Practical Traveling

Amtrak trains canceled? Here are your travel alternatives

Amtrak, the US public rail provider, stretches from Maine to California, making it one of the best ways to see the country. It’s especially great if you’re trying to cut down on carbon emissions from flights. The train rides are generally comfy and reliable, but like anything, there can be hiccups due to weather or maintenance.

Amtrak Adirondack services canceled throughout the summer

One example of a service interruption is the cancellation of the Adirondack train between New York City and Montreal this summer. Originally set to resume by June 29, it now looks like the service will be down until the second week of September due to track maintenance.

Trains will still run from NYC to Saratoga Springs, but nine stations south of Montreal will be without service. So, if you’re planning a trip between these two cities, you’ll need to find another way to travel. Don’t worry, though – there are plenty of affordable and convenient options around the Empire Corridor, which we’ll explore next.

Possible delays and cancellations on other train routes

Aside from the Empire Corridor, other routes might face delays due to the heat. High temperatures can cause power wires to expand, slowing down train speeds for safety. This means trips might take longer than expected, and Amtrak could adjust schedules to handle these delays. 

The Northeast Corridor, which is the busiest line connecting NYC to Boston and Washington DC, is already feeling the heat. So, remember to check for updates on your travel day to stay in the loop.

How to get around the train hassle this summer

We get it. Trains are charming and an excellent way to travel, especially in the Northeast of the US. We love them too!! But when planning a trip, it’s important to consider all your options. Since trains might not be the best option this summer, here are your travel alternatives.

Take the bus

Taking the bus has some great benefits: it’s affordable, comfortable, and the most eco-friendly way to travel in the US. If you’re coming from or going to NYC, you’ll find buses departing from different parts of the city, so you might not need to commute to/from Port Authority if that’s too far out of your way. 

Another advantage is that multiple companies operate in this area, making schedules super flexible and easy to find departures that suit your travel times. These are the most important ones:

New York Trailways

Trailways of New York is a well-known bus company that covers hundreds of routes across New York, New Jersey, and even into Canada. They’re known for sticking to their schedules, and their buses are comfy and clean with free WiFi and power outlets.

Flixbus

Flixbus is all about affordable fares and extensive coverage, making it easy to find a route and travel time that works for you. The company gets high marks for friendly drivers, punctuality, and a smooth travel experience.

Greyhound

Greyhound is an iconic name in American bus travel, offering multiple routes throughout New York state. They’re known for being on time and having friendly drivers, making them a solid choice for budget travelers.

Wanda Coach

Wanda Coach is a Chinatown bus company that offers affordable transportation between several cities in the Northeast. If you’re looking for the best price and convenient departure locations in big cities like NYC, they’re a great option.

These are some of the top alternative bus routes:

New York City – Montreal

  • Tickets start at $49
  • Bus trips offered by Greyhound, Trailways and Flixbus
  • Average bus trip duration 8h 35m

New York City -> Albany

  • Tickets start at $22
  • Buses offered by Greyhound and Wanda Coach
  • Average bus trip duration 2h 30m

New York City -> Schenectady

  • Tickets start at $22
  • Buses offered by Greyhound and Wanda Coach, Greyhound, Trailways
  • Average bus trip duration 3h 30m

New York City -> Saratoga Springs

  • Tickets start at $45
  • Buses offered by Greyhound
  • Average bus trip duration 3h 55m

New York City -> Plattsburgh

  • Tickets start at $77
  • Buses offered by Greyhound and Flixbus
  • Average bus trip duration 6h 20m

Take the bus to your final destination

Many people only use the bus for the last part of their trip, but you can actually take the bus all the way and get off right at your destination. Here are some popular routes in the Northeast that might fit your travel plans:

  • New York to Boston
  • Boston to Providence
  • New York City to Philadelphia
  • Washington D.C. to New York City
  • Burlington to Albany, New York
  • Hartford to New York City

Read also: How to travel from NYC to Montreal for $108 and see 4 towns along the way

Fly to Montreal

Flying is also an option, and it’s usually the quickest way to get from NYC to Montreal. As of now, the cheapest flight we found between the two cities is $109 one way, with the highest being $184. All the flights we looked at are non-stop and take about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Remember, though, flying has a higher CO2 footprint compared to other forms of travel. Plus, when you add the time it takes to get to and from the airport, go through security, and pass through immigration, the overall travel time isn’t that different from taking the bus.

Plan your summer trips with Busbud

When you’re ready to book your bus trip, Busbud is your go-to platform. We make it super easy to compare routes, prices, and schedules from different bus companies, ensuring you get the best deal and the most convenient travel times. 

So go ahead, book your tickets, and enjoy a comfortable, hassle-free ride to your destination. 

Safe travels!

 

Busbud

Luisa Wink

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