Train/travel in New York State
 

Fall 2008 I would like to make this trip. New York City 4 days to see shows then the train to Buffalo and then see Niagra Falls. These are my questions: How do I best get tickets for Broadway shows prior to going to New York City? I want to make the train trip to see fall foliage. When is the best time? Any other hints for the trip will be appreciated.

Well - it's impossible to tel in advance exactly when leaves will turn - so much depends on how hot/cool/wet the summer is. And the whole state doesn;lt trun at the same time.

If you do about Oct 15 you should have good leaf viewing for at least part of the trip.

Just be aware that much of what you want to see at Niagara Falls is in Canada and you will need your passport to get to and fro.

Broadwaybox.com lists shows that offer discounts in advance (about 4 to 6 weeks out). But if you want a hit show discounts are unlikely and you should get tickets from the regular on-line seller at least 4/5 months in advance. Playbill.com will have info on al shows including the on-line seller (often www.telecharge.com)

Is there any way you can plan to drive instead of take the train? Our trains are not very good!

I'd strongly urge you to think twice about the train to Buffalo. It's a very long trip and not really worthwhile. You can fly on Jet Blue and rent a car for a day or two and have much more time to enjoy your trip. You do realize that if you take the train to Buffalo, it's about 9 or 10 hours each way.

And if you want to see fall foliage, you can do that much closer to NYC. I understand the draw of Niagara Falls, but the caveat that the best views are on the Canada side is a sound one. Bring your passport.

I agree - assumed you realize that this is at least a 3 day trip - one day up, one day there and one day back - since the trains take forever and run only - I think - once a day.

Except for commuter trains around a few major cities the US isn't really set up for train travel. Frankly I would drive versus taking the train - it's faster - and you can stop to sightsee where you want.

If you have a passport, bring it. If you don't, contrary to what I always read on this site, you don't need one. I cross the border between Canada and the US at both Buffalo (Peace Bridge) and Niagara Falls all year long and I have never been asked for anything more than a picture drivers lisence.

Drive.
My brother (and a friend whose BF lives in Toronto) drive. If you know where you're going it can take as little as 8/hrs (NYC/Toronto - so less if only to Buffalo)... otherwise, add 2/hrs. Certainly better than the train.

As to foliage, all depends on the weather and where the colors will be best... varies from year-to-year, area-to-area.

I don't think train is a very good way to see fall foliage.

Trains travel along narrow, straight corridors with limited visibility. The best views are leisurely drives through the countryside; vistas as you round corners or crest hills.

I agree with the others that you are better off renting a car for a day, either in Buffalo area, or NY area. If you wish, you can drive from NYC to Buffalo as an option.

If you plan on visiting the first 1/2 October you will be sure to see some beautiful fall color. Buffalo area will be ~2weeks ahead of NYC, but targeting around Columbus day is usually a safe bet.

KathyK.

Your comments about needing a passport are correct, in the past tense.

New US border control rules will soon be implemented, requiring all travelers to show a passport.

The implementation of these rules has been delayed, but is now projected to kick in starting in 2008.

Jan '08: Gov't issued + proof of citizenship required.

Summer '08: Passport required.

travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

I had to comment as I feel there's a bit of misinformation regarding the trains here. The first half of your train ride would be from New York City to Albany, which has a lovely stretch along the Hudson River, which, in my opinion, has some terrific views that I enjoy each time. I've not yet experienced the Albany-Buffalo stretch of rail, so can't comment on that.

There are actually 3 trains daily from New York City-Buffalo; listed travel time is 7h40min. (Do note that the Buffalo Depew station is a good bit outside the city centre.) The Maple Leaf train leaves early in the morning from NYC, so would probably be best for viewing possibilites.

I personally find travelling by train enjoyable and relaxing, but you have to know that you're the type of person who is OK not adhering to strict schedules and can roll with the punches, as delays of 1-2 hours are not uncommon. You know yourself best. Bringing your own food for lunch is not a bad idea.

Buffalo and Niagara Falls are not worth the trip, train or car travel. The Hudson Valley has breathtaking fall foliage.

What helpful information. This trip idea came about because I wanted to ride the Adaronak train route. Maybe riding the train to Albany and renting a car from Albany to Buffalo would be good, although I do enjoy train travel. I have time so there is no rush for me. I wanted to see Niagra Falls because I have seen most of the major waterfall of the world (Angel Falls, Iguazu Falls and Victoria Falls), but never Niagra Falls. Another possibility might be to go on to Toronto and fly home from there. I will be sure to have my passport with me. Thank you for the Broadway information and the timing of fall foliage.

I think there's some confusion here.

The Adirondacks are not near Buffalo or Niagara Falls.

The Adirondack train goes from NYC to Montreal - which is through the Adirondacks - but straight north from NYC.

Buffalo is mostly west of NYC - and is a different train route - turning west at Albany - and does not go through the Adirondacks.

The Adirondack train route north of Albany is also scenic. You could consider taking that train to Montreal then a train from Montreal to Toronto.

No confusion. I would take the Adirondack train as far as Albany. I just went to Montreal and Quebec City a month ago, which is why I was thinking going west to the falls. I will continue to Toronto and probably fly home from there. You have all given me great ideas for planning the trip.

There are many trains to Albany every day, but only one "Adirondack". If you want to go to Albany, you have many different options than this particular train, so it doesn't make much sense to limit yourself. But it's always your choice.

I once saw a magnificent Bald Eagle along the Hudson from that train. do choose your seat on the side that faces the river!

If your destination is Buffalo/Niagara Falls, you would waste a lot of time training due north to Albany and then traveling by car due west to Buffalo. I love the train ride up the Hudson River, but if I was heading to Buffalo, this is not the way I would go.

If all you're interested in is some fall foliage, take a regular MetroNorth commuter train to Cold Spring for the day--less than 1.5 hours each way and you'll see the most dramatic parts of the entire river ride.