Amtrak Improves Ethan Allen Express with Faster Trips

New schedules reflect trip time improvements for up to 15 minutes of less travel time

NEW YORK – Amtrak, in conjunction with the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTRANS), New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), and the Vermont Railway (VRS), has made operational improvements in its Ethan Allen Express service. This includes reducing trip times, providing more reliable service, and introducing new schedules. Customers will also now have more and improved train connection options to and from New York City.

“Vermont and New York represent two of the most popular states for train travel demand throughout the country, and we appreciate the support of all of our partners, as residents and visitors from these two states will benefit from our collaboration,” said Amtrak Vice President, State Supported Services Ray Lang. “The new, faster trip times, combined with the earlier southbound departure out of Vermont’s largest city, makes train travel even more appealing to our customers and allows us to build upon our recent, successful expansion to Burlington.”

“Amtrak’s improvements to the Ethan Allen Express will bring quicker, more reliable service to Vermonters looking to ride America’s rails to reach their destinations. This improvement to the Ethan Allen Express comes on the heels of Amtrak’s announcement that it broke ground on a new train station in Brattleboro earlier this year in an effort to expand rail service in Vermont,” said Senator Peter Welch (D-VT). “I’m pleased that Amtrak continues to rise to the occasion to meet the needs of our communities and help Vermonters reach their destinations easier and faster.”

VTrans Rail and Aviation Bureau Director Dan Delabruere: “VTrans is very excited to work with Amtrak, NYSDOT and VRS to increase efficiencies and reduce the trip time between Burlington and New York City.”

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “With its picturesque views, the Ethan Allen Express features something for everyone: the bustling metropolis of New York City, the beauty of the Hudson Valley, the history of the Capital Region, and all that the Green Mountain State has to offer. And with faster times and more reliable service, it is more convenient than ever for travelers to experience this magnificent corridor. The New York State Department of Transportation is proud to have worked with our counterparts at VTRANS and VRS and our partners at AMTRAK to improve the travel experience for all passengers.”

Ethan Allen Express southbound Train 290 will now depart Burlington 20 minutes earlier at 9:50 a.m., arriving in Rutland 35 minutes earlier, 30 minutes earlier in Albany, and will reach Moynihan Train Hall in New York City at 5:17 p.m., which is 30 minutes earlier than the previous schedule. In addition, northbound Ethan Allen Express Train 291 will arrive at Burlington five minutes earlier at 9:50 p.m.

In Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, 86,638 Amtrak customers traveled on the Ethan Allen Express a significant increase from 50,515 customers in FY19, highlighting a strong demand for train travel between New York and Vermont. Driving this growth stems from the July 2022 expansion of Ethan Allen Express service from Rutland to Middlebury, Vergennes, and Burlington. Amtrak also recently announced it added more service throughout the NEC to meet growing customer demand. These new schedules align with Amtrak’s ambitious goal of doubling annual ridership to 66 million by FY 2040.

Ethan Allen Express offers daily service between New York City and Burlington, Vt., by way of Albany. Customers can also enjoy enhanced travel in Business Class, which includes extra legroom, a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage, and assigned seats for a more seamless boarding experience. Additionally, Business Class customers receive a 25% bonus on Amtrak Guest Rewards points.