- Must visit
The Strong National Museum Of Play
Major interactive museum focused on the history and culture of play, toys, video games, and childhood. One of Rochester’s signature family attractions.
Cheapest price
$107
Average price
$115
Fastest journey
6 h 57 m
Average duration
7 h 12 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
403 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from New York, NY to Rochester, NY is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from New York, NY to Rochester, NY will cost around $115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $107.
Of the 4 trains that leave New York, NY for Rochester, NY on Tue, Jun 16, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct trains cover the 403 km distance in an average of 7 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 57 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest trains will take 7 h 43 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.
281 Empire Service
283 Empire Service
49 Lake Shore Limited
63 Maple Leaf
283 Empire Service
63 Maple Leaf
281 Empire Service
49 Lake Shore LimitedOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New York, NY to Rochester, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 33m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $86.
Distance: 250 miles (403 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$118 Average price | $65 Average price Cheapest | $249 Average price | $73 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 37m Average total duration 7h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 10m Average total duration 6h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 33m Average total duration Fastest 2h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 1.2 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 New York, NY to Rochester, NY:
A bus is $53 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New York, NY to Rochester, NY costing on average $118 (€96).
A bus is $184 (€149) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from New York, NY to Rochester, NY costing on average $249 (€202).
Other travel options to Rochester, NY take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 40m.
Train takes on average 7h 7m.
Tickets start at around $118 (€96) compared to roughly $73 (€60) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-44.64 (€-36.22). The journey takes 7h 7m versus 5h 5m 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 New York, NY to Rochester, NY trains for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
63 Maple Leaf | 7:15 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 7h00 | 2:15 PM Rochester station, Rochester, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
281 Empire Service | 10:20 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 7h08 | 5:28 PM Rochester station, Rochester, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
283 Empire Service | 1:20 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 6h57 | 8:17 PM Rochester station, Rochester, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
49 Lake Shore Limited | 3:40 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 7h43 | 11:23 PM Rochester station, Rochester, 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 New York, NY to Rochester, NY run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $63 (€51) but you can travel from only $46 (€37) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:33, the last at 22:16. The fastest train covers the 250 miles (403 km) distance in 6h 55m.
Distance 250 miles (403 km) |
Average train duration 7h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 (€51) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 6h 55m |
First train 5:33 AM |
Last train 10:16 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Rochester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rochester trip today.
Major interactive museum focused on the history and culture of play, toys, video games, and childhood. One of Rochester’s signature family attractions.
Historic mansion and museum dedicated to photography, film, and the legacy of Kodak founder George Eastman. Widely regarded as one of the city’s top cultural sites.
Well-known art museum with collections ranging from antiquities to contemporary works, plus a sculpture park and rotating exhibitions.
Lively, walkable neighborhood corridor lined with historic homes, boutiques, and frequent street life. One of Rochester’s best-known areas for strolling.
Historic park famous for its landscape design, lilac collections, and seasonal beauty. A local favorite for walks and photography.
Creative district with galleries, murals, cultural institutions, and a strong local arts identity near several major museums.
Rochester's signature late-night dish with home fries or macaroni salad, plus burgers or hot dogs, topped with meat sauce, mustard, and onions.
A regional hot dog made with uncured pork, beef, and veal, known for its pale color and snappy casing. It is a classic Rochester staple.
Rochester-style meat sauce served on hot dogs and Garbage Plates. It is savory, lightly spiced, and central to the city's comfort food identity.
Stylish, well-known restaurant offering creative New American plates, wood-fired cooking, and an energetic upscale setting.
Popular lively barbecue restaurant on the Genesee River, known for smoked meats, hearty portions, and a fun atmosphere.
Established restaurant and bar serving Southern-influenced comfort food and cocktails in a polished neighborhood space.
Prices are moderate by U.S. standards. Meals and coffee are reasonable, while hotels vary by season and location.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 15% for basic service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Traveling between New York, NY and Rochester, NY is a convenient journey made easy by Amtrak. With comfortable seating and scenic views along the way, you can relax as you traverse approximately 3 hours of beautiful landscapes. Amtrak offers multiple daily departures, ensuring flexibility in your travel plans while connecting these two cities seamlessly.
Traveling from New York, NY to Rochester, NY takes approximately 6 hours and 55 minutes. There are 4 direct connections available each day. Passengers will depart from Penn Station, NY and arrive at Rochester Train Station, NY.
The first daily train journey departs from New York at 11:15 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to Rochester. The last departure of the day is scheduled for 8:40 PM, allowing passengers a late option to reach their destination.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between New York and Rochester is $56 (50.4€). The average ticket price tends to be around $78 (70.2€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore upstate New York.
Welcome to the George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum and one of the first film archives. Established in 1947, it honors George Eastman's legacy as a pioneer of modern photography and showcases an extensive collection that includes over 400,000 photographs and motion pictures. What makes this museum truly unique is its stunning mansion—Eastman’s former home—which features exquisite gardens and serves as a beautiful backdrop for exploring the evolution of visual storytelling.
Next on our journey is the Strong National Museum of Play, which celebrates play in all its forms while emphasizing its importance in childhood development. Opened in 1968, this interactive museum houses America’s largest collection of toys and games alongside exhibits dedicated to video game history—a true paradise for both children and adults alike! One standout feature here is “The Adventure Zone,” where visitors can immerse themselves in hands-on activities that spark creativity through imaginative play.
Finally, we arrive at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), renowned for its cutting-edge programs focused on technology, art, design, business innovation—and much more. Founded in 1829 with a commitment to experiential learning; RIT has become a leader among technical universities worldwide by integrating co-op experiences into their curriculum. A distinctive aspect you’ll notice during your visit are RIT's vibrant campus murals created by students from various disciplines—each telling stories about community engagement or technological advancements right before your eyes!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New York, NY to Rochester, 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 Rochester, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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