The Lake Shore Limited Train stopped at Albany, New York, (2025). (Photo taken by the Author)
Lake Shore Limited Chicago to New York Penn Station
We have taken the Lake Shore Limited many times, but just as far as Syracuse, NY. This time we took it the whole way, and learned much more about the journey. Here are some highlights.
You leave Chicago at 10PM, so Fresh-air breaks for smokers, are few and far between, unless you plan for them.
Erie, Pennsylvania is the first one after the overnight and it only lasts 6 minutes. If you are allowed to leave the train, stay right by the door.
Buffalo, New York is a longer stop, so you can manage to get out of the train, if you need to. If you ever decide to make Buffalo your stop, Niagara Falls is about 30 minutes away, and the Anchor Bar (where Buffalo wings were invented), is still there.
Rochester, New York is only 6 minutes, so if you are allowed to leave the train, stay right by the door. A real shame, because their station is right over the Genesee River high falls, which is spectacular to see in person. Over on the right is the Genesee Beer plant.
Syracuse, New York is a longer stop. You have almost 15 minutes, so if you want, get out and look around. You are on an elevated area, so you can’t go far, like into the station or anything. A similar situation to Kansas City, on the Southwest Chief, which I highlighted in Part 1 of this series.
Utica, New York is a short stop. It looks really nice, in the downtown area, but the 5 minutes they give you, won’t get you far, so stay by the door, if they let you out.
Schenectady, New York is a 6-minute stop, so again, stay by the door, if they let you out.
Albany, New York is where the Lake Shore Limited adds the passengers from the Boston area, so, it takes a bit of time. Chances are you can go into the station and take a look around. Check with your car attendant, for when you need to be back on the train.
That’s it, until you get to Moynihan Train Hall, Penn Station, New York City.
