4.0
Pros: I let them do the driving. I kicked back and enjoyed the trip. Cons: Na. Tips: I will be returning.
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You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Altoona and Philadelphia. The average train journey from Altoona to Philadelphia takes 5 hours and 33 minutes, but some Amtrak Pennsylvanian train trips are as short as 4 hours and 56 minutes.
Distance | 175 mi (281 km) |
Fastest train | 4h 56m |
Lowest price | €37.89 |
Trains per day | 1 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 2 |
Overall score for trains from Altoona to Philadelphia
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: I let them do the driving. I kicked back and enjoyed the trip. Cons: Na. Tips: I will be returning.
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Altoona to Philadelphia was €63.42. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Philadelphia if you book your train tickets at least 21 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra €7.20.
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Altoona to Philadelphia will range from €58 to €71. If you're planning to travel by train to Philadelphia in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Altoona you can find in the next 7 days is €58. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Philadelphia from Altoona will be about €7.20 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
2 train services operate from Altoona to Philadelphia. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 2 | 5h 58m | €78.55 |
Amtrak Pennsylvanian | 1 | 4h 57m | €45.37 |
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 Philadelphia every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €79.
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 Altoona to Philadelphia takes about 4 hours and 57 minutes on the Pennsylvanian.
The distance between Altoona and Philadelphia is approximately 175 miles, or 281 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 56 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.
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Altoona to Philadelphia. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Altoona at 10:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00. 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. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Philadelphia faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Philadelphia to 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.
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. Head to Reading Terminal Market or join a history and food tour of the Italian Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line 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.
There is one train station in Altoona.
1231 11th Ave
Image credit: Ben Schumin
Link to image attributionPhiladelphia has one train station.
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
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