Yes, We Have Wi-fi!

The next time you travel on an Amtrak train in New York, stay productive with AmtrakConnect Wi-Fi services. Now, traveling a long distance does not have to mean disconnecting! Let the time pass quickly by keeping up with work, sending a few e-mails, or even just relaxing while you browse the Internet. Wi-Fi on Amtrak reaches 85 percent of all passengers and is available on every shorter distance route across the United States. And the best part of all - it’s free!


How to Connect to Amtrak Wi-Fi  

Follow this procedure if your device does not instantly connect you to the service:

1. Locate “Amtrak Connect” in your offered wireless networks. If you are sitting on the train, it states “AmtrakConnect,” and if you are still at the station it will state “AmtrakConnectStation.”
2. Now join the Wi-Fi network by tapping or clicking the name.
3. Either open or refresh an Internet browser, and wait for the Amtrak welcome screen to appear.
4. When the Amtrak welcome screen is opened, select “I Agree. Get Connected.” The Internet should automatically connect.


Where is Wi-Fi Supported?

Wi-Fi is fully available on the Empire Service trains, including the Adirondack, Ethan Allen Express, and Maple Leaf lines. It is not available in Canada on the Adirondack and Maple Leaf trains, however.

Just look for the “hot spot” stickers on the windows that indicate there is Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi is also available in the Amtrak gate areas in New York City’s Penn Station.

It is important to keep in mind that many others riding the train may be using the service at the same time, so the amount of bandwidth available is dispersed evenly to all Wi-Fi users. Therefore, in order to keep everything running smoothly, Amtrak can only allow up to 10 MB of downloadable data per person, and all video streaming content is blocked due to the greater file sizes.

Our advice? Download  those larger files to your laptop, tablet, or smartphone in advance, so you can enjoy that movie or e-book and avoid any technical issues.

If you need any last minute travel suggestions, remember to go to New York By Rail!

Traveling with Kids Made Easier by Amtrak

Road trips. Airports. Weekend getaways. Airplanes. For many, these words are exciting; they make us think of travel and the prospect of adventure. For parents, these words can haunt them. Sure, every family wants to get away and have fun, but getting there can be exhausting. If you're tired of a confined car or waiting at an airport with energetic children, here are a few reasons why you should consider traveling by Amtrak to your next family vacation.

Bathrooms -  Does this scenario sound familiar: You're a few hours into the road trip and one child has to go to the bathroom. You pull over at a rest stop and are back on the road soon. Just a few minutes later, the next child has to go to the bathroom. That's another stop in your journey and precious travel minutes spent. On Amtrak, you and your kids don't have to worry about losing travel time because the restrooms are right in your train car. Plus, Amtrak's bathrooms are way more clean than those you'll find on the road!

Refreshments - Kids need snacks... often. If you travel with kids, you will definitely have to feed them snacks and meals, especially for long-distance trips. On Amtrak, you can visit the cafe car (available on journeys from NYC past Albany) whenever you or your kids have a craving. You're not losing out on travel time by walking to the cafe car, like you would when pulling over the car while driving. 

Wifi - You and your kids will love this one: the wifi on Amtrak trains is complimentary! Parents can get work done or download a book onto your eReader while your kids play on tablets or phones. Amtrak's Kids Depot has online games and activities that your little ones can play by themselves or with your help without wasting your wireless plan's data. 

Scenery - The scenery on most road trips is limited to the cars and trucks traveling in the opposite direction. On a plane, all you'll be able to see is the clouds. While on an Amtrak train in New York, you'll chug along the beautiful Hudson River or Lake Champlain. Your kids can search for barges on the river or gaze at the Adirondack Mountains. That scenery is definitely nicer than a highway view!

Traffic- Actually, what traffic? On Amtrak, you'll never have to deal with traffic and the headaches that come with it. All you'll be responsible for is enjoying yourself. You won't hear your kids asking, "Are we there yet?" because they'll be having too much fun! 

Discounts - Children under 2 years old ride for free. Kids ages 2-12 ride at a 50% discount when traveling with an adult over 18 years old. That's right- you get to sit back, relax and enjoy a traffic-less journey and your kids will ride 50% off. It could not get better. There are other discounts available, as well, including the $90 Round-Trip Adirondack deal. 

If the idea of traveling by car or plane with your children is exhausting, then you should consider taking the train to your next family vacation or getaway. Your kids will revel in the fun experience and you get to relax and enjoy your time, not at the wheel of a car. If you need another reason to choose train over plane or automobile, Amtrak offers a 15% discount for train travel within New York. Amtrak stops at tons of family-friendly destinations all over the state. For details about destinations and travel ideas, visit New York By Rail.

