Shoestring Budget Rail Trip: New York City and Niagara Falls Adventure

Day 1: Traveling to NYC

New York, USA

7:00AM

Breakfast at Home

Start your journey with a quick and healthy breakfast at home before you set off.
Prepare before heading to the train station.
USD5, 30 minutes

8:00AM

MARC Train to Union Station

Catch the MARC train from Greenbelt to Union Station in Washington, D.C.
Board at Greenbelt Station, take the BRANCH AVE train.
USD7, 30 minutes

8:30AM

Transfer to Amtrak for NYC

Once at Union Station, transfer to the Amtrak train en route to New York City.
Follow signs to the Amtrak departure area at Union Station.
USD49, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Halal Guys

After arriving at Penn Station, head to The Halal Guys for a delicious, affordable lunch.
Walk from Penn Station to the food cart on W 53rd St.
USD9, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Empire State Building

Take a subway ride to the Empire State Building to enjoy stunning views of the city from above.
Subway from 34th Street-Penn Station to 34th St-Herald Square (1 line).
USD42, 2 hours

4:00PM

Statue of Liberty Tour

Take the subway to Battery Park to board the ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty.
Subway from 34th St-Herald Square to Bowling Green (R/W lines).
USD20, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Joe's Pizza

After your day of sightseeing, enjoy New York-style pizza at Joe's Pizza, renowned for its flavor.
Walk back from Rogers Park to find Joe's Pizza nearby.
USD5, 1 hour

8:30PM

Evening at Times Square

Conclude your day by soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square with its bright lights.
Short walk from Joe's Pizza to Times Square.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Day Trip to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, Canada

6:30AM

Breakfast at Dunkin' Donuts

Grab a quick breakfast and coffee at a nearby Dunkin' before heading to the train station.
Find a Dunkin' near your accommodation in NYC.
USD7, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Train to Niagara Falls

Board the Amtrak train from Penn Station to Niagara Falls, soaking in the scenic views.
Depart from Amtrak platform at Penn Station.
USD30, 8 hours

3:00PM

Visit Niagara Falls

Upon arrival, venture out to see the magnificent waterfalls and the natural beauty surrounding them.
Hop on local transit or walk to the viewing areas near the falls.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

Indulge in a lovely dinner with a view of the falls at The Keg, known for its great steak.
Short walk from the falls to the restaurant.
USD35, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Night Illuminations at Niagara Falls

Stay for the evening illumination of the falls, a spectacular sight that illuminates the cascading water.
Just a quick walk from dinner to view the falls lit up.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 3: Return to Greenbelt

Greenbelt, MD

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tim Hortons

Start your day with breakfast at Tim Hortons before boarding the train back to NYC.
Find a Tim Hortons near your accommodation in Niagara Falls.
USD6, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to NYC

Catch the Amtrak train back to Penn Station in New York City.
Head to the Niagara Falls train station for your departure.
USD30, 8 hours

5:00PM

Late Lunch at Shake Shack

Once back in NYC, grab a late lunch at Shake Shack for juicy burgers and fries.
Walk from Penn Station to Shake Shack nearby.
USD15, 1 hour

6:30PM

Visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

Explore incredible modern art exhibitions at MoMA before concluding your trip.
Short subway ride from Shake Shack to 53rd St station.
USD25, 2 hours

8:30PM

Dinner at The Smith

Enjoy a delicious final meal at The Smith, known for its American cuisine and lively ambiance.
Walk from MoMA to The Smith located in the East Side.
USD30, 1.5 hours

10:00PM

Train Home to Greenbelt

After dinner, take the Amtrak train from Penn Station back to Union Station.
Head back to Penn Station for your last journey.
USD49, 3 hours

1:00AM

MARC Train Back to Greenbelt

Transfer to the MARC train at Union Station for the ride back to Greenbelt.
Follow the signs to MARC train platforms.
USD7, 30 minutes
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