The Complete Guide to Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express Train

This state supported Amtrak route is ideal for travelers looking to reach Vermont without driving or flying. The Ethan Allen Express links New York with Burlington, making it a highly practical option for weekend getaways, college students, and winter sports enthusiasts. Rutland serves as the gateway for the Killington ski resort, while the final stop at Burlington Union Station drops passengers right on the Lake Champlain waterfront. Because the train operates entirely during the day, it also appeals to passengers who want to enjoy the passing scenery. Whether you are planning a ski trip or a summer visit to the Green Mountains, this route provides a comfortable and reliable alternative to highway traffic.

Route overview

The Ethan Allen Express covers a distance of about 310 miles between New York and Burlington. The full journey takes about 7 hours 30 minutes. As of 2026, the train operates daily in each direction. This is entirely a daytime service, meaning there are no sleeping cars on board.

Passengers begin their trip at New York Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall. The train heads north through the state of New York, making major stops at Poughkeepsie, Albany, and Saratoga Springs. After passing Fort Edward, the route crosses the border into Vermont. It stops at Castleton and Rutland before continuing north to Middlebury, Vergennes, and finally Burlington.

The service was extended from Rutland to Middlebury and Burlington in 2022, restoring direct passenger rail access to the Lake Champlain waterfront. Travelers can easily connect to other Amtrak routes in New York, Poughkeepsie, Albany, and Saratoga Springs. For example, the Adirondack, Maple Leaf, and Empire Service all share tracks with the Ethan Allen Express for the first portion of the trip. The schedule allows passengers to complete the entire trip in a single day, arriving in Vermont with plenty of time for evening activities.

What you see, section by section

New York to Albany

The journey begins by leaving the busy tunnels of New York City and emerging alongside the Hudson River. This stretch is shared with several other Amtrak routes and offers excellent views of the water. You will pass the steep cliffs of the Palisades and travel through the Hudson Highlands. The train follows the curves of the river valley, passing through historic towns like Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, and Hudson before arriving at the major hub of Albany. Depending on the time of year and your direction of travel, you will likely see this section in broad daylight.

Fort Edward to Rutland

After departing Saratoga Springs and Fort Edward, the train turns east toward the Vermont border. The landscape transitions from the urban centers of New York into quiet agricultural areas. You will travel through rolling farm country and pass by the historic slate quarry towns that dot the state line. This section offers a distinct change of pace as the train moves away from the busy river corridor and enters the more rural, forested environments of New England. The train then arrives in Rutland, a key stop for visitors heading to the nearby Killington ski resort.

Rutland to Burlington

The final leg of the trip takes passengers north through the beautiful Champlain Valley. This section was added to the route in 2022 and features some of the best mountain scenery on the journey. As the train travels toward Middlebury and Vergennes, passengers can enjoy views of the Adirondacks to the west and the Green Mountains to the east. The route eventually approaches the shores of Lake Champlain. The journey concludes at Burlington Union Station, which is located directly on the waterfront in the heart of the city.

Classes and onboard

• Coach
• Business Class
• Café car

Because the Ethan Allen Express is not an overnight train, it offers a simple selection of seating options. Passengers can choose between Coach and Business Class. Coach provides comfortable reclining seats, folding tray tables, and access to power outlets. Business Class offers a bit more legroom, complimentary nonalcoholic drinks, and a quieter environment. If you want a more relaxed space to work or read, Business Class is a good upgrade.

All passengers have access to the Café car. This car sells a variety of snacks, light meals, and beverages throughout the journey. You can purchase food and take it back to your seat or eat at one of the tables in the Café car. Since this trip takes about 7 hours 30 minutes, bringing your own snacks is also a smart idea. For more advice on dining, read our guide to food on Amtrak and VIA trains.