Nestled where the Connecticut River meets the Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook is a charming coastal town that offers a perfect blend of historic New England charm and modern convenience. For travelers looking to explore this picturesque region, or simply pass through on their way to major East Coast hubs, the Old Saybrook (OSB) Amtrak station serves as a vital gateway.
Whether you’re planning a visit to enjoy the beaches, catch a show at The Kate, or just need to know your travel options, this complete guide will give you everything you need to navigate Amtrak from OSB, including key distances and travel times.
The OSB Station Experience: Small Town Charm, Big Connections
The Old Saybrook Amtrak station isn’t a grand, bustling terminal. Instead, it offers a quaint, functional experience reflective of its small-town setting.
- Location: Conveniently located right in town, making it accessible to local attractions, dining, and accommodations.
- Amenities: Typically, you’ll find a waiting area, restrooms, and an “Amtrak Quik-Trak” self-service ticketing machine. There’s no full-service ticket counter, so it’s best to purchase tickets online or via the Amtrak app in advance.
- Parking: Paid parking is usually available at the station, though spaces can fill up during peak travel times. Always check current parking information on Amtrak’s website or local town resources.
- Accessibility: Most smaller Amtrak stations, including Old Saybrook, are designed to be accessible, but it’s always wise to confirm specific accessibility needs with Amtrak when booking.
Which Trains Stop at Old Saybrook (OSB)?
Old Saybrook is primarily served by the Northeast Regional trains, making it a key stop on the busy Northeast Corridor.
- Northeast Regional: These trains offer frequent service north towards Boston, and south towards New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
- Shore Line East: This is Connecticut’s commuter rail service, connecting Old Saybrook with New Haven and points west during peak hours. You can often transfer to Amtrak services at New Haven Union Station.
- Does Acela Express stop here? No, the high-speed Acela Express trains do not stop at Old Saybrook. If you need to travel Acela, your closest options are New Haven (NHV) or Providence (PVD), which would require a Northeast Regional or Shore Line East connection.
The Heart of the Guide: Distances & Travel Times from OSB
Old Saybrook’s strategic location makes it relatively easy to reach major cities and connect to key airports. Below are approximate travel times and distances, which can vary based on specific train schedules, transfers, and traffic for driving.
Key Cities by Train:
- New Haven, CT (NHV):
- Distance: Approximately 30 miles
- Travel Time: ~30-40 minutes
- Why it’s important: A major transfer hub for other Amtrak routes (including Acela) and Shore Line East. Home to Yale University and a vibrant city center.
- Providence, RI (PVD):
- Distance: Approximately 60 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes
- Why it’s important: A charming city with great dining, historic architecture, and a convenient gateway to Cape Cod via connecting bus services.
- New York City (Penn Station – NYP):
- Distance: Approximately 100 miles
- Travel Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes – 2 hours 45 minutes
- Why it’s important: The ultimate East Coast hub. From Penn Station, you can connect to virtually anywhere in NYC via subway, or to other major Amtrak routes.
- Boston (South Station – BOS):
- Distance: Approximately 100 miles
- Travel Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes – 2 hours 45 minutes
- Why it’s important: Another major East Coast city known for its history, culture, and numerous attractions. South Station offers excellent connections within Boston (MBTA subway) and to regional buses.
- Hartford, CT (HFD):
- Distance (Driving): ~45-50 miles
- Travel Time (Driving): ~1 hour
- Travel Time (Train): While possible via a transfer in New Haven, the train route is much longer (~2 hours+) and less direct than driving. If Hartford is your primary destination, driving or a bus connection from New Haven is often preferred.
Connecting to Major Airports:
Getting to an airport directly from Old Saybrook via train often requires an additional step, usually involving a short taxi, shuttle, or subway ride from a major train station.
- Bradley International Airport (BDL – Hartford/Springfield):
- Location: Windsor Locks, CT
- Distance from OSB: Approximately 55 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes by car/taxi.
- Train Connection: No direct train service. You would need to take Amtrak to Hartford (via New Haven, then a separate bus or taxi to BDL), or more practically, a taxi/ride-share directly from Old Saybrook.
- Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN):
- Location: New Haven, CT
- Distance from OSB: Approximately 30 miles
- Travel Time: ~40-50 minutes by car/taxi.
- Train Connection: Take Amtrak or Shore Line East to New Haven’s Union Station (NHV), then a short taxi/ride-share (~15-20 minutes) to HVN.
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS):
- Location: Boston, MA
- Distance from OSB: Approximately 100 miles
- Travel Time: Take Amtrak (
2 hours 15-45m) to Boston South Station (BOS), then use the MBTA Silver Line Bus (SL1) directly to the airport terminals (20 minutes), or a taxi/ride-share.
- New York City Airports (JFK, LaGuardia – LGA, Newark Liberty – EWR):
- Location: New York/New Jersey
- Distance from OSB: Approximately 100-115 miles (to Penn Station)
- Travel Time: Take Amtrak (~2 hours 15-45m) to New York Penn Station (NYP).
- JFK: From Penn Station, take the LIRR to Jamaica Station, then the AirTrain to JFK. (~1 hour-1.5 hours total from Penn).
- LGA: From Penn Station, take the subway (E, C, 1, 2, 3 lines) to a connecting bus (M60, Q70, Q48, Q72) to LGA. (~1 hour-1.5 hours total from Penn).
- EWR: From Penn Station, take NJ Transit directly to Newark Liberty International Airport Station, then the AirTrain to the terminals. (~30-45 minutes total from Penn).
Exploring Old Saybrook and Beyond
Once you arrive at OSB, you’re perfectly positioned to explore:
- Historic Main Street: Full of boutiques, galleries, and eateries.
- The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center (The Kate): A vibrant venue for live performances.
- Fort Saybrook Monument Park: Learn about the town’s colonial history and enjoy river views.
- Beaches: Harvey’s Beach and West Beach offer scenic spots to relax.
- Gillette Castle State Park: Just across the Connecticut River (a short drive), a quirky architectural marvel.
- Essex Steam Train & Riverboat: A picturesque journey through the Connecticut River Valley (also a short drive).
Tips for a Smooth Journey from OSB
- Book Ahead: Especially for popular routes and peak times, train tickets can sell out or become more expensive closer to departure.
- Check Schedules: Always verify current train schedules on Amtrak’s official website or app, as times can change.
- Arrive Early: Even for a small station, arriving 15-20 minutes before departure gives you time to park, find your platform, and relax.
- Shore Line East for New Haven Connections: If you’re heading to New Haven or points between, Shore Line East can be a cost-effective and frequent option.
- Luggage: Amtrak generally has generous luggage policies, but be mindful of what you can comfortably manage yourself.
Old Saybrook’s Amtrak station (OSB) is more than just a stop; it’s a convenient and charming starting point for your coastal Connecticut adventures or a stress-free link to the bustling cities of the Northeast Corridor. Happy travels!
Leave a Reply