Hartford Line Kids Fares and Valley Flyer Train Schedules
Families traveling across New England can ride Amtrak’s Hartford Line and Valley Flyer trains with children aged 2 to 12 paying just $1 per child for up to four kids with a paying adult, according to travel reporting from Rally Takes the Train. The service runs north from New Haven through Hartford to Springfield, while Valley Flyer trains continue along the Connecticut River to Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield. CTrail tickets are accepted on Amtrak Hartford Line trains between New Haven and Springfield, though separate Amtrak tickets are required for journeys extending past Springfield.
CTrail and Amtrak Ticket Pricing and Rules
Connecticut’s CTrail charges $1 per child aged 2 to 12 for up to four children traveling with a paying adult, while extra children pay half the adult fare and kids under 2 ride free, as detailed by CTrail. CTrail tickets are valid on all Amtrak Regional and shuttle trains between New Haven and Springfield, except for Vermonter trains 54, 55, 56, and 57. By contrast, Amtrak charges 50 percent of the adult fare for children aged 2 to 12 and permits one infant under 2 to ride free on a lap per adult. CTrail also sells 10-trip tickets, weekly passes, and monthly passes, though some busy Amtrak trains may not accept CTrail tickets during peak times or holiday blackouts.
All Twelve Stations Along the Route
The route features 12 stops spanning Connecticut and Massachusetts. The nine Hartford Line stations include New Haven Union Station, New Haven State Street, Wallingford, Meriden Transit Center, Berlin, Hartford Union Station, Windsor, Windsor Locks, and Springfield Union Station. North of Springfield, three additional stops are served exclusively by Valley Flyer and Vermonter trains: Holyoke, Northampton, and the John W. Olver Transit Center in Greenfield. Amtrak lists weekday Valley Flyer schedule changes running through October 30, 2026, due to track work near Windsor Locks that replaces some trains with buses.
Seating Options and Onboard Amenities
Restrooms are located on the same level as passenger seating on the Amfleet coaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do children need a ticket on the Hartford Line and Valley Flyer?
Between New Haven and Springfield, children aged 2 to 12 need a CTrail ticket costing $1 for up to four kids with a paying adult, while kids under 2 ride free. For travel past Springfield, standard Amtrak child fares apply at half the adult price.
Are CTrail tickets accepted on all trains on this route?
CTrail tickets are valid on Amtrak Hartford Line and shuttle trains between New Haven and Springfield, but they are not accepted on Vermonter trains 54, 55, 56, and 57, which require separate Amtrak booking.
What food services are available onboard these trains?
Hartford Line and Valley Flyer trains do not include a cafe car or any onboard food service, so passengers must bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages for the trip.
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