New Rail Services to Run Between Albany and New York City

Governor Kathy Hochul has confirmed that Metro-North Railroad will launch new direct services between Albany and Grand Central Terminal from spring 2026, while Amtrak will restore suspended trips.

Amtrak will also introduce a price cap on Empire Service tickets to keep costs down for passengers.

These changes follow months of reduced availability and higher fares caused by Amtrak’s ongoing East River Tunnel repair project, which limited services on the busy Hudson River corridor.

Metro-North to Run to Albany for the First Time

Under the plan, Metro-North will extend its Hudson Line beyond Poughkeepsie for the first time, linking New York City directly with the state capital. One round trip per day is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with test trains running later this year.

The new route will fill service gaps left by Amtrak suspensions and give commuters and visitors another option for travel along the Hudson Valley. Governor Hochul said the move would “provide more travel choices and lower fares for millions of riders.”

Metro-North President Justin Vonashek said:

Extending Metro-North’s safe, reliable service to Albany closes a critical gap in regional transit by restoring capacity and connecting New York City and Hudson Valley communities with the high-quality service our customers expect.

The expansion also marks a symbolic return for passenger services on a line once operated by the New York Central Railroad, which last ran between Grand Central and Albany in 1967.

Amtrak Restores Trains and Caps Fares

Amtrak will resume one daily round trip between Albany–Rensselaer and Penn Station from 1 December 2025, reinstating trains 235 and 238 that were cancelled earlier this year. The company will also cap coach fares at 99 USD between Albany and New York to make tickets more affordable.

Amtrak President Roger Harris said:

New York State residents and visitors’ passion and patience are paying off, as additional, affordable, and improved train service between New York City and Albany is on its way. Thanks to Governor Hochul for her leadership and commitment to New York State, and NYSDOT and MTA for their partnership in helping meet the high demand of train service we have throughout the state.

In addition, Amtrak will restore direct rail service between Albany and Boston on the Lake Shore Limited, replacing the temporary bus connection in place since spring.

New York’s Rail Recovery

State transportation officials have said that the joint plan shows how public agencies can adapt during major infrastructure works.

With new Metro-North links, restored Amtrak routes and capped prices, the corridor between Albany and New York City is expected to see stronger ridership through 2026—marking a significant step in rebuilding New York’s intercity rail network while critical East River upgrades continue.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie-Therese Dominguez said:

New York’s Empire Service, which is supported by the State Department of Transportation, is one of the most highly-utilized and important passenger rail services in the nation, and Governor Hochul has been laser focused on making the service more reliable and affordable, especially since the East River Tunnel project began. Today’s announcement by the Governor is a huge win for riders who rely on rail to get where they need to go, and truly demonstrates the possibilities that can happen when the needs of customers are at the forefront. Congratulations to all of our partners and customers and welcome aboard!