Amtrak runs Northeast Corridor and Shore Line East services to New London and makes train travel to New London, Connecticut, from New York City, Boston, Providence, and points beyond very convenient and actually fun. This guide covers routes, schedules, ticket prices, how to book, train stations, and tips.
Why Take a Train to New London? Top Reasons to Choose Rail Travel
To understand the logistics of train travel to New London, let’s first understand the rationale. Many travelers who have tried train travel at least once will not go back to cars or planes.
No traffic, no stress. The I-95 corridor between New York and Boston has an bad reputation for traffic gridlock years which only gets worse on the weekends and all summer long. The average 2.5 hour drive from NYC turns into a 4-5 hour drive. Meanwhile, with Amtrak, you can rely on a set and predictable schedule.
Scenic coastal views. The Amtrak Northeast Regional and Shore Line East routes wind through New England’s majestic waterfront scenery of the Connecticut shoreline, rocky coves and salt marshes. Unlike other train rides, this is one you will actually enjoy.
Arrive downtown. The New London-State Pier Station brings you straight into New London’s city center and right next to the restaurants and ferries on the waterfront. No need for a rental car!
Environmentally friendly. Train travel offers much lower carbon emissions per passenger mile than flying and driving alone. To implement sustainable travel offsets, choosing the train is one of the best options.
Productive travel time. Wi-Fi, power outlets, tray tables, and comfortable seating mean you can work, read, watch movies, or simply unwind during your journey.
Affordable pricing. With advance booking, train tickets to New London can cost as little as $15-$30 from New Haven and $30-$60 from New York – often cheaper than gas or a budget airline fare once you factor in baggage fees and airport transport.
| Reason to Choose Train | Benefit |
| No I-95 traffic | Fixed, predictable travel time |
| Scenic coastal route | Enjoyable, stress-free journey |
| Downtown arrival | Steps from restaurants and waterfront |
| Eco-friendly | Lower carbon footprint vs. car/plane |
| Work-friendly | Wi-Fi + power outlets on board |
| Affordable | Fares from $15 with advance booking |
Which Trains Go to New London? Major Rail Services Explained
Two primary rail services operate trains to New London:
1. Amtrak Northeast Regional
Amtrak’s most essential service along the Northeast Corridor is the Northeast Regional. This service runs from Washington D.C. to Boston with stops in Philadelphia, New York, New Haven, New London, Providence, and Boston. With services throughout the day, New London is easy to access from virtually all locations on the East Coast.
The Northeast Regional is the fastest option for commuters from New York, Philadelphia, and Washington and stops at New London-State Pier Station.
2. Amtrak Acela (Limited Stops)
Amtrak’s premium high-speed Acela service mainly connects major hubs of New York, Providence, and Boston. Acela does not service New London. Consequently, New York customers of Acela travel to New Haven or Providence to switch to the Northeast Regional train.
3. Shore Line East (Connecticut)
Shore Line East is a commuter rail service owned and operated by the Connecticut Department of Transportation. It services the rail corridor between New Haven and New London and includes stops at shoreline Connecticut towns like Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison, Guilford, and Branford. Those in Connecticut and looking to travel New London by rail have a good affordable option.
| Train Service | Route Coverage | Stops at New London? | Frequency |
| Amtrak Northeast Regional | Washington-NYC-Boston | Yes | 8-12 trains/day |
| Amtrak Acela | NYC-Boston express | No (transfer needed) | Multiple/day |
| Shore Line East | New Haven-New London | Yes | Weekdays/Weekends |
Popular Train Routes to New London From Major US Cities
New London sits on one of the most well-served rail corridors in the United States. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular origin cities and what to expect:
| Origin City | Train Service | Approx. Duration | Price Range (One-Way) |
| New York City (Penn Station) | Amtrak Northeast Regional | ~2 hrs 15 min | $30-$80 |
| New Haven, CT | Shore Line East / Amtrak | ~1 hr – 1 hr 15 min | $10-$30 |
| Providence, RI | Amtrak Northeast Regional | ~45 min – 1 hr | $15-$40 |
| Boston, MA (South Station) | Amtrak Northeast Regional | ~2 hrs 30 min | $25-$65 |
| Philadelphia, PA | Amtrak Northeast Regional | ~4 hrs | $50-$120 |
| Washington, D.C. | Amtrak Northeast Regional | ~6 hrs | $70-$160 |
| Hartford, CT | Amtrak + transfer or bus | ~1 hr 30 min+ | $20-$50 |
NYC to New London Train: Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips
The New York City to New London route is by far the most traveled, and Amtrak runs it efficiently and frequently.
