City to city
Trains from New York to Baltimore
You can travel direct from New York to Baltimore on several Amtrak routes, including the Acela and Northeast Regional, with the journey taking about 2 hours to 3 hours 15 minutes.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolinian | about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes | Daily in each direction | No | No, direct |
| Acela | about 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes | Frequent trains every day | No | No, direct |
| Northeast Regional | about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes | Many trains a day | No | No, direct |
| Vermonter | about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes | Daily in each direction | No | No, direct |
The journey south down the Northeast Corridor connects two major East Coast cities. Passengers have multiple direct options every day, making the train a practical alternative to driving or flying. The route is entirely electrified and heavily used by business and leisure travelers alike. You will travel through New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland before arriving in Baltimore. With frequent departures, you can easily find a schedule that fits your plans. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the best fares on this busy corridor.
Your train options
Amtrak provides four direct trains on this route. The Acela is the premium service, running frequently every day. It takes about 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes and offers Business Class, First Class and a Café car. As of 2026, new NextGen Acela trainsets operate on this route.
The Northeast Regional provides many trains a day, taking about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes. It offers Coach, Business Class and a Café car.
You can also book the Carolinian or the Vermonter, which both run daily in each direction. These long distance routes follow the same path between New York and Baltimore, taking about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes. They offer Coach, Business Class and a Café car. None of these trains require an overnight stay on this trip. The Acela is best for speed, while the Northeast Regional usually offers cheaper Coach fares.
The journey
Heading south from New York, the train travels through New Jersey industry and suburbs. You will cross the Raritan River and pass through Trenton before crossing into Pennsylvania to stop at Philadelphia. The route then continues into Delaware for a stop in Wilmington.
South of Wilmington, the train enters Maryland. If you travel during daylight hours, you can enjoy fast running across Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. A notable highlight is crossing the bridges over the Susquehanna and other regional rivers.
Major stops in between include Newark, Trenton, Philadelphia and Wilmington. The Acela and Northeast Regional also stop at Iselin. The scenery is mostly urban and suburban, reflecting the densely populated nature of the Northeast Corridor. As you approach Baltimore, the train slows down to navigate the city outskirts before pulling into the station.
The stations
Trains depart from New York, where Amtrak uses Penn Station and the connected Moynihan Train Hall. Moynihan Train Hall opened in 2021 across Eighth Avenue. The complex sits under Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan and connects to subway lines, NJ Transit and Long Island Rail Road trains. It is the busiest Amtrak station in the country. Note that Grand Central Terminal is a separate station for Metro-North commuter trains.
You will arrive at Baltimore Penn Station. This 1911 Beaux Arts building sits just north of downtown. Passengers can easily connect to light rail and MARC commuter trains upon arrival.
Tips
- Book your tickets early to get the best prices on the Northeast Regional and Acela.
- Check the departure board at Moynihan Train Hall to see which track your train will use.
- Read our first time on Amtrak guide if you are unfamiliar with the boarding process.
- Use the Café car for snacks and drinks if you get hungry during the trip.
Questions travellers ask
Is there a direct train from New York to Baltimore?
Yes, every train listed for this route is direct. You can choose from the Acela, Northeast Regional, Carolinian or Vermonter. You will not need to change trains at any point during the journey.
How long does the train take from New York to Baltimore?
The Acela takes about 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes. The Northeast Regional, Carolinian and Vermonter take slightly longer, with journey times of about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes.