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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Altoona to Norfolk. Traveling by train from Altoona to Norfolk usually takes around 12 hours and 30 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 278 mi (447 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 30m |
| Lowest price | £80.60 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Altoona to Norfolk?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Altoona to Norfolk. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 12h 30m | £152.96 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Altoona to Norfolk every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £81.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Altoona and Norfolk is approximately 278 miles, or 447 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 30 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Altoona to Norfolk 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 Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Altoona at 10:00 and arrives in Norfolk around 12 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Norfolk 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.
Norfolk
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
A trip to Norfolk, VA will take your breath away. Sail away from its shores and just let the wind take you to a place of calm and quiet where you can shed your worries.
There are so many things to do in and around the coastal city of Norfolk. Start off with its main historic landmark, the 400-year-old port that houses the most extensive naval base in the world. Other history-rich areas worth visiting include St. Paul's Episcopal Church and MacArthur Memorial.
If you crave some water adventures, remember that you can always sail, fish, swim, kayak, and cruise in Norfolk. You can also sign up for the Naval Base Tour or visit the Nauticus Museum and Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Finally, don't forget to spend a day or two at the beach to rejuvenate your soul.
Arts and entertainment, nightlife, and shopping are thriving in Norfolk, too. If you wish to enjoy some live performances, visit the Harrison Opera house. Nightlife is always at its best downtown, particularly at Baxter's or Scotty Quixx. If you plan to do some shopping, the Selden Market offers the most eclectic selections of all.
Walking is the best mode of transportation in Norfolk, but there's also the Tide, which is the city's light rail system that can take you to your destination faster. It runs a 7.5-mile-long route that covers pretty much the entire downtown area with its 11 stops. Both Amtrak train service and bus service from carriers like Greyhound and OurBus make Norfolk easy to travel to for your next trip.
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 Norfolk?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Harbor Park Station
Trains to Norfolk stop at the Harbor Park Station, adjacent to the city's Minor League Baseball stadium, Harbor Park. Greyhound coaches also stop at this location in Norfolk. The station is a modern, well-lit building with many windows and comfortable seating inside. There is plentiful parking on-site, but be aware that fees may apply when there are events at the stadium. Downtown Norfolk is only a mile away, and you can connect to the local Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) rail via its Harbor Park station in the same area.
Train stations in Norfolk:
Harbor Park Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Norfolk to Altoona?
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