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The 10 Best Train Trips From New York City

Getting there is half the fun on these rail journeys from the Big Apple.

Train travel in the U.S. isn’t exactly as easy as in, say, Europe or Japan, but luckily for New York City residents and visitors, the Big Apple is one of the country's major rail hubs. It’s a snap to get to and from destinations near and far on Amtrak, which offers over a dozen train routes from the city, spanning north to Montreal and south to Miami. Meanwhile, regional services like the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road run to places closer to NYC like Connecticut, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island.

If you need a little inspiration on where you should go, here are some of the best train trips from NYC that are worthy of taking the scenic route. 

NYC to Chicago

Train route: Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited Duration: 19 hours

Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited offers daily departures to whisk New Yorkers away to the Windy City. The route takes passengers through some gorgeous upstate New York areas, such as the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes region, then hugs the shore of Lake Michigan before entering Chicago. According to Amtrak, the best seats in the house are the Viewliner accommodations, including the Viewliner Bedroom Suite , which comes with a foldout bed, ideal for the overnight journey. Once in your destination, set out on an architectural walking tour, explore the best attractions in Chicago like the Art Institute of Chicago and "The Bean" in Millennium Park, and stay at the luxe Pendry Chicago .

NYC to Westerly, Rhode Island

Train route: Amtrak's Northeast Regional Duration: 3 hours

For a quicker getaway, board Amtrak’s Northeast Regional to Westerly, Rhode Island, a quiet little beach town ideal for a refreshing weekend. Though short, the train ride takes you past some idyllic landscapes in Connecticut, over bridges, and past glittering water views and pastoral fields. Once in Westerly, disembark the train and make your way to Ocean House , one of the country's best beach resorts . If you can tear yourself away from the on-site spa and ocean-view saltwater pool, make your way to the charming downtown. Shop for chocolate truffles at Hauser Chocolatier , dine on local bites at The Cooked Goose , or just tuck your toes into the sand for a day at Misquamicut State Beach . 

NYC to Boston

Train route: Amtrak's Northeast Regional or Acela Duration: 5 hours on Regional or 3 hours, 43 minutes on Acela

Keep going north on the Northeast Regional for a few more stops, and you’ll hit Boston. This train trip from NYC takes you through more bucolic landscapes and a sprinkling of city vistas as you pass through Providence. If you want to arrive at your destination sooner, opt for Acela, though you might miss some of the scenery as the train whizzes by at higher speeds with fewer stops. Once in Beantown, fill your itinerary with some of Boston's must-do activities , including walking The Freedom Trail, visiting the Paul Revere House , and enjoying a bit of culture at the Institute of Contemporary Art  and Museum of Fine Arts . And if you happen to be there during baseball season, don't miss a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. Stay at The Langham, Boston , a centrally located hotel built inside the old Federal Reserve Bank.

NYC to Philadelphia

Train route: Amtrak's Northeast Regional Duration: 1 hour, 20 minutes

If the allure of an ooey, gooey, downright delicious cheesesteak is calling your name, then it's time to take the train south to Philadelphia. Though the views during this short ride won't be the best, it's worth it for where the train stops: William H. Gray III 30th Street Station . First opened in 1933, the station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Original features include 95-foot ceilings and art deco touches. The station is also home to The Porch , an outdoor area connecting the station to Market Street, and a stone's throw from major attractions like The Academy of Natural Sciences and Independence Hall . As for that cheesesteak, it's up for debate on who serves the best, but Dalessandro's , Angelo's Pizzeria , and Jim's South St. are a few local favorites. After you dine, retire to Wm. Mulherin's Sons Hotel , a chic and centrally located boutique property with a timeless design, including exposed brick and beams.

