Train travel is a daily occurrence for many people living in New York City and the surrounding boroughs and suburbs, but it can also be a leisurely way to explore points further north, including the Hudson River Valley, New York’s Adirondack Region, and the city of Montreal.
Amtrak’s Adirondack Train travels from New York to Montreal in 10 hours, passing through the majestic Adirondacks and earning it a spot on the “Top 10 Most Scenic Train Rides in the World”. The route offers amazing views in all four-seasons, from the lush rolling hills in spring and summer to the changing leaves of fall and snowy landscapes in winter.
Route Highlights
The Adirondack departs New York’s Penn Station around 8:30AM and runs alongside the Hudson River into the lush Hudson Valley with its apple orchards, wineries and hiking. Approximately three hours later, you’ll arrive in Albany, NY, the state’s bustling capitol, and then onto Saratoga Springs, known for it’s horse racing, healing mineral waters and history.
By early afternoon, you’ll enter the Lake Champlain Region of the Adirondack Park. Stretching from the Adirondack Mountains of New York to the Green Mountains of Vermont, the Lake Champlain Region includes Ticonderoga, Port Henry and Westport, and is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts to hop off and explore.
After passing through Plattsburgh and Rouses Point, NY, you’ll cross the border into Quebec, Canada, and arrive in Montreal shortly after 8:00PM. Spend the night and wake up in this distinctly European city with its narrow cobblestone streets and predominantly French-speaking locals. Explore the town on a rented bike or horse-drawn carriage, and enjoy the vivid street art, live music and French delicacies.
For your return trip, the Adirondack departs from Montreal’s Gare Centrale (Central Station) at approximately 11:00AM and arrives back in Penn Station around 10:00PM.
Seating & Amenities
Amtrak’s Adirondack Train offers coach class seating with wide, reclining seats and ample legroom. Each seat also has a dining tray, overhead reading lights and electric outlets, and restrooms are available in each car. Seating is window or aisle (no middle seats) and seats are unassigned, so make sure to choose a seat on the left side when heading north for the best view of the Hudson River. There’s also Wi-Fi available onboard, and each passenger is permitted two bags and two personal items.
Onboard Dining
While onboard Amtrak’s Adirondack Train, passengers can purchase a selection of meals, snacks and beverages in the café car. Food and drinks are served from early morning until late at night, and the menu typically features breakfast items, salads and sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and a variety of packaged snacks and candy, as well as beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.
Learn More About the Adirondacks
If Amtrak’s Adirondack Train has piqued your interest in Upstate New York, we invite you to learn more about the Adirondack Region, explore all the things to see and do, and browse our selection of Adirondack land for sale.