Allen Express |
| Frequency | One train daily in each direction |
| Travel time | 7.5 hours |
| Overnight | No |
| Arrival station | Burlington, Vermont (BTN) |
| Arrival area | Very walkable |
| Where to stay | Hotel Champlain and Hilton Garden Inn are closest to the station. Hotel Vermont is top-rated and also within walking distance. |
Niagara Falls
Best for: Natural wonder sightseeing
Check Niagara Falls off your bucket list with a train trip from Manhattan. One-night visits are doable, which involve an arrival around 5 p.m. and a departure the next day around noon. Don’t miss the popular Maid of the Mist boat tour (pictured above).
NYC to Niagara Falls Overview
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Routes | Maple Leaf or Empire Service |
| Frequency | Multiple trains per day |
| Travel time | 9 – 9.5 hours |
| Overnight | No |
| Arrival station | Niagara Falls, NY (NFL) |
| Arrival area | Limited walkability, rideshare recommended |
| Where to stay | Stay next to the Niagara Falls State Park to walk to the falls and other attractions. |
Montreal
Best for: European atmosphere, family-friendly activities
Experience a bit of Europe in Montréal with Parisian-style buildings, cafe culture, and cobblestone streets. It’s a great city for foodies and families, with many attractions for all ages at the Old Port of Montréal. Plan your visit in summer or fall for the best weather.
NYC to Montreal Overview
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Adirondack |
| Frequency | One train daily in each direction |
| Travel time | 12 hours |
| Overnight | No |
| Arrival station | Montreal Central Station (MTR) |
| Arrival area | Very walkable |
| Where to stay | Downtown and Old Montreal are within walking distance of the train station and are great areas to stay. |
Toronto
Best for: Multicultural immersion, urban adventures
Toronto has a wonderful mix of food, events, and outdoor recreation that’s best enjoyed in the spring, summer, or fall. Don’t miss the Distillery District and the Toronto Islands, which you can visit by ferry or guided tour.
NYC to Toronto Overview
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Maple Leaf |
| Frequency | One train daily in each direction |
| Travel time | 12.5 hours |
| Overnight | No |
| Arrival station | Toronto Union Station (TWO) |
| Arrival area | Very walkable |
| Where to stay | Stay at a hotel within walking distance of the Amtrak station for the most convenience. Radisson Blu is a great option on the waterfront. |
Charleston, SC
Best for: Low country cuisine, festivals
Step back in time with a train trip to Charleston, South Carolina. The city has 18th and 19th century buildings, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Civil War history at Fort Sumter. It’s a wonderful place to visit in the spring, especially with the beautiful weather and multiple art and music festivals.
NYC to Charleston, SC Overview
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Palmetto |
| Frequency | One train daily in each direction |
| Travel time | 13+ hours |
| Overnight | No |
| Arrival station | Charleston, SC (CHS) |
| Arrival area | Not walkable; use rideshare or taxi after you arrive |
| Where to stay | The French Quarter and South of Broad areas are very charming and walkable. |
New River Gorge
Best for: Scenic views, outdoor recreation
Travel to Charleston, WV in the summer months to view the most scenery in the New River Gorge. In Charleston, you can rent a car and drive to the national park of the same name or start or end your trip at the airport. Another option is to travel to Thurmond and book a ride in advance with the Hills to Hill shuttle to reach Ace Adventures Resort, which provides guided park activities.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Cardinal |
| Frequency | 3x per week |
| Travel time | 13 hours (Thurmond), 14.5 hours (Charleston, WV) |
| Overnight | No |
| Where to stay | Ace Adventures Resort (shuttle ride from Thurmond) or lodging of your choice with a rental car |
Savannah
Best for: Historic architecture, romantic escapes
For a relaxed getaway full of historic charm (and the option to visit Tybee Island for beach time), travel to Savannah, Georgia. You can book tickets on the Palmetto (coach seats only) or the Silver Meteor if you prefer a private room. October is an especially great time to visit for ghost tours and pleasant weather.
