Travel between New York City and Albany is about to get a whole lot easier–Governor Kathy Hochul just announced a historic Metro-North expansion that will finally link Grand Central Terminal to Albany-Rensselaer Station, bringing commuter service between the two cities for the first time since 1967.
Starting spring 2026, Metro-North will launch a once-a-day round trip between the two hubs.
The train will depart Grand Central in the morning and return in the afternoon, following the scenic Hudson Line through Poughkeepsie–Metro-North’s current northernmost point–before continuing on another 80 miles to Rhinecliff, Hudson, and finally Albany.
The best part: it won’t cost an arm and a leg.
The MTA hasn’t confirmed exact prices yet, but fares are expected to be similar to the lower end of Amtrak’s tickets: around $40 one way.
Unlike Amtrak’s variable pricing (which can cost upwards of $100 for one trip), Metro-North tickets will be fixed-price, meaning riders can count on consistent, affordable fares.
Governor Hochul said the plan will make travel easier and cheaper for millions of New Yorkers. She stated:
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.
The announcement comes after months of reduced Amtrak service between NYC and Albany due to East River tunnel repairs, which has caused packed trains and higher prices. As part of the same announcement, Amtrak said it will restore one of its suspended daily trips between NYC and Albany on December 1, 2025, and cap fares at $99 round trip.
The expanded route will be NYC’s newest since Amtrak’s NextGen Acela, America’s fastest train, launched from NYC this past August.
🌆 What This Means For Travelers
For the first time in decades, New Yorkers will have two ways to reach Albany—one from Penn Station (Amtrak) and one from Grand Central (Metro-North).
It’s a big win for commuters, students, and weekend travelers who want more options, lower prices, and a scenic ride along the Hudson River.