The Erie Railroad was a railroad that operated in New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, originally connecting New York City with Lake Erie.

The company's mainline route proved influential in the development and economic growth of the Southern Tier, including cities such as Binghamton, New York and Elmira, New York.

The Erie Railroad was able to extend itself westward to Cleveland, Ohio and Chicago. On October 17, 1960, the Erie merged with the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad to form the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. It became part of Conrail in 1976.

In 1983, remnants of the line became part of New Jersey Transit rail operations, including its Main Line. Today, most of the former Erie Railroad routes are operated by Norfolk Southern.