Schedule Overview
Amtrak Northeast Regional trains run multiple times daily from New York Penn Station to New London. These services usually start in the early morning and continue into the evening. For a weekday service, expect departures approximately every 1-2 hours between the times of 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
Average travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on the specific train and number of stops en route.
Key stops between NYC and New London on the Northeast Regional include:
- Stamford, CT
- Bridgeport, CT
- New Haven, CT
- Old Saybrook, CT
- New London, CT ✓
NYC to New London Train Schedule
| Departure (NYC Penn Station) | Arrival (New London) | Approx. Duration |
| ~6:40 AM | ~9:00 AM | ~2 hr 20 min |
| ~9:20 AM | ~11:35 AM | ~2 hr 15 min |
| ~11:35 AM | ~1:55 PM | ~2 hr 20 min |
| ~2:20 PM | ~4:35 PM | ~2 hr 15 min |
| ~5:05 PM | ~7:25 PM | ~2 hr 20 min |
| ~7:30 PM | ~9:55 PM | ~2 hr 25 min |
Ticket Tips for NYC-New London
Book early. Amtrak’s lowest “Saver” fares sell out fast, especially on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. Booking 2-4 weeks in advance can save 30-50% over walk-up fares.
Travel mid-week. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are almost always cheaper than weekend travel.
Avoid peak times. Friday afternoon (3-7 PM) and Sunday evening departures from NYC are the busiest and most expensive.
Use the Amtrak app. It offers fare alerts and easy mobile ticketing.
Check Amtrak Guest Rewards. Frequent travelers can earn points toward free trips.
New London Train Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers
If this is your first time traveling by train to New London, here’s what experienced rail travelers wish they’d known:
Arrive 15-20 minutes early. Unlike airports, you won’t wait an hour – but arriving a few minutes before boarding ensures you get your preferred seat.
Bring a valid ID. Amtrak may check your ID against your ticket for certain routes, particularly if you purchased online.
Choose the quiet car. Many Amtrak trains have a designated “Quiet Car” where phone calls and loud conversations are not allowed. Perfect if you want to work or sleep.
Pack snacks or plan to visit the café car. The onboard cafe car sells sandwiches, snacks, and beverages, but bringing your own food is perfectly acceptable and usually cheaper.
Charge devices before you board. While most Amtrak trains have power outlets, availability can vary. Starting with a full charge is wise.
Download your ticket. Save your ticket to the Amtrak app or download a PDF before you travel. Cell service can be spotty in parts of coastal Connecticut.
Check for delays. Amtrak trains occasionally run 10-20 minutes late. Check the Amtrak app or website the morning of your trip.
Walk to the waterfront. The New London train station is less than a 10-minute walk from the Thames River waterfront, the Block Island Ferry terminal, and the historic downtown. No car rental needed.
Direct and Connecting Train Routes to New London
Direct Routes
New London is served by direct Amtrak Northeast Regional trains from:
- New York Penn Station – No transfer needed
- Providence, RI – No transfer needed
- Boston South Station – No transfer needed
- Philadelphia 30th Street Station – No transfer needed
- New Haven, CT (via Shore Line East) – No transfer needed
- Washington D.C. Union Station – No transfer needed (long journey)
Connecting Routes
Some cities require a transfer to reach New London:
- Hartford, CT – Take CTRail/Amtrak to New Haven, then Shore Line East or Northeast Regional to New London
- Springfield, MA – Amtrak Vermonter to New Haven, transfer to Northeast Regional
- Albany, NY – Amtrak Empire Service to New York or Springfield, then connect
- Travelers using Acela – Acela bypasses New London; transfer at New Haven or Providence to a Northeast Regional train
| Route Type | Example Cities | Transfer Required? |
| Direct | NYC, Boston, Providence, Philadelphia | No |
| One Transfer | Hartford, Springfield, Albany | Yes (at New Haven or NYC) |
| Acela Users | NYC-Boston Acela travelers | Yes (at New Haven or Providence) |
Business Class vs Coach on New London Trains
When booking your Amtrak train to New London, you’ll choose between two primary seating options:
Coach Class
Coach is the standard option on Northeast Regional trains and is perfectly comfortable for the 2-3 hour journey to New London. Seats are roomy by airline standards, with:
- Reclining seats with footrests
- Tray tables
- Power outlets at most seats
- Overhead storage for luggage
- Access to the café car
Coach fares are the most affordable and are available in Saver, Value, and Flexible pricing tiers.
