Are you planning an Amtrak trip and seeing “Windsor (WND)” as an option? If you’re envisioning a bustling city across the Detroit River, think again! There’s a common misconception, but Amtrak’s Windsor (WND) station is located in the charming town of Windsor, Vermont, USA – not Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
If your travel plans involve Windsor, Ontario, you’ll be looking for VIA Rail Canada, not Amtrak. But if your destination or departure point is Amtrak’s Windsor, Vermont (WND) station, you’ve come to the right place!
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Amtrak’s WND station, its services, what’s nearby, and key distances to help you plan your journey.
Welcome to Windsor, Vermont (WND) Amtrak Station
Nestled in the picturesque Upper Valley region of Vermont, the Windsor station offers a classic New England train travel experience.
Station Overview:
- Location: 27 Railroad Ave, Windsor, VT 05089
- Type of Station: This is a small, unstaffed station. There is no ticket agent, no baggage handling, and no waiting room with amenities.
- Amenities: You’ll find a covered shelter on the platform to protect you from the elements, along with benches. That’s about it!
- Accessibility: The station is generally accessible, with a platform at train level. However, given its unstaffed nature, passengers requiring special assistance should coordinate directly with Amtrak in advance.
- Parking: Free, open-air parking is usually available adjacent to the platform.
The Vermonter: Your Ride to WND
The Windsor (WND) station is served exclusively by the Amtrak Vermonter train.
- Route: The Vermonter travels daily between St. Albans, Vermont (near the Canadian border) and Washington D.C.
- Frequency: One train per day in each direction.
- Key Stops Along the Route (from/to WND):
- Northbound: White River Junction, Randolph, Montpelier, Waterbury, Burlington (Essex Junction), St. Albans, VT.
- Southbound: Bellows Falls, Brattleboro, Springfield (MA), Hartford (CT), New Haven (CT), New York City (NYC), Philadelphia (PA), Baltimore (MD), Washington D.C.
Getting To and From the Station
Given Windsor’s small-town nature, local transportation options are limited.
- Walking/Cycling: If your destination is within Windsor’s downtown area, walking or cycling is very feasible. The station is a short walk from the historic main street.
- Taxis/Ride-Shares: Taxi services might be available but usually require advance booking. Ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft are generally not prevalent or reliable in this area.
- Private Vehicle: This is often the most convenient way to get to and from the WND station, especially if you’re traveling beyond immediate downtown Windsor. As mentioned, parking is available.
What to See & Do Near Windsor, VT
Don’t let the small station fool you; Windsor, Vermont has a rich history and some charming attractions:
- America’s First Covered Bridge: The picturesque Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge spans the Connecticut River, connecting Windsor, VT, with Cornish, NH. It’s the longest wooden covered bridge in the United States.
- Harpoon Brewery: A popular destination for craft beer lovers, offering tours, tastings, and a pub.
- Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company: Sample award-winning artisanal cheeses.
- Old Constitution House: Explore the birthplace of Vermont’s constitution.
- Windsor’s Historic Downtown: Enjoy local shops, cafes, and preserved architecture.
Key Distances from Windsor, VT (WND)
Here’s a breakdown of distances to major cities and airports, primarily by road, as train travel times vary based on specific connections and layovers for locations not directly on the Vermonter route.
To Major Cities:
- White River Junction, VT (Major Rail/Bus Hub):
- By Train (Vermonter): ~20-25 minutes
- By Car: ~15-20 minutes (14 miles)
- Burlington, VT:
- By Car: ~1 hour 45 minutes (90 miles)
- By Train (via Essex Junction): ~2 hours 45 minutes (on Vermonter)
- Montpelier, VT:
- By Car: ~1 hour 15 minutes (60 miles)
- By Train (via Montpelier Jct.): ~1 hour 45 minutes (on Vermonter)
- Boston, MA:
- By Car: ~2 hours 45 minutes (135 miles)
- By Train: No direct route. Requires transfer at White River Junction (to Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express or bus connection). Total travel time 4-5+ hours.
- New York City, NY:
- By Train (Vermonter): ~5 hours 30 minutes – 6 hours
- By Car: ~4 hours 30 minutes (250 miles)
- Montreal, Quebec (Canada):
- By Car: ~3 hours (180 miles) – Remember border crossing formalities!
- By Train: No direct Amtrak connection. Requires rail travel to St. Albans, then bus/other transport.
- Hartford, CT:
- By Train (Vermonter): ~2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes
- By Car: ~2 hours 15 minutes (130 miles)
- Washington D.C.:
- By Train (Vermonter): ~8 hours – 9 hours
- By Car: ~8 hours (460 miles)
To Key Airports (by Road):
- Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB) – Lebanon, NH: ~20 minutes (8 miles) – Small regional airport.
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) – Manchester, NH: ~1 hour 30 minutes (80 miles)
- Burlington International Airport (BTV) – Burlington, VT: ~1 hour 45 minutes (90 miles)
- Bradley International Airport (BDL) – Hartford/Springfield, CT: ~2 hours 15 minutes (130 miles)
- Albany International Airport (ALB) – Albany, NY: ~2 hours 30 minutes (130 miles)
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) – Boston, MA: ~2 hours 45 minutes (135 miles)
Travel Tips for WND Station
- Book in Advance: Purchase your tickets online via Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app. There’s no ticket agent at WND.
- Arrive Early: Although unstaffed, give yourself a few minutes to park and get onto the platform, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the location.
- Check Train Status: Delays can happen. Use the Amtrak app or website to check the real-time status of the Vermonter before you leave.
- Weather Prepared: The platform is covered, but open to the elements. Dress appropriately for Vermont’s weather, especially in winter.
- Pack Essentials: Since there are no services at the station, ensure you have water, snacks, and anything else you might need for your wait.
Amtrak’s Windsor (WND) station might be small and unstaffed, but it’s a convenient gateway to the beautiful Upper Valley of Vermont and a vital stop on the scenic Vermonter route. With this guide, you’re now fully equipped to plan your seamless train journey to or from charming Windsor, Vermont!
Happy travels!
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