- Must visit
New York State Museum
Major state history, science, and art museum with notable exhibits on New York’s natural history, Adirondacks, and 9/11 recovery artifacts.
Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
4 h 57 m
Average duration
5 h 10 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
419 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Buffalo, NY 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 Buffalo, NY to Albany, NY will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Of the 11 trains that leave Buffalo, NY for Albany, NY on Sun, May 31, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct trains cover the 419 km distance in an average of 5 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 57 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest trains will take 5 h 24 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.
280 Empire Service
284 Empire Service
284 Empire Service
280 Empire Service
64 Maple Leaf
280 Empire Service
284 Empire Service
280 Empire Service
284 Empire Service
64 Maple LeafOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Buffalo, NY to Albany, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $50, and a flight costs an average of $150.
Distance: 260 miles (419 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$59 Average price Cheapest | $73 Average price | $385 Average price | $89 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 39m Average total duration 8h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 51m Average total duration Fastest 5h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Buffalo, NY to Albany, NY:
A train is $13 (€11) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Buffalo, NY to Albany, NY costing on average $73 (€58).
A train is $326 (€262) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Buffalo, NY to Albany, NY costing on average $385 (€310).
Other travel options to Albany, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 36m.
Bus takes on average 8h 9m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Amtrak, Seajets.
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 Buffalo, NY to Albany, NY trains for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
280 Empire Service | 4:18 AM Buffalo NY Exchange Street, Buffalo, NY | 5h24 | 9:42 AM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
280 Empire Service | 4:35 AM Depew Amtrak Station, Depew, NY | 5h07 | 9:42 AM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
284 Empire Service | 7:12 AM Buffalo NY Exchange Street, Buffalo, NY | 5h27 | 12:39 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
284 Empire Service · 448 Lake Shore Limited | 7:12 AM Buffalo NY Exchange Street, Buffalo, NY | 7h41 | 2:53 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
284 Empire Service | 7:29 AM Depew Amtrak Station, Depew, NY | 5h10 | 12:39 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
48 Lake Shore Limited | 9:05 AM Depew Amtrak Station, Depew, NY | 5h48 | 2:53 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
48 Lake Shore Limited · 64 Maple Leaf | 9:05 AM Depew Amtrak Station, Depew, NY | 8h59 | 6:04 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
448 Lake Shore Limited | 9:05 AM Depew Amtrak Station, Depew, NY | 5h48 | 2:53 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
48 Lake Shore Limited · 64 Maple Leaf | 9:05 AM Depew Amtrak Station, Depew, NY | 8h59 | 6:04 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 1 transfer | |
64 Maple Leaf | 12:15 PM Buffalo NY Exchange Street, Buffalo, NY | 5h49 | 6:04 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
64 Maple Leaf | 12:30 PM Depew Amtrak Station, Depew, NY | 5h34 | 6:04 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Buffalo, NY to Albany, NY run on average 9 times per day, taking around 7h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $50 (€41) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by bus.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:18, the last at 19:05. The fastest train covers the 260 miles (419 km) distance in 4h 57m.
Distance 260 miles (419 km) |
Average train duration 7h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€41) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 4h 57m |
First train 4:18 AM |
Last train 7:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Albany — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Albany trip today.
Major state history, science, and art museum with notable exhibits on New York’s natural history, Adirondacks, and 9/11 recovery artifacts.
One of the oldest museums in the US, known for Hudson River School paintings, regional history, and strong collections tied to Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley.
Historic World War II destroyer escort operated as a floating museum on the Hudson River, offering a rare look at naval life and wartime engineering.
Albany’s signature civic complex with monumental modernist architecture, fountains, memorials, and broad open spaces popular for photos and walks.
Historic Olmsted-inspired park beloved for paths, lake views, seasonal flowers, festivals, and relaxed local atmosphere near Center Square.
Popular corridor for strolling and street life, lined with historic buildings and known as one of Albany’s most recognizable neighborhood streets.
Spicy tomato-cream pasta with chicken and peppers, a beloved Upstate New York Italian-American specialty often found around the Capital Region.
Fried mozzarella served with sweet raspberry Melba sauce, a regional favorite strongly associated with Albany-area restaurant culture.
Small hot dogs topped with meat sauce, mustard, and onion, a classic quick bite tied to old-school Albany lunch counters and diners.
Established Italian restaurant celebrated for house-made pasta, Northern Italian dishes, and an intimate, classic Albany dining room.
Long-running fine dining restaurant known for refined Indonesian-influenced cuisine, polished service, and a special-occasion atmosphere in downtown Albany.
Historic Albany institution specializing in oysters, seafood, and traditional American fare with old-school upscale character.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and fine dining can be pricier during peak dates.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Buffalo, NY 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need