Booking Amtrak In Connecticut..!!
Connecticut, the heart of New England, offers a unique blend of charming small towns, bustling cities, and scenic coastlines. And one of the best ways to experience it all, while avoiding traffic and enjoying the ride, is by train! Amtrak connects major hubs and hidden gems across the state, making travel convenient and often, quite picturesque.
Whether you’re commuting, planning a weekend getaway, or connecting to larger destinations like New York City or Boston, understanding Connecticut’s Amtrak network is key. This complete guide will walk you through every Amtrak station in the Nutmeg State, offering insights into their locations, and crucially, their proximity to key cities and airports.
Amtrak primarily operates on two main lines through Connecticut:
- The Northeast Corridor (NEC): Running along the coast, connecting New Haven to New York City and Boston. This line also hosts the Shore Line East commuter service.
- The Springfield Line (Hartford Line): Extending north from New Haven through the central part of the state to Springfield, MA. This line also hosts the CT Rail Hartford Line commuter service.
Let’s explore each station!
Northeast Corridor Stations (Coastal Route)
These stations are served by Amtrak’s Acela Express and Northeast Regional trains, offering direct connections to major cities up and down the East Coast. They also often share platforms with Metro-North (west of New Haven) and Shore Line East commuter trains.
1. Greenwich
- Location: Greenwich, CT (Fairfield County)
- Description: The first stop in Connecticut when traveling northbound from NYC, Greenwich is an affluent town known for its vibrant downtown, luxury shopping, and beautiful parks. The station is centrally located, offering easy access to local amenities.
- Connections: Metro-North New Haven Line.
Distances from Greenwich Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (Penn Station) | 45 min – 1 hour | N/A |
| New Haven | 1 hour – 1 hour 15 min | N/A |
| Stamford | 5 – 10 min | N/A |
| Hartford | ~1 hour 45 min (via New Haven) | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | ~3 hours 30 min – 4 hours | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~1 hour 20 min (70 miles) |
| JFK Airport | N/A | ~45 min – 1 hour (30 miles) |
| LaGuardia Airport (LGA) | N/A | ~40 min – 50 min (25 miles) |
| Newark Airport (EWR) | N/A | ~1 hour (40 miles) |
2. Stamford
- Location: Stamford, CT (Fairfield County)
- Description: A major business hub and the second-largest city in Connecticut by population, Stamford’s station is a bustling transit point. It serves as a significant commuter hub to NYC and offers connections to local buses and downtown attractions.
- Connections: Metro-North New Haven Line, CTtransit local buses.
Distances from Stamford Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (Penn Station) | 50 min – 1 hour 15 min | N/A |
| New Haven | 50 min – 1 hour | N/A |
| Hartford | ~1 hour 30 min (via New Haven) | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | ~3 hours – 3 hours 30 min | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~1 hour 15 min (75 miles) |
| JFK Airport | N/A | ~50 min – 1 hour 10 min (35 miles) |
| LaGuardia Airport (LGA) | N/A | ~45 min – 1 hour (30 miles) |
| Newark Airport (EWR) | N/A | ~1 hour 10 min – 1 hour 30 min (50 miles) |
3. Bridgeport
- Location: Bridgeport, CT (Fairfield County)
- Description: Connecticut’s most populous city, Bridgeport is a historic industrial center with a revitalized downtown. The station is conveniently located near the Port Jefferson Ferry terminal (to Long Island) and the local bus hub.
- Connections: Metro-North New Haven Line, Port Jefferson Ferry, CTtransit local buses.
Distances from Bridgeport Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (Penn Station) | 1 hour 15 min – 1 hour 30 min | N/A |
| New Haven | 25 – 35 min | N/A |
| Stamford | 25 – 35 min | N/A |
| Hartford | ~1 hour 15 min (via New Haven) | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | ~2 hours 45 min – 3 hours 15 min | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~1 hour (60 miles) |
| Westchester County Airport (HPN) | N/A | ~50 min (40 miles) |
4. New Haven (Union Station) – Major Hub
- Location: New Haven, CT (New Haven County)
- Description: New Haven Union Station is the busiest and most significant rail hub in Connecticut. It’s where the Northeast Corridor meets the Springfield Line, making it a crucial transfer point. Home to Yale University, New Haven boasts a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary options, and historic architecture. The station offers extensive amenities including shops and dining.
