Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Boston and New York City

Boston to New York City rail trip with CityPASS touring, both cities

Boston and New York City, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this six-day, five-night independent rail vacation that starts in Boston and ends in New York City, with the Northeast Regional train covering the one-way link between the two cities on day four. The first three days settle into Boston, with a two-day hop-on-hop-off tour, the Boston CityPASS covering the New England Aquarium and Museum of Science, and a dinner at the historic Union Oyster House. After the train ride to New York, two more nights and a matching hop-on-hop-off tour cover the city's landmarks, with an attractions pass giving access to the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because each day's sightseeing is self-guided rather than led by a tour director, the trip suits independent travelers who want the structure of pre-booked hotels and attractions but the freedom to set their own pace in each city.

What to know before you look closer

  • The listed hotels, such as the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston and the InterContinental New York Times Square, are sample properties from twelve accommodation options across price tiers and cities; your actual hotel depends on the tier you choose.
  • Only one meal, a dinner at the Union Oyster House, is included across the six days.
  • A day trip to Martha's Vineyard or Cape Cod is available only as an optional add-on booked through a Rail Expert, not included in the base price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Boston

    Your Journey Begins in Boston

    Upon arriving in Boston, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Get ready to explore the historic city by taking advantage of the 2-day hop-on hop-off tour, which allows you to visit popular attractions at your own pace. With the Boston CityPass, you can enjoy admission to a selection of iconic sites, such as the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science.

  2. Day 2overnight: Boston

    Boston, MA

    Continue your Boston adventure by hopping on and off the trolley to explore the city's rich history and vibrant neighborhoods. Make sure to save some time for dinner at the renowned Union Oyster House, where you can savor delicious seafood in a historic setting.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Boston

    Boston, MA

    Your final day in Boston is yours to cross anything left on your New England bucket list. Ask your Rail Expert about sightseeing options, and perhaps add a day trip to Martha's Vineyard or Cape Cod to your journey!

  4. Day 4railovernight: New York City

    New York City, NY

    Bid farewell to Boston and board an Amtrak train to New York City. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay and embark on a comprehensive two-day hop-on hop-off tour to discover the Big Apple's iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. Immerse yourself in the city's energy and explore at your own pace.

  5. Day 5overnight: New York City

    New York City, NY

    Dive deeper into the wonders of New York City with another day of exploration on the hop-on hop-off tour. To maximize your experience, utilize your inclusive attractions pass, which grants you access to numerous attractions, including the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

  6. Day 6

    Your Journey Ends in New York City

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in Boston with the Boston CityPASS covering the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science, alongside a two-day hop-on-hop-off tour.
  • Day 2Dinner at the Union Oyster House, a historic Boston seafood restaurant.
  • Day 4An Amtrak train from Boston to New York City, followed by check-in for a two-night stay and the start of a two-day hop-on-hop-off tour of the city.
  • Day 5A full day using the New York attractions pass, with access to the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Boston to New York City on the Northeast Regional®
  • 5 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 1 meal (1 dinner)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Boston to New York City on the Northeast Regional is included.
Is it escorted or independent?
Independent. Hop-on-hop-off tours in each city let travelers explore at their own pace rather than follow a tour director.
Which train is used?
The Northeast Regional, taken one-way from Boston to New York City on day four.
What hotels are used?
Twelve accommodation options across tiers and cities, including the Fairmont Copley Plaza and Hilton Boston Back Bay in Boston, and the InterContinental New York Times Square and Conrad New York Downtown in New York.
How many meals are included?
One, a dinner at the Union Oyster House on day two.
Can I add a side trip to Cape Cod?
Yes, as an optional extra arranged through a Rail Expert; it is not part of the base itinerary.

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