- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
One of the largest art museums in the US, with major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art. A top cultural stop near Back Bay.










Cheapest price
$230
Average price
$371
Fastest journey
3h 45m
Average duration
4h 10m
Trains per day
11
Distance
300 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Penn Station, New York, NY to Back Bay station, Boston, MA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $78.
Distance: 187 miles (301 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$108 Average price | $36 Average price Cheapest | $206 Average price | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 54m Average total duration 4h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Penn Station, New York, NY to Back Bay station, Boston, MA:
A bus is $71 (€59) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Penn Station, New York, NY to Back Bay station, Boston, MA costing on average $108 (€89).
A bus is $169 (€139) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Penn Station, New York, NY to Back Bay station, Boston, MA costing on average $206 (€169).
Other travel options to Back Bay station, Boston, MA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 0m.
Bus takes on average 4h 24m.
Tickets start at around $108 (€89) compared to roughly $61 (€50) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-47.04 (€-38.61). The journey takes 4h 0m versus 3h 38m 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 Penn Station, New York, NY to Back Bay station, Boston, MA 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
172 Northeast Regional | 11:00 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 4h20 | 3:20 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2154 Acela | 11:40 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h47 | 3:27 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
86 Northeast Regional | 12:37 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 4h08 | 4:45 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
174 Northeast Regional | 2:29 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 4h27 | 6:56 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2158 NextGen Acela | 4:04 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h53 | 7:57 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
184 Northeast Regional | 5:07 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 4h22 | 9:29 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
94 Northeast Regional | 5:38 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 4h22 | 10:00 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2160 NextGen Acela | 6:05 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h45 | 9:50 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
176 Northeast Regional | 7:12 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 4h31 | 11:43 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2162 NextGen Acela | 7:37 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h53 | 11:30 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
178 Northeast Regional | 7:50 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 4h20 | 12:10 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 10 | |||||
2190 Acela | 5:27 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h58 | 9:25 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
66 Northeast Regional | 5:44 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 4h14 | 9:58 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
190 Northeast Regional | 7:41 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 4h18 | 11:59 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2150 Acela | 7:57 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h36 | 11:33 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
170 Northeast Regional | 8:45 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 4h19 | 1:04 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2152 Acela | 10:00 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h50 | 1:50 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 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 Penn Station, New York, NY to Back Bay station, Boston, MA run on average 16 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) but you can travel from only $20 (€17) by bus.
There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:12, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 187 miles (301 km) distance in 3h 57m.
Distance 187 miles (301 km) |
Average train duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 16 |
Fastest train 3h 57m |
First train 12:12 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of Back Bay Station — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Back Bay Station trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the US, with major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art. A top cultural stop near Back Bay.
A distinctive Venetian-style palace museum known for its intimate galleries, courtyard, and masterworks. Highly regarded for its atmosphere and collection.
A waterfront contemporary art museum with changing exhibitions, notable architecture, and strong appeal for visitors interested in current art and design.
Back Bay's central square, framed by Trinity Church, the Boston Public Library, and modern towers. A key gathering place and photo stop.
A famous Back Bay street lined with historic brownstones, shops, and galleries. Popular for strolling, people-watching, and street photography.
A classic landscaped park known for its lagoon, bridges, and seasonal beauty. One of Boston's most beloved green spaces.
Creamy chowder with clams, potatoes, and onions, a classic Boston and New England staple often served with oyster crackers.
Chilled or warm lobster meat in a toasted split-top bun, one of the region's most iconic seafood dishes.
Slow-cooked beans traditionally sweetened with molasses, closely tied to Boston's historic nickname, Beantown.
Popular Back Bay seafood restaurant known for lobster rolls, tinned fish, and a lively upscale-casual atmosphere.
Established New England seafood house on Boylston Street, known for oysters, chowder, and classic Boston fish dishes.
Lively Newbury Street restaurant serving dependable American fare, seafood, and people-watching in the heart of Back Bay.
Back Bay is one of Boston's pricier areas. Hotels, dining, and coffee cost more than the U.S. average, though casual food options still exist.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for porters.
Official public transport app
Back Bay Station, Boston -> Downtown Crossing, Boston
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Penn Station, New York, NY to Back Bay station, Boston, MA 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 Back Bay station, Boston, MA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Penn Station, New York, NY to Back Bay station, Boston, MA trains use the Penn Station to South Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Penn Station, New York, NY and Back Bay station, Boston, MA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Penn Station is 4 km from New York city centre. Public transport options include:
Penn Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Blue Bottle Coffee, Magnolia Bakery, Starbucks, The Pennsy Food Hall, Nick + Stef's Steakhouse, Penn & Sushi, Krispy Kreme Donuts, T.G.I. Friday's, NY Pizza Suprema, Blarney Stone, & many more
Free Wi-Fi available in Moynihan Train Hall. ATMs are there are ATMs in various locations around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00. Information desks are located on the connecting concourse near Tracks 18-19.
Luggage storage is baggage assistance is provided by Red Caps, open 24/7 at Penn and open from 05:00 to 23:00 at Moynihan Train Hall. .
Available at Penn Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Penn Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Penn Station: Accessible facilities including restroom, parking, elevators, and ramps. Additional assistance available at ticket counters or by asking uniformed employees.
Nearby hotels include The New Yorker at Wyndham Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Chelsea, Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street.
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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