A Railroad Built on History and Service
Finger Lakes Railway has been connecting communities, businesses, and Class I railroads across the Finger Lakes region of New York since 1995. We are a privately owned short line railroad committed to customer service, regional growth, and the long-term value of rail.
Who We Are
Finger Lakes Railway is a privately owned short line railroad operating 150+ miles of track across the Finger Lakes region of New York. Since 1995, we have provided reliable, customer-focused rail service to a diverse base of industries, connecting local businesses to national markets.
With direct connections to both CSX and Norfolk Southern, our network offers seamless rail access across North America. Our team works closely with customers to deliver flexible solutions, consistent service, and long-term value through rail, supporting continued growth across the Finger Lakes Region.
The railroad's roots trace back to the historic Auburn Road, including the Auburn & Syracuse Railroad, incorporated in 1834. Today, Finger Lakes Railway continues that legacy by serving the same region with modern freight rail service built around customers, connections, and community.
Miles of track
Customers Served
Class I Rail Connections
Our Railroad History
The tracks we run today carry nearly two centuries of railroading. From one of America's earliest chartered railroads to an independent short line in local hands, the corridor has served the Finger Lakes region through every era of the industry.
One of the earliest chartered railroads in the United States, created to link Auburn with the Erie Canal at Syracuse.
Service began January 8, 1838 with horse-drawn trains; the first steam locomotive, the Syracuse, arrived the next year.
Merged into the Rochester & Syracuse, then absorbed by the New York Central, where the Auburn Road served as a key Upstate link for a century.
Through World War II and the Cold War, the Kendaia branch moved ammunition and materiel for the Seneca Army Depot until its closure in 1998.
After Penn Central's collapse, the corridor passed to Conrail in the federal restructuring that preserved northeastern freight rail.
On July 23, 1995, FGLK began operations as an independent short line, acquiring 150+ miles from Conrail across six Upstate counties. Today we move 18,000+ carloads a year over a main line first surveyed nearly two centuries ago.