Commuters' dream - Hudson Line Commuting and Parking
Taking the train on the Hudson Line offers one of the most scenic commuting options. For most of the time, the Metro-North connection is pretty reliable. If you are looking to stay within a commutable distance from the city, faster express trains that serve Northern Westchester and beyond offer considerable time savings.
When you are considering where to move throughout Northern Westchester, Putnam Valley or even Southern Dutchess County, there are several factors to consider in addition to the actual time spent on the train. Some towns offer plenty of parking availability while others have a month or sometimes year long waitlist. If you are looking into monthly commuting costs, consider the combined cost of the train ticket as well as parking, as the parking fees may vary depending on availability and the operator.
Here are few examples of train stations along the Hudson line. This information is based on the information available March 2025.
Ossining station with connection to Ferry service to Haverstraw
OSSINING
Don Draper commuted to the City from Ossining, so why shouldn’t you. Grab a coffee from one of the village’s popular coffee shops, and you are ready for a smooth ride to the city. Rush hour there can be four trains per hour stopping in Ossining while off-peak trains stop about twice an hour.
Fastest Commute: Express trains from New York City to Ossining take approximately 47 minutes.
Fare Information:
One-Way Tickets:
Peak Hours: $15.25
Off-Peak Hours: $11.25
Monthly Pass:
Priced at $299.75, this option offers a 50% discount based on 42 rides per month compared to purchasing individual peak one-way tickets.
Parking at Ossining Station:
Managed By: LAZ Parking on behalf of the Village of Ossining.
Availability: Parking spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis; permits are not offered.
Daily Parking Rates:
16-Hour Maximum: $4.75
24-Hour Maximum: $7.50
Payment Methods: Payments can be made via the LAZ Parking app or at electronic pay stations located near the platform.
Additional Notes:
Waitlist: Some commuters have reported a waitlist for parking permits at Ossining Station, while alternatives like Scarborough Station may offer more immediate parking availability.
Alternative Parking: Private parking lots near the Ossining station are available, with rates around $4 per day.
CROTON-HARMON
Croton-Harmon station is a popular Metro-North stop on the Hudson Line, offering express trains that reach Grand Central Station in approximately 45 minutes. However, due to its popularity, parking availability can be challenging. Here's an overview of the current parking situation:
Fastest Commute: Express trains from New York City to Croton-on-Hudson takes approximately 45 minutes.
Fare Information:
One-Way Tickets:
Peak Hours: $15.25
Off-Peak Hours: $11.25
Monthly Pass:
Priced at $299.75, this option offers a 50% discount based on 42 rides per month compared to purchasing individual peak one-way tickets.
Parking Availability:
Resident Parking: The Village of Croton-on-Hudson manages the parking lot at Croton-Harmon station. As of now, there is no waitlist for resident parking permits. Residents can obtain permits at $216 per quarter if paying by check, or $222 if paying by credit card.
Non-Resident Parking: Non-residents can also obtain parking permits, though availability may be limited. Non-resident permits are priced at $307 per quarter if paying by check, or $321 if paying by credit card.
Preferred Parking: Preferred parking spaces are available at $450 per quarter if paying by check, or $463 if paying by credit card. These spaces offer closer proximity to the station and may have limited availability.
Daily Parking: For occasional use, daily parking is available at $12 per day from Monday to Friday and $7 on weekends. However, during peak times, these spaces can fill up quickly.
Waitlist Information:
While there is currently no waitlist for resident parking permits, non-resident permits may have limited availability. It's advisable to contact the Village Clerk's Office for the most up-to-date information on parking availability and any potential waitlists.
Alternative Parking Options:
Given the high demand for parking at Croton-Harmon station, some commuters consider alternative stations with potentially shorter waitlists and parking availability. Stations such as Tarrytown, Irvington, and Hastings-on-Hudson may offer different parking dynamics. It's recommended to contact the parking authorities of these stations directly to inquire about current parking availability and waitlist statuses.
Additional Tips:
Street Parking: Street parking near the station is limited and may not be a reliable option, especially during peak commuting hours.
