- Must visit
New York State Museum
Large state history, science, and art museum with notable exhibits on New York’s natural and cultural heritage.
Cheapest price
$73
Average price
$331
Fastest journey
5 h 13 m
Average duration
6 h 36 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
223 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Boston, MA to Albany, NY is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Boston, MA to Albany, NY will cost around $331 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
Of the 12 trains that leave Boston, MA for Albany, NY on Fri, Jul 10, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 10 the direct trains cover the 223 km distance in an average of 6 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 13 m .
On Fri, Jul 10 the slowest trains will take 7 h 32 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
449 Lake Shore Limited
449 Lake Shore Limited
65 Northeast Regional · 69 Adirondack
65 Northeast Regional · 69 Adirondack
65 Northeast Regional · 63 Maple Leaf
449 Lake Shore Limited
449 Lake Shore Limited
173 Northeast Regional · 237 Empire Service
173 Northeast Regional · 237 Empire Service
137 Northeast Regional · 241 Empire ServiceOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Boston, MA to Albany, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 59m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, and a flight costs an average of $302.
Distance: 138 miles (223 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$143 Average price | $48 Average price Cheapest | $573 Average price | $48 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 54m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 37m Average total duration 8h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Boston, MA to Albany, NY:
A bus is $95 (€78) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Boston, MA to Albany, NY costing on average $143 (€118).
A bus is $526 (€432) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Boston, MA to Albany, NY costing on average $573 (€471).
Other travel options to Albany, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 24m.
Flight takes on average 8h 37m.
Tickets start at around $143 (€118) compared to roughly $48 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-95.10 (€-78.20). The journey takes 5h 24m versus 2h 35m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Boston, MA to Albany, NY trains for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
95 Northeast Regional · 233 Empire Service | 6:10 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 7h41 | 1:51 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
95 Northeast Regional · 233 Empire Service | 6:15 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h36 | 1:51 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
171 Northeast Regional · 283 Empire Service | 8:12 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 7h33 | 3:45 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
171 Northeast Regional · 283 Empire Service | 8:18 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h27 | 3:45 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
93 Northeast Regional · 291 Ethan Allen Express | 9:20 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 7h29 | 4:49 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
93 Northeast Regional · 291 Ethan Allen Express | 9:26 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h23 | 4:49 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
173 Northeast Regional · 237 Empire Service | 11:40 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 7h30 | 7:10 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
173 Northeast Regional · 237 Empire Service | 11:46 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h24 | 7:10 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
449 Lake Shore Limited | 12:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 5h20 | 6:10 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
449 Lake Shore Limited | 12:57 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h13 | 6:10 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
137 Northeast Regional · 241 Empire Service | 1:37 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 7h38 | 9:15 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
137 Northeast Regional · 241 Empire Service | 1:43 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h32 | 9:15 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Boston, MA to Albany, NY run on average 12 times per day, taking around 5h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $34 (€28) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:20, the last at 19:41. The fastest train covers the 138 miles (223 km) distance in 5h 20m.
Distance 138 miles (223 km) |
Average train duration 5h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $34 (€28) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 20m |
First train 5:20 AM |
Last train 7:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Albany — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Albany trip today.
Large state history, science, and art museum with notable exhibits on New York’s natural and cultural heritage.
One of the oldest museums in the United States, known for Hudson River School paintings and regional history collections.
Historic World War II destroyer escort ship museum offering insight into naval life and wartime history.
Vast government plaza with modernist architecture, fountains, memorials, and one of Albany’s most photographed settings.
Historic urban park with walking paths, monuments, and seasonal color, especially popular during tulip season.
Lively, walkable corridor known for local culture, historic buildings, and a strong neighborhood atmosphere.
Large, foldable slices with a thin yet chewy crust, a staple across Upstate New York and a classic everyday food in Albany.
Crispy chicken wings tossed in spicy butter-based sauce, a New York State icon commonly found on Albany pub and sports-bar menus.
Fried mozzarella served with sweet raspberry Melba sauce, a Capital Region favorite strongly associated with Albany-area Italian-American dining.
An established fine-dining restaurant known for elegant Indonesian-inspired and New American cuisine, polished service, and a special-occasion atmosphere.
A long-running local favorite for regional Italian cooking, handmade pasta, and an intimate, old-school atmosphere.
A historic Albany institution specializing in oysters, seafood, and classic American fare in a traditional downtown setting.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and fine dining vary by season and location.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants; 20% for strong service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 1-5, and round up for coffee only if desired.
The train connection between Boston, MA and Albany, NY is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the scenic landscapes of New England and upstate New York. Amtrak provides reliable service on this route, allowing passengers to enjoy comfortable seating and onboard amenities while traveling approximately 170 miles in just under 3 hours. With multiple departures throughout the day, it's easy to find a schedule that fits your travel plans.
The train connection from Boston, MA to Albany, NY takes approximately 5 hours and 13 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day between these two cities.
The first daily train departs from Boston at 4:50 PM and arrives in Albany at 11:40 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient option for evening travel between these two cities.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Boston to Albany is $14 (12.6€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $68 (61.2€), making it a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore these two cities in the Northeast.
Welcome to the New York State Capitol, a stunning architectural marvel completed in 1899 that showcases an eclectic mix of styles including Romanesque and Renaissance influences. This building is not only significant as the seat of government for New York but also represents the rich history and political evolution of our great state. One unique feature you’ll notice is its impressive grand staircase made from over 20 different types of marble, symbolizing both opulence and craftsmanship.
Next, we arrive at Empire State Plaza, a striking complex designed by architect Wallace Harrison during the mid-20th century that embodies modernist architecture with its sleek lines and expansive open spaces. The plaza holds immense significance as it serves as a hub for state government activities while also hosting cultural events throughout the year. A standout feature here is The Egg—a distinctive performing arts venue known for its unusual shape—offering visitors world-class performances against an iconic backdrop.
Finally, let’s explore the Albany Institute of History & Art, one of America’s oldest museums founded in 1791 that houses an extensive collection reflecting centuries of art and regional history. Its significance lies not just in preserving local heritage but also in fostering appreciation for artistic expression through various exhibitions and educational programs. Among its unique features are rare artifacts from early American life alongside contemporary works that create a dialogue between past and present—truly enriching your understanding of this vibrant city!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Boston, MA to Albany, NY by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Albany, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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