Amtrak provides rail passenger service to numerous locations throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, connecting the state to regional and national destinations. This article outlines the various Amtrak stations located in Massachusetts and provides an overview of the Amtrak routes that serve the state.
List of Amtrak Stations in Massachusetts
The following is a list of Amtrak stations currently serving Massachusetts:
- Andover (ANV)
- Attleboro (ATT)
- Back Bay Station, Boston (BBY)
- Boston North Station (BON)
- Boston South Station (BOS)
- Brockton (BKN)
- Buzzards Bay (BBY)
- Framingham (FRA)
- Haverhill (HAV)
- Hyannis (HYA) Seasonal Service
- Kingston (KNG)
- Littleton/495 (LIT)
- Lowell (LWL)
- Mansfield (MNS)
- Middleborough/Lakeville (MBG)
- Newburyport (NBP)
- Northampton (NHT)
- Pittsfield (PIT)
- Provincetown (PVN) Seasonal Bus Connection
- Route 128 Station, Westwood (RTE)
- Salem (SAL)
- South Acton (SOA)
- Southborough (SBO)
- Springfield Union Station (SPG)
- Sturbridge/Fiskdale (STB) Bus Stop
- Wellesley Farms (WLF)
- Westfield (WFD)
- Wilmington (WIL)
- Worcester Union Station (WOR)
Massachusetts Amtrak Routes
Amtrak operates several routes that serve various cities and towns across Massachusetts, providing connections to destinations throughout the Northeast Corridor and beyond.
Acela Express
- Description: Offers high-speed rail service primarily between Boston and Washington, D.C., with limited stops.
- Massachusetts Stops: Boston South Station, Route 128 Station (Westwood), Back Bay Station (Boston).
Northeast Regional
- Description: A frequent service operating between Boston and Virginia, with numerous stops along the Northeast Corridor.
- Massachusetts Stops: Boston South Station, Route 128 Station (Westwood), Back Bay Station (Boston), Attleboro, Route 128 Station (Westwood), Back Bay Station (Boston), Mansfield, Providence (RI) bordering MA, Boston South Station.
Lake Shore Limited
- Description: A long-distance train connecting Boston and New York City with Chicago, passing through Western Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts Stops: Boston South Station, Back Bay Station (Boston), Framingham, Worcester Union Station, Springfield Union Station, Pittsfield.
Vermonter
- Description: Travels between St. Albans, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., serving communities along the Connecticut River Valley.
- Massachusetts Stops: Springfield Union Station, Northampton.
Downeaster
- Description: Connects Boston North Station with Brunswick, Maine, serving coastal communities in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.
- Massachusetts Stops: Boston North Station, Woburn/Anderson Regional Transportation Center bus connection, Wilmington, Haverhill, Newburyport.
CapeFLYER
- Description: A seasonal service operating on weekends between Boston South Station and Hyannis/Buzzards Bay on Cape Cod.
- Massachusetts Stops: Boston South Station, Braintree, Brockton, Middleborough/Lakeville, Buzzards Bay, Hyannis.
General Station Amenities and Services
While amenities can vary by location, most Amtrak stations in Massachusetts offer the following general services:
- Waiting Areas: Designated spaces for passengers awaiting train departures.
- Restrooms: Public restrooms are typically available during station hours.
- Ticketing Services: Many stations have ticket windows staffed by Amtrak personnel or Quik-Trak kiosks for self-service ticket purchases and printing.
- Baggage Services: Depending on the station, checked baggage service may be available. Baggage assistance for boarding and detraining is often provided.
- Accessibility: Amtrak stations are generally equipped with features to accommodate passengers with disabilities, including accessible entrances, restrooms, and boarding platforms.
- Parking: Parking availability varies by station. Some stations offer short-term and long-term parking options, while others may have limited or no parking.
- Connections to Local Transit: Many Amtrak stations in Massachusetts are strategically located to provide connections to local bus, subway, and commuter rail services.
Major Amtrak Stations in Massachusetts
Certain stations in Massachusetts serve as key transportation hubs with a higher volume of passengers and a wider range of amenities.
Boston South Station (BOS)
As the busiest transportation hub in New England, Boston South Station offers extensive amenities, including numerous waiting areas, a variety of dining and retail options, baggage claim, and connections to the MBTA subway and bus systems, as well as the MBTA Commuter Rail.
Boston Back Bay Station (BBY)
Located in the Back Bay neighborhood, this station provides a convenient connection point for several Amtrak routes and offers amenities such as waiting areas, restrooms, and connections to the MBTA Orange Line and Commuter Rail.
Route 128 Station, Westwood (RTE)
Situated southwest of Boston, this station serves as a significant suburban hub with ample parking, making it a convenient option for travelers from the surrounding areas. It offers waiting areas, restrooms, and ticket vending machines.
Springfield Union Station (SPG)
A historic station in Western Massachusetts, Springfield Union Station has been recently renovated and offers modern amenities, including spacious waiting areas, restrooms, and connections to local and regional bus services.
Worcester Union Station (WOR)
Located in Central Massachusetts, Worcester Union Station provides a key transportation link with waiting areas, restrooms, ticket vending machines, and connections to the MBTA Commuter Rail and local bus services.
Finding Specific Station Information
For detailed information regarding a specific Amtrak station in Massachusetts, including hours of operation, available amenities, parking details, and connecting transit options, please visit the official Amtrak website (www.amtrak.com) or use the Amtrak mobile app. You can search for stations by name or station code.
Tips for Using Amtrak Stations in Massachusetts
- Arrive Early: It is recommended to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time, especially if you need to check baggage or purchase tickets.
- Check Train Schedules: Verify your train schedule before arriving at the station, as times may be subject to change.
- Listen for Announcements: Pay attention to station announcements for any updates regarding train arrivals, departures, or track changes.
- Utilize Station Amenities: Take advantage of the available amenities to make your wait more comfortable.
- Be Aware of Your Belongings: Keep your personal belongings secure while in the station.
By familiarizing yourself with the Amtrak stations and routes serving Massachusetts, you can better plan your train travel and enjoy a smooth and efficient journey throughout the state and beyond.