Springfield Union Station
A historic transit hub connecting Amtrak, CTrail, and bus services, offering a blend of grand architecture and modern conveniences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier navigation
Springfield Union Station
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier navigation
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic transit hub connecting Amtrak, CTrail, and bus services, offering a blend of grand architecture and modern conveniences.
"It's a small station, so it's so easy to find your way around it. "
🎯 Check Train Schedules
Verify train and bus schedules in advance, especially during holidays.
⬆️ Navigate Upstairs
The upstairs waiting area offers more seating, but TVs showing schedules often don't work.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Architecture
Main Concourse
Admire the impressive ceiling and historic architecture, a testament to its past grandeur.
Holiday Magic
Main Concourse
During the holidays, enjoy festive decorations, including a Christmas tree with a train circling its base.
Lincoln Engine Display
Platform
Catch a glimpse of historic trains like the Lincoln Engine during its special tours.
Miniature Train Showcase
Main Concourse
Discover intricate miniature train sets, a delightful surprise for train enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Springfield Union Station
Beyond the Tracks: Station Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Train Schedules
Verify train and bus schedules in advance, especially during holidays.
⬆️ Navigate Upstairs
The upstairs waiting area offers more seating, but TVs showing schedules often don't work.
🧼 Restroom Reality
Be prepared for less-than-ideal restroom conditions; maintenance is ongoing but challenging.
🚗 Hertz Rental
A Hertz rental car location recently opened, convenient for onward travel.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Train Schedules
Verify train and bus schedules in advance, especially during holidays.
⬆️ Navigate Upstairs
The upstairs waiting area offers more seating, but TVs showing schedules often don't work.
🧼 Restroom Reality
Be prepared for less-than-ideal restroom conditions; maintenance is ongoing but challenging.
🚗 Hertz Rental
A Hertz rental car location recently opened, convenient for onward travel.
📸 Unique Decor
Appreciate the station's quirky decor, like a barber chair in a glass box.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Springfield Union Station is a convenient transit hub with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities, praised for its accessibility and diverse transportation options. However, some visitors note issues with signage, restroom cleanliness, and the upkeep of certain areas, suggesting room for further renovation.
"This is one of the nicer stations along the Hartford line route. Much nicer than Hartford CT station. Easy access to trains and buses to go throughout Massachusetts and back to Connecticut with the Hartford line.
I will say that the signage for the additional, not so used tracks, is abysmal and or non existent. I've had to show a few people how to get to those additional tracks while waiting downstairs for my own train.
It is nice they've added benches to the upstairs track waiting area and that they do have two fast food eating areas.
However, this place looks like it's falling apart slowly. While they have added renovations to some areas in the downstairs part of the station, areas like the upstairs waiting area for the trains, the televisions showing the schedule upstairs hardly ever work. And don't even get me started with the bathrooms, these bathrooms are absolutely disgusting and although maintenance constantly cleans them, people are slobs and in the mail bathroom they pee all over the floor.
Would love to see more renovations to the upstairs train waiting area as well as the bathrooms. Even if that means hiring people to teach men how to properly use a urinal and not pee on the floor."
Alan Billings
"Just found out about this location. I was not having luck getting home due to Columbus Day weekend. Nick really came through and had a car! I was trying to get on train to PHL but it was full! Unreal. Did not realize Hertz was here. Just opened a few weeks ago. Thank you Nick! Sorry I thought this was review for Hertz page."
Greg Davison
"Full service station
Providing local as well as express bus connections.
Amtrak CT rail Peter Pan Greyhound pvta,
With reps onsite to purchase tickets or answer any questions that you might have.
This station also has easy to use kiosk machines to purchase tickets."
Tariq Moore (Riq)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Springfield Union Station is a major transit hub accessible by Amtrak, CTrail (Hartford Line), and various bus services like Peter Pan and Greyhound. It's a central point for travel within Massachusetts and to Connecticut.
You can catch Amtrak trains to various destinations, CTrail trains to New Haven, and local/express buses operated by PVTA, Peter Pan, and Greyhound. A Hertz rental car location is also available.
