Hours | Location | Directions | Ticket Information | Special Services For Groups | Special Needs/Quiet Room
Public Transportation Information | Charter Buses |Accommodations In The Area | Area Attractions
Hours
Saturday January 27, 2024 - 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday January 28, 2024 - 10:00am - 5:00pm
Location
The show is located in the Better Living Center and the adjacent Young, Stroh and Mallary Buildings at:
The Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds - Home of the Big E
1305 Memorial Avenue
West Springfield MA. 01089
For GPS Coordinates, use the following info: 875 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA as your destination
address (coordinates are 42 °05'38.88"N - 72 °36'42.36"W - Elev. 52') to enter Gate 9.
Directions
(CLICK HERE to open Google Maps)
- From Vermont and Points North
Take I-91 South to new exit 10B (old exit 13B), to Route 5 South, to Route 147 West to the Eastern States Exposition - Home of the Big E. - From Connecticut and and Points South (including NYC and Westchester County)
Take I-91 North from routes 2, 84 and 95 -- Follow I-91 to Massachusetts to exit 3, to Route 5 North, to Route 147 West to the Eastern States Exposition - Home of the Big E. - Alternate Routes from Connecticut and and Points South (from Southwestern Connecticut)
Take Route 202 North to Southwick, Mass. turn East on Route 57, to Route 147 East to the Eastern States Exposition - Home of the Big E. - From Hartford
Take I-91 North to exit 42 to Route 159 North, to Route 147 East OR take I-91 to exit 47 West, to Route 190 West, to Route 159 North to Route 147 East to the Eastern States Exposition - Home of the Big E. - From Boston and Points East
Take the Massachusetts Turnpike West to exit 51 (old exit 4), I-91 south to Route 5 South, to Route 147 West to the Eastern States Exposition - Home of the Big E. - From Points West - From the Berkshires, West including Albany and upstate New York
Take the Massachusetts Turnpike East to exit 51 (old exit 4), I-91 South to Route 5 South, to Route 147 West to the Eastern States Exposition - Home of the Big E.
Ticket Information
Adults: $15.00 per day
Children 15 and under: FREE Accompanied by an Adult
EASTERN STATES PARKING: $5.00 per day (have cash ready)
Tickets will be sold on the grounds starting one hour before the show opens on each day of the
show to keep lines to a minimum. Advanced purchase ticket info is available by CLICKING HERE.
Special Services For Groups
Any large groups arriving via chartered coach can receive extra benefits. Special parking is provided for charter buses.
If the group calls ahead to the Show Office with a passenger count, their tickets will be ready
for themwhen the bus arrives avoiding any waiting in the ticket line.
School and civic groups may also contact us to learn of extra benefits, including group discounts.
For further information contact Doug Moore at: mooredc156@gmail.com
Special Needs / Quiet Room
The Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show will make every effort to accomodate anyone wishing to attend the
show whenever possible. It you have any questions regarding special needs, please do not hestitate to contact us.
If you are interested in renting a Wheel Chair or Motorized cart, please contact:
American Mobility Services | 200 Taylor Street | Springfield, MA 01105 | www.americanmobilityservices.com | 413-342-0412
While the Amherst Railway Society does not provide noise cancelling headphones, it is recommended that you
bring your own if you feel the continuous drone of the crowd will disturb you.
If you are in need of a Quiet Room: The Amherst Railway Society realizes the size and scope of the Show can sometimes
overwhelm/overstimulate some persons. We have a quiet room, with only one small, sealed window that overlooks the Show
in a living room type setting that is calming and allows for a place to de-stress as well as allow privacy with your
child or children. Stop by the office in the BLC if you are in need. The room is available on a "first come" basis.
Public Transportation Information
Please note: Schedules are subject to change and links to schedules on the web also change.
Traveling by Train to Springfield, MA
If you are traveling to the show on Amtrak or the CTrail Hartford Line, you will be
getting off at the train at Springfield Union Station.
The following trains serve Springfield, MA: Lake Shore Limited (Chicago to Boston via Springfield), Northeast
Regional Trains to Springfield from New York City and points South. Vermonter service (Washington, DC to Vermont via Springfield).
Amtrak also runs trains along the Northeast Corridor that connect in New Haven, Connecticut, with the Amtrak Hartford Line
service to Springfield, MA and with the Valley Flyer trains to Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield.
Finally, the Connecticut Department of Transportation operates commuter rail trains from New Haven,
Connecticut, to Springfield, Massachusetts (CTrail Hartford Line).
Amtrak schedules can be found on this page.
Hartford Line schedules can be found on this page.
Further information regarding travel to/from Springfield Union Station is available on the link above.
Traveling by Peter Pan Bus Lines or Greyhound to Springfield, MA
Peter Pan Bus Lines and Greyhound provide frequent service to Springfield Union Station from all directions of the compass.