Business Class
Business Class on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional offers a step up in comfort:
- Wider, more plush seats with additional legroom
- Dedicated seating section (typically quieter)
- At-seat service on some trains (beverages)
- Priority boarding at major stations
On the NYC-New London route, Business Class usually is $20-$50 more expensive compared to Coach. Business Class is a better option if you need more space or a quiet environment to work, but since the flight is only two hours, many people find Coach to be perfectly fine.
| Feature | Coach Class | Business Class |
| Seat Width | Standard | Wider |
| Legroom | Good | More |
| Power Outlets | Most seats | Yes |
| Café Car Access | Yes | Yes |
| At-Seat Beverage | No | Some trains |
| Priority Boarding | No | Yes |
| Price Premium | – | +$20-$50 |
Note: Amtrak Acela (which doesn’t stop at New London) offers a premium First Class with full meal service – but since Acela doesn’t serve New London, this isn’t applicable unless you’re connecting.
New London Train Station: Everything You Need to Know About New London-State Pier Station
Station Overview
New London-State Pier Station is the Amtrak station serving New London, Connecticut. It’s a no-frills but functional station located right on the waterfront, making it one of the most scenically situated train stations in New England.
Station Facilities
| Facility | Available? |
| Waiting Area | Yes (indoor) |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Ticket Counter | Yes (staffed during peak hours) |
| Vending Machines | Yes |
| Baggage Assistance | Limited |
| Parking | Yes (nearby lots) |
| Taxi/Rideshare | Available outside |
| Accessible Features | Yes (ADA compliant) |
Getting Around from the Station
The station’s downtown location is one of its biggest advantages:
- Thames River waterfront – 2-minute walk
- Block Island Ferry (Cross Sound Ferry) – ~5-minute walk
- Historic downtown New London – 5-10 minute walk
- U.S. Coast Guard Academy – ~10-15 minute drive or taxi
- Mystic, CT – ~15 minutes by car or taxi; Mystic also has its own Amtrak station
- Foxwoods / Mohegan Sun Casinos – ~25-30 minutes by rideshare
Parking at New London Station
If you’re picking someone up at the station, or you’re dropping someone off at the station, there are short-term street parking options along Water Street. For extended parking, there are many paid lots within a 5 minute walk. There is no large dedicated parking garage at the station, so it is best to arrive early or use rideshare services.
Taxi and Rideshare
Uber and Lyft are active in New London. Taxi cabs are available, but, as with most other smaller cities, they are less common than in larger urban areas. In case you arrive late in the evening, it’s best to have the rideshare app already.
How to Book Train Tickets to New London: Step-by-Step Guide
Booking your Amtrak ticket to New London is straightforward. Here’s exactly how to do it:
Method 1: Book on Amtrak.com
- Go to Amtrak.com and click “Find Trains.”
- Enter your origin city (e.g., “New York Penn Station”) and destination as “New London, CT.”
- Select your travel date and number of passengers.
- Click Search – Amtrak will display all available trains and fare options.
- Compare fare tiers: Saver (cheapest, non-refundable), Value, and Flexible (changeable/refundable).
- Choose your train and click to select seats.
- Select your seat on the seat map (available for most trains).
- Enter passenger details and create or log in to your Amtrak Guest Rewards account (optional but recommended for earning points).
- Complete payment with a credit/debit card.
- Download your ticket to the Amtrak app or save the PDF confirmation.
