4.0
Pros: I let them do the driving. I kicked back and enjoyed the trip. Cons: Na. Tips: I will be returning.
Cheap train tickets from Altoona to Philadelphia
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Altoona to Philadelphia?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Altoona to Philadelphia.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$51.22 | Avg. Price$69.29 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration5h 36m | Duration5h 30m |
Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Altoona and Philadelphia. The average train journey from Altoona to Philadelphia takes 5 hours and 28 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 | $47.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Altoona to Philadelphia
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Altoona to Philadelphia?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Altoona to Philadelphia was $66.50. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Philadelphia if you book your train tickets at least 14 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $13.83.
Monthly avg. prices
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Altoona to Philadelphia. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $65. If you're planning a trip from Altoona to Philadelphia during October, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $80 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Altoona to Philadelphia on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about $13.83 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Altoona to Philadelphia?
2 train services operate from Altoona to Philadelphia. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 6h 0m | $86.26 |
| Amtrak Pennsylvanian | 1 | 4h 56m | $65.77 |
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 Philadelphia every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $86.
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 56 minutes on the Pennsylvanian.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Altoona to Philadelphia
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Altoona to Philadelphia. 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.
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 28 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.
Thursday 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 Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Altoona at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. 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.
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.
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. Head to Reading Terminal 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.
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 Philadelphia?
Image credit: Ben Schumin
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Philadelphia has one train station.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
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