It’s no secret that Saratoga Springs is one of my favorite destinations in New York! I’ve visited several times over the years, and it’s a place I always look forward to returning to. But on my most recent trip, I decided to experience it a little differently. Instead of driving, I took Amtrak!
As much as I love a good road trip, train travel is incredibly underrated. There’s no sitting in traffic, no spending hours focused on the road, and no worrying about finding parking once you arrive. Instead, I was able to relax, enjoy the scenery, and let the journey become part of the adventure. By the time I arrived in Saratoga Springs, I felt refreshed and ready to start exploring!
If you’ve been thinking about giving train travel a try, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From what it’s like riding Amtrak to why Saratoga Springs is one of the best New York destinations to visit by rail. So, let’s skip the drive and take Amtrak instead!
Why Choose Amtrak?
One of the biggest reasons I enjoyed taking Amtrak is that the journey became part of the adventure. Instead of simply focusing on getting from point A to point B, I was able to slow down, relax, and actually enjoy the ride!
Traveling by train also takes away many of the stresses that come with driving, including:
- Stop-and-go traffic
- Searching for parking
- Navigating unfamiliar roads or watching GPS the entire trip
Another thing that really stood out to me was just how comfortable the ride was. The spacious seats and generous legroom gave me plenty of room to stretch out, making the trip feel much more relaxing than spending hours behind the wheel or cramped into the backseat of a car. Being able to read my book or catch up on some work using the free Wi-Fi made all of the difference!
One of my other favorite features was having the freedom to get up and move around whenever I wanted. I could stretch my legs, head to the Café Car for a drink or snack, or simply enjoy the changing scenery from a different part of the train. I particularly loved the large windows offering views of the New York countryside passing by. The ride itself became part of the experience instead of just the transportation.
Where Does Amtrak Go?
One of the things that surprised me most while planning this trip was just how extensive Amtrak’s network really is. I honestly hadn’t realized how many destinations were accessible by train!
Amtrak serves more than 500 destinations across 46 states, with routes extending into Canada, making it one of the easiest ways to explore both bustling cities and charming small towns throughout North America. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, chances are there’s an Amtrak route that can get you there.
Some of the most popular destinations you can reach by Amtrak include:
- Major cities like New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Chicago
- Charming towns throughout New York State, including Saratoga Springs, Albany, Hudson, and even Montréal via the Adirondack route
- Scenic destinations across the country, from the Pacific Northwest to California, the Rocky Mountains, and New England
- More than 30 train routes that connect hundreds of unique destinations throughout the United States and parts of Canada
For this trip, I rode the Adirondack route between Albany and Saratoga Springs, but after experiencing how relaxing train travel can be, I’m already thinking about all of the other New York destinations I’d love to explore by rail!
What It’s Like Riding Amtrak
From the moment we arrived at the station, everything felt simple and stress-free. Ticket booths were easily accessible, digital boards clearly displayed departure information, and there was plenty of friendly staff available to answer questions and point us in the right direction. We had no trouble finding our platform and were settling into our seats within minutes!
Coach seating was one of the biggest surprises. Since seats aren’t assigned, we were able to choose where we wanted to sit. The seats themselves were large and comfortable, with plenty of legroom, making the ride feel much more spacious than spending hours in a car. There was ample overhead storage for our luggage, and with complimentary Wi-Fi and power outlets at every seat, I was even able to catch up on a few emails- something that’s impossible to do when you’re the one behind the wheel.
When we were ready for a break, we made our way to the Café Car to grab a snack and a hot tea. It was a nice excuse to get up, move around, and stretch our legs while getting to enjoy the scenery. Before we knew it, we had arrived in Saratoga Springs, refreshed and ready to start exploring!
Why Saratoga Springs Is the Perfect Train Destination
If you haven’t yet been to Saratoga Springs, consider this your sign to add it to your New York travel list! Located just north of Albany, this charming city is one of my favorite weekend getaways in the state—and after several visits, it continues to be a destination I find myself coming back to again and again.
One of the things that makes Saratoga Springs such a great destination for train travel is how easy it is to explore once you arrive. The Amtrak station is just a few minutes from downtown, and from there, you can spend the rest of your trip on foot. There’s no need to worry about finding parking, moving your car from place to place, or navigating unfamiliar streets. Instead, you can simply check into your hotel and start exploring.
Downtown Saratoga Springs is full of character, with beautiful historic architecture, tree-lined streets, locally owned boutiques, cozy cafés, incredible restaurants, and plenty of green space to enjoy along the way. Whether you’re spending the afternoon shopping, grabbing dinner on Broadway, or just wandering around town, everything feels connected and easily accessible.
Saratoga Springs Recommendations
After visiting Saratoga Springs several times over the years, I’ve discovered a few favorite spots that I find myself returning to again and again. If you’re planning your own weekend getaway, here are a few places I’d recommend checking out.
Where to Stay
Saratoga Arms is a beautiful boutique hotel located right on Broadway, making it the perfect home base for exploring downtown on foot. In addition to its unbeatable location, the hotel offers spacious rooms, a cozy parlor that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing, a complimentary 24/7 snack pantry, and one of the best hotel breakfasts I’ve had.
Where to Eat
Saratoga Springs has an incredible food scene, and you really can’t go wrong. For drinks and oysters, grab a seat at the bar at 15 Church. The Merc is one of my favorite spots for brunch or lunch, while Hamlet & Ghost is a must for dinner (just be sure to make a reservation!). And before you leave town, a sweet treat from Saratoga Gelato is a must!
My Favorite Shops
One of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon in Saratoga is simply wandering through the shops downtown. A few of my favorites include Saratoga Marketplace, Caroline and Main, Northshire Bookstore, and Silverwood Home & Gallery. They’re all within walking distance of one another, making it easy to spend a relaxing afternoon browsing local businesses.
Tips for Taking Amtrak
If you’re in the process of planning your own Amtrak trip, here are a few simple tips to help make your experience as easy and enjoyable as possible!
- Arrive at the station 30 minutes early: Give yourself a little extra time before your scheduled departure so you can find your platform, use the restroom, grab anything you might need, and be ready to board without feeling rushed. Since Coach seats aren’t assigned, arriving early can also give you a better chance of snagging the seat you want.
- Bring your headphones: Planning to listen to music, catch up on a podcast, or watch a movie during the ride? Don’t forget your headphones! It’s courteous to other passengers to keep your entertainment to yourself while onboard.
- Visit the Café Car: Make the Café Car part of your Amtrak experience! It’s a great excuse to stretch your legs and grab a drink or snack during the journey.
- Choose a window seat: Trust me, you won’t want to miss the views! One of my favorite parts of traveling by train was simply watching the scenery pass by. A window seat makes it that much easier to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.
Enjoy Your Ride with Amtrak
Taking Amtrak to Saratoga Springs was such an easy and enjoyable way to travel, and it was a great reminder that getting to your destination can be part of the adventure, too. From the comfortable ride and beautiful views to arriving refreshed and ready to explore, it made an already wonderful Saratoga Springs getaway even better.
If you’re planning your own New York getaway, consider skipping the drive and taking Amtrak instead! I hope this guide has helped answer some of your questions and inspired you to give train travel a try. As always, happy travels!
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