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Trains from Philadelphia to Lancaster

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Philadelphia - Lancaster Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

There are 40 daily trains from Philadelphia to Lancaster. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Lancaster usually takes around 4 hours and 44 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Keystone Service train can make the trip in one hour and 8 minutes.

Distance61 mi (98 km)
Fastest train1h 8m
Lowest price£17.16
Trains per day12
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Philadelphia to Lancaster

(Based on 28 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Linda

7 May 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Keystone Service

not understanding whether parking is free at the Lancaster PA stop or not. no way to pay.

not understanding whether parking is free at the Lancaster PA stop or not. no way to pay.

5.0

Brenda

1 April 2022- Business

Amtrak Keystone Service

Train was right on time and I arrived at jury duty on time

Train was right on time and I arrived at jury duty on time

5.0

Saif

20 March 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Keystone Service

Pros: how fast, efficient, luxurious, and spacious the train felt, and the trays that are on the back of every seat are very helpful. Cons: seems alright to me. Tips: Don't block the seats with your luggage, put it above the seats where the luggage is meant to be kept,...

Pros: how fast, efficient, luxurious, and spacious the train felt, and the trays that are on the back of every seat are very helpful. Cons: seems alright to me. Tips: Don't block the seats with your luggage, put it above the seats where the luggage is meant to be kept, sometimes the trains get a little crowded.

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5.0

Rhonda

12 March 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Keystone Service

Pros: The comfort. Cons: I don’t know. I was very happy. Tips: Take the train.

Pros: The comfort. Cons: I don’t know. I was very happy. Tips: Take the train.

5.0

Dana

21 December 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Keystone Service

Pros: Lots of open seats and it left and arrived perfectly on time. Cons: Give me food. Tips: Wear a mask and don’t vape on the platform.

Pros: Lots of open seats and it left and arrived perfectly on time. Cons: Give me food. Tips: Wear a mask and don’t vape on the platform.

Train service from Philadelphia to Lancaster

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What is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Lancaster?

In the last month, £63.11 was the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Lancaster. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 25 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £19.25 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

£86£57£29MayMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Lancaster will vary between £58 and £75. Planning a train trip to Lancaster within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Philadelphia over the next 7 days is £60. 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.

Monthly average prices

£82£65£49£33£16JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Philadelphia to Lancaster by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for December. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just £17 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Philadelphia to Lancaster in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to £71 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.

Prices as travel date approaches

£102£82£61£41£203020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Lancaster from Philadelphia will be about £19.25 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Lancaster?

There are 3 train lines with service from Philadelphia to Lancaster. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 29 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak295h 8m£74.32
Amtrak Keystone Service101h 12m£17.18
Amtrak Pennsylvanian11h 9m£18.18
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 29 Amtrak trains from Philadelphia to Lancaster every day, as well as 128 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £17.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Keystone Service

    Amtrak Keystone Service

    The Keystone Service is a daily train service that Amtrak operates from New York City to Harrisburg, PA. The route is notable for its high-speed rail portions, where the train can reach up to 125 mph. This speed means the trip from Philadelphia to Lancaster takes just 1 hours and 12 minutes on the Keystone Service. The train’s amenities include free WiFi, onboard restrooms, power outlets, and a Quiet Car for those who prefer to sleep, work, or study in a quieter atmosphere. Tickets on this route usually cost , but if you book in advance, you may be able to score a £17 ticket.

  • Amtrak Pennsylvanian

    Amtrak Pennsylvanian

    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 Lancaster takes about 1 hours and 9 minutes on the Pennsylvanian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Philadelphia to Lancaster 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 Lancaster?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Philadelphia to Lancaster. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey from Philadelphia to Lancaster?

The distance between Philadelphia and Lancaster is approximately 61 miles, or 98 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 44 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 8 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Philadelphia to Lancaster are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 00:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 22:00. 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 Lancaster?

There are 40 scheduled trains on most days. 12 of these are direct connections to Lancaster. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Lancaster to Philadelphia.

City Information

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Philadelphia?

Departure stations

Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 15 stops and stations in Philadelphia where you can board the train.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

  • Amtrak/SEPTA Station

  • Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St

  • Union Station

  • Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

  • MARC Station

  • 110 Callahan Dr

  • 7519 Staples Mill Rd

  • 550 Railroad Ave - inside Marine Corps base

  • Amtrak/Metro North Station

  • Union Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

  • South Station

  • Providence Station - 100 Gaspee St

  • 1 Railroad Ave

Where is the train station in Lancaster?

Arrival stations

Lancaster has one train station.

Train stations in Lancaster:

  • 53 E Mcgovern Ave

Related reading

Need a return trip from Lancaster to Philadelphia?

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