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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from State College to Wilkes-Barre. Traveling by train from State College to Wilkes-Barre usually takes around 12 hours and 25 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 108 mi (173 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 25m |
| Lowest price | €104.44 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from State College to Wilkes-Barre?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects State College to Wilkes-Barre. 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 25m | €104.44 |
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 State College to Wilkes-Barre every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €104.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between State College and Wilkes-Barre is approximately 108 miles, or 173 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 25 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 State College to Wilkes-Barre tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. 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.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves State College at 09:00 and arrives in Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre to State College.
City Information
State College
State College is a college town, hence the name. It is home to Penn State University, one of the largest universities in the United States. As expected, most of the businesses in the area are there to serve the academic clientele, particularly the professors and students living in the area (if you’re one of them, you might want to check out our recommended destinations for college students).
One of the most popular events in State College is the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, which draws over a hundred thousand visitors each year. Aside from Penn State University, the city's major attractions are The Arboretum and the Beaver Stadium.
If you're into culture, history, and the arts, you should check out the Palmer Museum of Art, Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania, and Centre County Historical Society.
While at State College, be sure to try out the waffles at The Original Waffle Shop. Other good places to dine are the Berkey Creamery, Allen Street Grill, and Federal Taphouse. Finally, for some good drinks, stop by Otto's Pub and Brewery.
Getting around State College is a breeze. The local airport, University Park Airport, is a mere 5 miles away from campus. In addition, Greyhound, Fullington Trailways, and Amtrak Thruway run regularly scheduled bus services from State College to Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, New York City, and beyond.
Wilkes-Barre
Image credit: Unsplash
Wilkes-Barre is a Pennsylvania city surrounded by the Pocono Mountains. Like much of the Poconos, Wilkes-Barre has its fair share of resorts, outdoor adventure, and entertainment options. Slip down rocky slides and soak in glacial meltwater "tubs" at Kirby Park and Seven Tubs Nature Area, or enjoy the urban greenery at the River Common. Coal mining put Wilkes-Barre on the map, and you can imagine what life was like in the 19th-century boom by visiting Eckley Miners' Village in Luzerne County.
Nightlife in Wilkes-Barre is exciting, and it all starts at the Mohegan Sun Pocono, a casino resort and racetrack. Test your luck on the slots, cards, or horse races, or simply enjoy the luxurious dining options and spa on-site. Downtown Wilkes-Barre also has solid restaurants and bars to choose from.
Although Amtrak trains do not stop in Wilkes-Barre, Amtrak Thruway buses connect the city to Philadelphia, where you can transfer to several of Philly's rail lines. Plus, Fullington Trailways and Martz operate intercity bus service to Wilkes-Barre from Scranton, Delaware Water Gap, New York, and more. The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport is convenient to reach from town and offers flights on several major airlines.
Station Information
Where is the train station in State College?
Main departure station: Bus Terminal - 152 N Atherton St
The State College Bus Terminal, commonly referred to as the Greyhound station, is on the southern part of the Penn State University campus. The stop has a bit of covering for waiting passengers, but otherwise, you'll want to find most food and amenities elsewhere on campus. Although there is an adorable photo stand-in for anyone wanting a cute family photo while waiting for your bus to Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or anywhere else in Pennsylvania and beyond.
All train stations in State College:
Bus Terminal - 152 N Atherton St
Where is the train station in Wilkes-Barre?
Main arrival station: Intermodal Transp Ctr
Wilkes-Barre has one train station.
Train stations in Wilkes-Barre:
Intermodal Transp Ctr
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