Effective July 29, 2022, the Ethan Allen Express Amtrak service will be extended to Burlington’s Union Station and new stations in Middlebury and Vergennes.
According to VTDigger.org, this change is the result of a “30-year effort” and is a welcomed new development. Traveling to the Green Mountain State from New York with Amtrak is a relaxing and accessible way to visit the state, and now that the service has been expanded to Vermont’s largest city, Burlington, we expect the Ethan Allen Express will become an attractive option for travelers between Burlington and Manhattan, as well as to the new stations at Middlebury and Vergennes and the existing stations in Rutland and Castleton.
According to the Vermont Agency of Transportation, the service culminates Vermont’s extensive work to upgrade the tracks between Rutland and Burlington to accommodate higher-speed passenger rail. Fares between New York City and Burlington will start at $75 and the agency is expected to announce 50% off promotional fares on the Ethan Allen Express this summer. With gas prices at a record high, Vermont is touting the new service as a more cost-effective alternative to driving.
The northbound Amtrak train will depart New York City daily at 2:21 pm and arrive in Burlington at 9:55 pm. It will make 11 stops in New York State, including popular destinations such as Rhinecliff, Hudson, Albany and Saratoga Springs before crossing Lake Champlain into Castleton, Vermont. According to media.amtrak.com, “The extended service will depart Burlington daily at 10:10 a.m. and arrive in Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station (NYP) in New York City at 5:45 p.m. Northbound, the Ethan Allen Express will depart NYP at 2:21 p.m. daily with arrival in Burlington at 9:55 p.m.”
Situated along Lake Champlain, Burlington is one of the most fun cities in Vermont. Burlington is a great getaway any time of the year, but you’ll likely have the best experiences in summer and fall. The downtown area is home to a multitude of restaurants and shops.
There are so many places to visit while in Burlington, but these attractions are some of the best.
Embark on factory tours and enjoy delicious ice cream at the Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, a mere 30 miles from Burlington’s Union Station. This famous ice cream factory is the perfect visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Experience views along Lake Champlain at Burlington’s Waterfront Park. Music and food festivals are abundant and the Burlington Bike Path is easily accessible. Visiting the park is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy nature with the company of others.
If you’re a cider enthusiast, you’ll want to visit this delicious location. Locally made, Citizen Cider is a Burlington staple selling cider made from local apples. Try fresh, sweet ciders in the tasting room.
The Shelburne Museum is home to numerous American art collections and exhibitions from a variety of mediums. Perusing the museum’s exhibitions is a fun way to learn about American art.
Vergennes is known for being the smallest city in Vermont, but despite its small size, it’s still an exciting city to visit, especially if you like history and outdoor activities. Now that the Ethan Allen Express is being expanded, Vergennes will have its own station to travel to.
Located in Vergennes City Hall, this historic opera house is renowned for its fantastic musical performances. If you’re attending a performance while in the area, you won’t be disappointed.
Stay at a historic bed and breakfast built in 1834 by a general who commanded the Vermont militia in the War of 1812, according to StrongHouseInn.com.
A Vermont state park with a 15-mile bike trail and scenic views of gorgeous waterfalls. Hiking or biking through the park is an ideal way to feel immersed in Vermont’s beautiful natural environment.
Dating back to Revolutionary War times, Middlebury is both a historic town and a fun place to visit. Middlebury College is among its many highlights. So if you’re going to school, dropping your kids off at college, or just simply visiting, here are some easy ways to pass your time.
Taste all the flavors of Vermont with Vermont Tastings Tours. These custom tours bring groups around Vermont to showcase the state’s best attractions and eateries.
A private liberal arts college dating back to 1800. This historic institution is well-known for being a “top producer of both student and scholar programs,” according to Middlebury.edu.
Visit the microbrewery that sells ales and lagers all across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic. The Otter Creek Brewery is an optimal spot to relax and enjoy some tasty brews.
Among the last of its kind, the Pulp Mill Covered Bridge connects Middlebury and Weybridge over Otter Creek. There are more covered bridges in the state, but this one is particularly special.
Art, adventure, museums and more are all a train ride away in Rutland, Vermont! According to rutlandtown.com, Rutland is the third-largest city in the state. Take Amtrak to Rutland Station to fully immerse yourself in Vermont’s nature and artisans.
Adventure awaits you at Vermont Adventure Tours. Explore the Green Mountain State by climbing, hiking, rappelling or rowing with guided tours. Taking a guided tour can help you learn more about Vermont’s environment and how to navigate the Green Mountain State.
Events and exhibits are plentiful at the Chaffee Art Center. Classes, camps and galleries are the perfect way to inspire creativity. The Chaffee Art Center typically hosts two “Art in the Park” events each year, in which one takes place in fall and the other in the summer.
Theater-lovers, come one, come all! The Paramount Theatre always has memorable performances that are known to draw in crowds. It’s a great place to catch a show while you fill up your time in Rutland.
An ideal attraction to bring your little ones, Wonderfeet Kids Museum highlights child development with reading, clay, blocks, LEGOS and more. The museum is just one of Vermont’s amazing museums, and this one is by far one of the most interactive.
Well known for being home to Castleton University, the city of Castleton lies on the New York/Vermont border. The city has plenty of fun places to explore, making it a great place for a getaway.
With more than 75 programs of study, Castleton University in Western Vermont hosts two thousand students on their career-based journeys.
Giddy up at Pond Hill Ranch where you can lease or buy some of the best horses in New England. Enjoy seasonal trail rides and rodeos when available.
The historic home was built by Erastus Higley in 1810 and 1811 and hosted five generations of the Higley family.
Lay back and relax on the sands of Lake Bomoseen, a freshwater lake fit for swimming, hiking, picnicking, boating and fishing.
Experience this unforgettable destination via Amtrak to Union Station in Burlington, a new addition to the Ethan Allen Express line.
Rent a car with Enterprise and get picked-up at the train station to get your rental car! Don’t forget to use the NYTRAIN discount when making your reservation. Click here to reserve your car or call the Vermont office today at: 802-773-0855.
Amtrak has taken several initiatives to ensure the safety of its passengers. They have committed to requiring face masks for all passengers, converting the cafe car to takeout only, adding social distance signage, and much more.
