The first time I boarded the Amtrak train between New York and Boston, I did it out of necessity. The train times better fit my schedule, getting to Penn Station in New York was easier than going to the airport, and, most importantly, the train ticket was cheaper.
But by the time I disembarked in Boston, I was convinced I’d discovered the best way to travel between these two major cities.
Outside the window were coastal towns and city skylines; inside were spacious seats with room to stretch out and none of the stress and chaos that often accompanies flying.
Now, years later, I opt for the Amtrak train as often as possible. Between the scenery, comfort, and convenience, I’m convinced it’s far superior to flying.
In this article
1. The Views Alone are Worth the Trip
From pulling out of Brooklyn with views of the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge to barreling through tiny New England coastal towns, watching the world pass by on this New York to Boston route is truly magical.
I once snapped no fewer than 22 photos out my Amtrak window, trying to capture the Thames River in Connecticut, views of Sixpenny Island, and the iconic homes of Astoria, Queens.
It’s always a thrill seeing new places from new perspectives, and watching towns pass by on this route is one of the main reasons I book it over and over again.
2. I Save Money and Time
While views are enticing, so is saving money. In my experience, Amtrak’s train rides tend to be more affordable than flights between the two cities.
A quick search shows that a one-way economy flight between Boston and New York in early summer ranges from $80 to $200. Meanwhile, a train between the two cities starts at $25 for economy and goes up to $323 for higher classes.
Saving even $55 one-way, or $110 round-trip, is well worth it to me; you just have to make sure to book in advance to get the cheapest deals.
Plus, train stations in both cities are seamlessly connected to public transportation, so arriving at Penn Station is much easier than airports like Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey or LaGuardia Airport in New York that require an expensive taxi or a complicated bus transfer.
And while the 1.5-hour flight time might seem shorter than a 4-hour train ride, it’s actually not when you consider your full travel day. Add up airport check-in time, the distance from the terminal to the city, and the likelihood of delays, and the four-hour train ride often comes out ahead.
3. Working From the Train is Easier
Spending a workday on an Amtrak train with a cup of black coffee from the onboard cafe feels like a treat. I get the perks of a coffee shop, like a seat and table to work from, a cafe with snacks and drinks, and the chance to eavesdrop on other passengers’ conversations, all while getting where I need to go. It’s a fun break from my home office setup.
This route, and many other Amtrak routes, also have free Wi-Fi. Sure, there have been moments when the connection cut out, but overall, I find the service to be comparable to in-flight Wi-Fi, and I've had successful work sessions during the four-hour ride.
Plus, Amtrak trains have a quiet car, where cell phone usage and conversations are kept to a minimum. That’s a perk you’ll never find on a plane.
4. Trains Have More Space and Bigger Seats
Planes are tight, we all know it. You struggle to stretch your legs and get comfortable in a cramped seat with a flimsy tray table. The average legroom on economy seats with American, Delta, Southwest, and United is 31 inches.
On Amtrak, however, passengers enjoy 39 generous inches of legroom.
I also always have room on the train for both my luggage and backpack in overhead storage, which means my legs actually get to enjoy the extra room instead of competing with my personal item for space.
The perks of taking a train over a plane go on: I’ve found Amtrak’s seats to be much comfier, and there’s no dreaded middle seat to stress over, or turbulence bumps.
5. Trains Lower My Carbon Footprint
As someone who travels frequently, I’m always searching for ways to lower my impact on the environment. I’ll opt for destinations closer to home, drive when it makes more sense from an environmental perspective, and I’m always up for a train, which emits significantly less carbon emissions than planes.
Not all Amtrak trains are the same when it comes to carbon footprints. But in the Northeast, routes rely largely on electricity rather than diesel, which means the trains generally produce substantially lower emissions than flying between the same destinations. So I get to disembark the train feeling a little better about my travel choices.
The Shortcut
Book this Amtrak route in advance and you can pay as little as $25 one-way, compared with economy flights that start around $80.
The views alone make it rewarding, but there’s also the advantage of more breathing space and a lower carbon footprint.
Another great time to choose the train over a flight? When you're traveling overnight.
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