Getting a Train to New Hampshire From NYC Is Tricky But Possible: Here Is How You Actually Do It

You want to take a train to New Hampshire from NYC. It sounds simple. You look at a map, see the Northeast Corridor snaking up from Penn Station, and assume there’s a direct shot to the White Mountains or the seacoast.

There isn’t.

Honestly, it’s a bit of a logistical puzzle. New Hampshire is the only state in New England without a major, centralized rail hub that connects directly to the massive transit artery of New York City. If you’re looking for a "New Hampshire Express," you’re going to be disappointed. But if you’re willing to transfer in Boston or navigate a few specific regional lines, the trip is actually one of the most scenic ways to see the transition from the concrete canyons of Manhattan to the granite peaks of the North Country.

Let's get real about the geography. New Hampshire’s rail access is split into two very distinct "fingers." One serves the seacoast (Durham, Exeter, Dover) via Boston, and the other hits the western edge of the state (Claremont) via a long, winding route through Connecticut and Massachusetts. You basically have to choose your side of the state before you even buy your ticket.

The Boston Bottleneck: Why There Is No Direct Train to New Hampshire From NYC

Here is the thing most people get wrong. They think they can just sit on one Amtrak train and wake up in Portsmouth. You can’t.

The primary hurdle is the "North-South Rail Link" gap in Boston. Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Acela trains from NYC arrive at Boston South Station. However, the Downeaster—the train that actually goes to New Hampshire and Maine—departs from Boston North Station.

They aren't connected.

You have to get yourself across town. It’s about a mile and a half. Most seasoned travelers just hop in a Lyft or take the "T" (the Orange Line or the Green Line) to bridge the gap. It adds about 30 to 45 minutes to your trip, and if you have three suitcases and a restless toddler, it’s kind of a nightmare. But if you’re traveling light, it’s just a quick urban transition before the second leg of your journey.

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The Downeaster Route (The Coastal Path)

If your destination is UNH in Durham, the prep school vibe of Exeter, or the breweries of Dover, the Downeaster is your best bet. You’ll take the Amtrak from Penn Station to Boston South Station (about 3 hours and 50 minutes on the Regional). After the transfer to North Station, the Downeaster takes over.

The views once you cross the state line are worth the hassle. You’ll see salt marshes and tidal rivers that you’d completely miss from the I-95 highway.

1. Exeter: The station is right near the famous academy. It’s walkable and charming.
2. Durham: This drops you literally on the University of New Hampshire campus. It’s perfect for visiting students.
3. Dover: A bit further north, giving you access to the Salmon Falls River area.

One weird quirk? The Downeaster is technically managed by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, not just Amtrak corporate. It has a different "vibe"—usually cleaner, often carries local beers in the cafe car, and the staff actually seems happy to be there.

The Vermonter: The Secret Backdoor to Western New Hampshire

Maybe you aren't going to the coast. Maybe you’re headed toward Dartmouth College or the sleepy towns along the Connecticut River.

In that case, forget Boston.

You want the Vermonter. This train departs daily from Moynihan Train Hall in NYC. It doesn't go through Boston. Instead, it heads north through New Haven, Springfield, and Greenfield.

Here is the catch: it only stops in one New Hampshire town.

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Claremont. That’s it. If you’re going to Claremont, you’re golden. It’s a direct shot. No transfers. No North Station/South Station dance. But for most people, Claremont is just a starting point. If you’re headed to Hanover (Dartmouth), you actually want to take the Vermonter to White River Junction, Vermont.

I know, I know. You're going to New Hampshire, so why am I telling you to go to Vermont? Because White River Junction is literally just across the river from Lebanon and Hanover, NH. It’s a five-minute Uber or a short bus ride. It is significantly more efficient than trying to loop through Boston.

The C&J Option: When the Train Isn't Enough

We need to talk about the "luxury bus" elephant in the room.

Because taking a train to New Hampshire from NYC requires a transfer in Boston, many locals actually prefer the C&J Bus. It’s not a "Greyhound" experience. It’s more like a flight’s first-class cabin but on wheels.

They run direct from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in NYC to Portsmouth, Seabrook, and Dover. They have fast Wi-Fi, power outlets, and—this is the clincher—they don't make you change stations in the middle of Boston.

If you are a rail purist, stick to the tracks. But if you just want to get to the Granite State without hauling luggage through the streets of Boston, the C&J is the "secret" most New Yorkers use. It’s often faster than the train-to-train transfer because it avoids the city center congestion.

What it Costs and How to Book

Amtrak pricing is predatory if you wait until the last minute. Seriously.

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If you book a Northeast Regional ticket from NYC to Boston three weeks out, you might pay $60. If you book it three hours before departure, you’re looking at $200. The Downeaster leg is much more stable, usually hovering around $25 to $30 for the New Hampshire stops.

• Booking Tip: Use the Amtrak app and book your "Multi-City" trip separately if the main search tool gives you a "No Routes Available" error. Sometimes the system struggles to calculate the transfer time between South Station and North Station.
• The Quiet Car: If you're on the Northeast Regional leg, find the Quiet Car. It’s a sanctuary. People actually follow the rules there. No Zoom calls. No loud snacks. Just the hum of the rails.

Exploring Beyond the Tracks

The biggest limitation of taking the train to New Hampshire is what happens when you arrive. New Hampshire is a "car state."

If you get off in Durham or Exeter, you can walk to some cafes and shops. But if you want to see the White Mountains, go hiking in Franconia Notch, or visit the Flume Gorge, the train won't get you there.

There are no passenger trains that run into the heart of the mountains from the south. The old tracks you see in places like North Conway are for "scenic railroads"—tourist excursions that go in circles or short bursts, not commuter lines.

Pro Tip: If your goal is the mountains, take the train to Boston, then catch the Concord Coach Lines bus. It picks up right at South Station (no transfer needed!) and will take you all the way to Conway, Jackson, or Franconia. It’s the closest thing to a "train experience" for the deep woods.

Is the Trip Worth It?

Honestly? Yes.

Driving from NYC to New Hampshire means battling the Merritt Parkway or I-95 through Connecticut. It’s stressful. It’s ugly. It’s full of aggressive drivers and overpriced tolls.

The train allows you to actually see the transition of the American landscape. You watch the industrial ruins of Bridgeport turn into the leafy suburbs of Rhode Island, and then the rugged, pine-heavy coastline of the North Shore.

It’s a journey for people who value the process as much as the destination.

Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip

1. Check the Vermonter Schedule First: If your destination is on the western side of the state, see if the 11:00 AM departure from Moynihan works for you. It’s the only way to avoid a transfer.
2. Verify the "T" Status: If you are doing the Boston transfer, check the MBTA website for weekend closures on the Orange and Green lines. Sometimes they do track work that forces you into a shuttle bus, which is a massive pain.
3. Pack a Meal: Amtrak cafe food is... fine. But you're leaving from NYC. Grab a sandwich from a deli near Penn Station or a bagel from Moynihan's food hall. You'll be on the rails for at least 5 to 7 hours total; don't rely on a microwaved pizza.
4. Download Your Maps: Cell service can be spotty once the train crosses into northern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire. Download your offline Google Maps for your arrival town so you aren't stranded looking for an Uber with one bar of LTE.
5. Book Early: New Hampshire is a massive "leaf peeping" destination in the fall and a ski destination in the winter. Tickets for Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings sell out weeks in advance during these seasons.