Attending The Show | Amherst Railway Society

Hours

Saturday January 30, 2027 - 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday January 31, 2027 - 10:00am - 4:00pm

Location

The show is located in the Better Living Center and the adjacent Young, A Building (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 45, 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 45, I-91 South to Route 5 South, to Route 147 West to the Eastern States Exposition - Home of the Big E.

Ticket Information

Adults: $20.00 per day
Children 15 and under: FREE Accompanied by an Adult
EASTERN STATES PARKING: $5.00 per day

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 them when 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 accommodate anyone wishing to attend the
show whenever possible. If you have any questions regarding special needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.

If you are interested in renting a Wheelchair 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-canceling 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

2027 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 announce 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 either at Gate 1 or Gate 9. From that point, it is a 400 to 500-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

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:

Accommodations In The Area

For the January 2027 Show

SOME 2027 RATES ARE IN!

2027 Rates available now! Check the update date in each hotel's rate area to be sure you have the latest information. 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
2027 Rate: $125 for double or king bed
Discounted Parking $10 per night per vehicle, 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!

Start Date: Wednesday, January 27, 2027
End Date: Monday, February 1, 2027
Last Day to Book: Friday, December 26, 2026
For Reservations, Link will be set up soon

Hampton Inn-West Springfield

(3.8 miles - 9 minutes)
1011 Riverdale St.,
West Springfield, MA
413-732-1300
2027 Rate: $112.00 king w/ pullout sofa or 2 double beds - free hot breakfast, free parking, free Wi-Fi
www.HamptonInn.com
Start Date: Thursday, January 28, 2027
End Date: Sunday, January 31, 2027
Last Day to Book: Tuesday, December 29, 2026

Fairfield Inn & Suites Springfield/Enfield

1 Bright Meadow Blvd
Enfield CT 06082
860-741-2211
2027 Rate: $125.00 - free hot breakfast, free parking to train show attendees, free Wi-Fi
Start Date: Thursday, January 28, 2027
End Date: Sunday, January 31, 2027
Last Day to Book: Tuesday, December 29, 2026

Hampton Inn - Enfield/Springfield South

20 Phoenix Ave
Enfield, CT 06082
Phone: 860-741-3111
2027 Rate: $126.00 - 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed
Hot Breakfast Buffet 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 2026
Group code: 91I
For Reservations, Click Here

La Quinta Inn & Suites

100 Congress Street
Springfield, MA 01104
Phone: 413-781-0900 or 1-800-753-3757 (ask for Amherst Railroad block group), Group Block Code: 012727RHS
2027 Rate: Standard Rooms with 2 Queen beds $99.00, 1 bedroom suite with king bed, separate living room & full kitchen $124.00
Included in the room rate are: complimentary hot breakfast buffet, heated indoor pool,
fitness room, free wireless internet access throughout the hotel and on-site free parking.

Start Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2027
End Date: Sunday January 31, 2027
Last Day to Book: Wednesday, January 13, 2027

Homewood Suites by Hilton

375 Whitney Ave
Holyoke MA 01040
Phone: 413-532-3100
2027 Rate: $149.00 - King One Bedroom Suite
(Hotel has been completely renovated!)
Hot Breakfast Buffet included.
Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, Indoor pool, Fitness Center, pet-friendly rooms
Group name: Amherst Railway 2027
Group code: 90H
The last day to book reservations (Group Cut-Off-Date) is Thursday, December 31, 2026.
For Reservations, Click Here

In West Springfield & Springfield:

Candlewood Suites

(3.3 miles - 7 minutes)
572 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Phone: 413-739-1122
2026 Rate: $105.99 - 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
2027 Rate - $124.00
Free hot breakfast, free parking, and free high-speed internet,
indoor heated pool, 24 hour fitness and business center
Start date: Thursday, January 28, 2027
End date: Monday, February 1, 2027
Cutoff Date: Monday, December, 28, 2026

Holiday Inn Express

(1.8 miles - 6 minutes)
145 State Street
Springfield MA 01103
413-285-8436
2027 Rate: $119.00 king or 2 double beds - free hot breakfast, free parking, free Wi-Fi
For Reservations click here

Comfort Inn

106 Capital Dr
West Springfield MA 01089
Phone: 413-736-5000
2026 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

Quality Inn

1150 Riverdale St
West Springfield MA 01089
Phone: 413-739-7261
2026 Rate: $109 for 1 king and $119 for 2 queens
Free Wi-Fi, Free Buffet Breakfast, Fitness Center

Group Name: Amherst Railway Show
Group Number: YO31Q7
Cutoff date - 12/23/25

Hilton Garden Inn

800 Hall of Fame Ave
Springfield MA 01105
413-886-8000

2026 Rate: $189
Located on the grounds of the Basketball Hall of Fame!
Newly renovated rooms, free parking, free Wi-Fi, surrounded by 4 restaurants - Pizzaria Uno is attached to the hotel

Group Code - AMHR26
For Reservations, Click Here

Blue - A Modern Hotel

1080 Riverdale St
West Springfield MA 01089
Phone: 413-304-3202
2027 Rate: $159 for 2 double beds,
$169 for extended 2 doubles beds with ability for the addition of extra occupants and up to 2 rollaway beds
Free parking, free coffee, Free wi-fi, Fitness center

For Reservations, Click Here

Group Name: Amherst Railway Society
Group Number: ZU24R2
Cutoff date for Reservations - Friday, January 8, 2027

Red Roof Plus

1254 Riverdale St
West Springfield MA 01089
Phone: 413-731-1010
2027 Rate: $70 for Thursday & Sunday 1/28 & 1/31, $90 for Friday & Saturday 1/29 & 1/30
Free parking, free coffee, Free wi-fi, Fitness center
Pet Friendly

In Surrounding Area:

Hampton Inn - Chicopee

(9 Minutes to ARS Show)
600 Memorial Drive
Chicopee, MA 01020
Phone: 413-593-1500
2026 Rate: $125.00
Free Parking, Free Wi-Fi, Great Free Hot Breakfast Buffett, Microwave and Refrigerator in each room
Great Restaurants nearby, less traffic

For Reservations, please call the hotel.

Hampton Inn - Westfield

39 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Phone: 413-564-6900
2026 Rate: $129.00 - 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed or $139 for Double Queen Studio
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
Pet friendly hotel
Group Name - Railroad Hobby Show
Code 90i

For reseverations, Click Here

Quality Inn - Westfield

2 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Phone: 413-568-2821
2027 Rate: $125 for January 29th-31st & $119 for February 1st-2nd
Free Wi-fi, Free breakfast buffett, Free parking
Business center, free newspapers

Fairfield Inn & Suites Hartford Airport By Marriott

2 Loten Drive
Windsor Locks CT 06096
Phone: 860-627-9333
2026 Rate: $119 - Hot breakfest buffett, indoor heated pool, free parking, airport shuttle
If booking by phone, mention code SHO

Motel 6 - Windsor Locks

3 National Dr
Windsor Locks CT 06096
860-370-5350
2027 Rate: $85 for single bed & $95 for double beds - Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking (including spaces for RVs, semi-trucks & box trucks)
Newly renovated with upgraded rooms
Pet Friendly hotel - up to 2 pets stay free
24/7 Free shuttle to Bradley International Airport
Start Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2027
End Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2027

Days Inn - Bradley International Airport

185 Ella Grasso Turnpike
Windsor Locks CT 06096
866-246-4028
2027 Rate: $120 for single bed & $140 for double beds
Free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, Free Continental Breakfast
Pet Friendly hotel - up to 2 pets stay free
24/7 Free shuttle to Bradley International Airport
Start Date: Wednesday, January 28, 2027
End Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2027

Trainmaster's Inn

1292 S. Main St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Phone: 413-531-3281
www.trainmastersinn.com
5 unique rooms available- Starting at $145 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:

Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau

Volunteering for the Show

If you wish to help with Show setup and more, CLICK HERE or contact the Show Office via email showoffice@amherstrail.org or call/text 413-267-4555
(you must be a member of the Amherst Railway Society to volunteer)