Private Parking Lots: Some private parking lots near the station offer daily or monthly rates. However, availability can vary, and it's advisable to contact them directly for current rates and availability.
CORTLANDT
Cortlandt station, located in Cortlandt Manor, NY, offers a convenient and less stressful commuting experience compared to some neighboring stations :
Commuting Time:
Fastest Commute: Trains from Cortlandt station to Grand Central Terminal take approximately 55 minutes.
Fare Information:
One-Way Tickets:
Peak Hours: $18.25
Off-Peak Hours: $13.50
Monthly Pass: Priced at $359, this option offers a 50% discount based on 42 rides per month compared to purchasing individual peak one-way tickets.
Parking at Cortlandt Station:
Managed By: LAZ Parking
Total Parking Spaces: Approximately 1,590 across three lots.
Permit Parking:
Cost: $114.89 per quarter; no residency requirements.
Availability: Permits are currently available, and there is no waitlist.
Application: Apply online through the LAZ Parking website.
Daily Parking:
16-Hour Maximum: $4 per day.
24-Hour Maximum: $6.75 per day.
Payment Methods: Payments can be made via the LAZGo app or at pay stations accepting credit/debit cards.
Additional Notes:
Electric Vehicle Charging: Reserved parking spots for Electric Vehicles (EVs) are available.
Weekend Parking: Parking is free on weekends, making it a convenient option for those traveling durin
PEEKSKILL
Peekskill station, situated along the scenic Hudson River waterfront, offers a distinctive commuting experience characterized by its walkable surroundings and vibrant local dining options.
Commuting Time:
Fastest Commute: Trains from Peekskill station to Grand Central Terminal take approximately 60 minutes.
Fare Information:
One-Way Tickets:
Peak Hours: $18.25
Off-Peak Hours: $13.50
Monthly Pass: Priced at $359.00, this option offers a 50% discount based on 42 rides per month compared to purchasing individual peak one-way tickets.
Parking at Peekskill Station:
Managed By: The City of Peekskill
Total Parking Spaces: Approximately 488 spaces across various lots.
Permit Parking Fees (Effective January 1, 2025):
Annual Resident Permit: $415.00
Annual Non-Resident Permit: $660.00
Monthly Resident Permit: $38.00
Monthly Non-Resident Permit: $93.00
Permit Application Process:
Annual Permits: The City of Peekskill typically conducts a lottery for annual parking permits in the fall. Each household is allowed one entry, with separate categories for residents and non-residents. It's advisable to monitor the city's official website or contact the City Clerk's Office for updates on the application timeline and procedures.
Monthly Permits: These permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be submitted online or in person at the City Clerk's Office.
Daily Parking:
Metered Parking: Available at rates of $1.25 per hour, enforced from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Parking is free on weekends and after 6:00 PM on weekdays.
Additional Notes:
Weekend Parking: All parking in downtown Peekskill, including the train station lots, is free on weekends and after 6:00 PM on weekdays.
Electric Vehicle Charging: Reserved parking spots for Electric Vehicles (EVs) are available.
Traffic Flow: The station's design includes traffic lights at exits, reducing congestion during peak times.
GARRISON
A small but beautiful station just north of Peekskill. This train station blends the Victorian with an Italianate style and is set in a picturesque setting on Garrison landing by the Hudson River. The train depot was seen on the Hello Dolly movie in 1969. Garrison Landing is lined with a couple of charming shops, but you can still score a cup of coffee at the Dolly’s restaurant in the morning. It is one of the only train stations north of Peekskill that currently has parking availability. Trains stop about twice an hour in rush hours and once an hour at other times.
Fare Information:
One-Way Tickets:
Peak Hours: $20.075
Off-Peak Hours: $15.25
Monthly Pass: Priced at $407.75, this option offers a 50% discount based on 42 rides per month compared to purchasing individual peak one-way tickets.
Parking at Garrison Station:
Managed By: LAZ Parking
Total Parking Spaces: Approximately 291 spaces.
