How to Book Train Travel From Buffalo to Albany
Nestled where the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers merge, the New York state capital of Albany is a transportation hub. Steamboats, train travel, and highways have all played their roles in the history of this city.
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Things You'll Need
- Photo identification
- Telephone with long distance service
- Valid credit card
- Computer with Internet access
Instructions
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Find the Right Train From Buffalo to Albany
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Book your travel on 1 of the 3 Amtrak train routes: Empire State, Lake Shore Limited or the Maple Leaf. All 3 routes stop at both Buffalo train stations--Exchange Street and Depew.
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Expect the train ride from Buffalo to Albany to be about 5 to 6 hours long. Delays can occur, so check the Amtrak web site or call their toll free number (800) 872-7245 before leaving for the station (see Resources).
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Reserve Your Tickets From Buffalo to Albany
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Make reservations. Trains traveling between these 2 cities are reserved trains, so be sure to book a seat in advance. Use a major credit card to book your train travel reservations using the Amtrak Web site. You can also call Amtrak's toll free number (see Resources).
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Leave from the Buffalo Exchange Street station if you are downtown. The Depew train station is located in the suburbs towards the airport.
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Contact a travel agent to book your train travel. Some agencies will charge a fee, so either shop around or call Amtrak directly.
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Buy tickets at the station. Have a photo ID ready.
Arrive at the Albany-Rensselaer Station
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Arrange a taxi or bus transportation to Albany upon your arrival at the station. The train actually stops 1.5 miles across the Hudson River in Rensselaer.
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Enjoy the enclosed waiting area with a coffee and a newspaper at the train station between the hours of 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week.
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Get assistance with your baggage during the operating hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Saturday.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact the Albany City Convention and Visitors Bureau through their online Web site for maps and directions and transportation assistance in Albany (see Resources).
Check for discounts. Amtrak has some discount programs available, including one for state employees traveling on business.
Peak travel times on this route tend to be on Fridays and Sundays; plan accordingly.
To book train travel From Buffalo to Albany, call Amtrak at (800) USA-RAIL or visit the Amtrak Web site (see Resources).
A single taxi company has exclusivity on the service available in the Albany capital district so there is no price competition.
