Domestic summer travel opportunities abound in 2022, and this one offers amazing views from the comfort of the Amtrak train.
Travelers can now buy tickets for the highly anticipated new Amtrak train route from New York City to the city of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The train will go through what’s known as “The Berkshires”, which is an area of New England known for its small towns and picturesque mountains and lakes.
Train tickets can now be purchased for this July and August, with the first departure of this new route happening on July 8.
The Berkshire Flyer With Amtrak: Pilot Project For 2022
The new Amtrak route, called the Berkshire Flyer, is a pilot program for 2022 and 2023, so the future availability of this route will depend on how ticket sales go this summer and the next.
Departures will be from New York’s Penn Station on Fridays throughout the summer at 3:15 p.m. heading northbound, and returning at 3 p.m. on Sunday via Pittsfield. The total travel time is 4 hours each way.
New Route Offers City Escape For New Yorkers And Tourists
This new train route will not only provide New Yorkers with an easy (and eco-friendly!) escape from the city, but also give tourists an opportunity to extend their New York trip by visiting some nearby countryside attractions.
It’s no surprise that New York City is one of the most heavily visited destinations in the world, and the tourist numbers are projected to increase by 70% in 2022 compared to the previous two years during the pandemic.
Here’s more information on where the train stops and what travelers are offered on route.
Stops Along The Berkshire Flyer Amtrak Route
After leaving Manhattan, the train heads northbound train to The Berkshires making several stops in New York State including Yonkers, Croton-Harmon, Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, Hudson, and Albany before crossing over to Massachusetts.
Travelers will be welcomed with amazing views of the Hudson River throughout the journey. If there’s a time to book a window seat, it’s this one.
“We are pleased to work together with our partner agencies to run passenger train service between Pittsfield and New York City on weekends during the busiest tourist times this summer,” said Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker following the announcement of the new train route.
“Western Massachusetts and the Berkshire Region offer a whole host of cultural and recreational opportunities during the summer and we hope this pilot service will encourage even more visitors to this part of our state.”
Amtrak New Routes For 2022
Amtrak is really ramping up train routes this year. While many travelers are still weary about air travel due to canceled itineraries and rising flight prices, a train ride provides an affordable option to travel domestically and in a more eco-friendly way.
Among the routes on Amtrak’s updated train schedule, the rail company boosted its popular route between Washington DC and New York City, with 13 departures on weekdays, 9 on Saturdays, and 14 on Sundays.
You can see the full summer train schedule here.
Tickets Currently Available On Amtrak’s Website
This route will have all the typical amenities available to Amtrak travelers such as free WiFi and food and drink services in the cafe car. For any remote workers, a train trip on Amtrak can be a good opportunity to get some work tasks done while enjoying the views.
Travelers can currently purchase tickets for the Berkshire Flyer directly on Amtrak’s website. Prices for coach seats on the train start at $45 one-way, with business class fares starting at $102.
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