If you are looking for the next great New York City escape we have found it.
The dazzling magic of The Berkshires is now just a direct four-hour train ride away from the city. Amtrak, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and New York State Department of Transportation, has officially launched the pilot seasonal passenger rail service The Berkshire Flyer.
“This is a key link that has been missing for more than 50 years. It has been inspiring to watch the local groups roll up their sleeves to make this happen,” stated Senator Adam G. Hinds, who was instrumental in the launch of the service, during a press conference in Massachusetts. “This has been five years in the making. Let’s give a round of applause. The sendoff from New York City was amazing.”
The new route between New York City to Pittsfield, MA will operate on weekends through the summer months with a similar schedule next year.
During a smooth ride with plush seating, high speed internet, and captivating views of the landscape, the new Berkshire Flyer takes passengers from New York’s Penn Station to Pittsfield, MA, via Albany-Rensselaer, NY. Leave on Friday afternoon and arrive in the charming town of Pittsfield. There is simply no better way to get to this oasis in the heart of The Berkshires. A return trip on Sunday afternoons allows for a long weekend of exquisite offerings that are unique to the region. In less than 48 hours you will make sweet memories for a lifetime.
Arrival mural by Jesse Tobin McCauley
“Amtrak is excited to be able to provide this long-awaited service for our partners at MassDOT and NYSDOT,” said Amtrak President & CEO Stephen Gardner. “We’re appreciative of the support and cooperation of CSX for the Berkshire Flyer service, which will offer a more comfortable and convenient transportation option, that’s also more environmentally friendly, for people traveling between New York City and Berkshire County.”
The Berkshire Flyer will depart from New York Penn Station at 3:16 p.m. on Fridays and arrive at Joseph Scelsi Intermodal Transportation Center, 1 Columbus Ave, Pittsfield at 7:12 p.m. The train will make all the intermediate station stops as the typical Amtrak Empire Service train does on Fridays, which include Yonkers, NY, Croton-Harmon, NY, Poughkeepsie, NY, Rhinecliff, NY, Hudson, NY, and Albany-Rensselaer Station. The Sunday return trip, making all the same station stops, will depart Pittsfield at 3:00 p.m. and arrive in New York at 7:05 p.m.
“We are pleased to be collaborating with Amtrak, New York State, and CSX to initiate the Berkshire Flyer rail service. This service is an example of how we can offer more transportation options and use our rail network to support Massachusetts communities and increase economic vitality in various regions,” Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler added.
Berkshire Flyer customers can expect the same amenities onboard as they do on all other Amtrak trains including, free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times, the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, no middle seat, and one of the most generous baggage policies in the travel industry, applicable for two personal items and two carry-on bags.
Tickets are available for purchase on Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, Amtrak ticket desks and kiosks, and through 1-800-USA-RAIL.
