Cheap train tickets from Harrisburg to Wilkes-Barre
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre. The average train journey from Harrisburg to Wilkes-Barre takes 7 hours and 11 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 6 hours and 2 minutes.
| Distance | 85 mi (137 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 2m |
| Lowest price | $101.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Harrisburg to Wilkes-Barre?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Harrisburg to Wilkes-Barre. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 7h 11m | $103.69 |
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 Harrisburg to Wilkes-Barre every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $101.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Harrisburg to Wilkes-Barre
The distance between Harrisburg and Wilkes-Barre is approximately 85 miles, or 137 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 2 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 Harrisburg to Wilkes-Barre tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. 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.
The earliest train departs Harrisburg at 1:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 Harrisburg 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 Wilkes-Barre 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.
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 Harrisburg?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain 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 Wilkes-Barre?
Main arrival station: Intermodal Transp Ctr
Wilkes-Barre has one train station.
All train stations in Wilkes-Barre:
Intermodal Transp Ctr
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