Oftentimes the best way to see the scenery of a state is by taking a scenic drive. But if you don’t feel like driving, taking a train and letting someone else take care of the driving is simply the best. While Amtrak is a convenient way to get from Point A to Point B in Massachusetts and beyond, we often don’t think about just how scenic a ride along the rails might be. On the Massachusetts section of Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited between Boston and Albany, passengers are treated to some incredibly scenic views, starting at the low price of just $13 one way. Let’s see what Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited has in store.
The Lake Shore Limited is an Amtrak route that travels between Boston and Chicago. Of course, you don’t have to travel the entire route and can choose to do only a portion. For our purposes here, we will take this train between Boston and Albany, giving us the best possible scenic views in Massachusetts along the way.
Pi.1415926535/Wikimedia Commons
Your journey aboard the Massachusetts section of the Lake Shore Limited begins at Boston’s South Station (BOS). From there, you’ll take a ride along the tracks to your final destination, Albany-Rensselaer, NY (ALB). The one-way cost of this ride begins at $13 for a coach class seat and the price is also dependent on the time you choose to go.
Brian Wilkins/Flickr
The ride between Boston and Albany is just over five hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through quaint New England towns, cities like Worcester and Springfield, and eventually the Berkshires before the train crosses over into New York state.
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism/Flickr (Please note: due to the length of this journey as well as the train schedule, you will have to overnight in Albany or elsewhere before heading back to your starting point in Boston.)
A stop along your journey is Worcester’s Union Station which is a marvelous piece of architecture. You have the option of starting your Lake Shore Limited ride from here as well if you don’t want to travel out of Boston.
Pixel/Flickr
Eventually the train will stop in Springfield, Massachusetts. If you end up getting off the train to explore this city for a bit, there are plenty of things to do. You can take a hike at Bear Hole Reservoir or perhaps visit The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. Did you know that Dr. Seuss was a Springfield native?!
Amtrak/Facebook
Then, of course, there’s the 48,000-square-foot Basketball Hall of Fame Museum which is a worthwhile stop in Springfield.
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism/Flickr
Back on the Lake Shore Limited, you’ll eventually pass through the Berkshires. Beautiful any time of year, the region is especially breathtaking in the fall when the hills and mountains are ablaze with red, orange, and yellow foliage. Traveling through the Berkshires alone makes this train journey worthwhile.
DenisTangneyJr/E+ via Getty Images
Pi.1415926535/Wikimedia Commons
Brian Wilkins/Flickr
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism/Flickr
(Please note: due to the length of this journey as well as the train schedule, you will have to overnight in Albany or elsewhere before heading back to your starting point in Boston.)
Pixel/Flickr
Amtrak/Facebook
DenisTangneyJr/E+ via Getty Images
Have you ever been aboard the Lake Shore Limited with Amtrak? Please tell us about your journey in the comments. For ticket information, visit the Amtrak website.
If you don’t have time for a long train ride, consider one of these scenic train rides in Massachusetts instead.
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Address: Massachusetts, USA