Take Amtrak to These Presidential Homes

Many United States presidents have called New York home. Luckily, those homes (and one tomb) have been preserved, allowing us to visit them and get a peek into the lives of the nation's past leaders. In celebration of the upcoming President's Week, here are a few of the presidential homes you can visit in New York. All of them are easily accessed by Amtrak, allowing you to travel comfortably to some great destinations.

Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site - This National Historic Site hosts the FDR's home, the Presidential Library and Museum. The property sits on the Hudson River and is nestled in historic Hyde Park, New York. A day spent at the home of FDR will allow you to explore the home where FDR gave some of his famous "fireside chats" in the 1930s and 1940s. President Roosevelt specifically had the home preserved after his death and turned into a National Historic Site. You can roam around the grounds for free, but you'll need a tour guide to enter the home. The site is about 5 miles from Poughkeepsie Train Station, reachable by taxi or "Roosevelt Ride" shuttle service (seasonal).

Photo by John Williams on Flickr

Val-Kill National Historic Site - Val-Kill is the only National Historic Site dedicated to a first lady; this home is about 2 miles from the FDR home and was the cottage that Eleanor escaped to for relaxation and where she and a few friends started Val-Kill Industries. Just a short drive from the main home, Val-Kill is secluded, small and surrounded by natural beauty, which Mrs. Roosevelt felt comfortable in. Val-Kill is 6.5 miles from Poughkeepsie Train Station.

Teddy Roosevelt National Birthplace - Visit the reconstructed childhood home of the only president born and raised in New York City. President Roosevelt grew up in a town home in the Gramercy Park area, making it an easy destination from New York City's Penn Station. When visiting, you can view 5 restored rooms as well as artifacts and personal items; one fun exhibit includes a collection of political cartoons. The home is open Tuesday through Saturday and admission is free.

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site - Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay on Long Island, was the home of President Teddy Roosevelt until his death in 1916. Unfortunately, the home is undergoing some restoration and will not be open until July 2015. Visitors can still tour the grounds, the Museum and Visitor Center. Sagamore Hill is 3.2 miles from Oyster Bay Train Station on the Long Island Rail Road. Visitors can easily connect to the LIRR from Amtrak at Penn Station.

Photo by Mike Steele on Flickr

General Grant National Memorial - While not a presidential home, Grant's Tomb is a memorial to the Union's commanding general who brought the Civil War to a close, and became a very successful American president. Upon their deaths, he and his wife were buried in the largest mausoleum on the continent, located in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The mausoleum also contains exhibits about the president and a Visitor's Center, where you can frequently hear talks about the man on the $50 bill. The tomb is easily accessed by Subway from New York City's Penn Station. 

This President's Week, visit some of America's richest history right in New York. These homes and Grant's Tomb are an interactive and exciting way to learn about history and get a peek into the lives of some of the United States' greatest leaders. If you're looking for another reason to go, Amtrak is offering 15% off select service routes in New York with 5-day advance booking. While traveling on a comfortable Amtrak train, you can sit back, relax and spend some time reading up on the president whose home you'll be visiting. For more information on destinations and travel ideas, visit New York By Rail. 

6 Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day in New York City

Hey lovebirds! It's almost Valentine's Day- do you have plans yet? If you want to make this year extra special, hop on an Amtrak train and take the scenic ride into New York City's Penn Station for a day trip or the weekend. The Big Apple will definitely provide a Valentine's Day to remember. Not sure how to spend your day? Here are a few suggestions for February 14.

Times Square - If you're the kind of couple that wants the world to know all about your love, head straight for Times Square, where couples will be getting married, renewing their vows and proposing to one another at the Love in Times Square event. While all wedding ceremony slots are filled, there's no stopping you from looking on and joining in festivities as thousands celebrate love!

View from the Top of the Rock by Andres Moreira on Flickr

Cruise - A romantic dinner is a staple of most Valentine's Day celebrations, but there are far more options than you may realize, and there's no reason to limit your options to the land. Any short cruises take passengers to the East and Hudson Rivers. Some provide cocktails and appetizers while others are full, sit-down dinners. All offer incredible views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty and tours generally leave from Chelsea Piers. Book tickets ahead of time, as these boat cruises are popular!

