New Amtrak Bus Connects Worcester, Providence Rail Routes

WORCESTER, MA — Amtrak has started a new bus service connecting Providence and Worcester, which both serve as stops along two popular Amtrak train routes.

The new bus connection will shuttle passengers from Worcester to Providence to catch Northeast Corridor trains, including the fast Acela train that goes to New York City and Washington. In turn, Providence riders can also take the bus to Worcester to catch the Lake Shore Limited Amtrak train, which connects to Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland and Chicago.

The Amtrak bus will also feature a connection between Providence, New Bedford and Fall River. Amtrak described the new route as closing an "existing gap" between key cities south and west of Boston.

The service began Aug. 1, offering three weekday bus trips from Worcester to Providence at 8:30 a.m., 1:20 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.; 8:10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. on Saturdays; and 8:30 a.m., 1:20 and 5 p.m. on Sundays. Those trips will be timed to line up with key Amtrak trains departing Providence.

"Customers can enjoy a comfortable journey from start to finish knowing Amtrak will get them to their final destination with ease," Amtrak Executive Vice President, Strategy and Planning Dennis Newman said in a news release.

Connections to Worcester will also allow riders to reach many places in Connecticut by rail. The new Hartford Line between Springfield, Hartford and New Haven.