NEW YORK – Amtrak, in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), is kicking off the 2026 summer season with the return of the Berkshire Flyer train for travel between New York City and Pittsfield, MA. This seasonal passenger rail service will begin on Friday, June 12th, and will operate on Fridays and Sundays through Sunday, September 19.
The Berkshire Flyer travels between Moynihan Train Hall in New York City and Pittsfield, MA, via Albany-Rensselaer, NY with several station stops in between. New this year is the addition of a second-round trip, allowing travelers to leave Pittsfield on Friday and return on Sundays for weekend trips to and from New York City.
“We want every region of Massachusetts to be connected and accessible, and rail service like the Berkshire Flyer helps make that possible,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The Berkshire Flyer has become an important connection between Western Massachusetts and New York City, helping support local businesses, bring more visitors to the Berkshires and give travelers a reliable alternative to driving during the busy summer season. The addition of a second-round trip this year reflects growing demand for rail travel and the importance of investing in transportation systems that strengthen local economies and connect people to opportunity.
“The Berkshire Flyer continues to make it easier for residents and visitors alike to experience everything the Berkshires have to offer,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Expanding passenger rail service gives people more convenient and affordable ways to travel while supporting tourism, regional connectivity and economic growth across Western Massachusetts.”
“We’re proud to continue Berkshire Flyer service for this summer and grateful for the partnership with MassDOT, NYSDOT, and CSX that gives our guests a better way to travel to the Berkshires than by car,” said Amtrak Vice President, Planning and State Partnerships Nicole Bucich. “Before enjoying the culture and charm of the local towns, Amtrak travelers can relax from our spacious seats and experience the scenery from our picturesque windows while skipping traffic along the way.”
“The Healey-Driscoll administration has made regional rail a priority to improve and expand transportation options in Massachusetts. At MassDOT working with our partners at Amtrak, NYSDOT and CSX to run the Berkshire Flyer yearly, we are able to offer more desirable travel times for passengers this season,” said Interim Transportation Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. ”Expanding rail service options helps empower local economies, supports quality of life, and creates stronger connections between our communities and the broader Northeast Corridor.”
“The Healey Driscoll administration is committed to expanding public transportation access in Massachusetts and has made progress by working with our rail partners, congressional delegation, and local leaders,” said MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “We’ve been pleased to see ridership on our Amtrak services double since 2018, showing the value of the Commonwealth’s investments in our Compass Rail program. The Berkshire Flyer is one of series of initiatives to grow intercity rail service and offers more transportation options. Additional services include the Inland Route between Boston, Springfield, and New Haven scheduled to launch in 2030, funded by a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement Program grant. MassDOT is also undertaking a service development plan, also funded by the FRA, for the entire Boston-Albany corridor.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The return of the Berkshire Flyer is great news for summer travel enthusiasts who want to experience the beauty of New York State and Massachusetts, and the addition of a second, round trip will help spur even more economic activity in both states throughout the summer. Riding the Berkshire Flyer is one of the best ways to experience the Hudson Valley region’s scenic landscape and charming communities and the New York State Department of Transportation is pleased to support this and other adventures by rail throughout the year.”
The Berkshire Flyer will operate between Moynihan Train Hall and the Joseph Scelsi Intermodal Transportation Center, 1 Columbus Ave, Pittsfield with one round-trip on Fridays and Sundays. The trains will make all the intermediate station stops as the typical Amtrak Empire Service train does on Fridays and Sundays, which include Yonkers, NY, Croton-Harmon, NY, Poughkeepsie, NY, Rhinecliff, NY, Hudson, NY, and Albany-Rensselaer Station.
Tickets for the train can be found on Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, and through 1-800-USA-RAIL. Berkshire Flyer customers can expect the same amenities onboard as they do on all other Amtrak trains including, free Wi-Fi, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no “airplane mode”), the ability to travel with small pets on many trains, large spacious seats with ample leg room, and no middle seat.
Amtrak, MassDOT, and NYSDOT have collaborated with CSX Transportation to prepare for the service’s start up this year after an agreement was renewed with CSX to utilize its tracks.
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