Method 2: Amtrak Mobile App
The Amtrak app (iOS and Android) mirrors the website experience and is especially convenient for:
- Mobile ticketing (show your phone at the door)
- Real-time train status updates
- Booking changes on the go
Method 3: Amtrak Station Ticket Counter
You can purchase tickets in person at staffed stations like New York Penn Station. Walk-up fares are available but are typically more expensive than online advance purchases.
Method 4: Phone
Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to book with a representative. A small service fee may apply.
Booking Tips
- Book as early as possible for Saver fares – these are the cheapest and most limited.
- Use the Amtrak Guest Rewards program – it’s free to join and earns points toward future travel.
- Check for AAA, senior, student, or military discounts – Amtrak offers 10-15% discounts to eligible passengers.
- Multi-city trips: If visiting multiple destinations on the Northeast Corridor, an Amtrak Rail Pass may offer better value than individual tickets.
New London Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost & How to Save Money
Typical Fare Ranges (One-Way, Coach)
| Route | Saver Fare | Value Fare | Flexible Fare |
| New York → New London | $30-$45 | $50-$65 | $75-$110 |
| Providence → New London | $15-$25 | $25-$35 | $40-$60 |
| Boston → New London | $25-$40 | $40-$60 | $60-$90 |
| Philadelphia → New London | $55-$80 | $85-$110 | $130-$180 |
| Washington D.C. → New London | $75-$110 | $110-$150 | $160-$230 |
| New Haven → New London (Shore Line East) | $10-$15 | N/A | N/A |
Understanding Amtrak Fare Types
Saver: The lowest available fare. Non-refundable and non-changeable. Best for travelers with firm plans.
Value: Mid-tier pricing. Can be changed for a fee. Good balance of price and flexibility.
Flexible: Fully refundable and changeable at no penalty. Best for uncertain travel plans. Usually 50-100% more than Saver.
Business Class: Available on Northeast Regional. Adds $20-$50 to any coach fare tier.
Ways to Save Money on New London Train Tickets
- Book 2-4 weeks in advance – Saver fares are limited and disappear quickly.
- Travel Tuesday-Thursday – Mid-week travel is consistently cheaper.
- Avoid Friday PM and Sunday PM – Peak times command premium pricing.
- Use discount programs: Amtrak offers 10% off for AAA members, seniors (65+), students, veterans, and active military.
- Join Amtrak Guest Rewards – Free membership earns points toward future travel.
- Consider a Rail Pass if visiting multiple cities on the Northeast Corridor.
- Check Shore Line East if you’re already in Connecticut – CT commuter rail is significantly cheaper than Amtrak for the New Haven-New London segment.
- Set a fare alert using the Amtrak app or third-party tools like Wanderu to monitor price drops.
Best Time to Visit New London by Train: Seasonal Travel Tips
New London is a year-round destination with something to offer every season. Here’s what to expect when you visit:
Summer – Peak Season
New London sees the most visitors in the summer. Consistent warm weather (between 70-85°C), along with the opening of local beaches, a spike in ferry services to Block Island, and the activation of the city to its fullest, all contribute. Train travel becomes both more expensive, and more competitive, so be sure to purchase tickets 3-4 weeks in advance.At the height of summer, New London also plays host to the New London Sailfest. This is one of the largest all-free festivals in the New England region, and attracts a multitude of visitors.
Train tip: Friday afternoon and Sunday evening trains sell out quickly in summer. Book well in advance or choose off-peak times.
Fall – Best Season for Value
Travelers who enjoy visiting New England along the coast see the fall season as a great time to visit. Views along the coast of fall trees are beautiful and the crowds are not as bad after labor day. Additionally, tickets get cheaper and the weather is moderate. Visiting Mystic Seaport during these months is even better with the fall schedule and the fall festivals nearby.
Train tip: October weekends can be busy due to fall foliage tourism – book at least 1-2 weeks ahead.
Winter – Budget Traveler’s Season
New London is a fairly quiet destination during the winter months. You’ll have the opportunity to experience a low population density and lower prices. You’ll appreciate the peace of the waterfront and downtown. Just know that the seasonal enchanting offerings like the beach facilities and ferries will have limited hours or will be closed.
Train tip: Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s) are extremely busy nationwide – book 4-6 weeks ahead and expect higher fares.
