• 4.3.23
• General

Amtrak Train has Returned to Plattsburgh

The North Country Community was happy to welcome Amtrak back to Plattsburgh this afternoon!  The restored service connects Plattsburgh (and the Adirondack Coast) to the national rail network and provide residents with convenient and affordable travel options.

The Plattsburgh station was last served by Amtrak in 2020, it was closed due to the pandemic and the border closure, but the company has been working with state and local partners to restore service to the region. The service includes daily departures and arrivals from the station, with connections to destinations across the country.

“Whether you’re experiencing the greatness of New York City, the culture of Montreal or the beauty of the Hudson Valley and Lake Champlain region, the return of the Adirondack provides customers with a reliable, relaxing and sustainable way to travel,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris.

“Thanks to the strong support and advocacy of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, Congresswoman Stefanik and our partners at NYSDOT, VIA Rail and the Federal Railroad Administration, we’re proud to restore service to one of the most popular trains in the Northeast.”

The Plattsburgh station will serve as a stop on Amtrak's Adirondack line, which runs from New York City to Montreal, Quebec. The line features scenic views of the Hudson River Valley, the Adirondack Mountains, and Lake Champlain.

"The long-awaited resumption by Amtrak of the Adirondack rail service between Montreal and New York City not only reestablishes one of just three vital train links between the U.S. and Canada but restores Amtrak service to several North Country communities and represents another important step in normalizing cross border travel post pandemic," said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. "The service, which had been growing before the COVID shut down in 2020, has been recognized as one of the world's most scenic train rides, used by Montrealers and New Yorkers as a travel option to reach either end or to access the Adirondacks. For Plattsburgh, it has been popular with area college students who live in the New York metro region. We thank Congresswoman Stefanik and Senator Gillibrand for their active advocacy and now look forward to working with Amtrak to help spread the word that the link is back. Onward and upward and on track!"

The celebration did not only occur in Plattsburgh but several other communities along this important route welcomed the train with fanfare, including our counterparts in Saratoga and Montreal.

Tickets are available for purchase on Amtrak’s website or through travel agents. Amtrak has also implemented enhanced safety measures in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including mandatory mask-wearing and increased cleaning and sanitation protocols. Visit the company's website at www.amtrak.com.

Quotes from Regional Representatives:
 

• “I am proud to announce that Amtrak has resumed service for the Adirondack Line.” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik. “Families throughout Upstate New York and the North Country rely on the Adirondack Line for transportation, and it serves a significant economic driver, connecting tourists and our Canadian neighbors, to our region. When Amtrak initially left the North Country out of their reopening plans, I brought New York’s 21st District’s concerns to the highest levels to reopen the Adirondack Line. I continued my push to secure a date and deliver this result, so our families can have certainty about their access to transportation.”

• “From both an economic and transportation standpoint, the Adirondack Line plays a crucial role in our region,” said Senator Dan Stec. “Today’s reopening is a long-awaited and welcome development. With service resuming, our region is finally able to fully move forward from the pandemic and get our economy back on track. This is a major victory for North Country residents and businesses, and for all New Yorkers looking to travel and visit our region and Canada.”

• “Since 2020, I have worked with local leaders and Amtrak officials to bring back service to the North Country and it is great news that the train will be returning on April 3. The community depends on this service and have waited patiently for Amtrak’s return. The train also brings tourists to the North Country and is a vital service for students at SUNY Plattsburgh and Clinton Community College as well. This is cause for celebration and I look forward hearing those train whistles in Plattsburgh once again.”

• "We are excited to welcome Amtrak back to Plattsburgh and provide our residents with convenient access to a wide range of destinations," said Plattsburgh Mayor, Chris Rosenquest. "This service will be a significant economic driver for our community, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have."