Shore Line East will add four new weekday trains between New Haven and New London starting Oct. 5, part of an effort to restore service cut during the pandemic
The expansion follows $3 million in additional funding secured by shoreline state senators during the 2026 legislative session
The line has lagged behind other Connecticut passenger rail service in returning to pre-pandemic levels, according to state transportation data
Riders on Shore Line East will soon have 4 new train options as they travel between New London and New Haven.
Beginning October 5, Shore Line East will be adding four new weekday trains to help close scheduling gaps and move the train toward full restoration of service, providing commuters and recreational riders alike with more convenient and reliable options.
Shore Line East trains have yet to return to pre-COVID service levels, and commuters across the shoreline have been asking for more convenient and reliable service on this critical line. According to DOT data, other passenger lines have returned to pre-pandemic service levels, but Shore Line East has not.
Since the service cuts were implemented in the pandemic, shoreline legislators have been working to restore service. Most recently in the 2026 legislative session, Senators Cohen and Marx fought to secure an additional $3 million for the current fiscal year which resulted in these added trains.
“Shore Line East is a lifeline for commuters along Connecticut’s southeastern shoreline, and especially in my district,” said Sen. Cohen. “This investment ensures the service not only continues but also grows to meet riders’ needs. With more reliable trains, more Connecticut residents can feel confident choosing Shore Line East as a convenient option to get to where they are going. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont for working with me and my colleagues on this to deliver for our constituents.”
New weekday eastbound service
Two new weekday eastbound trains will operate from New Haven to New London, making stops at all Shore Line East stations:
New CTrail1628: Departs New Haven Union Station at 2:55 p.m. and arrives in New London at 4:05 p.m.New CTrail1640: Departs New Haven Union Station at 5:55 p.m. and arrives in New London at 7:05 p.m.—New Connection: Metro-North Railroad’s Super Express Train 3542 connects with CTrail1640 at New Haven Union Station, providing improved connectivity for passengers departing New York City at 4:11 p.m. and Stamford at 4:44 p.m.
New weekday westbound service
Two new weekday westbound trains will operate from New London to New Haven, making stops at all Shore Line East stations:
New CTrail1683: Departs New London at 4:40 p.m. and arrives in New Haven Union Station at 5:49 p.m.New CTrail1693: Departs New London at 7:28 p.m. and arrives in New Haven Union Station at 8:37 p.m.
By Garnet McLaughlin
