New Haven Railway

Union Station in New Haven is not merely a transport hub, but a true architectural monument that opens the doors to New England for travellers. The majestic brick building, designed by the renowned architect Cass Gilbert, serves thousands of passengers daily, connecting the city with New York and Boston via the Amtrak, Metro-North, and Shore Line East lines. The spacious main hall with its high ceilings and grand benches creates the atmosphere of a classic railway journey.

It is important for passengers to know that access to the trains is via an underground tunnel connecting the station building to the platforms. Navigation inside is easy thanks to clear signage and large electronic schedule boards in the centre of the hall. To transfer to buses or taxis, one must exit through the main doors at street level, where the pick-up zone is located.

• Official Website: It is recommended to use the Amtrak website or the New Haven Parking Authority portal for up-to-date information.
• Helpline: +1 800-872-7245 (Amtrak general line).
• Address: 50 Union Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519, USA.
• Opening Hours: The station is open 24/7, however, ticket counters and waiting halls may close during the night (usually from 00:30 to 04:00; please verify before travelling).
• Luggage Storage: A Parcel Check service is available for passengers with Amtrak tickets (for an additional fee).
• Accessibility: The station is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility, including lifts to the platforms and accessible washrooms.

You can reach Union Station via several convenient methods. The most popular option for tourists is the free Union Station Shuttle, which runs between the station and the city centre (New Haven Green) every 20 minutes on weekdays. City buses operated by CT Transit also stop here.

The taxi rank and the pick-up zone for Uber and Lyft services are located directly in front of the main entrance. If you prefer walking, the route from the city centre (Yale University) will take approximately 20–25 minutes, but please note that the route passes through busy streets. For motorists, there is a multi-level car park connected to the station by a covered walkway.

The station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait. The main hall houses Amtrak and Metro-North ticket counters, as well as self-service ticket vending machines. Spacious waiting areas with classic wooden benches are provided for passengers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises (provided by Amtrak).

Other amenities include ATMs, clean washrooms, and car rental counters (such as Avis and Budget). For passengers with luggage, the Red Cap assistance service is available. The building is fully adapted for people of determination and those with limited mobility, including ramps and lifts.

There are several options for a quick bite within the station. The ground floor and mezzanine feature popular chains such as Dunkin' (excellent for morning coffee and doughnuts), Subway, and Sbarro. This is a convenient choice if you have limited time before your train departs. The average bill here is around 10–15 dollars.

If you have at least an hour to spare, it is worth exiting the station and walking to the historic Wooster Square district (about 10 minutes on foot). There you will find legendary New Haven pizzerias offering the famous local pizza, though be prepared for potential queues.

The current Union Station building was opened in 1920. It replaced the previous station, which was destroyed by fire. The project was designed by the famous architect Cass Gilbert, author of the US Supreme Court building, in the Beaux-Arts style. For decades, the station was a symbol of railway prosperity, but after World War II it fell into decline and was closed in 1972.

The revival of the station began in the 1980s thanks to a massive reconstruction programme of the Northeast Corridor. After careful renovation that preserved historic details, including coffered ceilings and massive chandeliers, the station reopened in 1985. Today, it is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places and is a key link in the region's transport system.

Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train departs, especially during peak hours or holidays. Although the boarding procedure here is simpler than at an airport, queues for ticket machines can be long. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance via the Amtrak or MTA eTix mobile apps.

Watch the information boards closely: the platform number (Track) is announced 10–15 minutes before the train arrives. Be prepared for the platforms to be windy or cool in winter. In terms of safety, the station is well-patrolled by police, but as with any major transport hub, do not leave your belongings unattended.