- Connections: Metro-North New Haven Line, Shore Line East, CT Rail Hartford Line, CTfastrak express bus, CTtransit local buses.
Distances from New Haven Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (Penn Station) | 1 hour 45 min – 2 hours 15 min | N/A |
| Stamford | 50 min – 1 hour | N/A |
| Bridgeport | 25 – 35 min | N/A |
| Hartford | 40 – 50 min | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | 2 hours 30 min – 3 hours | N/A |
| New London | 45 min – 1 hour | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~45 min (45 miles) |
| JFK Airport | N/A | ~1 hour 30 min (75 miles) |
| LaGuardia Airport (LGA) | N/A | ~1 hour 15 min (70 miles) |
5. Old Saybrook
- Location: Old Saybrook, CT (Middlesex County)
- Description: A picturesque coastal town at the mouth of the CT River, Old Saybrook offers a charming downtown, beaches, and historic sites. The station is a stop for both Amtrak and Shore Line East trains, connecting passengers to the CT shoreline.
- Connections: Shore Line East.
Distances from Old Saybrook Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| New Haven | 30 – 40 min | N/A |
| New London | 20 – 30 min | N/A |
| Hartford | ~1 hour 15 min (via New Haven) | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | 2 hours – 2 hours 30 min | N/A |
| New York City (Penn Station) | ~2 hours 15 min – 2 hours 45 min | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~50 min (50 miles) |
6. New London
- Location: New London, CT (New London County)
- Description: A historic seaport city, New London is home to the Coast Guard Academy, Fort Trumbull, and offers connections to ferries for Block Island and Long Island. It’s a key gateway to southeastern Connecticut attractions and casinos (Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods).
- Connections: Shore Line East, Cross Sound Ferry, Block Island Ferry, CTtransit local buses.
Distances from New London Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| New Haven | 45 min – 1 hour | N/A |
| Old Saybrook | 20 – 30 min | N/A |
| Mystic | 10 – 15 min | N/A |
| Hartford | ~1 hour 45 min (via New Haven) | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | 1 hour 45 min – 2 hours 15 min | N/A |
| New York City (Penn Station) | ~2 hours 30 min – 3 hours | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~1 hour (60 miles) |
| T.F. Green Airport (PVD) | N/A | ~50 min (45 miles) |
7. Mystic (Stonington)
- Location: Mystic, CT (New London County)
- Description: Though the station is officially listed as “Mystic,” it technically sits in the adjacent town of Stonington and serves the popular tourist destination of Mystic. Famous for Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic Aquarium, and its charming downtown, this stop is perfect for a scenic getaway.
- Connections: Local shuttle/taxi for Mystic attractions.
Distances from Mystic Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| New London | 10 – 15 min | N/A |
| New Haven | ~1 hour – 1 hour 15 min | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | 1 hour 30 min – 2 hours | N/A |
| New York City (Penn Station) | ~2 hours 45 min – 3 hours 15 min | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~1 hour 15 min (70 miles) |
| T.F. Green Airport (PVD) | N/A | ~40 min (40 miles) |
Springfield Line Stations (Central Route)
These stations are primarily served by Amtrak’s Northeast Regional service (which continues on to the Vermonter train) and the CT Rail Hartford Line. This route provides crucial north-south connections through the heart of Connecticut.
8. Wallingford
- Location: Wallingford, CT (New Haven County)
- Description: A mid-sized town located between New Haven and Hartford, Wallingford offers a historic town center and a convenient stop for local residents. The modern station was part of recent infrastructure improvements.
- Connections: CT Rail Hartford Line.
Distances from Wallingford Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| New Haven | 15 – 20 min | N/A |
| Hartford | 25 – 30 min | N/A |
| New York City (Penn Station) | ~2 hours – 2 hours 30 min | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | ~2 hours 45 min – 3 hours 15 min | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~40 min (35 miles) |
9. Meriden
- Location: Meriden, CT (New Haven County)
- Description: Centrally located in the state, Meriden is a diverse city undergoing revitalization, with a focus on its downtown and linear trail network. The station is a modern transit hub offering direct access to the CTfastrak busway.
- Connections: CT Rail Hartford Line, CTfastrak bus.
