4.0
Pros: Pleasent. Cons: It was raining . The window leaked plus the window if front also leaked alot .
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Altoona. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Altoona usually takes 5 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Pennsylvanian train can make the trip in 4 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 175 mi (281 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 30m |
| Lowest price | $41.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Philadelphia to Altoona
(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
4.8
What is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Altoona?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Altoona was $41.00. 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 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $24.76 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to Altoona often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in December when the average ticket price is only $66. If you're thinking of traveling from Philadelphia to Altoona during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $87 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Philadelphia to Altoona. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 13 days before departure, you can save around $24.76. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Altoona?
2 train services operate from Philadelphia to Altoona. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 6h 0m | $85.00 |
| Amtrak Pennsylvanian | 1 | 4h 30m | $55.78 |
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 Philadelphia to Altoona every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $85.
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 Philadelphia to Altoona takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes on the Pennsylvanian.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Philadelphia to Altoona. 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 Philadelphia and Altoona is approximately 175 miles, or 281 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 30 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Philadelphia to Altoona on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 8:00am 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia.
City Information
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.
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 Philadelphia?
Image credit: Ben Schumin
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
There is one train station in Philadelphia.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
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
Get around town with Moovit
Find the best way to get to and from any station in Altoona by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now
Need a return trip from Altoona to Philadelphia?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Philadelphia
- Philadelphia to San Francisco Train
$384+
- Train from Philadelphia to Stamford
$85+
- Train from Philadelphia to Jacksonville
$208+
- Philadelphia to Boston Train
$149+
- Train from Philadelphia to Baltimore
$43+
- Train from Philadelphia to Greensboro
$128+
- Philadelphia to Raleigh
$122+
- Philadelphia to Atlantic City Train
$11+
- Train from Philadelphia to Princeton Junction
$35+
- Philadelphia to New York Train
$66+
- Train from Philadelphia to Rochester
$171+
- Philadelphia to Allentown
$102+
- Train from Philadelphia to Exton
$12+
- Train from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh
$64+
- Philadelphia to Quakertown Train
$78+
- Train from Philadelphia to Charlottesville
$84+
- Philadelphia to Williamsburg Train
$89+
Continue by train from Altoona
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more