Widely recognized as the gateway to the Green Mountains, the Ethan Allen Express is undergoing its biggest transformation in decades. While the route famously extended to Burlington a few years back, 2026 marks the arrival of the Amtrak Airo–new, fuel-efficient trainsets featuring panoramic windows, touchless restrooms, and faster speeds.
Thanks to recent rail investments in the Hudson Valley, the trip is now faster and more reliable than ever, connecting 15 towns and cities across New York and Vermont. Here are the route highlights:
NYC, New York
The journey begins at Moynihan Train Hall.
Travelers can now experience the new Airo Business Class, which offers more legroom, a wide and comfortable seat, and a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage–perfect for a morning of work before the scenery takes over.
Poughkeepsie, New York
Recent 2025 infrastructure upgrades have streamlined this leg of the trip.
Just outside the station, the Walkway Over the Hudson remains a must-see, offering a bird’s eye view of the river that the train will soon hug for miles.
Saratoga Springs, New York
About 3.5 hours from NYC, this historic “Spa City” is a favorite for those looking for luxury.
Beyond the horse races, the downtown is a walkable dream filled with Victorian boutiques and the famous healing mineral springs of Saratoga Spa State Park.
Castleton, Vermont
Crossing into Vermont, the train enters the land of rolling hills.
This stop provides easy access to Lake Bomoseen–the largest lake entirely within the state’s borders. The 2026 season is expected to bring record numbers of “slow travel” tourists seeking the quiet lakeside life.
Middlebury, Vermont
One of the newest stops on the line, Middlebury is a quintessential New England college town.
It boasts a walkable downtown, the historic Pulp Mill Covered Bridge, and Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op, the local hub for Werner Tree Farm maple products. Here, you’ll find wood-fired syrup, which purists consider the gold standard.
Burlington, Vermont
The northern terminus at Union Station is just over 7 hours from NYC.
Sitting directly on the Lake Champlain waterfront, Burlington is a hub for the “farm-to-table” movement.
The city’s bike path and Church Street Marketplace are more vibrant now than ever, with new eco-friendly hotels catering to the influx of rail travelers.
Best time to ride the train
The Ethan Allen Express runs daily.
With the 2026 schedule optimizations, the southbound train now departs Burlington at 9:50 am, reaching NYC by 5:17 pm–cutting nearly 30 minutes off the previous travel time.
Northbound, the train leaves Penn Station in the early afternoon, perfectly timed for a sunset view of the Hudson Highlands.
Ethan Allen Express tickets
With the arrival of the new Airo fleet, demand is high.
Tickets to Burlington generally start around $75, but “Saver” fares are available for those who book at least 14 days in advance. Business Class is highly recommended for the panoramic views provided by the new 2026 car designs.