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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 | $25.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Pennsylvanian |
| Train lines | 1 |
Average score for trains from Pittsburgh to Altoona
(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: It was comfortable. Cons: I felt there weren’t enough security measures for passengers boarding the train.
5.0
Pros: Got my ticket checked and was left alone until my destination. Cons: Better food for the longer commute. Tips: Bring snacks.
5.0
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!
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.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Pennsylvanian | 1 | 2h 30m | $27.40 |
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 30 minutes on the Pennsylvanian.
Trains departing from Pittsburgh to Altoona tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Pittsburgh at 7:00am and arrives in Altoona around 2 hours later.
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.
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.
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.
Image credit: David Brossard
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Image credit: Barta IV
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Image credit: Luke H. Gordon
Link to image attributionPittsburgh’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.
1100 Liberty Ave
Altoona has one train station.
1231 11th Ave
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