5-Day Shoestring Budget Rail Trip from Greenbelt, MD to New York, NY

Day 1: Travel to NYC

New York, NY

3:00 PM

Depart for New York

Board the MARC Train at Greenbelt Station heading to Union Station, Washington, D.C. for your exciting trip to New York City.
MARC Train from Greenbelt to Union Station, then transfer to Amtrak Northeast Regional.
CURRENCY20, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Arrival at Penn Station

Arrive at Penn Station in New York City, step into the bustling heart of the Big Apple.
Walk to your accommodation nearby.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes

5:00 PM

Check-In at Accommodation

Unwind and freshen up at your budget-friendly hostel or hotel.
Located within walking distance from Penn Station.
CURRENCY100, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Joe's Pizza

Savor delicious and affordable New York-style pizza at Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village.
Take the subway from Penn Station to West 4th Street Station.
CURRENCY15, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Stroll Through Times Square

Walk around the iconic Times Square, taking in the dazzling billboards and street performances.
Walk from Joe's Pizza to Times Square.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

9:00 PM

Return to Accommodation

Head back to your accommodation and prepare for a packed day tomorrow.
Subway from Times Square to Penn Station.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes
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Day 2: See NYC Highlights

New York, NY

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Bagel Hole

Start your day with a classic New York bagel at Bagel Hole.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
CURRENCY8, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit 9/11 Memorial and Ground Zero

Pay your respects at the poignant 9/11 Memorial and learn more at the adjacent museum.
Take the subway to World Trade Center Station.
CURRENCY26, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at Eataly

Enjoy an authentic Italian lunch at Eataly near the 9/11 Memorial.
Short walk from the memorial.
CURRENCY20, 1.5 hours

1:00 PM

Visit the Empire State Building

Head to the top of the Empire State Building for panoramic views of NYC.
Subway from the memorial to 34th Street.
CURRENCY42, 2 hours

3:30 PM

Walk in Central Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll in Central Park, taking in the beautiful sights and sounds.
Short walk from the Empire State Building.
CURRENCY0, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Halal Guys

Grab a delicious and filling meal from The Halal Guys food cart.
Take subway to 53rd and 6th.
CURRENCY10, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Broadway Ticket Lottery

Try your luck at the Broadway ticket lottery for affordable show tickets.
Walk to the Broadway ticket booth.
CURRENCY0, 1 hour
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Day 3: Explore NYC

New York, NY

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel

Indulge in a bagel with lox and cream cheese from Ess-a-Bagel.
Take subway to 51st Street.
CURRENCY12, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit the Statue of Liberty

Spend the morning visiting the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Ferry from Battery Park.
CURRENCY24, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Chelsea Market

Visit Chelsea Market for a variety of affordable lunch options, from tacos to sandwiches.
Take subway to 14th Street.
CURRENCY15, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Explore High Line Park

Stroll along the unique High Line Park, built on a former railway track.
Walk from Chelsea Market to High Line entrance.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit the 9/11 Museum

Spend time deepening your understanding of the events of September 11 at the museum.
Subway back to World Trade Center.
CURRENCY26, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Xi'an Famous Foods

Savor some spicy hand-pulled noodles at Xi'an Famous Foods.
Take subway to East Village.
CURRENCY12, 1.5 hours

8:00 PM

Catch a Broadway Show

End your day with an exhilarating Broadway show, enjoying world-class entertainment.
Walk or subway to the theater district.
CURRENCY50, 2.5 hours
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Day 4: Day Trip to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Canada

6:00 AM

Early Breakfast at Dunkin'

Fuel up with a quick breakfast at Dunkin' before your day trip.
Street from your accommodation.
CURRENCY5, 30 minutes

7:00 AM

Depart for Niagara Falls

Catch the Amtrak Maple Leaf train to Niagara Falls, experiencing the scenic route.
Take subway to Penn Station.
CURRENCY50, 2 hours

9:00 AM

Arrival at Niagara Falls

Arrive at the stunning Niagara Falls, ready to explore its breathtaking views.
Walk to the main viewing areas.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes

9:30 AM

Visit Niagara Falls

Spend the morning marveling at the power and beauty of Niagara Falls.
Explore viewing platforms around the falls.
CURRENCY0, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at The Rainbow Room

Enjoy a meal with a view of the falls at The Rainbow Room.
Walking distance from the falls.
CURRENCY25, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Take a Hornblower Cruise

Experience an exhilarating boat ride close to the falls on a Hornblower Cruise.
Board the cruise at the docks.
CURRENCY30, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Niagara Parks

Stroll through the beautiful parks surrounding Niagara Falls.
Walk around the area.
CURRENCY0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Train Station

Head back to the train station for your return journey to NYC.
Walk back to the train station.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes

6:00 PM

Depart for NYC

Board the train back to New York City, reflecting on your day at Niagara Falls.
Amtrak Maple Leaf train from Niagara to Penn Station.
CURRENCY50, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Shake Shack

Cap off your day with a ShackBurger from Shake Shack, a true New York experience.
Walk from Penn Station.
CURRENCY15, 1 hour
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Day 5: Return Home

Greenbelt, MD

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Have a light breakfast at your lodging before starting your journey home.
At your hostel or hotel.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes

9:00 AM

Pack and Check-Out

Pack belongings and check out of your accommodation.
Walking distance to Penn Station.
CURRENCY0, 30 minutes

10:00 AM

Head to Penn Station

Travel back to Penn Station for your return train to Greenbelt, MD.
Subway to Penn Station.
CURRENCY0, 20 minutes

11:00 AM

Depart for Greenbelt, MD

Catch the Amtrak train heading back to Union Station, marking an end to your trip.
Amtrak to Union Station.
CURRENCY40, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Transfer to MARC Train

After arriving in Union Station, switch to the MARC Train for your final stretch home.
MARC Train at Union Station.
CURRENCY10, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Arrival in Greenbelt, MD

Arrive back at Greenbelt, MD, bringing your memorable trip to an end.
Walk home from Greenbelt MARC Station.
CURRENCY0, 10 minutes
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