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By Train

Boston is served by Amtrak at North Station, South Station, and Back Bay Station, which accommodate frequent departures to and arrivals from New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Amtrak's pricey high-speed Acela train has cut the travel time between Boston and New York from 4 1/2 hours to 3 1/2 hours. South Station is also the eastern terminus of Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited, which travels daily between Boston and Chicago by way of Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and Cleveland. An additional Amtrak station with ample parking is just off Route 128 in suburban Westwood, southwest of Boston.

The MBTA runs commuter trains to points south, west, and north. Those bound for Worcester, Needham, Forge Park, Providence (RI), and Stoughton leave from South Station and Back Bay Station; those to Fitchburg, Lowell, Haverhill, Newburyport, and Rockport operate out of North Station. MBTA's Old Colony commuter line connects Boston's South Station with points south, running through Braintree to Plymouth/Kingston and Middleborough.

Fares & Schedules

Amtrak tickets and reservations are available at Amtrak stations, by telephone, through travel agents, or online. Amtrak schedule and fare information can be found at South Station, Back Bay Station, or the Route 128 station in suburban Westwood as well as online. You can buy tickets or passes for the MBTA commuter trains at South Station, North Station, Back Bay Station, or Government Center. The 24-hour hotline is another good source for route, schedule, fare, and other information. Free maps are available at the MBTA's Park Street Station information stand.

Train Information

Amtrak (800/872-7245. www.amtrak.com). Back Bay Station (145 Dartmouth St., Back Bay). MBTA (617/222-3200 or 800/392-6100. www.mbta.com). North Station (Causeway and Friend Sts., North End). South Station (Atlantic Ave. and Summer St., Downtown).

Paying

Amtrak ticket offices accept all major credit cards, cash, traveler's checks, and personal checks when accompanied by a valid photo ID and a major credit card. You may pay on board with cash or a major credit card, but a surcharge may apply. MBTA commuter-rail stations generally accept only cash. You may also pay in cash on board commuter trains, but there may be a $1-$2 surcharge.

Reservations

Amtrak has both reserved and unreserved trains. During peak times, such as a Friday night, get a reservation and a ticket in advance. Trains at nonpeak times are unreserved, with seats assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.