How to Book Train Travel From New York To Rochester

Catch one of the fours trains out of New York headed to Rochester each day and relax as the beautiful landscape of upstate New York flies by. Train travel offers an affordable alternative to flying or driving from New York while showing off the state's seasonal changes and natural attractions.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Book Train Travel from New York to Rochester

1. Reserve your tickets in advance. Check fares online and book as early as possible to avoid paying an extra $20 to $30 for last-minute reservations.

2. Upgrade to business class. Besides a more comfortable ride, you'll receive a snack pack and priority boarding, making the extra $25 well worth it.

3. Reserve a private room on the Lakeshore Limited. For around $100 to $200 per family, you can spread out in sleeping accommodations for your seven-hour trip. Dinner is included, which makes this expenditure seem even more affordable.

Prepare for Your Train Travel to Rochester

1. Pack a small bag. Only the Lakeshore Limited has baggage service, so you'll be carrying your own luggage on board most trains to Rochester.

2. Consider bringing food with you. A snack car is available, but it is expensive and doesn't have a lot of variety. The Lakeshore Limited has a dining car, though you'll need to make reservations as soon as you get on board the train.

3. Check for last-minute delays, especially if you are traveling on the Lakeshore Limited.

Prepare to Arrive in Rochester

1. Walk out of the station. Located in the heart of downtown just five blocks from the country's first indoor shopping mall, the Amtrak station is conveniently located.

2. Expect delays. With only one platform, all trains must switch to the south track, which can cause delays. Also, with the new high speed train in the planning mode, Rochester plans on creating a more modern station at the current site. Expect periodic construction.

3. Check your email the second you get off the train. Rochester train station offers free wireless Internet throughout the station.

Tips & Warnings

• Generally trains to Rochester leave New York in the morning, but the Lakeshore Limited makes a late afternoon departure throughout the year.

• Total travel time will be about 7 hours.

• Holiday train travel is popular in the Northeast, so book your reservations early.

• To book train travel From New York To Rochester, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit the Web site listed in "Resources."