Schedule and ticket information for Peter Pan Bus Lines can be found on this link.
Schedule and ticket information for Greyhound can be found on this link.
Free Shuttle Bus Service between the Show and Springfield Union Station
Amherst Railway Society, once again announces our
2024 FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE
Beginning at 8:30 am on Saturday and 9:30 am on Sunday the Amherst Railway Society Courtesy Shuttles
will begin their routes at the main entrance to Springfield Union Station located on Frank B. Murray Street (at the front of the building). The
vans are 15-passenger vans and there are Show Logos/Signs on the vans and the drivers will annouce themselves on arrival.
The vans will begin their route at main entrance of the station (at the front of the building), then leave and follow this route:
- out to Dwight Street, taking a right onto Dwight Street heading east..
- Dwight Street to Harrison Ave, taking a right onto Harrison Avenue.
- Cross Main Street and STOPPING between the Sheraton and the Marriott on the Marriott side of the street.
- Proceed over Memorial Bridge onto Memorial Ave to Baldwin St. stopping at that intersection.
- Continue on Memorial Ave and STOPPING at Gate 5 (closed) of the ESE grounds (to pick up people that have come via other public transportation).
- Proceed west on Memorial Ave to GATE 1 entering the grounds and dropping off at the ticket booths and Door 7 of the BLC.
- Van will leave grounds via Gate 9 head east back to Springfield on Memorial Ave, cross the bridge straight to Main Street where it will make a left turn (north) on Main Street to Liberty Street, where it will make a right hand turn (onto Liberty). Then a Right turn onto Dwight and a right turn into the Main entrance of Union Station to repeat the route.
- This route will be followed until 5:30 each day.
- PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VANS WILL NO LONGER STOP AT THE LYMAN STREET ENTRANCE.
PVTA Bus Service to the Eastern State Exposition Grounds
The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) operates regular local service between Union Station and the
Eastern State Exposition grounds. The bus to take is the R14 Feeding Hills Bus Route.
The map and schedule for this bus can be found here and then clicking on the R14 route. You want to get
off the bus at the Eastern States Exposition. If in doubt, be sure to ask your bus driver. Maps and
schedules of the rest of the PVTA system are here.
Special Note on Locked "Walk-in" Gates
Visitors that take public transportation to our show will find that the policy of the Eastern States Exposition has
been to keep the walk-in gates closed for reasons of security. It is suggested that patrons that have used
public transportation, exit that transportation at Gate 2. From that point, it is a 300-yard walk to the nearest of our
buildings. Taxis and drop-offs (such as Uber Drivers) are allowed on to the premises without having to pay for parking.
Taxis and Uber Drivers will also come on to the premises to pick up riders as well. REMEMBER, our FREE Shuttle Service
from the Amtrak Station will drop you off at the Door of the BLC and the ticket booths!
Charter Buses
* FOR THE 2024 SHOW *
Many Charter Buses run every year to The Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show. This year, in an effort to assist
with the high price of gas, we have published those folks that are running charter buses and have requested this
publication service. Note that bus passengers arrive directly in front of Door 8 of the BLC and all admissions
are taken care of in advance with the contact for that bus.
THINK ABOUT CHARTERING YOUR OWN BUS TO OUR EVENT! Here's what's being said about it:
"Thank you for all your help with this, the bus trip was a big hit and everyone is planning on coming back again next
year. You really made it feel like a VIP experience." Kevin Surman, VP Hudson Berkshire division of the NMRA.
Finally, please note that these are not ARS buses so do not hesitate to contact these folks that offer this great service directly:
For the 2024 Show, there are no charter buses scheduled as of this date (11.5.2023)
Accommodations In The Area
For the January 2024 Show
2024 Rates available now! Check the update date in each hotel's rate area to be sure. Be sure to mention
the Amherst Railroad Hobby Show when making reservations to get these reduced rates. Some hotels
now have an automated room reservations link. When in doubt, contact the hotel directly!
HOST HOTELS:
Sheraton Springfield Monarch Hotel
(1.62 miles - 3 minutes)
One Monarch Place
Springfield, MA 01144
413-781-1010 or 800-426-9004
2024 Rate: $109 for double or king bed
Free Garage Parking for one car, Free Wi-Fi, Free use of Athletic & Link Business Center
Breakfast buffet offered for a discounted rate of $15.95 plus tax and gratuity - Please note breakfast is not complimentary per prior years,
allowing us to LOWER the room rate for 2024!
THE SHERATON SPRINGFIELD MONARCH IS SOLD OUT!
