This page is written for people who wish to travel by train between the western and eastern parts of Massachusetts on Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited service.
To learn about efforts underway to expand East–West passenger rail service please visit this page:
East–West rail in Massachusetts
By Jacob Pike | via Flickr
Overview
Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited service (trains 448 and 449) provides daily service between Boston South station and Albany-Rensselaer NY station, with intermediate stops in Boston Back Bay, Framingham, Worcester, Springfield, and Pittsfield.
Through service to/from Chicago, and intermediate stations, is also available on this train.
Contents
Accommodations and amenities on board
Train one-way and bus the other
Timetable
Boston MA – Albany-Rensselaer NY
Boston MA – Albany-Rensselaer NY – Chicago IL
Lake Shore Limited timetable (PDF)
October 10, 2022
Accommodations and amenities on board
• Café Car
• Sleeping car accommodations, for those traveling longer distances.
Sample fares
One-way in coach (Adult)
-
- Springfield Union Station
- ⮂ Boston South Station | Starting at $9
- ⮂ Boston Back Bay Station | Starting at $9
- ⮂ Framingham MA | Starting at $7
- ⮂ Worcester MA | Starting at $7
- ⮂ Pittsfield MA | Starting at $9
- ⮂ Albany-Rensselaer NY | Starting at $9
- ⮂ Chicago IL | Starting at $90
- Springfield Union Station
-
- Pittsfield
- ⮂ Boston South Station | Starting at $9
- ⮂ Boston Back Bay Station | Starting at $9
- ⮂ Framingham MA | Starting at $9
- ⮂ Worcester MA | Starting at $9
- ⮂ Springfield MA | Starting at $9
- ⮂ Albany-Rensselaer NY | Starting at $9
- ⮂ Chicago IL | Starting at $85
- Pittsfield
Important notes
- The fares listed are the lowest available Saver Fare for a ticket purchased more than fourteen (14) days in advance.
- Higher fares apply when a ticket is purchased less than 14 days in advance, during peak travel periods, and when seats are limited on a particular train.
- Discounted fares are available for Children (2 through 12), Passengers with disabilities, Seniors (65 years of age and over), Military personnel and their families, Military veterans, and members of the Rail Passengers Association. Further details on this link | Amtrak Discounts
- The sample fares listed were last checked on January 21, 2023.
Ticket information
Tickets should be purchased on Amtrak’s mobile app or website [Amtrak.com].
Tickets can also be purchased by calling Amtrak (1-800-USA-RAIL) or by visiting a staffed Amtrak ticket office, for example at Springfield Union Station.
Further information is available on Amtrak’s How to Purchase Tickets webpage.
Train one-way and bus the other
For those wanting to try the train to/from Boston you might consider taking the train one-way and an intercity bus in the other direction — if the train times don’t work for you.
Both Peter Pan Bus Lines and Greyhound offer daily service between Boston South Station and Springfield Union Station.
Note that some of the bus runs also stop at Worcester and/or Framingham.
Background
The Lake Shore Limited service is part of Amtrak’s Long Distance Service Line. It is financed through funds provided by the federal government.
See also
East-West Passenger Rail Study
Other Rail Travel Options in the Pioneer Valley
Springfield Union Station information
Further information
Lake Shore Limited (Amtrak)
Lake Shore Limited (Wikipedia)
“East West Rail Across Massachusetts”
A travelogue by Robert Kearns | December 15, 2019
Page last updated: January 21, 2023
Page last reviewed: January 11, 2020