Have you checked flights? I think a couple of AA flights might work for about $200

Check out kayak.com with your dates and see if anything fits your timeline. Then you could take the train back to Manhattan

Hi solotraveler75,

Advice for the return trip? Hmmmm... Albany to NY Penn is a piece of cake. You could even walk to your hotel from the train station in NYC if you wanted.

If you're staying at the Hampton Inn on Chapel Street in Albany, a cab should take no more than 10 minutes to get you across the river to the train station in Rensselaer. It's possible your hotel in Albany might have a complimentary shuttle to the train station (I know the Holiday Inn Express I stay at offers this); worth asking, anyway. There is a bus too (the #214, www.cdta.org) that runs every half-an-hour that I took once (was fine), but likely you won't need/want to do that. The Rensselaer train station was renovated not too long along ago, so is more pleasant and airy than some; the area around the train station in Rensselaer is pretty barren although once with half-an-hour, I walked to a nearby working class mostly residential area. I'm a bigger fan of nearby Albany (and Schenectady)-- I love the Capitol and at risk of having derision heaped in my direction-- I do also love the much derided Egg. Lark Street and some of the immediate streets surrounding it are in my opinion quite charming in an early 13 colonies sort of way; I usually try to stop in Sukhothai or one of the independent coffee shops on Lark Street when passing through Albany.

Happy travels! Daniel

I seen there are many train option in AMTRAK when purchasing ticket online.
Is there any difference or they are all the same ?

Adirondack
Empire Service
Ethan Allen express
etc..


Am buying the correct route ?
New York, NY Penn Station (NYP) to
Albany-Renssealaer, NY (ALB)

Thanks.

You have the stations correct. NYP to ALB.
Adirondack, Empire, etc are all just names given to different trains. They are all the same, just different times. I would just take the train back to NYC.

Daniel has given you good advice on getting to the Hampton Inn Albany. There will be taxi's waiting when the train arrives at the station. The immediate area around the Hamnpton Inn has numerous restaurants & bars, and you are just a short walk from the Hudson River where there is a 10mi walking/bike path that stretches to the north that you can stroll if you want some open space.

25 replies on how to get to Albany. No mentioned horse, taxi, or by foot.

The name of the train doesn't matter much; they mostly make the same stops in the Hudson Valley. All the trains going north stop in Albany. But if you buy the cheapest ticket for a specific train, you have to take that train. You won't be able to change.

You have a "reserved" seat as in you are guaranteed entry to the train. You won't have a specific seat.

Since you are working, I"m assuming you are arriving on a weekday. If you are arriving on Sunday, you can buy a "City Ticket" from Jamaica to NY Penn for $4.25. That's cheaper than the regular LIRR service. After 11 am you will be traveling OFF PEAK, so buy the cheapest ticket from the machine as you exit the Airtrain terminal before you descend to the train platform. There are elevators to the right as you exit the Air Train platform and directly ahead of you at the end of the walkway, but you'll have stairs (not an escalator) going down to the left. Similarly, it's a bit of a zoo to exit at Penn Station, and you may or may not find an escalator near the exit from the train.

The platform for your train to Albany won't be announced until about 10 minutes before train departure, then there's a mad rush to get down. If you hire a red cap and tip generously (ask in the Amtrak lounge), he'll get you down to the platform early and help you with your bags and into the correct car. It's worth it, but you need to be prepared to tip $10, which seems expensive but is so worth it not to have to deal with the crush of people.

IMDoneHere-- Actually, I've always wondered if one can cross the Hudson River from Albany to Rensselaer by foot. I only notice crossings for motorized vehicles between the two but don't know if there's a footpath or not (I thought I might like to walk across sometime if it's a nice day).

Yes, you can walk from Rensselaer to ALB - there is a sidewalk along the north edge/west-bound side of the Dunn bridge. It is not a walk I would recommend. Too close to traffic as you cross the bridge.

If you have substanital luggage do not wait for the train to be listed and have to garb your bags and run (yes, run) to the gate and down the stairs and try to find a place for your luggage.

Much better to go to the Amtrak waiting area and hire a Red Cap. They know in advance which track the train will come in on and have a key to unlock the escalator. They will put your luggage on a carrier and take you and the luggage downstairs to the platform before anyone else gets there. Will also help you find a lace for your luggage (only a small carry-on can go in the overhead). There is no charge but do give them a decent tip - $5 or more depending on how much luggage.

Well worth not having to run into the crowd with your luggage.

@Daniel_Williams - Thanks Daniel. Btw Am carrying a backpack for my laptop, a handbag and a luggage( medium size) usually weight around 20KG. Do i need to check in this luggage ?

COz I try to purchase ticket online in AMTRAK and noticing this option 'No Checked Bagage' ?

As for the seat, is it first come first serve basis?am aiming to get a window seat left side as ImDonehere suggested.

@J62 - Thank you.

@ImDonehere - by horse really?

@Dough_Stallings - Touching down JFK Sunday 11am. Aside from the tip of 10$, is there any other fee i need to pay if i get a help/ hire a 'Red Cap' staff?

@NYTraveler - Thanks.


So far this is what i have consolidated (bullet form)
from all your replies.

This will serve as my guide literally.

1. Take Airtrain and allight to Jamaica station. Pay as i leave the Airtrain.
2. Follow the sign out /exit.
3. To the left will be an open-air upper level bridge that crosses over all the LIRR tracks.
4. Purchase ticket in one of the machine in this upper level for train to Penn Station.
5. Train to Penn Station departs Track 1 or Track 2

At PENN Station.

1. Look for Amtrak Ticketing and waiting area which is located on the upper level closer to 8th Avenue end of station.
2. Check where is the Amtrak Lounge, hire Red Cap. Tip 5-10$
3. Ensure to get a window seat on left on way up and vice versa.


I welcome more of your expert tip and advise. This is getting exciting..

>>>> That's why no one else is recommending this. >>>

Another brilliant statement from the Fodor's moderator.

The OP specifically asked for other options besides the AirTrain so I offered one with which I'm very familiar.

I take the Airport bus all the time and find them convenient and easy. And everytime I've been on one Penn Station has been announced as the last stop and there's no need to change.

No checking luggage on Amtrak - you carry your own on and off.

Depending onthe train it may come in with most seats full - but usually a good number of people get off in NY - but no guarantee of any specific seat. Or even any seat at all - they will sell more tickets than they have seats and you have to sit on your luggage at the end of the car.

But this is usually on a Fri night or Sun night/Mon am when people are returning from weekends.

Hello All,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

In few days am heading to NYC arm with all your advise, suggestion,recommendation and tip.

Question - is it ok if am going to take taxi from JFK Terminal 4 to PENN station ? Instead of taking AIRTRAIN to PENN Station?

Is this a good alternative ? Will it cost me a lot ?



Thanks again.

The official taxi rate from JFK to Manhattan is $52 plus toll and tip, so just about $70 total.

AirTrain plus LIRR will cost about $10.

The official taxi rate from JFK to Manhattan is $52 plus toll and tip, so just about $70 total.

AirTrain plus LIRR will cost about $10.

Tip should be 20% of taxi fare - but not toll. Cabs all take credit cards.

At the worst of rush hour the Airtrain/LIRR option can be faster by 15-20 minutes or more, but taxi is less stressful after a long trip. Otherwise time is about the same.

Do NOT accept a ride from any random person offering one - they are scammers. Use only the official taxi line with dispatcher.

Happy New Year to All!

Thanks for all your help!


See you in 24hrs NYC!



Solotraveller

Have a great trip!