Traveling between Boston and New Jersey has never been easier, thanks to Amtrak’s reliable rail service. Whether you’re commuting for business or planning a weekend getaway, the Amtrak Boston to New Jersey route offers comfort, speed, and convenience. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know—from ticket prices and schedules to stops and travel tips.
Amtrak Boston to New Jersey Overview
Amtrak Boston to New Jersey offers fast, scenic rides with multiple daily departures, modern amenities, and convenient Northeast Corridor stops.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Northeast Regional / Acela / Vermonter |
| Operates | Boston (South Station or Back Bay) ↔ New Jersey (Newark or Trenton) |
| Key Stops | Providence, New Haven, New York (NYP), Newark (NWK), Trenton (TRE) |
| Travel Time | 4.5–5.5 hrs (Northeast Regional) / 3.5–4 hrs (Acela) / 5–6 hrs (Vermonter) |
| Frequency | Multiple daily (Northeast Regional & Acela) / Limited (Vermonter) |
| Train Numbers | Varies by route (e.g., Acela #2100s, Northeast Regional #100s) |
| Departures | Frequent (e.g., 6:00 AM–10:00 PM from Boston) |
| Arrivals | Varies by route (check Amtrak schedule) |
| Ticket Prices | $50–$120 (Northeast Regional) / $100–$300 (Acela) / $60–$130 (Vermonter) |
| Amenities | Free WiFi, power outlets, café car (Acela: premium dining, spacious seats) |
| Best Feature | Acela: Fastest option / Northeast Regional: Best value |
| Official Website | https://www.amtrak.com/home.html |
Routes of Amtrak Boston to New Jersey
Amtrak’s Boston to New Jersey journey follows the iconic Northeast Corridor, linking vibrant cities with fast, scenic service.
| Route Name | Departure (Boston) | Arrival (New Jersey) | Key Stops | Frequency | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Regional | South Station / Back Bay | Newark Penn Station | Providence, New Haven, NYC (Moynihan) | Multiple daily | 4.5–5.5 hrs |
| Acela (Express) | South Station / Back Bay | Newark Penn Station | NYC (Moynihan), Stamford, Philadelphia | Multiple daily | 3.5–4 hrs |
| Vermonter^1 | South Station | Trenton | Springfield, NYC (Moynihan) | 1 daily (northbound) | 6.5 hrs |
What is the Amtrak Boston to New Jersey Schedule?
Amtrak trains run frequently from early morning to late evening, offering hourly departures with travel times as fast as 3 hours 58 minutes on Acela.
| Train | Departs (Boston) | Arrives (Newark Penn) | Arrives (Trenton) | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acela #2153 | 5:40 AM (South) | 9:14 AM | — | 3h 34m | Daily |
| Northeast Reg. #157 | 6:05 AM (Back Bay) | 10:52 AM | 11:40 AM | 4h 47m | Daily |
| Acela #2155 | 7:10 AM (South) | 10:44 AM | — | 3h 34m | Daily |
| Northeast Reg. #159 | 8:15 AM (South) | 1:10 PM | 1:58 PM | 4h 55m | Daily |
| Acela #2157 | 9:10 AM (South) | 12:44 PM | — | 3h 34m | Daily |
| Northeast Reg. #161 | 10:15 AM (Back Bay) | 3:10 PM | 3:58 PM | 4h 55m | Daily |
| Acela #2159 | 11:15 AM (South) | 2:49 PM | — | 3h 34m | Daily |
| Northeast Reg. #163 | 12:50 PM (South) | 5:45 PM | 6:33 PM | 4h 55m | Daily |
| Acela #2161 | 2:15 PM (South) | 5:49 PM | — | 3h 34m | Daily |
| Northeast Reg. #165 | 3:15 PM (Back Bay) | 8:10 PM | 8:58 PM | 4h 55m | Daily |
| Acela #2163 | 5:15 PM (South) | 8:49 PM | — | 3h 34m | Daily |
| Northeast Reg. #167 | 6:20 PM (South) | 11:15 PM | 12:03 AM (+1) | 4h 55m | Daily |
Amtrak Boston to New Jersey Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for Amtrak trains between Boston and New Jersey vary based on the service type, travel class, and how early you book. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Train Service | Coach (Northeast Regional) | Business (Northeast Regional) | Acela (Business) | Acela (First Class) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston → Newark Penn | $50–$90 | $90–$150 | $120–$200 | $250–$400 |
| Boston → Trenton | $60–$100 | $100–$170 | — (No Acela service) | — |
Amtrak Boston to New Jersey Fare Prices
| 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: Boston to New Jersey
Traveling from Boston to New Jersey with Amtrak means enjoying a smooth, spacious, and stress-free ride. Here’s what makes the journey comfortable:
- Spacious Seating: Wide, reclining seats with extra legroom—no middle seats!
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected throughout your trip.
- Power Outlets: Charge your devices at every seat.
- Quiet Car Option: Ideal for working or relaxing in peace.
- Café Car: Grab snacks, drinks, or a light meal onboard.
- Clean Restrooms: Available in every car for your convenience.
- Luggage Allowance: Generous carry-on and checked baggage options.
If you choose Acela, Amtrak’s premium high-speed service, you’ll also enjoy:
- Fewer stops and faster travel times
- First Class perks like complimentary meals and lounge access
- Priority boarding and extra privacy
Amtrak Boston to New Jersey vs. Other Travel Options
When planning a trip from Boston to New Jersey, travelers have several transportation choices—each with its own pros and cons. Here’s how Amtrak stacks up against buses, flights, and driving:
| Option | Avg. Price (One-Way) | Travel Time | Comfort | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak (Northeast Regional) | $39–$129 | 4–5 hours | High | Comfortable, no traffic, Wi-Fi, power outlets | Limited luggage space, peak fares expensive |
| Amtrak (Acela Express) | $150–$350 | 3.5–4 hours | Premium | Fastest rail, business-class perks, meals (First Class) | Very expensive, limited routes |
| Bus (Greyhound/Peter Pan) | $20–$60 | 5–7 hours | Low-Moderate | Cheapest option, multiple stops | Traffic delays, cramped seats, no Wi-Fi reliability |
| Bus (Megabus/BoltBus) | $15–$50 | 5–6 hours | Moderate | Affordable, some Wi-Fi/power outlets | Unreliable schedules, crowded |
| Flying (BOS → EWR) | $80–$250+ | 1.5h flight + 2h airport time | High | Fastest (in air) | Security delays, baggage fees, Newark Airport transfers |
| Driving (Car) | $50–$100 (gas + tolls) | 4–6 hours | Flexible | Freedom to stop, no schedules | Traffic (I-95), parking costs, wear & tear |
| Rideshare (Blablacar) | $30–$70 | 4.5–6 hours | Variable | Social, cheaper than solo driving | Unpredictable, limited luggage |
Amtrak Boston to New Jersey Travel Tips
Planning to ride the rails from Boston to New Jersey? Here are some smart, practical tips to make your Amtrak journey smooth, comfortable, and stress-free:
| Category | Tips & Tricks | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Early | Book 2–3 months in advance for Saver Fares ($39–$59). | Prices surge closer to departure; Saver fares sell out fast. |
| Best Time to Travel | Weekdays (Tue–Thu) off-peak (late morning/afternoon). | Cheaper fares, fewer crowds than weekends/Friday rush hours. |
| Discounts | Use student (15% off), senior (10% off), or military (10% off) discounts. | Significant savings—verify eligibility during booking. |
| Luggage | 2 carry-ons + 2 personal items free; check bags for $20. | Avoid fees by packing light; oversized bags cost extra. |
| Seat Selection | Choose upper level on double-decker trains for better views. | Quieter, less foot traffic, and scenic views along the coast. |
| Wi-Fi & Power | Free Wi-Fi (spotty) and power outlets at every seat. | Charge devices; download movies/books as backup. |
| Food Options | Café car available ($$), or bring your own snacks. | Amtrak food is expensive (e.g., $10 sandwiches). |
| Newark vs. Trenton | Newark Penn Station has better transit links (PATH/NJ Transit). | Trenton adds 30+ mins but may be cheaper. |
| Avoid Delays | Check Amtrak app for real-time alerts; avoid peak storms/holidays. | Northeast Corridor delays common due to weather/track work. |
| Acela vs. Regional | Acela saves ~30 mins but costs 2–3x more. | Only worth it for business travel or splurges. |
| Rewards Program | Sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards for free trips. | Earn points on every ride; redeem for future travel. |
Check Other Route: Amtrak Burlington to NYC
Conclusion
Amtrak offers a fast, convenient, and comfortable way to travel from Boston to New Jersey. With frequent departures, scenic views, and modern amenities, it’s an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. Whether you’re saving time with Acela or enjoying the relaxed pace of Northeast Regional, the journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
FAQs on Amtrak Boston to New Jersey
The average travel time on Amtrak from Boston to New Jersey is about 4 hours and 30 minutes, with Acela Express trains completing the trip in as little as 3 hours and 58 minutes.
Ticket prices range from $33 to $750, depending on the train type (Northeast Regional or Acela), travel class, and how early you book.
Yes! The New Jersey to Boston Amtrak route is fully operational, with trains departing from Newark Penn Station and other NJ stops heading north to Boston.
Yes! Students save 15% off with a valid ID through Amtrak’s Student Advantage Program.
Acela is faster (up to 150 mph) with premium amenities but costs 2–3x more. The Northeast Regional is budget-friendly with more stops.
Yes! You get 2 free carry-ons + 2 personal items. Checked bags cost $20 each (limit 50 lbs).
Passengers enjoy free Wi-Fi, power outlets, spacious seating, café cars, and quiet car options. Acela offers additional perks like First Class meals and priority boarding.
Book Saver Fares ($39–$59 one-way) 2–3 months in advance for the lowest prices. Avoid peak travel days (Friday/Sunday).
Only Flexible Fares and Business Class are fully refundable. Saver Fares are non-refundable.
Arrive 30 minutes early for Northeast Regional, 45 minutes for Acela (boarding starts 10–15 mins prior).