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Harrisburg to Reading train

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Harrisburg to Reading Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Harrisburg and Reading. The average train journey from Harrisburg to Reading takes 5 hours and 56 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 4 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance51 mi (82 km)
Fastest train4h 5m
Lowest price$49.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

What is the price of a train ticket from Harrisburg to Reading?

The average price for a train ticket from Harrisburg to Reading is $50.50, By booking your trip at least 21 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $3.19 more.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20SepOct

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Harrisburg to Reading will range from $51 to $55. If you're planning to travel by train to Reading in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Harrisburg you can find in the next 7 days is $51. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$75$60$45$30$15NDJFMAMJJASO
Ticket prices for the train from Harrisburg to Reading often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only $49. If you're thinking of traveling from Harrisburg to Reading during September, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $63 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in September, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

By booking your train trip from Harrisburg to Reading on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about $3.19 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Harrisburg to Reading?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Harrisburg to Reading. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak35h 56m$51.65
  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Harrisburg to Reading every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $49.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the train is the main method of transportation from Harrisburg to Reading, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Harrisburg and Reading is approximately 51 miles, or 82 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 5 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.

Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Harrisburg to Reading. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday 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 Harrisburg at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Reading to Harrisburg.

City Information

Harrisburg

As the capital city of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg offers numerous historic buildings with impressive architecture that will leave you in awe. Among the most impressive ones is the state’s Capitol Complex itself. With a dome that reminisces St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the building features as many as 475 rooms filled with exquisite artworks and statues. History fans should also consider visiting the State Museum of Pennsylvania, which follows the history of the state from the beginning of time to this day. Another must-see destination is the National Civil War Museum, which is one of the largest museums dedicated to the Civil War. If too many history lessons stress you out, a cruise along the Susquehanna River on the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat will definitely help you unwind.

Harrisburg’s grilled dishes are some of the most famous staples in the city, and among the best establishments is Progress Grill, which has been serving customers since the late 1940s. For some really creative pizzas, The Pizza Grille will be a good choice.

The Harrisburg Transportation Center is the central hub for intercity travel. At the lower level, you can catch a bus by Greyhound, Jefferson Lines or Fullington Trailways to other Pennsylvanian cities such as Allentown and Philadelphia. Travelers can also take Amtrak trains to popular destinations like New York and Philadelphia on a daily basis. The city’s principal airport is Harrisburg International Airport, which is located in Middletown, southeast of the city.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Harrisburg?

Harrisburg Transportation Center  - HARHTC-0

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution
Harrisburg Transportation Center  - HARHTC-1

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Harrisburg Transportation Center

The Harrisburg Transportation Center (HTC) is a national historical landmark, with a portion of the station dating back to 1887. The station still serves as the city’s primary transportation hub and welcomes over half a million passengers annually. The Harrisburg Transportation Center is the departure point for Amtrak’s Keystone Service to New York City and a stop on the Pennsylvanian route from New York City to Pittsburgh. Besides train service, bus service on Jefferson Lines, Fullington Trailways, and Greyhound operates through this station. Located in downtown Harrisburg, the station is a quick walk from Capitol Park and some of the city’s top restaurants and shopping.

All train stations in Harrisburg:

  • Harrisburg Transportation Center

Where is the train station in Reading?

Main arrival station: BARTA Transportation Center

Reading has one train station.

All train stations in Reading:

  • BARTA Transportation Center

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