You're standing in Penn Station. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and if you’re like most people, you’re probably staring at the big board hoping your track doesn't change at the last second. Taking the train to New London from NYC is one of those trips that feels like it should be simple, and honestly, it mostly is, but there are a few quirks that can absolutely ruin your day if you aren't paying attention. Most travelers just grab the first ticket they see on the Amtrak app. That’s a mistake. You have options, and depending on whether you value your wallet or your time, those options vary wildly.
New London isn't just a pass-through town. It’s the gateway to the Cross Sound Ferry, the home of the Coast Guard Academy, and a surprisingly gritty-but-cool maritime hub. But getting there? That requires navigating the Northeast Corridor, which is the busiest stretch of rail in North America.
The Amtrak Reality Check: Northeast Regional vs. Acela
Let's get the big one out of the way. When you search for a train to New London from NYC, you’re going to see two main choices: the Northeast Regional and the Acela.
A lot of people think the Acela is going to save them hours. It won’t. On this specific route—New York Penn (NYP) to New London (NLL)—the Acela is often only about 10 to 15 minutes faster than the Regional. Why? Because the tracks through Connecticut are old and curvy. Even the fastest train in the Western Hemisphere has to slow down to a crawl when it’s hugging the coastline near Bridgeport and New Haven. You're paying for the fancy seat and the lack of a "quiet car" gamble, not necessarily for a teleportation device.
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The Northeast Regional is the workhorse. It’s comfortable enough. You get a decent amount of legroom—honestly more than you’d get in domestic first class on an airline—and there’s a cafe car if you need a mediocre turkey wrap or a Samuel Adams.
Here is a tip most people miss: Book at least 14 days in advance. Amtrak uses dynamic pricing. If you try to buy a ticket at the kiosk at Penn Station twenty minutes before departure, you might pay $150. If you book it three weeks out? You can snag a "Value" fare for $31. It’s the exact same seat.
The Shore Line East "Secret" Hack
If Amtrak is sold out or the prices are insane because it’s a holiday weekend, there is a "back door" route. It takes longer. It’s a bit of a hassle. But it works.
- Take the Metro-North Railroad (New Haven Line) from Grand Central Terminal to New Haven Union Station.
- Transfer at New Haven to the Shore Line East (SLE) commuter rail.
Shore Line East runs specifically between New Haven and New London (with stops in places like Old Saybrook and Westbrook). The problem? The schedule is geared toward commuters. If you’re trying to head east on a Tuesday morning, you’re golden. If you’re trying to do this on a random Sunday afternoon, the gaps between trains can be three hours long. Always check the CTrail website before committing to this.
The perk of this method is the price. Metro-North and Shore Line East have fixed pricing. It doesn’t matter if you buy the ticket a month early or a second before boarding; the price stays the same. For the budget-conscious traveler who missed the Amtrak sales, this is your safety net.
What to Expect at Penn Station (and how not to lose your mind)
Penn Station is a maze. Since 2021, Amtrak has shifted most of its operations to the Moynihan Train Hall, which is across 8th Avenue from the old, subterranean Penn Station. It is beautiful. It has high ceilings, actual sunlight, and a fancy waiting area.
Go there. Don't wait in the old, dingy part of Penn.
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Check the monitors. When your track is announced, you’ll see a literal stampede. If you want a window seat on the right-hand side (facing the direction of travel), you need to be quick. Why the right side? Because once you pass New Haven, the train tracks run right along the Long Island Sound. You’ll get views of the water, the salt marshes, and the old drawbridges that are genuinely some of the best rail views on the East Coast.
The Drawbridge Delay Factor
Speaking of drawbridges, this is the nuance nobody tells you. The train to New London from NYC has to cross several movable bridges, like the one over the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook. These bridges have to open for boat traffic.
Occasionally, a bridge gets stuck. Or a sailboat takes its sweet time.
If your train is suddenly sitting still in the middle of a marsh for no apparent reason, it’s probably a bridge opening. Build at least a 30-minute buffer into your schedule if you are catching a ferry in New London. I've seen too many people sprinting toward the Cross Sound Ferry dock with tears in their eyes because their train was 12 minutes late due to a rogue yacht.
Arrival in New London: The 60-Second Transfer
One of the coolest things about the New London station is how compact it is. The station itself was designed by H.H. Richardson—the same guy who did Trinity Church in Boston. It’s a gorgeous brick building, but you won't spend much time in it.
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The moment you step off the platform, you are basically at the ferry docks.
- Cross Sound Ferry (to Orient Point, Long Island) is right there.
- Block Island Express is right there.
- Greyhound/Peter Pan bus stops are right there.
It’s one of the few places in America where "multi-modal transit" actually works seamlessly. If you’re heading to the Coast Guard Academy or Connecticut College, you’ll want to grab a quick Uber or Lyft, as it’s a bit too far to walk with luggage, especially given the hills.
Is the "Business Class" Upgrade Worth It?
On the Northeast Regional, Business Class gets you a slightly better seat, a dedicated car, and a free non-alcoholic drink. It also gives you a "confirmed" seat, though Amtrak has moved toward reserved seating on all Regional trains anyway.
Honestly? Save your money.
The difference in comfort is marginal. The only real reason to do it is if the train is 100% full and you want to ensure you're in a car that’s slightly quieter. But even then, the "Quiet Car" (usually the second car from the locomotive) is free and usually much more peaceful than Business Class.
Practical Logistics and Insider Realities
- WiFi is hit or miss. Don't plan on hosting a high-stakes Zoom call. The signal drops out completely around Greenwich and again near the marshes of Old Lyme.
- The Cafe Car often runs out of the good stuff (like the hot dogs or specific beers) by the time the train hits Stamford. Eat at Moynihan Train Hall before you board. There's a Whole Foods nearby and plenty of high-end kiosks.
- Luggage storage is ample. There are overhead racks that can fit surprisingly large suitcases, and end-of-car racks for the massive stuff. You don't need to "check" bags for New London.
The Strategy for Success
If you want the best experience, take the train to New London from NYC on a weekday mid-morning. The crowds are thin, the tickets are cheap, and you get the best views of the coast. Avoid the Friday 5:00 PM exodus at all costs unless you enjoy standing in the vestibule next to a trash can.
Your Next Steps:
- Check the Amtrak app now. Look for the "Value" or "Saber" fares. If you see a price under $40, buy it immediately.
- Download the MTA TrainTime app. This is for Metro-North. If Amtrak prices are north of $100 for your dates, use this app to see if a Metro-North to Shore Line East connection saves you enough money to justify the extra hour of travel.
- Verify Ferry Times. If you are using the train as a bridge to Long Island or Block Island, remember that the train station and ferry dock are separate entities. They do not wait for each other.
- Pack a power bank. While most Amtrak seats have outlets, they are notoriously finicky on the older Regional cars. Don't let your phone die while you're trying to pull up your digital ticket.
New London is a great town with a lot of history—go see the Custom House Maritime Museum or grab a burger at Dutch's while you're there. Just make sure you get the travel part right first.