- Must visit
New York State Museum
Major state museum covering New York history, nature, and culture, with notable exhibits including the September 11 gallery and Adirondack wilderness displays.
Cheapest price
$219
Average price
$223
Fastest journey
10 h 9 m
Average duration
13 h 58 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
648 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA to Albany, NY will cost around $223 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $219.
Of the 2 trains that leave Richmond, VA for Albany, NY on Mon, Jun 29, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 29 the direct trains cover the 648 km distance in an average of 13 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 9 m .
On Mon, Jun 29 the slowest trains will take 17 h 46 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.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Richmond, VA to Albany, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $93. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $93, and a flight costs an average of $222.
Distance: 402 miles (648 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$258 Average price | $133 Average price Cheapest | $265 Average price | $120 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 18m Average total duration 8h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 17m Average total duration 9h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 39m Average total duration Fastest 4h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Richmond, VA to Albany, NY:
A bus is $125 (€103) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Richmond, VA to Albany, NY costing on average $258 (€213).
A bus is $133 (€110) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Richmond, VA to Albany, NY costing on average $265 (€219).
Other travel options to Albany, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 48m.
Bus takes on average 9h 47m.
Tickets start at around $258 (€213) compared to roughly $120 (€99) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-138.05 (€-113.81). The journey takes 8h 48m versus 7h 48m 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 Richmond, VA to Albany, NY trains for today, Sunday, June 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:58 AM Richmond, VA | 10h51 | 8:49 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Richmond, VA to Albany, NY run on average 9 times per day, taking around 8h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $164 (€135) but you can travel from only $93 (€76) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:52, the last at 19:40. The fastest train covers the 402 miles (648 km) distance in 9h 49m.
Distance 402 miles (648 km) |
Average train duration 8h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $164 (€135) |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 9h 49m |
First train 3:52 AM |
Last train 7:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 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 museum covering New York history, nature, and culture, with notable exhibits including the September 11 gallery and Adirondack wilderness displays.
One of the oldest museums in the United States, known for Hudson River School paintings and exhibitions on regional history and art.
Historic World War II destroyer escort operating as a floating museum on the Hudson River, offering a distinctive naval history experience.
Modern civic complex with monumental architecture, fountains, memorials, and broad public spaces that are central to Albany sightseeing.
Albany's best-known urban park, popular for walking, seasonal blooms, and relaxed city views.
Lively neighborhood corridor known for independent shops, murals, nightlife, and a strong local character.
Crispy chicken wings tossed in spicy butter hot sauce, a classic Upstate New York bar food strongly associated with the region.
Roast beef on a kummelweck roll topped with coarse salt and caraway, a beloved regional sandwich from Western New York often found across the state.
Fried mozzarella served with raspberry melba sauce, a Capital Region favorite said to have local roots and common on Albany-area menus.
Established Italian restaurant loved for handmade pasta, robust wine list, and warm, intimate atmosphere near downtown Albany.
Long-running fine-dining restaurant known for refined Indonesian-influenced New American cuisine and polished special-occasion atmosphere.
Historic downtown seafood and steak restaurant, celebrated for its classic Albany dining room and old-school service.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels vary by season, while casual dining and coffee are fairly affordable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants for good service; 15-18% is lower end. 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 Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA to Albany, NY trains use the Staples Mill Road Station to Albany-Rensselaer Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Richmond, VA and Albany, NY train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Staples Mill Road Station is 7 km from Richmond city centre. Public transport options include:
Staples Mill Road Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Staples Mill Road Station.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Staples Mill Road Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Staples Mill Road Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Staples Mill Road Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Staples Mill Road Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Staples Mill Road Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Main Street Station is 3 km from Richmond city centre. Public transport options include:
Main Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Roosevelt, Lemaire Restaurant
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Main Street Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Main Street Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Main Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Main Street Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Main Street Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Berkeley Hotel, Omni Richmond Hotel, The Commonwealth.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need