Schenectady is more upstate and not as close to NY as Philly is. As it was just said Philly is VERY easy to get to from NY and the train ride isn't long. But, if you want to pay more you can take Amtrak. I don't know to be honest with you how long the train ride is. But, I know it is a lot shorter to go to Philly then it is Schenectady.
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Tom Stoppard's Rock N Roll