Frequently Asked Questions
What is CTrail Shore Line East?
CTrail Shore Line East (SLE) is a rail service providing access between New London and New Haven seven days a week. Connections to New Haven Line (Metro-North), CTrail Hartford Line, and Amtrak are available at New Haven's Union Station.
Where are SLE train stations located?
CTrail Shore Line East trains stop in New Haven at Union and State Street stations, Branford, Guilford, Madison, Clinton, Westbrook, Old Saybrook, and New London.
When do SLE trains run?
CTrail Shore Line East trains operate seven days a week, including holidays. AM service is primarily westbound, towards New Haven, and PM service is primarily eastbound, towards Old Saybrook and New London. Please refer to the full schedule for departure times.
Where can I park?
Free commuter parking is available at all SLE stations except New London and New Haven’s Union Station. There is no parking available at New Haven’s State Street station. Paid parking is available in nearby parking facilities in New London and New Haven.
What are the COVID Safety Protocols?
Discover what we're doing to get you there safely HERE.
Are masks required on CTrail Shore Line East trains?
Mask-wearing will no longer be enforced on Shore Line East services and facilities in Connecticut, but per CDC guidelines, it is strongly encouraged. Customers who are sick should not use public transportation.
Where do bus substitutions pick up?
Pick up and drop off locations vary by station; please refer to the stations page for more details on passenger pick-up and drop-off locations.
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 are charged during business rush hours for travel to and from Grand Central Terminal (GCT). Details on Metro-North peak fares can be found here.
How do I purchase a ticket?
Tickets can be purchased via:
- The CTrail eTix app for Android or iOS
- Onboard all SLE trains - Only One-Way tickets are available with cash. All passengers purchasing tickets on board are requested to have exact change or small bills, no larger than a $20 bill.
- Full-service windows are located at: New London, Old Saybrook, and New Haven Union Station
How do I purchase a UniRail ticket?
UniRail Tickets are available via:
- The CTrail eTix app for Android or iOS
- Any CTrail Hartford Line ticket vending machine
- New Havens Union Station Ticket Window
- Any New Haven Line station with a ticket window, as well as by mail at: www.MTA.info.
- Metro-North ticket vending machine. On the Metro-North TVM, select your New Haven Line destination station (New Haven) and then add the UniTicket (Connecting Services) option to select your CTrail Shore Line East destination station. Individual tickets will be generated for each leg of the trip.
Does Amtrak cross-honor Shore Line East tickets?
CTrail Shore Line East monthly and 10-trip tickets can only be used on Amtrak trains 86, 93, 94, and 137 between New Haven and New London, and only with a reservation through the Amtrak RideReserve program.
To view the full Amtrak cross-honoring Terms and Conditions, visit our Fares page.
Where can I find additional information about the CTrail eTix app?
Passengers may find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the CTrail eTix app here.
The CTrail eTix app for Android or iOS can be downloaded using the links below:
Is the U-Pass CT accepted aboard CTrail Shore Line East trains?
Yes, the U-Pass CT is accepted aboard all CTrail Shore Line East trains with an accompanying valid student ID. However, it is not accepted aboard ANY shoreline Amtrak trains. For more details on the U-Pass, visit CTrides.com/u-pass.
Where can I find New Haven shuttles?
Monday through Friday, New Haven Connector shuttle buses provide access to locations that are not within walking distance of New Haven's State Street Station and Union Station. Please see the Rider Resources page for further information.
How can I travel beyond New Haven?
New Haven Line (Metro-North) and Amtrak trains connect with CTrail Shore Line East at New Haven Union Station for travel west of New Haven towards New York.
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 made 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 using the CTrail service alert system here. Passengers can also view service alerts within the CTrail eTix app.
When traveling to New Haven, should I exit the train at State Street Station or Union Station?
State Street Station is located just two blocks from the New Haven Green and is within walking distance of downtown New Haven. Union Station is where connecting New Haven Line and Amtrak trains stop. CTrail Hartford Line Connections are available at State Street Station and Union Station.
Do I need to enter Union Station to purchase a Metro-North ticket for my connecting New Haven Line train?