Top of the Rock - You may have walked the streets of New York, but if you've never been to the top of New York City, specifically to the top of Rockefeller Center, you should absolutely get tickets for this Valentine's Day. Musicians Lincoln Cleary and Joelle Lurie will be performing from 7-9:00 p.m. as part of the Starlight Music Series. You and your partner can purchase champagne or wine as you enjoy 360 degrees of Manhattan skyline.

Tours - Tours are becoming huge in New York City, and I'm not talking about the kind that bring you around on an open top, red bus. Food and drink walking tours are a fun way to see some of the best places in the city. The possibilities are endless; you can find tours for chocolate, cupcakes, Italian food, wine, dessert, beer and cheese, among many others. Pick a food item that you and your loved one enjoy and spend the day indulging in the best that New York City offers!

One of Leger's works currently on display.

Central Park -  We've all seen them, but how many of us have taken a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park? It's typical New York romance, with you and your lover able to snuggle under a cozy blanket while being led around to see the sights of New York. A relatively inexpensive outing, a horse-drawn carriage ride can be a quick date activity that will be romantic and memorable.

The Met - The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the most popular museums, and for good reason. The museum holds an extensive collection of permanent paintings, sculptures and artifacts. The Met also constantly hosts incredible limited-time exhibits, like Cubism, which is closing on February 16. This exhibits features works by Picasso, Gris, Leger and Braque. Valentine's Day weekend is a great opportunity to see this exhibit before it leaves New York.


A day or weekend in New York City is great for lovebirds this Valentine's Day. All of these date ideas are either close to Amtrak's Penn Station or are accessible by New York City's Subway. Still not convinced to head into Manhattan? Amtrak offers a 15% discount for any train trip within New York State. Valentine's Day should be a wonderful day for couples; let Amtrak bring you to New York City while you sit back and relax on a comfortable train with your partner. For more information about travel destinations, see New York By Rail.

Saratoga Springs: A Weekend Getaway Reachable by Train

If you're looking for a last-minute getaway, less than 4 hours from New York City by train, Saratoga Springs may be your answer. Embrace the chilly weather at the annual Winterfest, taking place from January 30 - February 8, 2015. There are plenty of activities for families and couples who want a weekend away from New York City. One of the most convenient ways to get to Saratoga is taking an Amtrak train from Penn Station.

Amtrak is running a promotion that allows customers to purchase a $90 round-trip ticket that they can use between any two Adirondack line stations, including Saratoga Springs. For details about the offer, go to Amtrak.com. With this great promotion, there's no better time to escape the city. 

If you only stay in beautiful Saratoga Springs for a weekend, Winterfest offers a wide array of activities to keep people of all ages entertained. The weekend kicks off with the Beer and Wine Tasting on January 30. The next day, eat your way through Saratoga at Chowderfest. At $1 a cup, you are free to eat as many bowls as you can and vote for your favorite. Other Winterfest opening weekend activities include the CANdlelight Ski & Snowshoe, Winterfest 5K Race, Limoncello's Taste of Italy and Winterfest at Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness. 

Photo courtesy of Saratoga Convention  and Tourism Bureau

Hockey fans can participate in or cheer at the Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Pond Hockey Tournament on February 6-8. Whether you want to join in the excitement or sit back and sip cocoa from the sidelines, the event is a classic winter activity that draws tons of fans every year. On this final weekend of Winterfest, you can also attend the Bartender's Ball or take the kids to Wilton Wildlife: WinterFest Snowshoe Event at Camp Saratoga. 

Saratoga Springs is the perfect winter destination for New York City residents without a car because Amtrak takes you right to the city. From the Saratoga Springs Amtrak station you can take a cab for generally $10 or less to your choice of downtown hotels. The Pavilion Grand Hotel has a special Amtrak rate and is offering a free room upgrade upon availability for Winterfest visitors. Call the hotel at 518-583-2727 for details. The Pavilion Grand Hotel is a brand new boutique hotel that offers tons of amenities for the traveler looking for a comfy weekend in Saratoga. After a day spent walking around the city and chowing down on chowder, guests can enjoy the spa at The Pavilion Grand Hotel for ultimate relaxation. This hotel is central to most

Photo courtesy of Pavilion Grand Hotel

of the Winterfest activities as well as the clubs and restaurants that bring tourists back to Saratoga time after time. 

In downtown Saratoga, don't miss one of the most renowned and popular music venues, Cafe Lena; Bob Dylan and Arlo Guthrie are among the many famous musicians who have performed at this coffeehouse. You'll also find plenty of dancing, pubs and every kind of cuisine or restaurant you can imagine downtown. The Pavilion Grand Hotel's restaurant, Mingle on the Avenue, offers an eclectic menu featuring Korean-fusion and American comfort food. The restaurant uses local food and produce, guaranteeing fresh and delicious cuisine. 

