The route from New York NY to Boston MA
Serviced by Amtrak, the route from New York to Boston is a fine alternative to flying. With more leg space and less stress, you’ll see more of the country through the journey’s 189 miles. There are several routes to pick from; a direct Acela service or a regional Amtrak train. Both take in the same scenery through four US states, with the latter making more stops. Whichever service you choose, your journey will make the following important stops, among others:
- New York, Penn Station
- Stamford Station
- New Haven, Union Station
- Providence Station
- Boston, South Station
Major cities and stops en-route to Boston MA
New York’s Penn Station is a delightful starting point. As the busiest terminal in the city, it’s advised you arrive thirty minutes early to find your train in good time. With roots in the 1910s, the old station was demolished in the 1960s, moving below ground instead. Upon departing the station, your Amtrak service remains mostly underground until reaching Long Island. You pass beneath the East River via a network of rail tunnels.
Upon reaching ground-level, the train skirts above the city, offering excellent views of the New York skyline. From New York, your train heads northeast to the Long Island Sound before crossing into Connecticut. The first major stop on this route is Stamford, a port city overlooking the Long Island Sound. You’ll get glimpses of the coast, particularly as you head past Bridgeport into New Haven.
The prettiest of views
New Haven is most famous for Yale University, and you’ll likely catch students departing here from New York. It’s one of the state’s prettiest cities, home to pink Victorian hues and open greenery. From here, it’s another state crossing as your train veers along the coast into tiny Rhode Island. Keep your eyes peeled to the right-hand carriage window for views across Long Island Sound toward Fishers Island.
In Rhode Island, your train heads northeast toward another important city, Providence. Like many other stops on this journey, you’ll get ample time to admire the Old Town from your window. There’s a myriad of architectural landmarks here, from the grandeur of Rhode Island State House to the tranquil Waterplace Park. Situated close to the border of Massachusetts, your train quickly crosses the border from Providence into the famed Codfish State.
This stretch to Boston is among the journey’s most picturesque, taking in large swathes of Massachusetts’ countryside. Expect leafy scenes as you travel past Mansfield into the outskirts of Boston. For those lucky enough to travel in the fall, expect golden hues, iconic red pines, and yellow-wood trees. Your train pulls into Boston via Back Bay, before heading into Boston South Station.
Explore centuries-old history and culture in Boston MA
Boston is the country's oldest city and a bedrock of the American Revolution. The city is littered with astonishing historical and cultural artifacts, not least in its seafaring heritage center, Boston Harbor. There are ample museums, galleries, and monuments to see, and there’s a rich educational background with esteemed universities. Both Harvard and MIT offer an excellent number of attractions in their own right, giving Boston a fantastic cultural vibe.
Revolutionary history come to life
Boston's history is written in its streets. Luckily, you can take in many of its best historical attractions through the Freedom Trail. This winding 2.5-mile pathway through the city center takes in a total of 16 significant sites. It's a great introduction to the city and its heritage, from graveyards through important battle sites and more.
Much of Boston's most famed historical endeavors came from its maritime position. Fortunately, you can investigate many of these. Chief among such attractions are the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. As a foundational moment of the Revolutionary War, you get a good indication of the feel of 18th-century Boston here. Other important seafaring attractions include the Boston Marine Museum and USS Constitution Museum.
City of culture, arts and education
Boston has become a major site of both modern and contemporary art. At the center of this position is the fantastic Institute of Contemporary Art. Occupying a prime stretch of Boston Bay, you'll find a wide variety of painterly, photographic, and sculptural classics here. Another particularly noted gallery is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, a love letter to Renaissance paintings. One of the city’s oldest cultural institutions is the Museum of Fine Arts, founded in 1876 and home to many classical works.
There’s no greater symbol of Boston’s status as a cultural capital than the prized Boston Public Library. With guided tours and displays from the entrance hall, the library is awash with fascinating architectural flourishes. That’s not to mention the impeccable collections which you can visit. Likewise, Harvard and MIT provide innumerable attractions. Head to Harvard Yard to experience the USA’s oldest campus grounds and a buzzy center of learning.
Boston’s gastronomic appeal
Boston is an absolute treasure for seafood lovers. From fresh steamed lobster to cod and cream chowder, the city’s culinary heritage is a must-do. It’s not all fish, though. Head to the North End to experience Boston’s deep-rooted Italian heritage, or stroll Chinatown for authentic Asian fare.
Another great institution here is the Boston-Irish pub. Although it may be tempting, put down the pint of Guinness to relish in the fantastic array of Massachusetts-based drinks. Local institutions include Samuel Adams, Harpoon, Trillium, and Dorchester. You can tour each of these breweries or partake in a glass at the local bar or taproom.
Hide full description