NYC to Wilmington, Delaware

Train route: Amtrak's Northeast Regional Duration: 2 hours

Travel just a smidge past Philadelphia, and you’ll hit Wilmington, a history buff’s dream. The journey will take you past verdant landscapes before entering this city of around 72,000 people. Disembark at ​​Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station, named after the president thanks to his famed trips back and forth to Washington, D.C., on this very railway. Make your way to places like the Delaware Art Museum , Fort Christina , and Nemours Estate , a stunning 200-acre garden and 77-room mansion that will make you feel like you’re back in the Gilded Age. After seeing the local attractions, check into the Hotel Du Pont , a 12-story Italian Renaissance Revival building that opened in 1913 smack dab in the middle of downtown. 

NYC to Washington, D.C.

Heather Durham/Travel + Leisure

Train route: Amtrak's Northeast Regional or Acela Duration: 3 hours, 40 minutes on Regional or 3 hours on Acela

Ride the Northeast Regional a few stops further to the nation’s capital, a journey that takes you through more cityscapes (including Philadelphia and Baltimore), with a smattering of green spaces in between. You can opt for the faster Acela if you're in a rush. Spend a weekend in D.C. exploring the wealth of historical sites and museums, including the National Mall and the National Museum of African American History and Culture . See a hit show at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts , or plan in advance to tour the White House . For a fittingly storied stay, book at The Watergate Hotel, which, yes, is the very one associated with the 1970s political scandal of the same name. 

NYC to New York's Adirondacks

Train route: Amtrak's Adirondacks line Duration: 3.5 hours

Need a big breath of fresh air? Hop aboard this train that travels from New York City all the way to Montreal. But don’t worry, you don’t need to go that far to find wide-open spaces. The journey to Saratoga Springs is one of the most scenic train trips from NYC, winding through pastures and Hudson Valley towns like Rhinecliff and Hudson before coming to rest at the quaint rail station in Saratoga Springs. Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, the town has a long history as a spa destination due to its mineral-rich waters that first attracted visitors in the 1700s. When you arrive, make your way to the stunning Saratoga Spa State Park , a National Historic Landmark. See if there’s a show playing at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center , and explore the delightful downtown full of shops, restaurants, and landmarks that celebrate the town's horse racing heritage. Spend the night at the Adelphi Hotel , a historic boutique property with modern rooms, complimentary minibars, and spa-like bathrooms.

NYC to Montauk, New York

Train route: Long Island Rail Road Duration: 3 hours

Amtrak isn’t the only train game in town. You can also board the Long Island Rail Road to Montauk for a seaside break. During the ride, the views quickly transform from high rises to small towns as you make your way through Long Island, taking a nearly straight shot down the coast until you hit the very tip of the island. Montauk has long been favored as a summer escape thanks to its idyllic beaches, but don’t skip over it for a fall or even winter escape for a crowd-free scene. Visit the Montauk Point Lighthouse, walk along Ditch Plains Beach, and set out on a horseback ride with Deep Hollow Ranch , the first established cattle ranch in the U.S. Then, rest at Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa , a hotel boasting a private beach, complimentary beach cruisers, and several delicious dining venues. 

  NYC to Sleepy Hollow, New York

Train route: Metro-North Railroad Duration: 53 minutes

For an easy getaway, head to Grand Central Terminal and take the commuter rail, which snakes north through the city before popping out in greener pastures once you hit stops like Greystone. With about 10,000 permanent residents, the village of Sleepy Hollow has a notable literary pedigree as the setting for Washington Irving's ghostly tale, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Visit the Sleepy Hollow Cemetery and see the Headless Horseman Bridge that traverses the Pocantico River. For something a little less spooky, visit Kykuit , the former estate of the Rockefellers. Book a few nights at the Castle Hotel and Spa , a striking Gilded Age estate that now offers 31 luxury rooms and suites.

