Cheap train tickets from Lancaster to Altoona
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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Lancaster to Altoona. The train trip from Lancaster to Altoona is usually about 3 hours and 43 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Pennsylvanian train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 115 mi (185 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 20m |
| Lowest price | $36.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Pennsylvanian |
| Train lines | 2 |
Price trends for trains from Lancaster to Altoona
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from Lancaster to Altoona?
2 train services operate from Lancaster to Altoona. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 4h 10m | $61.60 |
| Amtrak Pennsylvanian | 1 | 3h 21m | $41.58 |
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 Lancaster to Altoona every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $60.
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 Lancaster to Altoona takes about 3 hours and 21 minutes on the Pennsylvanian.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Lancaster to Altoona
The distance between Lancaster and Altoona is approximately 115 miles, or 185 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 43 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 20 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Lancaster to Altoona. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday 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 Lancaster at 10:00am 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.
Trains leave the station in Lancaster 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 Altoona 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 Altoona to Lancaster.
City Information
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.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Lancaster?
Main departure station: 53 E Mcgovern Ave
There is one train station in Lancaster.
All train stations in Lancaster:
53 E Mcgovern Ave
Where is the train station in Altoona?
Main arrival station: 1231 11th Ave
Altoona has one train station.
All train stations in Altoona:
1231 11th Ave
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