From Heather Cross,
Your Guide to New York City Travel.
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Trains can be a great way to travel to New York City. For visitors from nearby states, commuter trains offer convenient access to the city without the hassle or expense of parking once they arrive. For visitors from further away, train travel offers travelers a great chance to see the United States upclose.

Train Services to New York City

Pros of Train Travel

• Flexibility in travel plans
• Quicker than buses, as they aren't affected by traffic
• No need to get from the airport to the city, as trains bring you directly to the city
• Room for walking around
• Food service and sleeping accommodations on longer routes

Cons of Train Travel

• Expensive -- it can sometimes be cheaper to fly than to take the train long distance
• Limited space to walk around
• Longer travel times than planes
• Long distance service can have limited availability/scheduling
• Commuter trains can be crowded at peak times

What To Know About Train Travel to NYC

• Reserving seats on commuter trains is not possible -- arrive early at peak times to get a seat.
• Some Amtrak trains offer or require seat reservations.
• Commuter trains offer discounts during off-peak times and on weekends.
• You may be asked to present photo ID when boarding Amtrak.
• Commuter trains don't have checked luggage facilities or luggage assistance.
• Most trains have a bathroom on board.
• On long train rides, there is often food service.
• Trains allow you to bring along your own food and non-alcoholic beverages on board.
• Many commuter rail stations offer free parking on weekends -- check in advance to find out parking policies if you plan to park at a station.

Train Service to New York City