Amtrak has announced that from Monday, 5th June, two extra Northeast Regional trains will provide direct access from Springfield, Massachusetts to New York City with connections to the Northeast Corridor for onward travel to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and elsewhere.

The additional trains are a result of an agreement between Amtrak, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).

Travel time from Springfield Union Station to New York’s Penn Station will take 3½ hours, stopping en route at Hartford Union Station. Departures from Springfield are at 4.45 am and 7.50 am, and Hartford at 5.26 am and 8.35. Arrival times in New York are 8.10 am and 11.21 am.

Return journeys depart from New York at 6.59 pm and 8.50 pm, with arrival in Hartford at 9.51 pm and 11.41 pm, and Springfield at 10.40 pm and 12.26 am.

Amenities on the Northeast Regional trains are the same as on most Amtrak trains, with free Wi-Fi, no restrictions on the use of phones or other electronic devices, and no requirement to switch on “airplane mode”. The carriages have large spacious seats with plenty of legroom and no middle seat, and small pets can be carried..

Some service changes have been made to the existing Springfield to Hartford service to accommodate the extra services. Further information can be obtained via Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, Amtrak ticket desks and kiosks, or by telephone at 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Amtrak President Roger Harris said “Adding two new “Northeast Regional” trains between Springfield and New York City meets the growing demand of train travel and allows more people to experience the benefits of passenger rail.

“Thanks to our collaboration with MassDOT and CTDOT, and with support from MTA Metro North, we can offer more service, reduce travel times and provide greater travel flexibility for our customers, including arriving in New York from Springfield and Hartford before 9 a.m.”

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said “Bringing additional train service and more options for riders along the Hartford and New Haven Lines is the result of a strong collaboration between CTDOT and our partners. We worked closely with Amtrak, MTA Metro-North Railroad, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to make this happen.”

“Governor Lamont has charged us to improve rail travel in the state and give people more sustainable travel options. We delivered on the Super Express trains, which get riders from New Haven to New York in as little as 99 minutes, and now we are bringing this service to riders through funding provided in the Governor’s budget last year.

“Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this possible. I look forward to future collaborations with our regional partners so we can continue to provide additional environmentally friendly commuting options for riders.”

Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca said “We appreciate the partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, MTA Metro-North Railroad, and Amtrak which is leading to additional train service from Springfield.”

“These additional trips providing direct service between Western Massachusetts and New York City enhance the rail network and will make passenger train service an even more attractive travel option for visitors and residents. Additional travel by train will have many benefits, including taking vehicles off the roads, lessening traffic congestion, and helping to reduce greenhouse gases.”