NYC to Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Train route: Amtrak's Berkshire Flyer Duration: 4 hours, 5 minutes

Operating between late May and early October, the Berkshire Flyer travels along the Hudson River Valley, treating passengers to views of the lush foliage. The train runs on Fridays, Sundays, and select holiday Mondays, making it perfect for a long weekend getaway. Stop in Poughkeepsie, New York, to visit the nearby Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site , one of the Hudson Valley's most notable Gilded Age estates, or ride directly to Massachusetts. Once you're in Pittsfield, explore some of the Berkshires’ top attractions , from the hiking trails at Mount Greylock to the Berkshire Museum’s collection of 40,000 objects spanning art, science, and history.

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Sr Electrical Engineer - Catenary - 90382568 - Philadelphia

Date: Sep 16, 2024

Location: Philadelphia, PA, US, 19104

Company: Amtrak

Your success is a train ride away!

As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

In this position you will be a key player in elevating the System ET and Quality Assurance team’s commissioning processes. In this pivotal role, you'll leverage your expertise to develop and manage the commissioning process, utilizing ET standards to create task-specific commissioning sheets, work practices, and procedures. Your work will not only streamline processes but also prioritize safety every step of the way.

You'll collaborate closely with the Capital Delivery Team to oversee the creation, distribution, and collection of commissioning checklists, ensuring that major capital projects meet all necessary commissioning requirements. Your sharp eye for detail will be crucial as you review milestone and in-service commissioning documents, ensuring they align with current ET standards and approved project drawings.

Additionally, you'll play a critical role in enhancing our document organization and tracking systems, making sure that all project documentation is meticulously managed and easily accessible. You'll also assist in performing project and safety audits, ensuring the accuracy and compliance of task-specific commissioning procedures.

This is more than just a job—it's an opportunity to shape the future of our processes and contribute to the safety and success of major projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assisting with Creating, developing, and managing the System ET Commissioning Process.
• Reviewing in-service commissioning documents ensuring they align with current ET standards and approved project drawings.
• Assisting with the ET Aerial Program
• Assisting with performing ET field safety audits and ET field project audits.
• Assisting with the review and creation of ET Engineering Practices

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must have demonstrated experience in ET maintenance and construction.
• Must have knowledge of Electric Traction Department Construction Standards, Electric Traction Standard Operating Instructions, AMT-2, Norac and RWP.
• Business acumen
• Knowledge and ability to apply problem solving approaches.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, self-starter, motivated individual
• Excellent team player; strong communications and interpersonal skills
• Must have proven leadership experience.
• Must be computer literate and capable of writing computer programs or spreadsheet programs to streamline efficiency.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated interest or competency in the railroad industry.
• Minimum of 10 years demonstrated experience with railroad electric traction systems.
• Previous industry experience (internships, co-op, professional)
• Demonstrated experience in design/construction.
• Demonstrated experience in Drafting tools, such as AutoCAD.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple tasks.
• Project Management Certification · Engineering in Training (EIT) Certification
• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience

WORK ENVRIORNMENT:

• Position may be required to work extended hours, including limited night and weekend activities.
• Limited travel to various points on the Amtrak System (Boston to Wash DC and Philadelphia to Harrisburg)
• Office and field environment.
• High mental demand for resolving critical issues that arise

COMMUNICATIONS AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:  

Must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

The salary/hourly range is $103,700-134,460. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, internal equity, etc. Depending on an employee’s assigned worksite or location, Amtrak may consider a geo-pay differential to be applied to the employee’s base salary. Amtrak may offer additional incentive and pay programs to recognize and reward our employees, including a short-term incentive bonus based upon factors such as individual and company performance that is commensurate with the level of the position and/or long-term incentive plan compensation. In addition to your salary, Amtrak offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes health, dental, and vision plans; health savings accounts; wellness programs; flexible spending accounts; 401K retirement plan with employer match; life insurance; short and long term disability insurance; paid time off; back-up care; adoption assistance; surrogacy assistance; reimbursement of education expenses; Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility; Railroad Retirement sickness and retirement benefits; and rail pass privileges. Learn more about our benefits offerings  here.

