Best Scenic Train Rides In New York

I’ve compiled a list of the best scenic train rides in New York for you to explore and the areas where you’ll find them range from the Catskill Mountains to the Adirondacks, to Finger Lakes region of the state and even others close to NYC itself.

Here are the best scenic train rides in New York:

1. Catskill Mountain Railroad
2. Adirondack Scenic Railroad
3. Saratoga & North Creek Railway (Currently suspended)
4. Finger Lakes Scenic Railway
5. Delaware & Ulster Railroad
6. Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley Railroad
7. Medina Railroad Museum
8. Hudson Line Metro North

Catskill Mountain Railroad:

• Location: Kingston New York (near the Catskills).
• Duration: 1-2 hours, depending on the specific ride.

The Catskill Mountain Railroad offers seasonal and themed excursions through the Catskill mountains, which give you both a historical and nature themed experience. There are certain attractions which include the Polar Express and fall foliage rides which occur in the latter part of the year which are well worth checking out for families and fans of nature sights.

Adirondack Scenic Railroad:

• Duration: 2 hours one way usually
• Location: Utica and Thendara stations

The Adirondack scenic railroad immerses passengers in the heart of the Adirondacks, showcasing forests, rivers, and wildlife. The Utica to Thendara trip is a highlight, passing through remote areas. Themed rides like the Polar Express and fall foliage tours are also popular.

Saratoga And North Creek Railway:

• Duration: 2+ hours.
• Location: Saratoga Springs (currently closed)

The Saratoga & North Creek Railway offered scenic views along the Hudson River and through the Adirondacks, particularly famous for fall landscapes. Although the service is currently not available, I am still keeping this ride on the list because it may open in the future.

Finger Lakes Scenic Railway:

• Location: Finger Lakes region (several routes available)
• Duration: 2-3 hours

On this train ride, passengers can explore the Finger Lakes region, known for vineyards, lakes, and historic towns, through tranquil and picturesque train rides. In my personal opinion the Finger Lakes are one of the most amazing sights to see in New York and on this train ride you’ll be able to do it in one of the best ways possible (there’s many more things to do in Finger Lakes besides this).

Arkville Depot on the Delaware And Ulster Railroad:

• Location: Arkville and Roxbury (Catskill Mountains region)
• Duration: 2-3 hours

The Delaware and Ulster railroad also takes passengers through the scenic Catskill Mountains, offering views of valleys, rivers, and historic sites along with themed excursions. The reviews for this are a bit higher than the Catskill Mountain Railroad but I would recommend checking out both of them to decide which you like more.

Cooperstown And Charlotte Valley Railroad:

• Location: Cooperstown, NY
• Duration: Typical excursions last about 2.5 hours, though special events may vary in length.

Here you will be taking a ride through upstate New York’s countryside, with vintage train cars and special event rides like pumpkin patches and Santa Express, offering a glimpse into the region’s past. The Cooperstown And Charlotte Valley Railroad has generally very high reviews from riders.

Medina Railroad Museum:

• Location: Medina, NY
• Duration: Seasonal train rides usually last about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the specific event.

The is both a museum and scenic train ride. It offers rides highlighting Western New York and the Erie Canal’s beauty, with popular rides like the Fall Foliage and Polar Express.

Hudson Line Metro North:

• Location: Starts in Grand Central Stattion and goes to Poughkeepsie NY
• Duration: 2+ hours

If you’re looking to get amazing views of the Hudson River Valley, then the Hudson Line is the best train ride I would recommend going to. It runs actively from NYC to Poughkeepsie and on the way crosses some of the most beautiful mountain regions in NY. There are 30 train stations along the way you can disembark if you wish. If you’re a hiker like me, stop at the Beacon Station and explore the amazing Hudson Highlands State Park (there’s many awesome trails there).

When to go:

I’m very biased in this regard and always recommend going during the fall foliage months. However if you’re like me and want to catch them at their peak, then you’ll need to make reservations at least in September or earlier and depending on which ride you choose go during either the early weeks of October or early weeks of November.

• For the Adirondacks, go in early October (first 2 weeks are ideal)
• For the other train rides on this list (mid October through early November is ideal)

However despite that season (which is typically the most expensive and crowded), any other season is fine too so if you prefer warmer weather, Spring or Summer is fine. Winter season is also good but keep an eye out for certain closings for the above scenic train rides during that period.

These scenic train rides across New York not only provide stunning views of the state’s varied landscapes but also offer a unique lens through which to view its history and cultural heritage. Each journey, whether short or long, provides a memorable experience for visitors seeking to explore the beauty of New York by rail and this list I have provided you with will give you a lot of options in terms of what to explore across the state. My personal favorites are the Finger Lakes and Hudson River Valley trains, but you can choose whichever option you like.

Just as well, you can also explore equally amazing scenic train rides in every single neighboring state to New York and for reference, here’s a list of the:

• Best scenic train rides in Connecticut
• Best scenic train rides in New Jersey
• Best scenic train rides in Pennsylvania