Yes, short-term and long-term parking are available at Springfield Union Station, making it convenient for travelers.
While direct trains from Springfield, MA to Chicago are not common, you can typically connect through major hubs like New York City or Albany. The journey can be long, often requiring transfers.
The Springfield Shuttle is likely a local service connecting to larger Amtrak routes, such as the Amtrak Vermonter, which stops at Springfield Union Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased from onsite representatives for various services, or conveniently through easy-to-use kiosk machines located within the station.
Yes, Amtrak operates out of Springfield Union Station, serving routes like the Vermonter and offering connections to many destinations.
While specific hours for onsite representatives may vary, the kiosk machines generally offer 24/7 ticket purchasing convenience. It's best to check with individual transit providers for specific service hours.
Yes, special events like the Amherst Railway Society's Large Scale Limited train rides have been hosted in conjunction with Springfield Union Station. Keep an eye on local railway society announcements.
Absolutely. Representatives for bus services like Peter Pan and Greyhound are often available, and kiosks can also be used for ticket purchases.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The station offers dining options like Dunkin' and Subway, a convenience store, and restrooms. Some areas have been renovated, but others, like the upstairs waiting area TVs and restrooms, could use further upgrades.
The station provides easy access to trains and buses. However, signage for less-used tracks can be poor, requiring assistance for some travelers.
The station has a mix of historic charm and modern amenities. While some find the decor unique, others note the presence of transient individuals and areas that appear run-down.
Yes, you can find quick bites at Dunkin' and Subway, as well as a convenience store for snacks and drinks.
The station features some unusual decorative elements, such as a barber chair displayed in a glass box and dining sets on exhibit, adding to its quirky charm.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand interior architecture, especially the ceiling, offers stunning photographic opportunities. During the holidays, the decorated Christmas tree is a popular subject.
Yes, train enthusiasts can capture images of Amtrak and CTrail trains, including special locomotives like the Lincoln Engine during its tours.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of security personnel and avoid obstructing operations or passengers.
The station's quirky decor, like the barber chair in a display case, provides unique and memorable photo subjects.
The rhythm of the rails and the station's ambiance make it a great place to capture travel moments and the magic of train journeys.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
and the festive atmosphere during the holidays, complete with a decorated Christmas tree and circling train, adds to the excitement. While the station offers dining options like Subway and Dunkin', it's advisable to pack snacks and drinks for younger travelers, especially on longer journeys. Navigating the station with children is generally straightforward due to its compact size, but keep an eye on little ones near active platforms. The unique decor, like the barber chair display, can also spark curiosity.
🚄 Train Enthusiasts
+1 Keep an eye out for special events featuring historic engines like the Lincoln Engine, which provide fantastic photographic opportunities and a chance to appreciate vintage rail technology. The station's architecture itself is a draw, with its grand ceiling and historical significance.
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Hub for Multiple Transit Modes
connecting passengers to destinations north and south. Equally important is its role as a terminal for CTrail's Hartford Line, providing frequent service to New Haven, Connecticut. This dual rail service makes it a vital link for regional travel. Beyond rail, the station is a central point for bus travel, accommodating services from Peter Pan and Greyhound.
For those needing onward travel by car, a Hertz rental car location has recently opened within the station, offering a convenient option for travelers arriving by train or bus. This addition significantly boosts the station's utility for visitors exploring beyond the immediate transit routes.
The Station's Evolving Aesthetics
Visitors often comment on the station's unique decor. Elements like a barber chair encased in glass and dining sets on display add a quirky and memorable touch, though some find it unusual.
However, the station's upkeep is a recurring theme in reviews. While maintenance crews work diligently, the restrooms are frequently described as being in poor condition, and the televisions displaying schedules in the upstairs waiting area often malfunction.
Events and Special Attractions
These events provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to connect with the heritage of rail travel. Beyond the rails, the station has also featured miniature train sets, delighting both children and adults with intricate displays.
During the holiday season, it becomes a focal point for community events like the Downtown Springfield Holiday Walk, featuring gift shops and festive ambiance. The station's role in hosting such events underscores its importance as a community gathering space, not just a transportation hub. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit