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 May 3, 2025 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday May 4, 2025 - 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
NOTE THE SHIFT TO THE WEEKEND AND THE EARLY CLOSE ON SUNDAY!

Location

The show is located in the Better Living Center (BLC) Building 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: $10.00 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 tickets are no longer available (they were discontinued on
April 16th in order to leave time for the tickets to reach you via mail.) 

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 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 Young Building 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
Direct Trains to Springfield from New York City and points South. Vermonter service (Washington 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 new 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
Springfield Union Station page of the Trains In The Valley website.

TRAIN ARRIVALS THE WEEKEND OF THE 2025 SHOW: CLICK HERE

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.

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 security reasons. It is suggested that patrons that have used
public transportation, exit that transportation at Gate 1. From that point, it is a 300-yard walk to the Young Building.
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.

Charter Buses

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 the Main Door of the Young building 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 April 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 Society's Northeast Large Scale Train 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:

Hampton Inn-West Springfield

(3.8 miles - 9 minutes)
1011 Riverdale St.,
West Springfield, MA
413-732-1300
2024 Rate: $135.00 - free hot breakfast, free parking, free Wi-Fi
www.HamptonInn.com

Hampton Inn-Springfield

851 East Columbus Ave
Springfield MA 01105
413-310-2300
2024 Rate: $154.00 king w/ pullout sofa or 2 double beds - free hot breakfast, free parking, free Wi-Fi
Indoor heated pool, 24-hour fitness & business center
CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW

Fairfield Inn & Suites Springfield/Enfield

Newly redone hotel - Formerly Holiday Inn
1 Bright Meadow Blvd
Enfield CT 06082
860-741-2211
2024 Rate: $149.00 - 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: $124.00 - 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 2023
Group code: R24
NEW ENGLAND LARGE SCALE TRAIN SHOW 2023 (hilton.com)

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


LaQuinta Inns & Suites

100 Congress Street
Springfield, MA 01104
Phone: 413-781-0900 (ask for Amherst Railroad block group)
2024 Rate: Standard Rooms $129.00 or upgraded room for $149
Included in the room rate are: complimentaryhot breakfast buffet, heated indoor pool,
fitness room, free wireless internet access throughout the hotel, on-site restaurant lobby and free parking.

To make a reservation, CLICK HERE

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
CLICK HERE FOR BOOKING RESERVATIONS

Hampton Inn - Chicopee

(9 Minutes to ARS Show)
600 Memorial Drive
Chicopee, MA 01020
Phone: 413-593-1500
2023 Rate: $139.00 - Double
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


Residence Inn - Chicopee

(10 Miles - 20 minutes)
500 Memorial Avenue
Chicopee, MA 01020
Phone: 413-331-4440
2024 Rate: $139.00 - King Studio with kitchen
Complimentary hot breakfast, Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Indoor pool and fitness center
Shopping and restaurants surrounding the hotel.
Book Your Group/Corporate Rate | Marriott International

Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott

2 Loten Drive
Windsor Locks CT 06096
Phone: 860-627-9333
2024 Rate: $129.00 - Hot breakfast buffet, indoor heated pool, free parking, airport shuttle
If booking by phone, mention code SHO

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