Booking Amtrak In Pennsylvania..!!
Pennsylvania, with its rich history, rolling hills, vibrant cities, and charming towns, is a fantastic state to explore by train. Amtrak offers a convenient, comfortable, and often scenic way to travel across the Keystone State, connecting major urban centers with smaller communities.
Whether you’re commuting for work, planning a weekend getaway, or embarking on a cross-country adventure, understanding Pennsylvania’s Amtrak stations, their routes, and their proximity to key destinations is invaluable. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, including distances to major cities and airports, to help you plan your next journey.
Why Choose Amtrak in Pennsylvania?
- Convenience: City-center to city-center travel, often avoiding traffic and parking hassles.
- Comfort: More legroom, spacious seats, and the ability to walk around.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy Pennsylvania’s diverse landscapes from a unique perspective.
- Sustainability: A more environmentally friendly way to travel compared to driving or flying.
- Accessibility: Amtrak is committed to providing accessible travel for all passengers.
Pennsylvania is primarily served by two key Amtrak routes: the Keystone Corridor and the Pennsylvanian, with the Capitol Limited also making a stop in Pittsburgh. The Northeast Regional and Acela Express serve Philadelphia, connecting it to the broader Northeast Corridor.
Let’s break down the stations by their primary corridors.
1. The Keystone Corridor: Philadelphia to Harrisburg
The Keystone Corridor is Amtrak’s busiest route in Pennsylvania, connecting the state’s largest city, Philadelphia, with its capital, Harrisburg. This route offers frequent service, making it ideal for commuters and short trips.
Key Features:
- High-frequency service (Keystone Service trains).
- Electrified line, offering smooth and relatively fast travel.
- Connects to Northeast Regional and Acela trains at Philadelphia 30th Street Station.
Here are the stations along the Keystone Corridor, including approximate driving distances to key locations:
| Station Name | Primary Route(s) | Distance to Philadelphia (Center City) | Distance to Harrisburg (Center) | Distance to Pittsburgh (Center) | Distance to PHL Airport (Driving) | Distance to MDT Airport (Driving) | Notes/Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia – 30th Street (PHL) | Keystone, Northeast Regional, Acela, Pennsylvanian, Carolinian, Palmetto, Silver Service, Vermonter | 0 miles | ~105 miles | ~305 miles | ~8 miles | ~105 miles | Major hub, food, shops, rental cars, SEPTA/PATH conn. |
| Cornwells Heights (CWH) | Keystone, Northeast Regional | ~15 miles | ~90 miles | ~290 miles | ~20 miles | ~95 miles | Parking available, SEPTA connections. |
| Ardmore (ARD) | Keystone | ~10 miles | ~95 miles | ~295 miles | ~15 miles | ~100 miles | Suburban station, parking. |
| Paoli (PAO) | Keystone | ~20 miles | ~85 miles | ~285 miles | ~25 miles | ~90 miles | Suburban station, parking, SEPTA connections. |
| Exton (EXT) | Keystone | ~30 miles | ~75 miles | ~275 miles | ~35 miles | ~80 miles | Suburban station, parking. |
| Downingtown (DOW) | Keystone | ~35 miles | ~70 miles | ~270 miles | ~40 miles | ~75 miles | Small station, limited amenities. |
| Lancaster (LNC) | Keystone, Pennsylvanian | ~70 miles | ~35 miles | ~235 miles | ~75 miles | ~25 miles | Historic station, downtown access. |
| Mount Joy (MJY) | Keystone | ~80 miles | ~25 miles | ~225 miles | ~85 miles | ~15 miles | Small station, parking. |
| Elizabethtown (ELZ) | Keystone | ~90 miles | ~15 miles | ~215 miles | ~95 miles | ~10 miles | Small station, parking. |
| Middletown (MDN) | Keystone | ~95 miles | ~10 miles | ~205 miles | ~100 miles | ~5 miles | Closest station to Harrisburg Airport (MDT). |
| Harrisburg (HAR) | Keystone, Pennsylvanian | ~105 miles | 0 miles | ~200 miles | ~105 miles | ~15 miles | Capital city hub, food/shops nearby, Capitol access. |
2. The Pennsylvanian Route: Philadelphia to Pittsburgh
The Pennsylvanian route connects the state’s two largest cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, spanning the width of the state. This route offers a scenic journey through diverse landscapes, including the Appalachian Mountains.
