Cheap train tickets from Lancaster to Altoona
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Lancaster to Altoona. Traveling by train from Lancaster to Altoona usually takes 3 hours and 47 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Pennsylvanian train can make the trip in 3 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 115 mi (185 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 20m |
| Lowest price | $41.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Pennsylvanian |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Lancaster to Altoona Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Lancaster to Altoona:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Lancaster to Altoona?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Lancaster to Altoona was $45.67. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 1 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $15.83 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Lancaster to Altoona by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Lancaster to Altoona will cost between $48 and $62. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Lancaster to Altoona by month
Ticket prices for the train from Lancaster to Altoona often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $45. If you're thinking of traveling from Lancaster to Altoona during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $56 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Lancaster to Altoona on Wanderu at least 1 days ahead of time, you can save about $15.83 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
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 Pennsylvanian | 1 | 3h 20m | $45.92 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 4h 17m | $55.55 |
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 20 minutes on the Pennsylvanian.
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 $55.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Lancaster to Altoona
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.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
1
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 47 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.
Distance (mi)
115
Distance (km)
185
The earliest train departs Lancaster at 9:48am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:52pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
9:48am
Last train
1:52pm
Trains from Lancaster to Altoona are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Tuesday
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
Altoona 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
Need a return trip from Altoona to Lancaster?
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