12 best Amtrak trips from Pittsburgh

If you’re looking for a unique getaway from Pittsburgh, two Amtrak routes stop in the city each day (Capitol Limited and Pennsylvanian) that can take you as far west as Chicago and to cities on the East Coast. There are many stops along the way, and a day trip is doable or you can spend a night on the train or in the destination of your choice.

To start planning, here are the the best Amtrak trips from Pittsburgh that don’t involve train transfers or middle-of-the-night travel.

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Johnstown

An short day trip, Johnstown is a small city in the Alleghenies that is less than two hours away from Pittsburgh by train. A fun attraction is the Inclined Plane Tram that will take you to the top of Yoder Hill for panoramic views. In town you can learn about the great flood (which is why the tram was built) at the Johnstown Flood Museum, or explore the many trails at the scenic Stackhouse Park.

Restaurants, the above attractions, paintball and an escape room are in walking distance of the Amtrak station (ride the inclined plane to reach the park). Rideshare may also be available. Note that the train arrives in the morning and returns same day to Pittsburgh around dinnertime.

Altoona

If you love trains, then consider an Amtrak trip to Altoona. Travel time is about 2.5 hours and you can return same day to Pittsburgh, making it a great day trip option. The city was established in 1849 by the Pennsylvania Railroad, and you can visit the Railroaders Memorial Museum and Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark, which trains still use today to travel over the Allegheny Mountains. You can also take the family to Lakemont Park for the world’s oldest surviving roller coaster and other rides.

Huntingdon

Raystown Lake in Pennsylvania — *Photo by Ron Shawley (Raystown Lake)*

Just over three hours from Pittsburgh on Amtrak, Huntingdon is a small city near many outdoor recreation areas. Raystown Lake is a popular vacation spot that’s a short drive away from the station. You can also check out Lincoln Caverns, