Planning a trip between New Haven and Hartford? Amtrak offers convenient and comfortable rail service connecting these two major Connecticut cities. Whether you’re commuting for work, visiting family, or exploring the state, Amtrak provides a stress-free travel option. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Amtrak from New Haven to Hartford, including schedules, ticket prices, stops, and more.
Amtrak New Haven to Hartford Route Overview
The Amtrak Hartford Line provides frequent service between New Haven Union Station (NHV) and Hartford Union Station (HFD). This route is popular for both daily commuters and leisure travelers due to its efficiency and affordability.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Amtrak Hartford Line (Operated with CTrail) |
| Distance | 40 miles (64 km) |
| Travel Time | 50 minutes (non-stop) / ~1 hour (with stops) |
| Main Stations | New Haven Union Station (NHV) → Hartford Union Station (HFD) |
| Intermediate Stops | Wallingford (WFD), Meriden (MDN), Berlin (BER) |
| Daily Departures | 15-20 trains (weekdays) / 10-12 (weekends) |
| First Train | Departs NHV ~5:00 AM → Arrives HFD ~5:50 AM |
| Last Train | Departs NHV ~11:00 PM → Arrives HFD ~11:50 PM |
| Fare Range | $8-$15 (Coach) / $15-$25 (Business Class) |
| Key Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, bike storage ($), Quiet Cars (select trains) |
Key Stops on the Amtrak Hartford Line
- New Haven Union Station (NHV) – Major hub with connections to Metro-North, Shore Line East, and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.
- Wallingford (WFD) – A smaller station with limited service.
- Meriden (MDN) – Serves central Connecticut with multiple daily trains.
- Berlin (BER) – Convenient stop near central Connecticut attractions.
- Hartford Union Station (HFD) – Connects to CTtransit buses and other regional transit options.
Major Train Stations on the New Haven–Hartford Route
| Station Name | Station Code | Location | Parking | Connections | Accessibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Haven Union Station | NHV | 50 Union Ave, New Haven | Paid garage ($18/day) | Amtrak Northeast Corridor Metro-North CT Transit Buses Taxis/Uber | Full ADA compliance Wheelchair lifts Accessible restrooms |
| Wallingford Station | WFD | 121 Hall Ave, Wallingford | Free lot (200 spots) | Local buses Bike racks | Wheelchair ramp Accessible platform |
| Meriden Station | MDN | 60 State St, Meriden | Free lot (400 spots) | CTfastrak BRT Local buses Bike share | ADA compliant Elevator access |
| Berlin Station | BER | 51 Depot Rd, Berlin | Free lot (150 spots) | Local transit Taxi stand | Wheelchair accessible Tactile paving |
| Hartford Union Station | HFD | 1 Union Pl, Hartford | Paid garage ($10/day) | CTrail to Springfield CT Transit Buses Bradley Airport Flyer Zipcar | Full ADA facilities Accessible ticketing |
Amtrak New Haven to Hartford Schedule
The Amtrak Hartford Line operates multiple daily trains, including:
| Departure (New Haven – NHV) | Arrival (Hartford – HFD) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | 5:50 AM | Weekdays Only |
| 6:15 AM | 7:05 AM | Daily |
| 7:30 AM | 8:20 AM | Daily |
| 9:00 AM | 9:50 AM | Daily |
| 11:00 AM | 11:50 AM | Daily |
| 1:30 PM | 2:20 PM | Daily |
| 4:00 PM | 4:50 PM | Daily |
| 6:30 PM | 7:20 PM | Daily |
| 9:00 PM | 9:50 PM | Daily |
| 11:00 PM | 11:50 PM | Weekdays Only |
Amtrak New Haven to Hartford Ticket Prices & Discounts
Ticket prices vary based on demand, booking time, and seating class.
| Ticket Type | One-Way Fare | Round-Trip Fare | Discounts Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coach Class | $8 – $15 | $16 – $30 | Kids (2-12): 50% off Seniors (65+): 10% off |
| Business Class | $15 – $25 | $30 – $50 | Military/students: Varies |
| 10-Ride Pass | $70 – $100 | – | Saves ~15% over single tickets |
| Monthly Pass | $200 – $250 | – | Unlimited rides (commuters) |
| Last-Minute Fare | Up to $30* | Up to $60* | *Price surges possible |
Why Choose Amtrak for New Haven to Hartford Travel?
- Comfortable Seating – Spacious seats with free Wi-Fi (on select trains).
- No Traffic Hassles – Avoid I-91 congestion and parking fees.
- Eco-Friendly Travel – Trains produce fewer emissions than cars.
- Convenient Stops – Easy access to downtown areas in both cities.
Amenities on Amtrak Hartford Line Trains
Amtrak’s Hartford Line trains provide a comfortable and efficient travel experience with several onboard amenities:
| Free Wi-Fi & Power Outlets | Quiet Cars (Select Trains) |
| Spacious Seating & Luggage Storage | Café Service (On Select Routes) |
Alternative Transportation: Hartford to New Haven
If Amtrak doesn’t fit your schedule, consider these alternatives:
| CTrail Hartford Line (Operated by Amtrak & CTDOT) | Offers more frequent and budget-friendly commuter rail service. Same route as Amtrak but with additional stops like Springfield, MA. Fares as low as $5 one-way (compared to Amtrak’s $8-$15). |
| CTtransit Buses | CTfastrak offers express bus service between Hartford and New Haven. Slower than trains but more flexible with multiple stops. |
| Driving (I-91 Highway) | Distance: ~40 miles (~50 minutes without traffic). Toll Costs: None, but parking fees apply in both cities. |
Best Times to Travel on Amtrak New Haven to Hartford Route
To avoid crowds and secure the best fares:
| Peak Hours (Busiest Times) | Off-Peak Hours (Best for Savings & Comfort) |
| Weekdays (6:30 AM – 9:00 AM & 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM) – Higher demand, slightly higher fares. Friday & Sunday evenings – Popular for weekend travelers. | Midday (10 AM – 3 PM) & Late Evening – Fewer passengers, cheaper tickets. Weekends (Except Sunday nights) – Generally less crowded. |
Group Travel on Amtrak New Haven to Hartford Route
Planning travel for 10+ people? Amtrak offers special group options:
| Group Booking Benefits | Discounted fares for 10+ passengers traveling together Dedicated group reservation specialists Flexible payment options |
| How to Book Group Travel | Call Amtrak Groups at 1-800-872-7245 Book online at least 3 days in advance Provide passenger names and contact information |
| Special Group Services | Customized itineraries Pre-boarding privileges Meal service coordination |
Some Other Amtrak Stations from New Haven
- Amtrak New Haven to Connecticut
- Amtrak New Haven to Philadelphia
- Amtrak New Haven to New York
- Amtrak New Haven to Boston
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Amtrak Hartford to New Haven service offers a reliable and affordable way to get between these Connecticut cities. With frequent departures, competitive pricing, and a comfortable ride, it’s a great alternative to driving.
FAQs on Amtrak New Haven to Hartford
The Amtrak New Haven to Hartford schedule includes multiple daily departures, with the first train around 5:00 AM and the last around 11:00 PM. Trains typically run every 30–60 minutes on weekdays. Check Amtrak’s official website for real-time updates.
A one-way Amtrak Hartford to New Haven ticket typically costs $8–$15 for Coach and $15–$25 for Business Class. Prices vary based on demand and booking time.
The Amtrak from New Haven to Hartford takes about 50 minutes, depending on stops (Wallingford, Meriden, or Berlin).
Yes! Amtrak Hartford to New Haven service operates daily, including weekends, though with slightly reduced frequency (hourly vs. every 30–60 minutes on weekdays).
Key stops include:
New Haven Union Station (NHV)
Wallingford (WFD)
Meriden (MDN)
Berlin (BER)
Hartford Union Station (HFD)
Yes! Most Amtrak New Haven to Hartford trains offer free Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat.
Yes, but booking online via Amtrak’s website or app is recommended for better fares and seat selection.
Amtrak offers:
10% off for seniors (65+)
50% off for kids (2–12)
Student/military discounts
Multi-ride passes for frequent travelers
Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure for smooth boarding. During peak times, allow extra time for ticketing.
The Amtrak Hartford Line and CTrail share tracks but differ in:
Frequency: CTrail has more weekday commuter trains.
Price: CTrail fares start at just $5 one-way.
Amenities: Amtrak offers Business Class and Wi-Fi.