Hampton Inn-West Springfield
(3.8 miles - 9 minutes)
1011 Riverdale St.,
West Springfield, MA
413-732-1300
2024 Rate: $101.00 king w/ pullout sofa or 2 double beds - free hot breakfast, free parking, free Wi-Fi
www.HamptonInn.com
Fairfield Inn & Suites Springfield/Enfield
Newly redone hotel - Formerly Holiday Inn
1 Bright Meadow Blvd
Enfield CT 06082
860-741-2211
2024 Rate: $104.00 - free hot breakfast, free parking, free Wi-Fi
Hampton Inn - Enfield/Springfield South
20 Phoenix Ave
Enfield, CT 06082
Phone: 860-741-3111
2024 Rate: $105.00 - 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed
Hot Breakfast Buffett included with hot items (eggs and links, oatmeal, waffles…) fruits,
cereals, yogurts, muffins, bagels, coffee, teas, juices and regional breakfast offerings.
Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, Indoor pool, Fitness Center
Group name: Amherst Railroad Hobby Show 2024
Group code: AMH
CLICK HERE FOR RESERVATIONS
Marriott Springfield Downtown
(1.62 miles - 3 minutes)
2 Boland Way
Springfield, Massachusetts 01115
Phone: 413-781-7111
2024 Rate: $129.00 - with free parking in the fully enclosed Tower Square Garage (6’4” maximum vehicle height)
To make a reservation, CLICK HERE
In West Springfield & Springfield:
Candlewood Suites
(3.3 miles - 7 minutes)
572 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Phone: 413-739-1122
2024 Rate: $104.99 - Single or Double Suites, all with full kitchens. ALL BRAND NEW!
Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, full cable lineup, 42" flat screen TV, 24-hour store
with free coffee, complimentary use of washers and dryers
Hampton Inn & Suites - Springfield/Downtown
851 East Columbus Avenue, Springfield, MA 01105
Phone: 413-310-2300
2024 Rate - $109, 2 night minimum
Free hot breakfast, free parking, and free high-speed internet,
indoor heated pool, 24 hour fitness and business center
To make a reservation, CLICK HERE
La Quinta Inn & Suites
100 Congress Street
Springfield, MA 01104
Phone: 413-781-0900 (ask for Amherst Railroad block group)
2024 Rate: Standard Rooms $99.00, Upgraded rooms with 1 King or 2 Queens and a sofa
bed are $120; Included in the room rate are: complimentary hot breakfast buffet, heated indoor pool,
fitness room, free wireless internet access throughout the hotel, on-site restaurant
lobby and free parking.
THE LA QUINTA IS SOLD OUT!
Quality Inn
(3.9 miles - 10 minutes)
1150 Riverdale Street
West Springfield-MA 01089
413-739-7261
2024 Rate: $89.00 for 1 king bed or 2 queen beds
Hot Breakfast Buffet in the morning to include: (eggs, sausage, hash browns, waffles, bagels,
english muffins, cereals (cold & hot), toast, yogurts, coffee, teas & juices,
Free WiFi, Free parking, newspaper, guest laundry facilities
Comfort Inn
106 Capital Dr
West Springfield MA 01089
Phone: 413-736-5000
2024 Rate: $109 for 1 king or 2 queens and $139 for a suite with 1 king or 2 queens,
Free Wi-Fi, Free Hot Breakfast, Indoor Heated Pool, Fitness Center
Best Western Springfield West Inn
(2.6 miles)
429 Riverdale St, West Springfield, MA 01089
Phone: 413-785-5365
2024 Rate - $109
Free hot breakfast, free parking
In Surrounding Area:
Residence Inn - Chicopee
(10 Miles - 20 minutes)
500 Memorial Avenue
Chicopee, MA 01020
Phone: 413-331-4440
2024 Rate: $109.00 - King Studio with kitchen
Complimentary hot breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Indoor pool and fitness center
Shopping and restaurants surrounding the hotel. To book your room,
For Reservations, CLICK HERE
Hampton Inn - Chicopee
(9 Minutes to ARS Show)
600 Memorial Drive
Chicopee, MA 01020
Phone: 413-593-1500
2024 Rate: $119.00
Free Parking, Free Wi-Fi, Great Free Hot Breakfast Buffett, Microwave and Refrigerator in each room
Great Restaurants nearby, less traffic
Event ID: Amherst Railway Society
Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott
2 Loten Drive
Windsor Locks CT 06096
Phone: 860-627-9333
2024 Rate: $109 - Hot breakfest buffett, indoor heated pool, free parking, airport shuttle
If booking by phone, mention code SHO
To make a reservation, CLICK HERE
Trainmaster's Inn
1292 S. Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Phone: 413-531-3281
www.trainmastersinn.com
5 unique rooms available- Starting at $135 per night
Complimentary coffee, Free Parking
Close to Route 20 and I-90 Turnpike
Area Attractions
The Amherst Railway Society tried to keep this information updated for many years until we
realized that there are a few organizations out there that do this much better than we can...
So, check out this link to learn more about our area attractions: