Cheap train tickets from Pittsburgh to Altoona

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Pittsburgh to Altoona. Traveling by train from Pittsburgh to Altoona usually takes 2 hours and 29 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance
84 mi (136 km)
Fastest train
2h 29m
Lowest price
$30.00
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak Pennsylvanian
Train lines
1

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Pittsburgh to Altoona Train Schedule

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Pittsburgh to Altoona (Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

Chukwuemeka

August 20, 2024 - Vacation

Amtrak Pennsylvanian
Pros: It was comfortable Cons: I felt there weren’t enough security measures for passengers boarding the train

5.0

Sergey

September 27, 2022 - Business

Amtrak Pennsylvanian
Pros: Got my ticket checked and was left alone until my destination. Cons: Better food for the longer commute Tips: Bring snacks.

5.0

Elizabeth

April 2, 2021 - Visiting family

Amtrak Pennsylvanian
Pros: I loved the experience of traveling by train. It made me feel like I was traveling somewhere much more exciting than I actually was. Cons: Everything was great, the seat could be a little comfier but overall no complaints!
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What is the price of a train ticket from Pittsburgh to Altoona?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Pittsburgh to Altoona was $30.00. 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 4 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $3.50 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Pittsburgh to Altoona by travel date

$45$30$15SepOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Pittsburgh to Altoona will cost between $28 and $34. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Pittsburgh to Altoona by month

$50$40$30$20$10JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the train from Pittsburgh to Altoona usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $28 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$100

The price of train trips from Pittsburgh to Altoona doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Pittsburgh to Altoona?

Amtrak Pennsylvanian is the one and only train line which connects Pittsburgh to Altoona. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Pennsylvanian12h 29m$30.38
  • 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 Pittsburgh to Altoona takes about 2 hours and 29 minutes on the Pennsylvanian.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Pittsburgh to Altoona

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Altoona with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Altoona to Pittsburgh. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Pittsburgh to Altoona for $19.

Trains per day

1

Direct trains

1

The distance between Pittsburgh and Altoona is approximately 84 miles, or 136 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 29 minutes, Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Distance (mi)

84

Distance (km)

136

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Pittsburgh at 7:30am and arrives in Altoona around 2 hours later.

First train

7:30am

Last train

7:30am

Trains from Pittsburgh to Altoona are the most crowded on Sunday. 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

Sunday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Pittsburgh

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Once the epitome of American industrial power, Pittsburgh has recently seen new waves of changes that turn it into a vibrant destination for visitors, especially for families. When in Pittsburgh, don’t miss out on the chance to hop on the Duquesne Incline and get to the top of Mount Washington. You will be rewarded with a panoramic view of where the three rivers collide, which offers plenty of excellent photogenic angles. Culturally-inclined travelers will find the Senator John Heinz History Center the perfect place to spend a day in. It does not just offer exhibitions on the city’s history but also on its baseball and football legacies, as well as Heinz products. Whether you are a sports fan or not, it is worthwhile to check out the Heinz Field, which provides a unique waterfront view.

Pittsburgh’s staple is pierogies, and some of the highest-rated eateries that include the dish on their menu are Pierogies Plus and Penn Brewery. These establishments serve other Eastern European dishes for your enjoyment as well. For traditional American eats, Eleven has an excellent selection.

Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, and Fullington Trailways all provide intercity transit service to Pittsburgh, and visitors can catch their buses at the Grant Street Transportation Center. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the nearby Pittsburgh Union Station. The main airport of the city is the Pittsburgh International Airport, which is located 10 miles west of Downtown. Another alternative is the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, 44 miles east of the city.

Altoona

Altoona, PA, US - ALT-0

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 Pittsburgh?

Main departure station: 1100 Liberty Ave

1100 Liberty Ave  - PGHAMT-01100 Liberty Ave  - PGHAMT-11100 Liberty Ave  - PGHAMT-2

Pittsburgh’s Union Station on Liberty Ave is a historic building that opened in 1903. Enter the station through enormous outdoor arches and pass beneath the spectacular rotunda dome with a central skylight. Once inside, you can catch the Capitol Limited train on its daily service from Chicago to DC or hop aboard the Pennsylvanian as it begins the journey to New York. Located in Pittsburgh’s Golden Triangle, the station offers easy access to the nearby bus terminal, parking, restaurants, and the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

All train stations in Pittsburgh:

  • 1100 Liberty 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 Pittsburgh?

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