By choosing to spend a weekend in Saratoga this winter, you'll be able to celebrate the season with locals and tourists. With Amtrak's $90 round-trip promotion, you can sit back and relax before arriving for a fun weekend in Saratoga, which will surely have you wanting to return. For more details about the promotion and other destinations accessible by train, see NewYorkByRail.com.

A Winter Weekend in Montreal

As temperatures go south, leave New York City and head north for a fun winter weekend. Amtrak is running a promotion that allows customers to buy a $90 round-trip ticket between any two Adirondack stations, even going as far as Montreal, Canada. This promotion is valid through April 27, 2015. For more details about this offer, check out Amtrak's website.

From Penn Station in New York, the trip to Montreal takes about 10 hours. While it may seem long, the trip is 10 hours of relaxation, wifi access, comfy seats, dining services and beautiful Hudson River scenery. The train brings you right to downtown Montreal, where you can check in to The Queen Elizabeth hotel, which has direct access to the Amtrak station. As soon as your arrive, Montreal will charm you with its combination of old and new: beautiful Victorian buildings alongside modern skyscrapers, which cannot be taller than Montreal's Mount Royal, to maintain the city's natural
beauty.

If you're looking to celebrate the winter, MONTREAL EN LUMIERE is one of the world's largest winter festivals, held from February 19 to March 1, 2015. Prepare yourself for an abundance of delicious foods, performances and tons of free activities for adults and kids. If the cold weather has you longing for the indoors, you can spend your time in the RESO, Montreal's underground city, which spans over 20 miles. The underground city is a huge tourist destination because of its shopping, hotels and museums, via street and metro access.

MONTREAL EN LUMIERE festival.
Photo credit: Kristina Servant

One of the best parts about taking Amtrak is that you step off the train and are in the heart of downtown Montreal. You don't need a car for your weekend in this beautiful city because of the Montreal Metro. All of that lends itself to a relaxing and fun weekend in one of Canada's most vibrant and exciting cities.

If you don't want to head as far north as Montreal, consider using your $90 round-trip Amtrak ticket to visit Saratoga Springs or Lake Placid this winter. In Saratoga Springs, you can warm up in the cold at the Saratoga Chowderfest on January 31st during Saratoga's Winterfest Week. If you get off at the Westport stop, you can take the Amtrak Thruway bus service to Lake Placid, the village known for the 1980 winter Olympic games and its small town charm; here you can play winter sports to your heart's content or enjoy restaurants and boutique shopping.

If you need a break from New York City this winter, use Amtrak as your means to get away. You may not escape the cold in Montreal, but you will get a change in atmosphere and a fun weekend in an amazing city, with no hassle on an Amtrak train. For more information on Amtrak Adirondack route destinations, visit New York By Rail.

New York By Rail Magazine Wins 2014 APEX Award for Magazine Excellence for Sixth Consecutive Year

We are excited to announce that New York By Rail, the magazine you'll find riding the rails in the back seat pocket on most Amtrak trains in New York State,  has won the prestigious 2014 APEX Award for Magazine Excellence for the sixth consecutive year!  

The magazine serves as a travel by rail guide to New York State and Canadian travel destination points.   “We are honored that New York By Rail has been recognized for publication excellence in a highly competitive national competition for communications professionals six years running” said the magazine’s publisher Thomas Martinelli.  APEX 2014 awards were based on excellence in graphic design, editorial content and the success of the entry in achieving overall communications effectiveness and excellence. New York By Rail was one of nearly 2,100 total entrants in the Custom-Published Magazines, Journals & Tabloids category. The awards were judged by professional writers and journalists.  All outlets, no matter their financial status, are allowed to participate in the award process.

“We’ve been pleased that since 2004, New York By Rail has been a popular and important marketing tool for Amtrak, with a consistent annual distribution of 175,000 copies, aimed at increasing New York State ridership” said Martinelli who further stated “our website and new mobile app now complement the award-winning print magazine to offer convenient online train travel resources”.  

New York by Rail magazine is Amtrak’s annual travel guide to rail travel throughout New York State. The magazine began publishing in 2004 and provides readers with tourism destinations accessible via Amtrak. New York by Rail magazine is available on New York State Amtrak trains and most New York State Amtrak stations. For more information about New York by Rail Magazine contact Thomas Martinelli at: 845-462-1209 or visit www.newyorkbyrail.com