Spring – Hidden Gem Season
When springtime arrives, we have comfortable temperatures, beautiful scenery, and before we hit the summer crowds, the number of visitors is still acceptable. Prices are reasonable, but they will go up the longer we wait. May is usually when the Coast Guard Academy starts their spring events, and the maritime events happen around the same time as well.
Train tip: Spring break periods (late March-April) see a spike in families traveling – adjust timing if you prefer a quieter journey.
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Ticket Prices | Booking Advice |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Warm, sunny | Very High | Highest | Book 3-4 weeks ahead |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | Mild, colorful | Moderate | Moderate | Book 1-2 weeks ahead |
| Winter (Nov-Feb) | Cold | Low | Lowest | Flexible booking OK |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Mild | Low-Moderate | Moderate | Book 1 week+ ahead |
Train vs Bus vs Car to New London: Which Is the Best Way to Travel?
Let’s compare your three main options for reaching New London:
Train (Amtrak / Shore Line East)
Pros:
- Fixed, reliable travel time – no traffic surprises
- Scenic coastal route
- Downtown arrival – no parking needed
- Productive travel time (Wi-Fi, outlets)
- Environmentally friendly
- Often comparable in cost to driving (when you factor in gas + parking)
Cons:
- Less schedule flexibility than driving
- Limited late-night options
- Occasional delays of 10-20 minutes
Bus (Greyhound, FlixBus, Peter Pan)
Pros:
- Often the cheapest option (fares as low as $15-$25 from NYC)
- Multiple pick-up/drop-off points in major cities
- No advance booking required for some services
Cons:
- Longer travel time (subject to I-95 traffic)
- Less comfortable than trains
- No guaranteed seat on some services
- No scenic coastal views
- Drop-off may not be as central as the train station
Car (Driving)
Pros:
- Maximum flexibility – depart and arrive on your own schedule
- Door-to-door convenience
- Good option if exploring multiple destinations in the region
Cons:
- I-95 traffic is unpredictable and often severe, especially on weekends
- Parking in New London’s downtown is limited and can be costly
- Fuel + tolls + parking can add up significantly
- Driver cannot relax, work, or enjoy the scenery
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Train | Bus | Car |
| Travel Time (NYC) | ~2.5 hrs (fixed) | 2.5-4+ hrs (traffic-dependent) | 2.5-4+ hrs (traffic-dependent) |
| Cost (from NYC) | $30-$80 | $15-$40 | $50-$90 (gas + tolls + parking) |
| Comfort | High | Moderate | Varies |
| Downtown Arrival | Yes | Varies | Yes (with parking) |
| Environmental Impact | Low | Low-Moderate | High |
| Flexibility | Scheduled | Scheduled | High |
| Best For | Most travelers | Budget travelers | Road-trippers / multi-stop trips |
Our Verdict: For most travelers coming from New York, Boston, or Providence, the train is the clear winner – combining reliable timing, comfort, and convenience at a competitive price. The bus edges it on pure price but costs you time and comfort. Driving makes sense only if you’re exploring multiple destinations or have large amounts of luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does Amtrak stop at New London, Connecticut?
Yes. Amtrak’s Northeast Regional stops at New London multiple times daily.
Q2. How long is the train ride from NYC to New London?
It usually takes about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.
Q3. How much does a train ticket to New London cost?
Fares from NYC usually start around $30 and can go above $110, depending on booking time and fare type.
Q4. Where is the New London train station located?
The station is at 27 Water Street, New London, CT, near the downtown waterfront.
Q5. Is there parking at the New London train station?
Yes, there is limited nearby parking and paid lots within walking distance.
Q6. Can I take a train from New Haven to New London?
Yes. Both Shore Line East and Amtrak Northeast Regional connect New Haven and New London.
Q7. Is there a direct train from Boston to New London?
Yes. Amtrak Northeast Regional runs directly from Boston to New London.
Q8. Does the Acela stop in New London?
No. Acela does not stop in New London.
Q9. What is there to do near the New London train station?
You can visit the waterfront, downtown shops, ferry terminals, Garde Arts Center, and Fort Trumbull.
Q10. How do I get from the New London train station to Mystic, CT?
Mystic is one stop away by Amtrak, or you can take a taxi/rideshare in about 15-20 minutes.