NYC to Savannah Overview
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Routes | Palmetto or Silver Meteor |
| Frequency | Two trains daily in each direction |
| Travel time | 16.5 hours (Silver Meteor), 18.5 hours (Palmetto) |
| Overnight | No (Palmetto), Yes (Silver Meteor) |
| Arrival station | Savannah, GA (SAV) |
| Arrival area | Not walkable; use rideshare or taxi after you arrive |
| Where to stay | The historic district, especially near the riverfront, is very walkable. For a quieter stay, book lodging near Forsyth Park. |
Chicago
Best for: Cultural landmarks, live performances
On the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a fun city with beaches, world-class museums, and all kinds of theater, music, and comedy shows. Boat tours are a popular way to see the city (and to view the summer fireworks that are set off at Navy Pier).
NYC to Chicago Overview
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Routes | Lake Shore Limited or Cardinal |
| Frequency | Lake Shore Limited is daily, Cardinal 3x per week |
| Travel time | 19.5 hours (Lake Shore Limited), ~29 hours (Cardinal) |
| Overnight | Yes (1 night) |
| Arrival station | Chicago Union Station (CHI) |
| Arrival area | Walkable |
| Where to stay | Stay next to the Chicago Riverwalk for water views and easy access to attractions and L trains (view hotels). |
New Orleans
Best for: Creole and Cajun cuisine, nightlife
New Orleans is one of the most unique and vibrant cities in the world. Nightlife, live music, and historic architecture fill the streets in the French Quarter. Plus, swamp and cemetery tours provide fascinating ways to explore the area. Avoid visiting in summer and early fall due to heat and hurricanes.
NYC to New Orleans Overview
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Crescent |
| Frequency | One train daily in each direction |
| Travel time | ~32 hours |
| Overnight | Yes (1 night) |
| Arrival station | New Orleans Passenger Terminal (NOL) |
| Arrival area | Walkable |
| Where to stay | The French Quarter is the best place to stay if you’re a first-time visitor or want to immerse yourself in the culture. |
Florida
Best for: Sunny getaways, theme parks
Book a train trip to Florida to reach beaches, theme parks, and sunshine without the hassle of flying. It’s an overnight trip from New York City and you can choose from many Florida destinations, including Jacksonville (19 hours), Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami (28.5 hours).
NYC to Florida Overview
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Silver Meteor |
| Frequency | One train daily in each direction |
| Travel time | 19-28.5 hours |
| Overnight | Yes (1 night) |
Glacier National Park
Best for: Mountain lovers, hiking
Glacier National Park is a must-visit with its rugged mountains, wild rivers, and stunning glacial lakes. Fly to Chicago to shorten travel time if desired, and select Whitefish, Montana as your destination for rental cars, guided day trips to the national park, and a charming downtown. The best scenery is on eastbound trains, so either fly to Glacier Park International Airport and take the train back home or plan on riding Amtrak in both directions. You can travel from Whitefish to Minneapolis, Milwaukee, or Chicago on the return trip for airport access.
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Routes | Lake Shore Limited or Cardinal, Empire Builder |
| Frequency | One train daily in each direction (Cardinal 3x per week) |
| Travel time | 56.5 – 65.5 hours (Lake Shore Limited is the faster option) |
| Overnight | Yes (2 nights) |
| Where to stay | There are many vacation rentals in Whitefish or stay at the top-rated Firebrand Hotel near the train station. View more lodging ideas near other stops. |
California Zephyr
Best for: Amazing scenery
If you’re looking for an epic long-distance train journey from New York City, ride Amtrak to Northern California on the California Zephyr. You’ll travel over two major mountain ranges, through river canyons, and across Nevada’s high desert. The trip ends in Emeryville next to the San Francisco Bay or choose San Francisco as your destination for a bus shuttle to the city.
NYC to the California Zephyr Overview
| Travel Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Routes | Lake Shore Limited or Cardinal, California Zephyr |
| Frequency | Lake Shore Limited and California Zephyr are daily trains, Cardinal 3x per week |
| Travel time | 76 to 85+ hours (Lake Shore Limited is the faster option) |
| Overnight | Yes (3 nights) |
| Arrival station | Emeryville, CA |
| Arrival area | Walkable |
| Where to stay | Hyatt House, Four Points Sheraton, and Hyatt Place are 10-minutes or less walk from the Emeryville train station. |
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