Amtrak, working with the Vermont Agency of Transportation, now offers daily Ethan Allen Express service between Burlington and New York City. The extended route, which began at the end of July, adds new stops in Vergennes and Middlebury in Addison County, Vermont, and restores direct rail service between Burlington and New York City for the first time in about 70 years. This extension connects Vermont’s largest city to a major urban hub, making it easier for residents and visitors to access downtown Burlington’s cultural attractions, colleges, and outdoor recreation without driving.
© Joe Painting
“Passengers who want to experience the beauty, outdoor activities, and local culture of Middlebury, Vergennes, and Burlington—or travel to New York City—can now do so in a more sustainable way, avoiding traffic while enjoying some of the region’s best scenery,” said Roger Harris, president of Amtrak. “Extending service to Burlington reflects growing demand for train travel across the country, and we’re proud to deliver it in partnership with the Vermont Agency of Transportation.”
The Burlington extension also includes stops at the restored, historic Ferrisburgh–Vergennes Station, which provides ample parking for Amtrak customers, and at Middlebury Station, featuring a covered platform that improves passenger comfort and accessibility.
“I’m very proud of our rail staff, planners, project managers, engineers, and agency leadership,” said Joe Flynn, Vermont Transportation secretary. “Their dedication to building the infrastructure necessary for Amtrak service between Burlington and New York City made this important new service possible.”
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The extended Ethan Allen Express departs Burlington daily at 10:10 a.m., arriving at Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station at 5:45 p.m. Northbound service leaves New York Penn Station at 2:21 p.m. daily and arrives in Burlington at 9:55 p.m. The roughly eight-hour trip is competitively priced, with one-way fares around $75; Amtrak is expected to offer seasonal discounts for summer and fall travel.
Onboard amenities match those found on other Amtrak routes: complimentary Wi‑Fi, open use of phones and electronic devices, a café car, spacious seats with generous legroom and no middle seats, and accommodations for small pets on many trains. Cyclists can bring a bicycle with a reservation for a $20 fee, subject to availability.
© Hello Burlington
“The State of Vermont invested more than $115 million in state and federal funds, and decades of work by the Agency of Transportation and its partners have brought this project to completion,” said Governor Phil Scott. He thanked federal transportation partners, Vermont’s congressional delegation, state legislators, and rail advocates for their support in restoring passenger train service between Vermont’s largest city and New York City.