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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Columbus and Lancaster. The average train journey from Columbus to Lancaster takes 12 hours and 26 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 12 hours and 16 minutes.
Distance | 354 mi (570 km) |
Fastest train | 12h 16m |
Lowest price | $120.00 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Columbus to Lancaster?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Columbus to Lancaster. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 2 | 12h 26m | $120.00 |
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 Columbus to Lancaster every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $120.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Columbus and Lancaster is approximately 354 miles, or 570 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 16 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Columbus to Lancaster. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Columbus at 1:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00am. 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 Columbus 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 Lancaster to Columbus.
City Information
Columbus
Brimming with life and cultural events, Columbus is the affordable destination of your dreams! Featuring a budding art scene, Columbus attracts art lovers through the exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Arts where children and adults alike can indulge in thought-provoking artworks. Fans of sports should not miss out on a baseball game at Huntington Park, which offers reasonably-priced tickets; it is also rarely crowded. For those who simply want to stroll about, the German Village offers a quaint and scenic view rarely seen elsewhere.
As the sun goes down, dig deeper into the German heritage of Columbus by enjoying a traditional schnitzel dish at the Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus. When you are looking for a quick snack, Bodega serves some of the best sandwiches in town, and there are up to 47 varieties of craft beers for you to choose from.
Columbus’ busiest bus station is located on E Town St., and it offers intercity bus trips to Cleveland, Chicago, New York and many other cities. The Columbus Union Station was the first union station ever built, and it’s served by Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited train lines. The local airport, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, is located on the east side of the city, 6 miles east of Downtown. It provides access to 31 other airports.
Lancaster
Lancaster is a city in the Piedmont Region, between Baltimore and Philadelphia, primarily known for being a hub of Pennsylvania's Amish Country. One of Lancaster's most popular attractions is the Central Market, housed in an impressive structure built in 1889. Here, you can shop from over 60 vendors and sample their fresh fruits, cheeses, or baked treats and purchase handmade Amish goods unique to the area.
Lancaster also features a growing art scene, and Gallery Row downtown hosts some of the town's best boutiques, art galleries, and vintage shops. The Demuth Museum and Lancaster Museum of Art offer additional venues for culture vultures to check out. If you're visiting with kids, don't miss Dutch Wonderland just outside of town; this royal theme park includes 32 rides and activities catering to young children.
Lancaster features a vibrant food scene with plenty of selections and cuisines for even the most discerning foodies. Some local favorites include C'est La Vie, The Brasserie Restaurant & Bar, and Shot & Bottle.
Amtrak Pennsylvanian and Keystone Service trains stop in Lancaster and connect the town with Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and New York. OurBus offers intercity bus routes to Lancaster, as well. The nearest airport for passenger flights is in Philadelphia, about 60 miles away or just an hour on the train.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Columbus?
Image credit: Antony-22
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Columbus Bus Station
The Bus Terminal at 111 E Town St is Columbus’ hub for intercity bus service on a variety of carriers including Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, Miller Transportation, Barons Bus Lines, and Amtrak Thruway. Conveniently located in downtown Columbus, the station’s area features several parking lots, hotels, and fast food restaurants. The waiting area within the station building includes restrooms, vending machines, and even arcade-style games if you’re prone to boredom while waiting for the bus. From this station, you can travel to destinations including Cincinnati, Chicago, and New York.
All train stations in Columbus:
Columbus Bus Station
Where is the train station in Lancaster?
Main arrival station: 53 E Mcgovern Ave
Lancaster has one train station.
All train stations in Lancaster:
53 E Mcgovern Ave
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