Wanderu Logo
United States flag
  • Canada
$
Log in
background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Philadelphia to Lancaster train

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

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.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Philadelphia to Lancaster Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00

Trip Summary

You can pick from 12 daily train trips between Philadelphia and Lancaster. The average train journey from Philadelphia to Lancaster takes one hour and 17 minutes, but some Amtrak Keystone Service train trips are as short as one hour and 7 minutes.

Distance61 mi (98 km)
Fastest train1h 7m
Lowest price$20.00
Trains per day13
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Keystone Service
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Philadelphia to Lancaster

(Based on 45 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Riziki

August 8, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Pennsylvanian

Pros: Get to see the view outside the train, met nice people,(:. Cons: So good services. Tips: Y’all they are so sweet trust me you won’t regret this trip with them book yours.

5.0

Jan

August 2, 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak Pennsylvanian

That was my first time taking the train to Lancaster and I can say it was such a pleasure and I’m leaving my car home and allowing the train to take me to Lancaster with no worries

5.0

Licely

December 29, 2023- Business

Amtrak Keystone Service

It was very relaxing

5.0

Birgit Katharina

May 19, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Keystone Service

I can really advice this agency

5.0

Tess

March 18, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Keystone Service

Pros: The train was on time, the seats were comfy and spacious, I felt safe on the train and the staff was friendly. Cons: There was some trash left on seats and floor.

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Lancaster?

The average price for a train ticket from Philadelphia to Lancaster is $20.89, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 29 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 $0.66 more.

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15SepOct

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Lancaster will range from $21 to $34. If you're planning to travel by train to Lancaster in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Philadelphia you can find in the next 7 days is $21. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10NDJFMAMJJASO
Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to Lancaster stay pretty consistent throughout the year. You can expect to pay around $21 regardless of when you plan to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$25$20$15$10$53020100

The average price of train tickets from Philadelphia to Lancaster is pretty stable year-round. However, we still suggest buying your train tickets at least 48 hours prior to departure to avoid unexpected price hikes and the possibility of the train being sold out.

Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Lancaster?

There are 3 train lines with service from Philadelphia to Lancaster. Amtrak Keystone Service is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 11 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak12h 9m$28.09
Amtrak Keystone Service111h 15m$21.00
Amtrak Pennsylvanian11h 8m$21.73

  • 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 Philadelphia to Lancaster every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $21.

  • The Keystone Service is a daily train service that Amtrak operates from New York City to Harrisburg, PA. The route is notable for its high-speed rail portions, where the train can reach up to 125 mph. This speed means the trip from Philadelphia to Lancaster takes just 1 hours and 15 minutes on the Keystone Service. The train’s amenities include free WiFi, onboard restrooms, power outlets, and a Quiet Car for those who prefer to sleep, work, or study in a quieter atmosphere. Tickets on this route usually cost , but if you book in advance, you may be able to score a $21 ticket.

  • 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 Lancaster takes about 1 hours and 8 minutes on the Pennsylvanian.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Philadelphia and Lancaster is approximately 61 miles, or 98 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 7 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains from Philadelphia to Lancaster are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 12 scheduled trains on most days. 13 of these are direct connections to Lancaster. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Lancaster 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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Philadelphia?

PHLTTH-0 - PHLTTH-0.jpg

Image credit: Ben Schumin

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 5 stops and stations in Philadelphia where you can board the train.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

  • Union Station

  • 99 Ontario St

  • 5 Great Western St

  • 200 Cross Ave

Where is the train station in Lancaster?

Main arrival station: 53 E Mcgovern Ave

Lancaster has one train station.

All train stations in Lancaster:

  • 53 E Mcgovern Ave

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Lancaster by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from Lancaster to Philadelphia?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from Philadelphia

Continue by train from Lancaster

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.