Union Station Prepares for Busy Holiday Weekend

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – One of the busiest holiday travel weeks has just begun, and many are choosing to go by rail or bus to get to their Thanksgiving destination.

22News learned what travelers need to know if they plan to go by rail before and after the holiday, and these travelers arriving at Springfield Union Station did just that the Monday night before Thanksgiving—the calm before the storm of one of the busiest weeks for holiday travel.

“You have to try to leave early, try to plan, get the flex tickets if you can,” says Matt from New York City. “I got those and it helped us out.” Whether it’s by bus or rail, Union Station in Springfield is prepared for the nearly 20,000 passengers who will pass through the doors here for the holidays this year.

The two busiest travel days are expected to be November 27th—-the day before Thanksgiving, and December 1st—the Sunday after.

The property manager of Springfield Union Station Nicole Sweeney says unlike Grand Central or South Station, you don’t have to be at Union Station hours ahead. “We are pretty small and easy to navigate, so 45 minutes to a half hour is generally plenty, if you already have your ticket, to get here & get comfortable and then catch your ride.”