Planning a trip from Burlington to New York City (NYC) by train? Amtrak offers a convenient and scenic way to travel between these two destinations. Whether you’re commuting for business or leisure, this page covers everything you need to know about Amtrak Burlington to NYC, including schedules, fares, stops, and more.
Amtrak Burlington to NYC Overview (Ethan Allen Express)
The primary Amtrak service connecting Burlington, VT, to New York City is the Ethan Allen Express.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Ethan Allen Express |
| Operates | Burlington, VT (BTV) ↔ New York City (NYP) |
| Key Stops | Middlebury, Rutland, Saratoga Springs, Albany, Hudson, Poughkeepsie |
| Travel Time | 7h 35m (southbound) / 7h 20m (northbound) |
| Frequency | 1 daily roundtrip |
| Train Numbers | #290 (BTV→NYP) / #291 (NYP→BTV) |
| Departures | BTV→NYP: 10:10 AM / NYP→BTV: 2:20 PM |
| Arrivals | BTV→NYP: 5:45 PM / NYP→BTV: 9:40 PM |
| Ticket Prices | $39-$59 (Coach) / $109-$169 (Business Class) |
| Amenities | Free WiFi, power outlets, café car, business class upgrades |
| Best Feature | Scenic Hudson River views (left side southbound) |
| Official Website | https://www.amtrak.com/home.html |
Routes of Amtrak Burlington to NYC
The key station along the Amtrak route from Burlington, VT to New York City, highlighting major connections and scenic segments of the journey via the Ethan Allen Express.
| Train Name | Route | Departure (BTV → NYC) | Arrival (BTV → NYC) | Duration | Key Stops | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethan Allen Express | Burlington → NYC (via Albany) | 10:10 AM (ET) | 5:45 PM (ET) | 7h 35m | Middlebury, Rutland, Saratoga Springs, Albany, Poughkeepsie | Daily |
| Connecting Service (Via Albany-Rensselaer) | Burlington → Albany → NYC | Varies (requires transfer) | Varies | 8-9h (total) | Same as above, then transfer to Empire Service or Maple Leaf | Multiple daily |
Amtrak Burlington to NYC Schedule
The Amtrak Burlington to NYC schedule offers one daily departure via the Ethan Allen Express, providing a comfortable and scenic ride lasting approximately 7.5 hours.
Detailed Southbound Schedule (BTV → NYC)
| Stop | Station Code | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, VT | BTV | – | 10:10 AM |
| Middlebury, VT | MBY | 10:50 AM | 10:52 AM |
| Rutland, VT | RUD | 11:40 AM | 11:45 AM |
| Saratoga Springs, NY | SAR | 1:05 PM | 1:07 PM |
| Albany-Rensselaer, NY | ALB | 1:45 PM | 1:55 PM |
| Hudson, NY | HUD | 2:20 PM | 2:22 PM |
| Poughkeepsie, NY | POU | 3:00 PM | 3:02 PM |
| Croton-Harmon, NY | CRT | 3:40 PM | 3:42 PM |
| New York Penn Station | NYP | 5:45 PM | – |
Detailed Northbound Schedule (NYC → BTV)
| Stop | Station Code | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Penn Station | NYP | – | 2:20 PM |
| Croton-Harmon, NY | CRT | 2:50 PM | 2:52 PM |
| Poughkeepsie, NY | POU | 3:25 PM | 3:27 PM |
| Hudson, NY | HUD | 4:10 PM | 4:12 PM |
| Albany-Rensselaer, NY | ALB | 5:50 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Saratoga Springs, NY | SAR | 6:40 PM | 6:42 PM |
| Rutland, VT | RUD | 8:05 PM | 8:10 PM |
| Middlebury, VT | MBY | 8:55 PM | 8:57 PM |
| Burlington, VT | BTV | 9:40 PM | – |
Stop of Amtrak Burlington to NYC
The Ethan Allen Express makes scenic and convenient stops from Burlington, VT to New York City, connecting travelers to charming towns and key transit hubs along the way.
| Station Name | Station Code | State | Typical Stop Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington, VT | BTV | Vermont | Departure Point |
| Middlebury, VT | MBY | Vermont | 2 minutes |
| Rutland, VT | RUD | Vermont | 5 minutes |
| Saratoga Springs, NY | SAR | New York | 2 minutes |
| Albany-Rensselaer, NY | ALB | New York | 10 minutes |
| Hudson, NY | HUD | New York | 2 minutes |
| Poughkeepsie, NY | POU | New York | 2 minutes |
| Croton-Harmon, NY | CRT | New York | 2 minutes |
| New York Penn Station | NYP | New York | Final Destination |
Amtrak Burlington to NYC Prices & Tickets
Ticket prices for the Amtrak Burlington to NYC route typically range from $70 to $130, with savings available for early bookings and flexible fare options.
