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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Altoona to Boston. The train trip from Altoona to Boston is usually about 16 hours and 5 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 11 hours and 51 minutes.
| Distance | 401 mi (645 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 51m |
| Lowest price | £85.85 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Altoona to Boston?
In the last month, £93.47 was the average price of a train ticket from Altoona to Boston. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £151.84 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Altoona to Boston often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only £107,
If you're thinking of traveling from Altoona to Boston during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £147 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Boston from Altoona will be about £151.84 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Altoona to Boston?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Altoona to Boston. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 16h 6m | £162.51 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Altoona to Boston every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £86.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Altoona and Boston is approximately 401 miles, or 645 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 51 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.
Trains departing from Altoona to Boston tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Altoona at 10:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Altoona twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Boston to Altoona.
City Information
Altoona
Image credit: Carol VanHook
Link to image attributionAltoona is a central Pennsylvania city located deep in the Alleghany Mountains, with prominent landmarks that appeal to art and history buffs and rail fans. The Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark is a popular engineering site, while Altoona features skiable mountains with challenging slopes at Blue Knob and locations for mountain biking, tennis, swimming, and golf. Train fans can also check out the Railroaders Memorial Museum, while other landmarks include the Cathedral of Blessed Sacrament, Mishler Theatre, and Jaffa Shrine Center. Families can visit Lakemont Park with roller coasters, picnic spaces, and water slides.
Beer lovers will enjoy Altoona for its breweries and festivals, like the Annual Beer Wine Spirits Festival, Rails & Ales Brewfest, and the Annual Tyrone Hops & Vines Festivals. The city is always bustling with things to do, like live music shows, spoken word nights, yoga, and flower workshops. There are also several breweries to visit and bustling nightlife in the downtown area.
Hop on an Amtrak train or Amtrak Thruway bus to get to the city from anywhere in the country. Within Altoona, the Altoona Metro Transit provides bus and paratransit services to residents.
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):
Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.
From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Altoona?
Main departure station: 1231 11th Ave
There is one train station in Altoona.
All train stations in Altoona:
1231 11th Ave
Where is the train station in Boston?
Image credit: Tony Hisgett
Link to image attribution
Main arrival station: South Station
South Station is the largest and busiest train station in Boston, and a major transportation hub for the greater New England area. South Station's 13 tracks are used by Amtrak, Acela, the MBTA commuter rail, and the MBTA subway system (a.k.a. the "T") with connections to the Boston Logan International Airport. You can also access intercity bus service in the adjacent South Station Bus Terminal. South Station's historic train terminal opened in 1899 right in downtown Boston, and is close to many points of interest like the Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and the hip Seaport district. At the terminal, you'll find free WiFi, luggage storage, a 24-hour information booth, and 14 dining options, including that New England favorite, Dunkin'.
Train stations in Boston:
South Station
Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
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Need a return trip from Boston to Altoona?
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