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New York to Boston: Amtrak Regional, Acela or the Cheaper Bus

New York to Boston takes about 4 hours 15 minutes on the Amtrak Northeast Regional and about 3h40 on the faster Acela, running from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station to Boston South Station, both right downtown. Between them Amtrak runs roughly 16 trains a day, so departures are frequent. FlixBus, Peter Pan and Greyhound coaches take around 4h30 for the lowest fares, and there is no sensible flight once you add two airport transfers on a city centre to city centre trip. Here is how the times and fares compare.

FastestAcela, about 3h40
FrequencyAround 16 Amtrak trains a day
CheapestFlixBus, Peter Pan or Greyhound coach from about USD 15
RoutePenn Station (Moynihan) to Boston South Station, about 370 km
New York to Boston: your options
ModeOperatorDurationApprox fareOvernight
Train Amtrak Northeast Regional
The standard workhorse, Penn Station (Moynihan) to Boston South Station, about 9 departures a day. Advance saver fares from around USD 25 to 49, with WiFi, power sockets and no middle seats.
about 4h15 from USD 25 advance No Check on 12Go →
Train Amtrak Acela
Faster with fewer stops, about 7 departures a day, Business and First class only so fares run higher. Book ahead for the best price.
about 3h40 from USD 90 (Acela) No Check on 12Go →
Bus FlixBus / Peter Pan / Greyhound
Cheapest overall, frequent daily departures from Midtown, a little slower than the train and subject to I-95 traffic.
about 4h30 from USD 15 No Check on 12Go →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

Show stays for:
Where to stay in New York
Option 1
Wyndham Garden Chinatown
New York
Top-rated stay in New York
Wyndham Garden Chinatown
★ 8.1 817 reviews
€225
per night
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Option 2
The Wall Street Inn
New York
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The Wall Street Inn
★ 8.7 406 reviews
€232
per night
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Option 3
Pod Times Square
New York
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Pod Times Square
★ 8.6 3119 reviews
€186
per night
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Where to stay in Boston
Option 1
The Colonnade Hotel
Boston
Top-rated stay in Boston
The Colonnade Hotel
★ 8.8 682 reviews
€303
per night
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Option 2
Revere Hotel Boston Common
Boston
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Revere Hotel Boston Common
★ 8.6 380 reviews
€311
per night
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Option 3
Hilton Boston Park Plaza
Boston
Top-rated stay in Boston
Hilton Boston Park Plaza
★ 8.2 996 reviews
€288
per night
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Things to do
In New York

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In Boston

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Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from New York to Boston?
About 4 hours 15 minutes on the Amtrak Northeast Regional and about 3h40 on the faster Acela, both running Penn Station (Moynihan) to Boston South Station, city centre to city centre.
How much does the train from New York to Boston cost?
Northeast Regional advance saver fares start from about USD 25 to 49 and rise closer to departure. The Acela is Business and First class only, so it starts higher, from around USD 90. Booking ahead saves the most.
Is there a direct train from New York to Boston?
Yes. Both the Northeast Regional and the Acela run direct with no change, Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station to Boston South Station, about 16 trains a day combined.
What is the best way to get from New York to Boston?
The train is the best all-round option: downtown to downtown, frequent, and about 3h40 to 4h15 with no airport hassle. Take the bus if you are counting every dollar, as flying rarely wins once you add airport transfers.
What is the New York to Boston train frequency?
Amtrak runs roughly 16 trains a day, about 9 Northeast Regional and 7 Acela, from early morning to late evening, so the timetable is dense throughout the day.

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Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.

Beta Prices and availability reflect current partner rates and can change before you book. Confirm the final price on 12Go or Agoda (linked per result) before booking.