Key Features:
- Daily service with one round-trip train.
- Connects to the Keystone Corridor at Harrisburg.
- Offers a comfortable alternative to driving between PA’s east and west.
Here are the stations along the Pennsylvanian route, from Harrisburg westward to Pittsburgh:
| Station Name | Primary Route(s) | Distance to Philadelphia (Center City) | Distance to Harrisburg (Center) | Distance to Pittsburgh (Center) | Distance to PIT Airport (Driving) | Distance to MDT Airport (Driving) | Notes/Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harrisburg (HAR) | Keystone, Pennsylvanian | ~105 miles | 0 miles | ~200 miles | ~220 miles | ~15 miles | Capital city hub, food/shops nearby, Capitol access. |
| Lewistown (LEW) | Pennsylvanian | ~160 miles | ~55 miles | ~145 miles | ~160 miles | ~60 miles | Small town station. |
| Huntingdon (HGD) | Pennsylvanian | ~185 miles | ~80 miles | ~120 miles | ~135 miles | ~85 miles | Historic station, access to Raystown Lake. |
| Tyrone (TYR) | Pennsylvanian | ~205 miles | ~100 miles | ~95 miles | ~110 miles | ~105 miles | Small town station. |
| Altoona (ALT) | Pennsylvanian | ~230 miles | ~125 miles | ~70 miles | ~85 miles | ~130 miles | Horseshoe Curve nearby, Railroaders Memorial Museum. |
| Johnstown (JHN) | Pennsylvanian | ~265 miles | ~160 miles | ~35 miles | ~50 miles | ~165 miles | Flood Museum, Inclined Plane. |
| Latrobe (LAB) | Pennsylvanian | ~285 miles | ~180 miles | ~15 miles | ~30 miles | ~185 miles | Home of Rolling Rock beer and Mr. Rogers. |
| Greensburg (GNB) | Pennsylvanian | ~295 miles | ~190 miles | ~5 miles | ~25 miles | ~195 miles | Historic station, Westmoreland Museum of Art. |
| Pittsburgh – Penn Station (PGH) | Pennsylvanian, Capitol Limited | ~305 miles | ~200 miles | 0 miles | ~20 miles | ~205 miles | Major hub, located downtown, connect to light rail. |
3. The Capitol Limited: Through Pittsburgh
The Capitol Limited operates daily between Washington D.C. and Chicago, making a significant stop in Pittsburgh. While only two stations in PA are exclusively on this route, it’s a vital connection for those traveling to or from the Midwest.
Key Features:
- Overnight service with sleeper car options.
- Connects DC and Chicago via the historic B&O route.
| Station Name | Primary Route(s) | Distance to Philadelphia (Center City) | Distance to Harrisburg (Center) | Distance to Pittsburgh (Center) | Distance to PIT Airport (Driving) | Distance to MDT Airport (Driving) | Notes/Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh – Penn Station (PGH) | Pennsylvanian, Capitol Limited | ~305 miles | ~200 miles | 0 miles | ~20 miles | ~205 miles | Major hub, located downtown, connect to light rail. |
| Connellsville (CON) | Capitol Limited | ~340 miles | ~235 miles | ~50 miles | ~65 miles | ~240 miles | Small town station, parking, close to Ohiopyle. |
Important Considerations:
- Distances are Approximate: All distances listed are approximate driving distances and can vary based on your specific starting/ending point within a city, traffic, and chosen route.
- Airport Connections: For most airports (except PHL which has a direct SEPTA connection from 30th Street Station, and Harrisburg which is close to Middletown), expect to use a taxi, ride-share, or public transit/shuttle to complete your journey.
- Booking: It’s always best to book your Amtrak tickets in advance, especially for peak travel times or routes like the Pennsylvanian, which has limited daily service.
- Accessibility: Amtrak trains and many stations are accessible. If you require special assistance, notify Amtrak when booking.
Plan Your Pennsylvania Train Adventure!
From the bustling streets of Philadelphia and the historic charm of Lancaster to the industrial heritage of Pittsburgh and the scenic beauty of the Alleghenies, Amtrak opens up a world of possibilities for exploring Pennsylvania. Use this guide to identify the perfect station for your journey, connect to major cities and airports, and embark on a memorable train experience.
Ready to explore the Keystone State by rail? Visit Amtrak.com to plan your trip!