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Philadelphia to Lancaster train

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Philadelphia - Lancaster Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 24 daily train trips between Philadelphia and Lancaster. The average train journey from Philadelphia to Lancaster takes one hour and 49 minutes, but some Amtrak Keystone Service train trips are as short as one hour and 5 minutes.

Distance61 mi (98 km)
Fastest train1h 5m
Lowest price$15.00
Trains per day12
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Philadelphia to Lancaster

(Based on 40 ratings and reviews)

4.9

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.

5.0

Tess

November 27, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Pennsylvanian

Pros: The train was very clean, the seat was comfortable and I had ample leg room. The train was on time and got me between locations quickly. The staff was polite and friendly and was quick to ask people to move their bags so other people could sit down. Cons: If there were supposed to be pandemic safety measures, there weren’t any— the train was packed completely full with almost no one masked. Tips: Get to the station at least thirty minutes early. Don’t block off seats with your bags on crowded trains, just move them from the start.

5.0

Edward

November 24, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Keystone Service

Smooth ride

5.0

Ted

November 1, 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak Keystone Service

Pros: On time and efficient. Cons: Background noise of a radio station over speakers which was not clear was annoying and unnecessary.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Philadelphia to Lancaster is $25.23, This is one of the best deals we’ve seen for train fares recently. By booking your trip at least 1 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 $3.49 more.

Average prices by travel date

$120$80$40NovDec

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Lancaster will range from $19 to $113. 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 $35. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$75$60$45$30$15DJFMAMJJASON
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 is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 14 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak144h 18m$96.54
Amtrak Keystone Service111h 12m$19.99
Amtrak Pennsylvanian11h 8m$19.98

  • 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 14 Amtrak trains from Philadelphia to Lancaster every day, as well as 28 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $12.

  • 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 12 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 $12 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

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Philadelphia to Lancaster. 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 Lancaster is approximately 61 miles, or 98 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 49 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 5 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 Wednesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 12:00am 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 24 scheduled trains on most days. 12 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 15 stops and stations in Philadelphia where you can board the train.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

  • Amtrak - MARC Station (BWI)

  • Penn Station - 1500 N Charles St

  • South Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

  • 110 Callahan Dr

  • Union Station

  • NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station

  • Union Station Transportation Center

  • MARC Station

  • Providence Station - 100 Gaspee St

  • Newark Penn Station

  • Union Station

  • 41 Central 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?

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