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There are 4 daily trains from Philadelphia to Altoona. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Altoona usually takes around 5 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Pennsylvanian train can make the trip in 4 hours and 27 minutes.
| Distance | 175 mi (281 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 27m |
| Lowest price | $54.13 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Overall score for trains from Philadelphia to Altoona
(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: Pleasent. Cons: It was raining . The window leaked plus the window if front also leaked alot .
Pros: Pleasent. Cons: It was raining . The window leaked plus the window if front also leaked alot .
5.0
Bathrooms could be cleaner
Bathrooms could be cleaner
In the last month, $60.87 was the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Altoona. This is a good price that is inexpensive compared to most train fares. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 24 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $94.17 more than that for a same-day booking.
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Altoona will vary between C$55 and C$137. Planning a train trip to Altoona within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Philadelphia over the next 7 days is C$66. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Philadelphia to Altoona by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for October. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$59 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Philadelphia to Altoona in May, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$77 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Altoona from Philadelphia will be about C$94.17 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
2 train services operate from Philadelphia to Altoona. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 3 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 8h 45m | $161.08 |
| Amtrak Pennsylvanian | 1 | 4h 27m | $72.13 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 3 Amtrak trains from Philadelphia to Altoona every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $66.
The Amtrak Pennsylvanian runs daily between New York City and Pittsburgh, passing through cities such as Philadelphia and Harrisburg. The trains feature basic amenities such as a cafe car and free onboard WiFi and offer checked baggage service. A trip from Philadelphia to Altoona takes about 4 hours and 27 minutes on the Pennsylvanian.
Is it safe to travel by train from Philadelphia to Altoona during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Can you take a train all the way from Philadelphia to Altoona?
How long is the train journey from Philadelphia to Altoona?
The distance between Philadelphia and Altoona is approximately 175 miles, or 281 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 51 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 27 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
When are trains the most crowded?
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Philadelphia to Altoona on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Is there a direct train from Philadelphia to Altoona?
There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Philadelphia to Altoona. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Altoona to Philadelphia.
We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?
Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Fuel up at the Reading Terminal Market or Italian Market, both offering fresh food from local vendors, to prepare for a night hitting up the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line up South Street.
Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 15 stops and stations in Philadelphia where you can board the train.
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
110 Callahan Dr
Union Station
Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)
Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St
Newark Intl Airport
South Station
Amtrak/SEPTA Station
Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
110 N 6th Street
1500 E Main St
7519 Staples Mill Rd
Providence Station - 100 Gaspee St
MARC Station
BARTA Transportation Center
Altoona has one train station.
1231 11th Ave
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