Passengers transferring to Metro-North’s New Haven Line may purchase their connecting ticket using the CTrail eTix app or onboard the connecting New Haven Line (Metro-North) train with cash, credit, or debit cards. In order to avoid the surcharge, passengers must show the Metro-North conductor their SLE ticket stub before purchase.
Where can I purchase my SLE Monthly ticket?
Monthly tickets can be purchased via:
- The CTrail eTix app for Android or iOS
- Full-service ticket window located at: New London, Old Saybrook, and New Haven Union Station
Do children ride free?
Up to four children ages 11 and under may travel for free with a CTrail Shore Line East fare paying adult. Additional children will be charged the adult fare. CTrail Shore Line East's "Child Fare Policy" does not apply to Amtrak - SLE options. If you're continuing your trip on a Metro-North New Haven Line train, for up to four children ages 5-11 traveling with a paying adult, the fare is $1 each. Any additional children ages 5-11 will be charged half the adult fare. Children under 5 years of age travel free.
Are senior discounts available?
SLE Senior (65+)/Disable One-Way tickets are 50% off standard fare; not valid on weekday morning peak trains.
Are military discounts available?
SLE does not offer a military discount.
Can SLE tickets be refunded?
Yes, Unused CTrail Shore Line East tickets can be refunded (Details below):
- Tickets purchased via the CTrail eTix app:
- Tickets can only be refunded for the same day as the purchase day.
- For more information about refunds via the CTrail eTix app please reference the CTrail eTix FAQs here.
- Tickets purchased via the ticket window:
- Single Trip Tickets 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 SLE monthly tickets is determined based on the calendar day of the month that 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 SLE tickets be replaced?
Lost, damaged, or stolen tickets can neither be refunded nor replaced.
During AM peak travel, if a SLE train is late arriving at New Haven Union Station, will the connecting New Haven Line train wait?
New Haven Line trains are able to wait up to five minutes to accommodate CTrail Shore Line East connecting passengers at New Haven's Union Station.
During PM peak travel, if my New Haven Line train is late returning to New Haven Union Station, will the connecting CTrail Shore Line East train wait?
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.
What do I do if something unforeseen arises - such as working late or a family emergency - and I can't take a scheduled CTrail Shore Line East train?
The Emergency Ride Home Program provides up to four (4) free rides per year to SLE monthly ticket holders for such emergencies. Click here for more details.
Do Amtrak trains stop at New Haven State Street Station?
Only Amtrak trains operating on the CTrail Hartford Line schedule stop at State Street Station. Full Amtrak service is available via New Haven's Union Station.
What if an item is lost on board a SLE train?
Items lost on board SLE trains or at SLE stations are brought to Amtrak’s Baggage and Claims Dept. in New Haven’s Union station, reachable by calling (203) 773-6176. Please feel free to call 1-877-CTrides (287-4337) with any questions on the Lost and Found process.
Are there restrooms on the trains?
Yes, lavatory facilities are available on trains as well as at stations in New London, Old Saybrook and New Haven's Union Station.
Are pets allowed on trains?
Trained service animals assisting passengers are permitted without restriction. All pets must either 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?
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?
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?
Bicycles are permitted on board SLE trains operating between New Haven and New London (including all intermediate stations) only. All bicycles must be stored in a safe and secure manner to allow for emergency egress by passengers. The cyclist should remain in close proximity to the bicycle and must obey instructions of the train crew. Bicycle groups should contact CTrides at 1-877-CTrides (287-4337) prior to travel to ensure space availability. Passengers traveling outside of CTrail Shore Line East’s New Haven – New London route should direct inquiries to Amtrak at (800) 872-7245 and/or the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) for their current policies.
Is there WiFi access on the trains?
No, there is no WiFi connection on board the trains.
Are there power outlets on trains?
The M8 Electric Multiple Units (EMU) represent a substantial improvement over the older diesel-powered train sets. Electric trains include amenities for riders, such as electrical outlets at each seat, brighter interior spaces, and higher back seats.
How do I apply for employment with CTrail Shore Line East?
To apply for employment with CTrail Shore Line East, please visit Amtrak's Career website at Amtrak.com.