General Information
What is CTrail Shore Line East?
CTrail Shore Line East is a convenient regional rail service that operates seven days a week between New Haven and New London, CT. This service is a partnership between the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and Amtrak. Shore Line East connects with the New Haven Line (operated by Metro-North) at New Haven Union Station for travel to southwestern Connecticut and Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
Where are CTrail Shore Line East train stations located?
Train stations are in New London, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Clinton, Madison, Guilford, Branford, New Haven State Street and New Haven Union Station. For more information about stations, please click here.
When do CTrail Shore Line East trains run?
Trains operate seven days a week, including holidays. AM service is westbound towards New Haven, and PM service is eastbound towards Old Saybrook and New London. Please refer to the full schedule for departure times.
Where can I park?
Free parking is available at all CTrail Shore Line East stations except New London and New Haven. Convenient paid parking is accessible at nearby parking facilities in both New London and New Haven.
In the event of bus substitutions, where can we find the buses?
Pick-up and drop-off locations vary by station. Details can be found on the individual station pages.
How will I know if my train has been delayed?
Every effort is made to alert passengers of service interruptions and/or cancellations via announcements at each applicable train station. CTrail Shore Line East passengers can sign up for service and station alerts via SMS text message, email, and Twitter (X) using the CTrail service alert system here. Service alerts are also posted in the CTrail eTix app.
Are there restrooms on the trains?
Yes. Restrooms are available on all trains and only at New London, Old Saybrook, and New Haven Union Stations.
Are pets allowed on trains?
Trained service dogs assisting passengers are permitted without restriction. All other pets must be leashed or confined in a closed, ventilated container to be permitted onboard the train. Pets must not present a security concern or disturb other passengers.
Is luggage storage available?
Yes, overhead racks and under-seat storage are available. Only items that can be safely carried and stored by the passenger are permitted on-board the trains. Items that may cause safety hazards or inconvenience to other passengers are not permitted. There is no checked baggage on CTrail Shore Line East trains.
Is smoking or electronic cigarette use allowed on trains?
No. Smoking and the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (vapes, e-cigarettes, vape pens, e-hookahs) is prohibited on all CTrail trains, in station buildings, and on platforms.
Can I bring a bicycle onto the train?
Yes. Bicycles are permitted on board CTrail Shore Line East trains. All bicycles must be stored safely and securely for passenger emergency egress. The cyclist should remain close to the bike and obey the train crew’s instructions. Bicycle groups should call 1-877-287-4337 before travel to ensure space availability.
Amtrak has different requirements for bicycles. Call 1-800-872-7245 for more information.
Is there WiFi access on the trains?
No, there is no WiFi connection on board the trains.
Are there power outlets on trains?
Only the M8 Electric Multiple Units (EMU) trains have electrical outlets at each seat.
What if an item is lost on a CTrail Shore Line East train?
Lost and found items are brought to Amtrak’s Baggage and Claims Department in New Haven Union Station. You can also call 1-877-287-4337 or email info@ctrail.com with any questions.
How do I apply for employment with CTrail Shore Line East?
Information for CTrail Shore Line East employment can be found at Amtrak’s Career website at Amtrak.com.
Ticketing Information
How do I purchase CTrail Shore Line East tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in the following ways:
- The CTrail eTix app for Android or iOS
- Full-service windows via Amtrak ticketing only at New London, Old Saybrook, and New Haven Union Stations.
- Onboard all CTrail Shore Line East trains – cash only, exact change, and no bills larger than $20.
- Ticket vending machines at New Haven Union Station.
What does Peak vs. Off-Peak fare mean?
CTrail Shore Line East does not have peak or off-peak fares. This only applies to the Metro-North portion of a trip:
Peak fares apply to:
- Weekday trains that arrive at Grand Central Terminal between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
- Weekday trains that depart Grand Central Terminal between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
- Weekday trains that depart Grand Central Terminal between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Is the U-Pass CT card accepted onboard CTrail Shore Line East trains?
Yes, the U-Pass CT card, with a valid student ID, is accepted on all CTrail Shore Line East trains. You can also use the U-Pass CT card to make bus connections or Metro-North rail connections at New Haven. However, it is not accepted aboard ANY shoreline Amtrak trains. For more details on the U-Pass, visit CTrides.com/u-pass.
What is a UniRail ticket, and how do I purchase it?
UniRail tickets enable you to connect to other services (from CTrail Shore Line East to Metro-North or CTrail Hartford Line). Lower fares are available when purchasing Monthly or Ten-Trip UniRail tickets.
UniRail Tickets are available via:
- The CTrail eTix app for Android or iOS
- Ticket vending machines at New Haven Union Station (excluding Monthly tickets)
- New Haven Union Station ticket windows
- Metro-North ticket vending machines or online at https://new.mta.info/fares/buy-railroad-tickets
How can I purchase a Metro-North ticket?
Passengers transferring to Metro-North’s New Haven Line may purchase their connecting ticket using the CTrail eTix app or onboard the connecting Metro-North train with cash, credit, or debit cards. To avoid a surcharge, show the Metro-North conductor your CTrail Shore Line East ticket stub before purchase.
Where can I find additional information about the CTrail eTix app?
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the CTrail eTix app here.
Is my CTrail Shore Line East Multi-Ride ticket valid on regular Amtrak trains?
Amtrak only accepts (“cross-honor”) CTrail Shore Line East ten-trip tickets and monthly passes for select Amtrak trains listed on our schedule.
Passengers with valid 10-trip or monthly passes wishing to ride the above-referenced trains must reserve a seat in advance through Amtrak’s RideReserve Program. To view the full Cross-Honoring Guidelines, Terms, and Conditions, visit our Fares page.
Note: Amtrak trains do not stop at all Shore Line East stations. Please check the schedule before planning your journey.
Are there discounted fares for children on CTrail Shore Line East?
Yes.
– Up to four children under the age of 11 traveling with one CTrail Shore Line East fare-paying adult travel free.
– Additional children will be charged the adult fare. However, children five years and under always travel free.
Note: CTrail Shore Line East’s “Child Fare Policy” does not apply to any Amtrak trains.
Are there discounted fares for seniors and/or people with disabilities on CTrail Shore Line East?
Yes. Seniors (65+) and people with disabilities get 50% off the standard fare of a one-way ticket.
Are military discounts available on CTrail Shore Line East?
No. CTrail Shore Line East does not offer a military discount.
Can CTrail Shore Line East tickets be refunded?
Yes, unused CTrail Shore Line East tickets can be refunded as follows:
- Tickets purchased via the CTrail eTix app:
- One-way tickets can be returned until 11:59 pm on the same day of the purchase. The ticket must be in an “ACTIVATE” status.
- Weekly tickets can be returned through the app if the ticket is in a “HOLD” status.
- Ten-Trip and Monthly tickets can be returned through the app if the ticket is in a “HOLD” status.
- A user cannot refund a ticket in the SHOW status if the ticket has recently expired or if it is a one-way ticket beyond the first day of purchase.
- Other requests for reimbursement of non-activated mobile tickets still within their validity period are subject to the CTrail Ticket Refund Guidelines at the discretion of CTrail customer service.
- Tickets purchased via the ticket window:
- One-way tickets that have not expired are refundable at ticket windows only.
- Ten-Trip tickets and Monthly tickets are refundable by mail only. Click here for details.
- The redemption value of unused or partially used CTrail Shore Line East monthly tickets is determined based on the calendar day the ticket is postmarked for refund. For more details, including mailing address, please see the Ticket Refund Chart.
Click here for the complete CTrail refund policy.
Can lost CTrail Shore Line East tickets be replaced?
No. Lost, damaged, or stolen tickets can neither be refunded nor replaced.
Transit Connections
Where can I find connecting bus services?
Various bus connections are available at select CTrail Shore Line East stations. Please see the Rider Resources page for further information.
Can I travel beyond New Haven via train?
Yes. CTrail Hartford Line, Metro-North New Haven Line, and Amtrak trains connect with CTrail Shore Line East at New Haven Union Station for travel beyond New Haven.
If my Metro-North New Haven Line train is late returning to New Haven Union Station, will the connecting CTrail Shore Line East train wait?
Yes. CTrail Shore Line East will wait a reasonable amount of time to accommodate passengers connecting from Metro-North’s New Haven Line at New Haven Union Station.