Distances from Meriden Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| New Haven | 20 – 25 min | N/A |
| Hartford | 20 – 25 min | N/A |
| New York City (Penn Station) | ~2 hours 15 min – 2 hours 45 min | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | ~3 hours – 3 hours 30 min | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~35 min (30 miles) |
10. Berlin
- Location: Berlin, CT (Hartford County)
- Description: A residential town known for its small-town feel, Berlin’s station offers a convenient stop for residents traveling to New Haven or Hartford. Like other Hartford Line stations, it’s relatively new and modern.
- Connections: CT Rail Hartford Line.
Distances from Berlin Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford | 15 – 20 min | N/A |
| New Haven | 30 – 35 min | N/A |
| New York City (Penn Station) | ~2 hours 30 min – 3 hours | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | ~3 hours 15 min – 3 hours 45 min | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~30 min (25 miles) |
11. Hartford
- Location: Hartford, CT (Hartford County)
- Description: The capital city of Connecticut, Hartford is a vibrant urban center with a rich history, home to numerous insurance companies, colleges, and cultural institutions. The station is centrally located, offering easy access to downtown, the XL Center, and the State Capitol.
- Connections: CT Rail Hartford Line, CTfastrak bus, CTtransit local buses.
Distances from Hartford Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| New Haven | 40 – 50 min | N/A |
| Springfield, MA | 30 – 40 min | N/A |
| New York City (Penn Station) | ~2 hours 30 min – 3 hours | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | ~3 hours – 3 hours 30 min | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~20 min (15 miles) |
12. Windsor
- Location: Windsor, CT (Hartford County)
- Description: One of the oldest towns in Connecticut, Windsor offers a charming town green, historic homes, and a peaceful atmosphere. The station serves as a convenient stop for locals and visitors to the area.
- Connections: CT Rail Hartford Line.
Distances from Windsor Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford | 5 – 10 min | N/A |
| New Haven | ~50 min – 1 hour | N/A |
| Springfield, MA | 20 – 25 min | N/A |
| New York City (Penn Station) | ~2 hours 45 min – 3 hours 15 min | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | ~3 hours 15 min – 3 hours 45 min | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~15 min (10 miles) |
13. Windsor Locks
- Location: Windsor Locks, CT (Hartford County)
- Description: Best known as the home of Bradley International Airport (BDL), Windsor Locks is a small town with a significant role in regional travel. The station offers a vital connection for air travelers.
- Connections: CT Rail Hartford Line, Bradley Flyer bus service (direct to BDL).
Distances from Windsor Locks Amtrak Station
| Destination | Estimated Travel Time (Train)* | Driving Distance/Time to Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford | 10 – 15 min | N/A |
| New Haven | ~1 hour – 1 hour 15 min | N/A |
| Springfield, MA | 15 – 20 min | N/A |
| New York City (Penn Station) | ~3 hours – 3 hours 30 min | N/A |
| Boston (South Station) | ~3 hours 30 min – 4 hours | N/A |
| Bradley Intl Airport (BDL) | N/A | ~5 min (3 miles) via shuttle/taxi |
Key Travel Tips for Amtrak in Connecticut:
- Book in Advance: Especially for Acela Express or during peak travel times, booking early can save you money and secure your seat.
- Check Real-time Status: Amtrak’s app and website offer real-time train status, which is very helpful for delays.
- Connecting Services: Familiarize yourself with Metro-North, Shore Line East, and the CT Rail Hartford Line schedules if your journey involves local connections. Many stations serve both Amtrak and commuter lines.
- Parking: Most stations offer parking, though fees and availability vary. Check the station’s specific information online.
- Accessibility: All Amtrak trains and many CT stations are ADA compliant. Check Amtrak’s accessibility information if you have specific needs.
- Flexibility: While trains generally run on schedule, track work or unforeseen issues can cause delays. Build a little buffer into your schedule if you have tight connections.
Disclaimer: Estimated travel times by train are approximate and can vary based on train type (Acela vs. Regional), specific schedule, and potential delays. Driving distances and times to airports are also estimates and depend on traffic conditions.
With 13 Amtrak stations spread across its diverse landscape, Connecticut is truly accessible by rail. So next time you’re planning a trip, consider the comfort, convenience, and scenic views that come with traveling by train. Happy travels!