Permit Parking Fees:
Resident Permit: $113.00 per quarter.
Non-Resident Permit: $127.00 per quarter.
Daily Parking:
Cost: $3.50 per day.
Additional Notes:
Weekend Parking: Free overnight parking is allowed at the Garrison train station on weekends and holidays.
24-Hour Parking: Available at an additional charge of $22.00 per month, added to the length of the permit.
Traffic Flow: The station's design ensures a smooth flow of traffic, minimizing congestion during peak times.
COLD SPRING
The Village of Cold Spring is very walkable and tightly built, so there are not many parking spots by the station. During the peak hours, two trains per hour make stops in Cold Springs. Off-peak trains and weekend trains run once an hour. The station is located right in the middle of the village, so there are many options where to grab a morning coffee or breakfast before boarding the train. Trains are stopping twice an hour in rush hour and average once an hour at other times.
Fastest Commuting time: 1 hour 15 Minutes
Monthly ticket: This is the most cost-effective fare for daily commutation. Save 50 percent (based on 42 rides per month) off the one-way peak fare. $ 393.25
One-way ticket: Peak $ 20.00 Off-Peak $15.00
Fare Information:
One-Way Tickets:
Peak Hours: $20.00
Off-Peak Hours: $15.00
Monthly Pass: Priced at $393.25, this option offers a 50% discount based on 42 rides per month compared to purchasing individual peak one-way tickets.
Parking at Cold Spring Station:
Managed By: LAZ Parking
Total Parking Spaces: Approximately 223 spaces.
Permit Parking Fees:
Annual Permit: $358.00 per year.
Daily Parking:
Cost: $3.50 per day.
Additional Notes:
Weekend Parking: Parking is free on weekends.
24-Hour Parking: Available at an additional charge of $22.00 per month, added to the length of the permit.
Parking Meters: Effective June 2024, parking meters on Main Street (between Depot Square and Route 9D) are in effect Friday through Sunday, and holidays landing on Mondays, from 10 AM to 6 PM, at a rate of $2.00 per hour for up to three hours.
Payment Methods: Meters accept credit card payments; smartphone payments may not be available.
Traffic Flow: The station's design ensures a smooth flow of traffic, minimizing congestion during peak times.
BEACON
Beacon station, located in the heart of Beacon, New York, is a significant hub on the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line, serving both Metro-North and Amtrak trains. Its proximity to local shops and restaurants enhances its appeal for daily commuters and visitors alike.
Commuting Details:
Fastest Commute: Approximately 1 hour and 19 minutes from Beacon to Grand Central Terminal.
Train Frequency: During peak hours, trains depart from Beacon three times per hour; off-peak times see one or two departures per hour.
Fare Information:
One-Way Ticket:
Peak Hours: $24.00
Off-Peak Hours: $17.75
Monthly Ticket: $446.50.50, offering a 50% discount based on 42 rides per month compared to individual peak one-way fares.
Parking Details:
Managed By: LAZ Parking
Total Parking Spaces: Approximately 1,430 spaces.
Permit Parking Fees:
Resident Rates:
1 Month: $34
6 Months: $209
12 Months: $298
Non-Resident Rates:
1 Month: $43
6 Months: $209
12 Months: $358
Daily Parking: $3.50 per day.
24-Hour Parking: Available at an additional charge of $22.00 per month, added to the length of the permit.
Additional Notes:
Weekend Parking: Parking is free on weekends.
Payment Methods: Both cash and credit card payments are accepted, and the facility is equipped for handicap accessibility.
Parking Waitlist: Due to Beacon's recent housing boom and increased popularity, there is currently a waitlist for parking permits. The Beacon Metro-North Railroad Station offers both permit and metered parking options. While specific waitlist durations for parking permits aren't publicly disclosed, it's noted that the permit parking waitlist has been substantial in the past, with reports indicating it was over 150 people long approximately 13 years ago.
Alternative Parking: Some commuters opt for parking at nearby stations such as New Hamburg, Cold Spring, or Poughkeepsie, which offer parking garages and may have different availability and pricing.