Requisition ID: 162988 Posting Location(s): Pennsylvania

Work Arrangement: 06-Onsite  Job Family/Function: Engineering  Relocation Offered: No  Travel Requirements: Up to 25% 

You power our progress through your performance.  

We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions. 

Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen. 

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.  

In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.

In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses. 

Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Amtrak is an EOE/Affirmative Action Minority/Female employer, and we welcome all to apply. We consider candidates regardless of race/color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions), national origin/ethnicity, age, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.

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Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, 12 best amtrak trips from st. louis.

If you’re ready to get out and explore, consider an Amtrak trip from St. Louis. Missouri River Runner , Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle trains stop at the Gateway Transportation Center and travel to destinations near and far. Several day trips are doable or travel overnight to Texas, Arizona and California.

To view your options, here are the best Amtrak trips from St. Louis that don’t require a train transfer or middle-of-the-night travel. For current train schedules and ticket prices, visit Amtrak.com.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page .

Travel 1.5 hours to Hermann, Missouri for a small town with European charm. Settled by German immigrants, you can learn about the town’s history at the Deutschheim State Historic Site , Historic Hermann Museum and Hermann Farm Museum . There are also many local wineries and tasting rooms to explore. For more things to do, consider planning your trip around a special event such as Oktoberfest and the seasonal German Christmas market.

A day trip is an option or stay overnight in walking distance of the Amtrak station, including at the Wharf Street Inn , The Inn at Hermannhof or the Wohlt House .

Springfield

Springfield, Illinois is great destination if you love history. You can visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum , Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Illinois State Museum here. Other attractions include Route 66 , the historic Cozy Dog Drive In and a Frank Lloyd Wright house .

About two hours away from St. Louis via Amtrak, you can spend a day or weekend here. The State House Inn , Wyndham Springfield Center and DoubleTree Hotel are closest to the Amtrak station and near tourist areas.

Jefferson City

Jefferson City, Missouri is another easy Amtrak day trip from St. Louis. Trip time is about 2.5 hours and you’ll arrive next to the Missouri River and the walkable downtown area. Top attractions include the former Missouri State Penitentiary , Missouri State Museum and the Jefferson Landing Historic Site . Kids will enjoy the Runge Conservation Nature Center or explore the outdoors on the bike trails ( bike rentals in walking distance of the train station). Consider checking out the Salute to America festival in July and Oktoberfest in September.

Independence

Step back in time with an Amtrak trip to Independence . The Harry Truman Presidential Library and Museum and National Historic Site are the major attractions, and you can also tour or go to an event at the Vaile Mansion (built in 1881). Rail fans will enjoy visiting to the 1879 Chicago and Alton Railroad Depot or check out the National Frontier Trails Museum to learn about the movement of pioneers out west.

Travel time from St. Louis is just over five hours. It’s best to stay overnight at least one night (the Woodstock Inn Bed and Breakfast is a short walk from the Amtrak station). However, if trains are on time, you have a couple hours to sightsee before returning to St. Louis. You can walk to downtown Independence, the National Frontier Trails Museum and the Truman Historic Site in 20 minutes or less. Otherwise, use rideshare or rent a car (Enterprise has pickup service).

For great food, live music, museums and boat tours , head to Chicago . Travel time is about 5.5 hours and you’ll arrive near the Chicago River and a water taxi stop. There are many festivals and events to plan a trip around or visit top attractions, including the 360 Chicago Observation Deck , Millennium Park , Chicago Riverwalk , Navy Pier and Wrigley Field .

Plan to stay in Chicago at least one night. Popular hotel areas include the Loop , West Loop and River North , which are all near the Amtrak station. For more train travel ideas, check out the best Amtrak trips from Chicago (many trains depart from the city and travel across America).

Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri is full of barbecue , distilleries , museums and more than 200 water fountains . It’s a laid-back urban getaway with the option to experience the arts, sports and trendy venues without big-city crowds. Consider visiting in the summer and fall for the best weather and the most events .

Travel time is about 5 hours and 40 minutes from St. Louis. You’ll arrive at the beautiful Union Station , which has restaurants, a planetarium, live performance venue and a model train gallery. A short walk away is the National World War I Museum along with several hotels, including Sheraton Crown Center , The Westin , Hotel Indigo Crossroads and Home2 Suites .

Explore a variety of attractions on an overnight Amtrak trip to Dallas. Travel time from St. Louis is about 15.5 hours and you’ll arrive near the Dealey Plaza Historic District and Reunion Tower , which has an observation deck. The Dallas Arboretum , Trinity River trails and White Rock Lake Park are great ways to enjoy the outdoors, and for nightlife , restaurants and trolley rides , be sure to visit Uptown.

Across the street from the Amtrak station are two hotels: Courtyard by Marriott and La Quinta Inn & Suites . The Omni is also about a block away. For more options, Lyft and Uber can take you to top hotels in other parts of the city.

Plan a trip to Fort Worth to attend the winter rodeo , eat barbecue and visit other top attractions, including the Fort Worth Botanic Garden , Fort Worth Zoo and Sundance Square . There are also several museums and trails along the Trinity River to check out.

Travel time is about 17.5 hours and you’ll need to stay in Fort Worth at least one night. Hotels closest to the Amtrak station include Sheraton Downtown Fort Worth , The Omni , Fairfield Inn & Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites .

Austin is a beautiful city full of live music , outdoor activities and food . Travel time on the train is about 22.5 hours with an arrival around dinnertime. There’s plenty of nightlife to enjoy after you arrive (and bat watching on the Congress bridge ). On the following day, you can explore top attractions, including the Lady Bird Lake Trail , the LBJ Presidential Library and 6th Street . A day trip to Hill Country for wine tasting is another fun activity.

San Antonio

San Antonio is full of things to do for kids and adults. The city is famous for its River Walk and historic Spanish missions, including the Alamo . Other top attractions include Fiesta Texas Six Flags , SeaWorld , Natural Bridge Caverns and the San Antonio Botanical Garden .

Travel time is about 26 hours on the train. Several hotels (including Staybridge Suites , City View Inn and Holiday Inn Express ) are in walking distance of the Amtrak station, or you can rent a car (pick-up service available) or use rideshare services to reach lodging that is farther away.

For Southwest culture, food and desert landscapes, head to  Tucson . Travel time is about 49.5 hours and you’ll spend two nights on the train. Top places to visit include the  Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum  (which has a zoo, museum, gardens and art galleries),  Saguaro National Park (pictured top of page),  Mission San Xavier del Bac ,  Historic Fourth Avenue  and the many great restaurants .

We recommend renting a car to see local attractions, especially if you want to visit the national park. The nearby Enterprise rental car office can pick you up with a reservation. Hotel Congress and AC Hotel Downtown Tucson are closest to the Amtrak station (walking time is less than five minutes). View the best places to stay in the city for more ideas.

Los Angeles

For an epic train trip from St. Louis, you can travel three nights and almost 60 hours on the Texas Eagle to reach Los Angeles . Some of the top attractions to check out include the  Getty Center ,  Griffith Observatory  (pictured above),  Universal Studios Hollywood and the  Santa Monica Pier .  City tours  are a great way to see the sights or use rideshare to get around.

For places to stay near the attractions, check out hotels in Hollywood , West Hollywood , Beverly Hills and Santa Monica . Because of the long travel time, consider flying back to St. Louis from one of the area airports .

More Information

• 10 best Midwest Amtrak trips
• St. Louis to Chicago on Amtrak
• Traveling on Amtrak: 5 things to know
• 7 essential things to pack for an Amtrak trip

Top photo Saguaro National Park by Joe Parks

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