USA: Amtrak State Fair trains will make five daily stops at the Great New York State Fair from August 26 through September 7, giving visitors direct access to the fairgrounds near Syracuse.

Amtrak State Fair Trains Return for 2026
Photo: NYSDOT

Amtrak and New York State officials confirmed that tickets are on sale for the 13-day service period. Select Empire Service and Maple Leaf trains will call at the seasonal New York State Fair station between Rochester and Syracuse, placing passengers steps from the entrance.

The stop uses the code NYF and is available only while the fair is open. Direct rail service to the event has been offered since 2002.

Amtrak State Fair trains from NYC and beyond

Three of the five trains begin their trips at Moynihan Train Hall in New York City:

● Maple Leaf Train 63 departs at 7:15 a.m. and arrives at 1:11 p.m.

● Empire Service Train 281 departs at 10:20 a.m. and arrives at 4:21 p.m.

● Empire Service Train 283 departs at 1:20 p.m. and arrives at 7:13 p.m.

The remaining daily calls serve passengers approaching from the west and Canada. Maple Leaf Train 64 leaves Toronto at 8:20 a.m. and reaches the fair at 2:29 p.m., while Empire Service Train 284 leaves Niagara Falls at 6:27 a.m. and arrives at 9:29 a.m.

All five services stop at the fairgrounds platform, so passengers do not need a shuttle transfer from Syracuse. The NYF station is located at 581 State Fair Boulevard in Syracuse.

Don’t miss…San Diego MTS Digitizes Track and Signal Maintenance

Booking the direct service

Passengers can book through Amtrak’s website or mobile app by entering NYF as the destination. Tickets are also available at staffed station counters and by phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Customers booking online at least five days before travel can use the See NY and Save discount. Amtrak also offers its standard discounts for eligible children, seniors and military travelers. Onboard amenities include free Wi-Fi, café service, Business Class seating and extra legroom.

The 2026 Great New York State Fair runs from Wednesday, August 26, through Labor Day, Monday, September 7. Adult admission is $8 plus fees, while children aged 12 and under and adults aged 65 or older enter free. Admission includes grounds entertainment, agricultural competitions, exhibits and concerts at Chevy Court and Suburban Park.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…Amtrak Advances Reading–Philadelphia Rail Restoration