Planning a trip to Cold Spring for some outdoor adventures? If you’re wondering how to get to Cold Spring from NYC, you’ve come to the right place! This charming Hudson Valley town is a quick and easy escape from the city, whether you’re hopping on the train or going on a road trip.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know: how to get to Cold Spring by car or train, where to park, and a fun way to get around once you arrive. And if you’re looking for the best things to do in Cold Spring, I’ve got you covered in a separate post!
By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to plan a stress-free trip and make the most of your time in Cold Spring. Let’s go!
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How Far is Cold Spring from NYC?
So, how far is Cold Spring from NYC? The good news is, it’s super close! Cold Spring is located in Putnam County, NY, about 60 miles north of the city—right next to the Hudson River.
Whether you’re driving or taking the train, you can get there in approximately 1.5 hours. This makes it the perfect distance for a quick getaway from the busy city life.
Do You Need a Car to Visit Cold Spring, NY?
Having a car definitely gives you the freedom to wander the area at your own pace. There’s no need to constantly keep track of the time for the next train. You can even take detours on your way to Cold Spring.
Even then, you don’t need to have a car to visit Cold Spring!
Cold Spring is accessible by train, and once you’re there, the town is small and walkable. You can easily spend the day in Cold Spring just wandering through all the shops on Main Street.
Plus, if you’re visiting on a weekend between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, you can hop on the Cold Spring Trolley to explore even more of Putnam County. You can find more details at the end of the blog post!
So whether you’re driving or taking the train, you’re all set for a great trip!
Driving to Cold Spring, NY
The drive upstate to Cold Spring from New York City averages about 1.5 hrs.
Of course, this is highly dependent on a couple of factors: which borough you’re coming from, the time of day, and traffic conditions. If you live closer to Bronx, it might even take you less than an hour to get to Cold Spring!
The route is straightforward, and driving gives you the total freedom to explore nearby areas at your own pace.
Parking in Cold Spring, NY
Once you’re in town, you’ll find plenty of street parking, so no need to stress about where to park.
If you’re parking on Main Street, keep in mind it’s metered parking: $4/hr for a max of 3 hours. The good news? Meters are only in effect from Friday to Sunday and holiday Mondays, so if you’re visiting on a weekday, parking is totally free!
What if you’re visiting on the weekend? No worries—the parking lot at the Cold Spring train station is free on weekends and holidays. Just make sure you avoid the permit-only spots, and you’re good to go!
To get a better idea of where to park, the Village of Cold Spring put together two super helpful maps.
New York City to Cold Spring by Train
Even without a car, it’s not a problem! The Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line makes it so easy to get to Cold Spring from NYC, which is why it’s one of the most popular day trips.
Just hop on the train at Grand Central Terminal, and in less than 1.5 hours, you’ll be there! Since seating is first-come, first-served, use the app(mentioned later) to avoid the crowds for a more comfortable ride.
Pro tip: Grab a window seat on the left side if you want to enjoy a scenic view along the Hudson River.
When you arrive at the Cold Spring station, you’ll step right into this lovely little town. Plus, you don’t have to worry about parking! It doesn’t get much easier than that!
How Much is the Train to Cold Spring?
Wondering how much the train to Cold Spring costs? Here’s a quick breakdown of what affects the price:
Peak vs. Off-Peak Hours:
Peak Hours: Weekday mornings before 10 AM and evenings between 4-8 PM.
Off-Peak Hours: All other times, including weekends and holidays.
Discounts: Seniors (65+), people with disabilities, and children (5-11) qualify for reduced fares. Kids under 5 ride free!
To check train times and prices, simply plug in your starting point, destination, and departure time into the MTA’s schedule tool. For the easiest experience, download the MTA TrainTime app—it lets you buy tickets, check real-time updates, and plan your trip all in one place.
Pro tip: Buy your tickets ahead of time—it’ll cost you about $6 more if you wait to purchase them on the train. Why not use that cash on getting ice cream in Cold Spring instead!
Exploring Cold Spring Without a Car: The Trolley
Cold Spring is incredibly walkable, with most of the town’s best spots—like Little Stony Point and the West Point Foundry Preserve —just a short walk away from the Main Street. But what if you want to go beyond the town?
If you’re visiting Cold Spring by train on a weekend between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, you’re in luck! Even without a car, you can easily check out Putnam County with the Cold Spring Trolley!
This adorable trolley stops at popular spots like Boscobel Garden, Beacon, the DIA Museum, and more—plus, you can hop on right at the Cold Spring Train Station. It’s such a fun and easy way to get around!
About the Cold Spring Trolley
Here’s what you need to know:
- Runs only on weekends between Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
There’s one route in the morning and two in the afternoon (one heading northbound and one southbound)
Have your cash ready because exact change is required! It’s $2 per ride. However, if you’re a student, senior, ADA, or veteran, the ticket is half off! So just $1!
Notify the driver of your stop if you want to visit Manitoga, Constitution Marsh or the Butterfield Library. Otherwise, they’ll just drive back to Cold Spring.
The trolley operates on a flag system, so when you see it coming, just wave it down, and it’ll stop to pick you up. And here’s the best part: besides the standard stops, you can request to be dropped off anywhere along the route. Isn’t that just the best?
Here’s an interactive map on the Trolley routes. Follow the purple lines!
Final Thoughts on How to Get to Cold Spring
And that’s it! Now you’ve got all the information you need to get to Cold Spring from NYC, whether you’re taking the train or driving. No matter which option you choose, I’m sure you’ll have the best time there!
If you’re looking for ideas on how to spend your day, go check out my post on Things to Do in Cold Spring. From scenic hikes to shopping on Main Street, it’s packed with activities. Happy exploring!
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