ALBANY, N.Y. — Amtrak will restore one currently suspended Empire Service round trip between New York City and Albany as of Dec. 1, and Metro-North Railroad will begin offering service between New York City and Albany in the spring of 2026, according to a joint announcement today (Oct. 20, 2025).
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Metro-North President Justin Vonashek, and Amtrak President Roger Harris announced the moves to address gaps in Empire Corridor service created earlier this year when Amtrak suspended three round trips to accommodate repairs to New York City’s East River tunnels. Amtrak has also agreed to a $99 price cap on coach seats between New York and Albany; because of reduced capacity and Amtrak’s demand pricing, coach tickets have been priced as high as $109.
“While Amtrak’s repairs to the East River Tunnels are necessary, riders from Albany to New York City have had to endure sold-out trains and higher fares for the past five months,” Hochul said in a press release. “I’ve been clear from the moment this plan was proposed that New Yorkers deserve better. This new plan will provide more travel options and lower fares for over two million annual riders, saving them time and putting money back in their pockets.”
Amtrak will restore train No. 238, departing from Albany-Rensselaer at 12:10 p.m., and New York-Albany train No. 235, departing Penn Station at 3:15 p.m. Also to be restored on Dec. 1 is the Boston section of the Lake Shore Limited, which is currently running with buses.
“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,” Harris said.
The Metro-North service between New York and Albany — extending by some 68 miles the current Metro-North Hudson Line operation between Grand Central terminal and Poughkeepsie — will begin non-passenger test runs later this year. Plans call for a mid-morning departure from Grand Central and an afternoon train from Albany-Rensselaer that will arrive at Grand Central in time for evening events. Vonashek said that operation will close “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.”
