Stamford, Connecticut – a vibrant city often called the “Gateway to New England” – is a major hub for business, culture, and, crucially, transportation. For travelers looking to explore the bustling cities of the Northeast or commute seamlessly, Stamford’s Amtrak station (STM) serves as a vital link in the extensive Amtrak network.
More than just a stop, the Stamford station is a multimodal transportation hub, integrating Amtrak with Metro-North Commuter Rail, CT Transit buses, and local taxi/rideshare services. If you’re planning a trip to, from, or through Stamford, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know.
The Stamford Amtrak Station (STM): At a Glance
- Location: Conveniently situated in downtown Stamford, just south of I-95.
- Address: 262 South State Street, Stamford, CT 06901
- Services: The station serves both Amtrak and Metro-North Commuter Rail, making it a bustling junction for both intercity and commuter travel.
- Amenities:
- Ticket counters and self-service kiosks
- Waiting areas with seating
- Restrooms
- Accessibility features (ramps, elevators to platforms)
- Limited retail/food options (more available a short walk away downtown)
- Parking: A large, multi-level parking garage is adjacent to the station, offering daily and monthly parking for a fee.
Amtrak Services Available at STM
Stamford is a key stop on the Northeast Corridor, meaning you’ll have access to frequent and reliable service. The primary Amtrak routes serving Stamford are:
- Acela Express: Amtrak’s high-speed service connects major cities like Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. It offers fewer stops and a faster journey, ideal for business travelers or those seeking premium comfort.
- Northeast Regional: This service provides more frequent stops, connecting a wider range of cities and towns throughout the Northeast Corridor, from Boston to Virginia. It’s a great option for flexibility and value.
Distances and Approximate Train Travel Times to Key Cities from Stamford (STM)
One of Stamford’s greatest assets is its strategic location. Here’s how close you are to some of the Northeast’s most important destinations:
- New Haven, CT (NHV):
- Approx. Distance: 38 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 30-40 minutes (Northeast Regional/Acela)
- Bridgeport, CT (BRP):
- Approx. Distance: 19 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 15-20 minutes (Northeast Regional/Acela)
- New York City (NYP – Moynihan Train Hall/Penn Station):
- Approx. Distance: 35 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 50-60 minutes (Northeast Regional), 45-55 minutes (Acela)
- Philadelphia, PA (PHL – 30th Street Station):
- Approx. Distance: 130 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 2 hours 15 minutes – 2 hours 45 minutes (Northeast Regional), 2 hours – 2 hours 20 minutes (Acela)
- Providence, RI (PVD):
- Approx. Distance: 128 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours (Northeast Regional/Acela)
- Boston, MA (BOS – South Station):
- Approx. Distance: 180 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 3 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours 15 minutes (Northeast Regional), 3 hours 15 minutes – 3 hours 45 minutes (Acela)
- Washington D.C. (WAS – Union Station):
- Approx. Distance: 265 miles
- Approx. Train Time: 4 hours 30 minutes – 5 hours 15 minutes (Northeast Regional), 4 hours – 4 hours 45 minutes (Acela)
Access to Major Airports from Stamford (STM)
While Stamford doesn’t have an airport with direct Amtrak connections, its excellent road and rail links make accessing several regional and international airports surprisingly convenient.
- Westchester County Airport (HPN) – White Plains, NY:
- Approx. Distance: 15 miles
- Travel Time: ~30-40 minutes by taxi/rideshare. (No direct public transit from Stamford, but Metro-North to White Plains then local bus/taxi is an option).
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – Queens, NYC:
- Approx. Distance: 33 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes – 2 hours (taxi/rideshare, heavy traffic can significantly increase travel time). Public transport involves Amtrak/Metro-North to NYC, then subway/bus.
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – Queens, NYC:
- Approx. Distance: 42 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours 30 minutes (taxi/rideshare). Public transport options involve Amtrak/Metro-North to NYC, then LIRR or subway to AirTrain JFK.
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – Newark, NJ:
- Approx. Distance: 55 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours (direct Amtrak train to “Newark Liberty International Airport Station” (EWR), then AirTrain to terminals). Driving time can be similar or longer depending on traffic.
- Bradley International Airport (BDL) – Windsor Locks, CT (near Hartford):
- Approx. Distance: 75 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 45 minutes by car/taxi/rideshare. No direct public transport from Stamford.
Local Connectivity from Stamford Station
Once you arrive at STM, getting around Stamford itself or to nearby towns is easy:
- Metro-North Railroad: The station is a major stop on the New Haven Line, offering frequent commuter service throughout Connecticut and directly into Grand Central Terminal in NYC.
- CT Transit Buses: Numerous local bus routes stop directly at the station, connecting you to various parts of Stamford and surrounding towns.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Taxis are usually available at the station, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city.
- Walking: Many downtown hotels, corporate offices, restaurants, and attractions are within comfortable walking distance of the station.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Book in Advance: Especially for Acela Express or during peak travel times, booking your tickets ahead of time will secure your seat and often a better price.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time to navigate the station, find your platform, and settle in, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the station or traveling during busy periods.
- Check Schedules: Always verify your train’s schedule and track for any potential delays using the Amtrak app or website before heading to the station.
- Consider a Quiet Car: If you’re looking to work or relax undisturbed, many Amtrak trains offer a designated Quiet Car.
- Utilize the App: The Amtrak app is fantastic for live train status, e-tickets, and booking.
Whether you’re visiting Stamford for business, embarking on a leisure trip through New England, or commuting to the Big Apple, Stamford’s Amtrak station (STM) offers unparalleled convenience and connectivity. Happy travels!
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