Nestled on the historic Thames River, New London, Connecticut, is a vibrant coastal city with a deep maritime heritage, home to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a crucial port. For both residents and visitors, the New London (NLC) Amtrak station serves as a vital transportation hub, connecting this charming city to the bustling Northeast Corridor and beyond.
If you’re planning a trip to or from New London by rail, or simply curious about its reach, this complete guide will help you understand everything you need to know about the NLC station, including its amenities, key destinations, and crucial distances to major cities and airports.
The New London (NLC) Amtrak Station: A Historic Hub
The New London Union Station (NLC) is more than just a place to catch a train; it’s a piece of history. Housed in a beautifully preserved 1887 Romanesque Revival building designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, the station exudes classic New England charm.
Location: 27 Water St, New London, CT 06320
- It’s conveniently located right on the waterfront, making it walkable to many downtown attractions, restaurants, and the Block Island and Orient Point ferry terminals.
Amenities & Services:
- Waiting Area: A comfortable, albeit often small, waiting room.
- Restrooms: Available during operational hours.
- Ticketing: Staffed ticket office and Quik-Trak kiosks for self-service.
- Platform: Covered platform for weather protection.
- Accessibility: The station is generally accessible, but it’s always wise to contact Amtrak directly for specific accessibility needs.
- Parking: Paid parking lots are available nearby.
- Local Connections: The station is a hub for Southeast Area Transit (SEAT) buses and is easily accessible by taxi and ride-sharing services. It also serves as a stop for Shore Line East commuter rail.
Amtrak Services: New London (NLC) is a stop on the busy Northeast Corridor, primarily served by:
- Northeast Regional: Offering frequent service between Boston, MA, and Roanoke, VA, with stops at major cities like Providence, New Haven, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.
- Acela Express: Some Acela trains also make stops in New London, providing faster premium service between Boston and Washington D.C. (check schedule for specific NLC stops).
Key Amtrak Destinations from New London: Distances & Estimated Travel Times
One of the biggest advantages of traveling from New London is its direct rail access to major Northeastern population centers. Here are estimated driving distances (for context) and typical Amtrak travel times to key cities:
- Providence, RI (PVD):
- Driving Distance: ~45-50 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 50 minutes – 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Boston, MA (BOS – South Station):
- Driving Distance: ~95-100 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 2 hours – 2 hours, 30 minutes
- New Haven, CT (NHV):
- Driving Distance: ~50 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 50 minutes – 1 hour, 15 minutes
- New York City, NY (NYP – Penn Station):
- Driving Distance: ~125-130 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 2 hours, 45 minutes – 3 hours, 30 minutes
- Philadelphia, PA (PHL – 30th Street Station):
- Driving Distance: ~210-215 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes – 5 hours
- Baltimore, MD (BAL – Penn Station):
- Driving Distance: ~290-295 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 5 hours, 45 minutes – 6 hours, 30 minutes
- Washington D.C. (WAS – Union Station):
- Driving Distance: ~350-355 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 6 hours, 30 minutes – 7 hours, 30 minutes
Please note: Train travel times are estimates and can vary based on the specific train (Regional vs. Acela), track conditions, and scheduled stops. Always check Amtrak.com for the most up-to-date schedules.
Connecting to the Skies: Distances to Regional Airports
While direct airport links by train from NLC are limited, you have several major regional airports within a reasonable driving distance. Here’s how New London connects to the skies:
- T.F. Green Airport (PVD) – Providence, RI:
- Driving Distance: ~45-50 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 50 minutes – 1 hour
- How to Get There: Drive, taxi, ride-share. You can also take an Amtrak train to the Providence (PVD) station, which offers a shuttle connection to the airport.
- Bradley International Airport (BDL) – Windsor Locks, CT (near Hartford):
- Driving Distance: ~60-65 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 1 hour – 1 hour, 15 minutes
- How to Get There: Predominantly by car, taxi, or ride-share. No direct train connections.
- Westerly State Airport (WST) – Westerly, RI:
- Driving Distance: ~18 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 25-30 minutes
- How to Get There: Primarily for private and charter flights. Accessible by car/taxi.
- Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) – Islip, NY:
- Driving Distance: ~55-60 miles (requires taking the Bridgeport/Port Jefferson Ferry or Cross Sound Ferry to Orient Point, then driving across Long Island)
- Estimated Drive Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes – 2 hours (plus ferry time)
- How to Get There: Drive to ferry terminal, take ferry, then drive to airport.
- Logan International Airport (BOS) – Boston, MA:
- Driving Distance: ~100 miles
- Estimated Drive Time: 1 hour, 45 minutes – 2 hours, 15 minutes (without significant traffic)
- How to Get There: Drive, taxi, ride-share. You can also take Amtrak to Boston South Station, then connect to Logan via the Silver Line bus or a short taxi ride.
- New York City Airports (JFK, LGA, EWR):
- John F. Kennedy (JFK): ~125-130 miles. Drive time 2.5-3.5+ hours (traffic dependent).
- LaGuardia (LGA): ~125-130 miles. Drive time 2.5-3.5+ hours (traffic dependent).
- Newark Liberty (EWR): ~140 miles. Drive time 2.5-3.5+ hours (traffic dependent).
- How to Get There: Driving to NYC area airports can be very challenging due to traffic. Taking Amtrak to New York Penn Station (NYP) and then connecting to the airports via subway/AirTrain (JFK), bus (LGA), or NJ Transit rail/AirTrain (EWR) is often the more reliable, though multi-step, option.
Disclaimer: Driving times are estimates and can vary significantly based on traffic conditions, especially during peak hours.
Exploring New London Beyond the Tracks
Once you arrive at NLC, you’re perfectly positioned to explore the city:
- Waterfront Park: Steps away from the station, offering scenic views and a boardwalk.
- Custom House Maritime Museum: Learn about New London’s rich seafaring history.
- Shaw Mansion: The oldest house in New London, offering a glimpse into colonial life.
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy: Take a trolley tour or visit the museum (check visitor hours).
- Ferries: Catch a ferry to Block Island, RI, or Orient Point, Long Island, NY.
- Dine & Shop: Explore the local restaurants and unique shops in downtown New London.
- Mystic Seaport/Aquarium: Just a short drive or local bus ride away, offering world-class attractions.
Tips for Your New London Amtrak Journey
- Book in Advance: Especially for popular routes or during peak travel times, booking your Amtrak tickets ahead of time will often secure better fares.
- Arrive Early: Although NLC is a smaller station, arriving 20-30 minutes before departure gives you ample time to get your bearings, find your platform, and relax.
- Check Schedules: Always verify train schedules on Amtrak.com before you travel, as times can change.
- Consider Off-Peak Travel: If flexibility allows, traveling during weekdays or off-peak hours can mean fewer crowds and sometimes lower fares.
- Luggage: Be mindful of Amtrak’s luggage policies. You’re generally allowed two personal items and two carry-on items.
Whether you’re embarking on a cross-country adventure or simply hopping to a neighboring city, the New London (NLC) Amtrak station offers a convenient, comfortable, and scenic way to travel the Northeast. Its historic charm combined with strategic connections makes it a fantastic gateway to explore both the immediate wonders of New London and the broader region. Happy travels!
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