- Must visit
New York State Museum
Major state museum covering New York's nature, history, and culture. Highlights include Adirondack, 9/11, and native history exhibits.
Cheapest price on Oct 08
$58
Average ticket price on Oct 08
$269
Fastest journey on Oct 08
5 h 13 m
Average journey duration on Oct 08
6 h 34 m
Trains on Oct 08
16
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 $269 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $58.
On Thu, Oct 08, we found 16 trains from Boston, MA to Albany, NY, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 08 the direct trains cover the 223 km distance in an average of 6 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 13 m .
On Thu, Oct 08 the slowest trains will take 7 h 29 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
93 Northeast Regional · 291 Ethan Allen Express
93 Northeast Regional · 291 Ethan Allen Express
171 Northeast Regional · 283 Empire Service
449 Lake Shore Limited
449 Lake Shore Limited
93 Northeast Regional · 291 Ethan Allen Express
173 Northeast Regional · 237 Empire Service
93 Northeast Regional · 291 Ethan Allen ExpressTrains from Boston, MA to Albany, NY run on average 13 times per day, taking around 6h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€14) but you can travel from only $15 (€13) 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 13m.
Distance 138 miles (223 km) |
Average train duration 6h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€14) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 13m |
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 Sun |
Best time to book 2 days |
The table below shows live departures for Boston, MA to Albany, NY trains for today, Wednesday, October 7. 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 | 6:15 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h36 | 1:51 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
2155 Acela [NextGen] · 239 Empire Service | 7:05 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 13h23 | 8:28 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
171 Northeast Regional · 283 Empire Service | 8:18 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h30 | 3:48 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 | 11:46 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h24 | 7:10 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
173 Northeast Regional · 239 Empire Service | 11:46 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 8h42 | 8:28 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
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 | 1:43 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h32 | 9:15 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
67 Northeast Regional · 63 Maple Leaf | 6:51 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 14h59 | 9:50 AM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
67 Northeast Regional · 69 Adirondack | 6:51 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 16h01 | 10:52 AM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Albany, NY — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Albany, NY trip today.
Major state museum covering New York's nature, history, and culture. Highlights include Adirondack, 9/11, and native history exhibits.
Historic townhouse museum interpreting Albany life from the 18th century onward. Period rooms and exhibits make local history engaging.
Contemporary art museum at the University at Albany featuring rotating exhibitions by regional and international artists in a modern setting.
Large urban park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Visitors enjoy trails, lake views, gardens, and seasonal recreation near downtown.
Historic neighborhood known for ornate rowhouses and one of America's longest continuous residential streets of this style.
Broad ceremonial boulevard through Empire State Plaza. The reflecting pools and open vistas create one of Albany's best walking spaces.
A mini hot dog topped with meat sauce, mustard, and onions. A Capital Region staple tied to local hot dog stands and late-night eating.
Thin slices of spiced bologna, often grilled or fried and served on a roll. It is a nostalgic Upstate New York lunch-counter classic.
Melba sauce, a raspberry dipping sauce for fried mozzarella or wedges, was created in Albany and remains a signature local condiment.
Refined New American restaurant praised for seasonal dishes, polished service, and an elegant but approachable setting in downtown Albany.
Long-running Italian restaurant known for mozzarella sticks with melba sauce and classic red-sauce dishes in a busy family atmosphere.
Historic downtown tavern known for Albany comfort food, craft beer, and classic interiors. A reliable stop for local flavors and atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. state capitals. Hotels can be lower than NYC, dining is typical for the region, and local transit is limited so visitors often use taxis or rental cars.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, about 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if there is table service.
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.

Most Boston, MA to Albany, NY trains use the Back Bay Station to Albany-Rensselaer Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Boston, MA and Albany, NY train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
South Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Legal Sea Foods, Tavern in the Square
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at South Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at South Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at South Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at South Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at South Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include InterContinental Boston, The Langham, Boston, Boston Harbor Hotel.
Back Bay Station is 1 km from Boston city centre. Public transport options include:
Back Bay Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Sorellina, Atlantic Fish Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Back Bay Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Back Bay Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Back Bay Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Back Bay Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Back Bay Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Copley Square Hotel, The Westin Copley Place, Fairmont Copley Plaza.
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