| Fare Type | One-Way Price | Round-Trip Price |
|---|---|---|
| Saver Fare | $39-$59 | $78-$118 |
| Value Fare | $59-$79 | $118-$158 |
| Flexible Fare | $79-$129 | $158-$258 |
| Business Class | $109-$169 | $218-$338 |
| Senior (65+) | 10% off | 10% off |
| Child (2-12) | 50% off | 50% off |
| Military/Veteran | 10% off | 10% off |
| Student | 15% off | 15% off |
Amtrak Comfort: Burlington to NYC
Traveling from Burlington, VT (BTV) to New York City (NYC) on Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express offers a comfortable and scenic journey. Below is a breakdown of onboard amenities, seating options, and comfort features to enhance your trip.
| Feature | Coach Class | Business Class | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | Spacious reclining seats with 39″ pitch | Extra legroom (42″ pitch), leather seats | Wheelchair-accessible seats available |
| Power Outlets | Every seat | Every seat | Available |
| Wi-Fi | Free (basic) | Free (basic) | Available |
| Café Car | Snacks & drinks for purchase | Priority service | Accessible |
| Luggage | 2 carry-ons + 2 personal items | Same as Coach + extra storage | Assisted boarding available |
| Scenic Views | Large windows (Hudson Valley & Green Mountains) | Preferred window access | N/A |
| Quiet Car | Not available | Not available | N/A |
| Bathrooms | Standard restrooms | Cleaner, less crowded | ADA-compliant restrooms |
Amtrak Burlington to NYC vs. Other Travel Options
When comparing Amtrak Burlington to NYC with other travel options, the Ethan Allen Express stands out for its comfort, scenic views, and direct downtown-to-downtown service. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Option | Duration | Cost (One-Way) | Comfort | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak (Ethan Allen Express) | 7.5 hours | $39-$169 (Coach/Business) | High (reclining seats, Wi-Fi, café car) | Scenic views, no traffic, spacious legroom | Limited daily schedule (1 train/day) |
| Driving | 5.5-7 hours | $60-$100 (gas + tolls) | Medium (depends on traffic) | Flexible stops, car availability | Traffic, parking costs ($40+/day in NYC) |
| Bus (Greyhound/Megabus) | 8-9 hours | $30-$70 | Basic (tight seats, limited amenities) | Cheapest option | Less comfort, potential delays |
| Plane (BTV → NYC) | 1.5 hours (flight) + 2 hours (airport time) | $150-$400 | High (fastest) | Quickest option | Expensive, security lines, baggage fees |
| Rideshare (e.g., Uber/Carpool) | 6-7 hours | $100-$150 (per seat) | Variable | Flexible timing | Unpredictable comfort, long ride |
Amtrak Burlington to NYC Travel Tips
Here are some smart and practical travel tips for your Amtrak Burlington to NYC journey aboard the Ethan Allen Express:
| Category | Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | Book 2-3 weeks early for Saver Fares ($39-$59) | Cheapest fares sell out fast. |
| Seat Selection | Choose left-side seats (southbound) for Hudson River views | Best scenery between Albany and NYC. |
| Baggage | Pack light – 2 carry-ons + 2 personal items allowed | No checked baggage service on this route. |
| Food | Bring snacks/meals – Café car has limited options | Only basic sandwiches/snacks available. |
| Connectivity | Download offline content – WiFi can be spotty in rural areas | Ensures uninterrupted work/entertainment. |
| Timing | Arrive 30 mins early at Burlington (BTV) for smooth boarding | Small station, but ensures you get preferred seats. |
| Comfort | Bring a neck pillow & layers – Trains can get chilly | Seats recline but aren’t lie-flat. |
| Discounts | Use AAA/Student/Military discounts (10-15% off) | Savings add up, especially for round trips. |
| Transfers | No transfers needed – Direct to NYC (unlike some bus options) | Avoid the hassle of switching vehicles. |
| Pets | Small pets allowed ($29 fee, advance booking required) | Must be in carrier under your seat. |
Check Other Route: Amtrak St. Albans to Montreal
Conclusion
Traveling from Burlington to NYC on Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express offers a comfortable, scenic, and hassle-free alternative to driving or flying. With spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and stunning Hudson Valley views, this daily train service combines convenience with relaxation.
FAQs on Amtrak Burlington to NYC
The Ethan Allen Express runs directly from Burlington, VT (BTV) to New York Penn Station (NYP), with stops in Middlebury, Rutland, Saratoga Springs, Albany, and more.
The journey takes about 7 hours and 35 minutes, making it a scenic and relaxing alternative to driving or flying.
Ticket prices range from $39 (Saver Fare) to $169 (Business Class) one-way, with discounts for seniors, students, and military.
Yes, the NYC to Burlington Amtrak service runs daily, offering a convenient return option via the same Ethan Allen Express route.
Yes! Passengers enjoy free Wi-Fi, power outlets, spacious seating, and access to a café car. Business Class offers additional perks.
Absolutely. Amtrak allows two carry-on bags and one personal item for free, with additional checked baggage options available.
There is one daily round-trip (southbound in the morning, northbound in the afternoon).
Left-side seats (southbound) offer the best Hudson River Valley scenery.
You can book tickets online at Amtrak’s official site, via the mobile app, or at Burlington Union Station.
For comfort, scenery, and downtown-to-downtown convenience, Amtrak Burlington to NYC is a top choice compared to flying or driving.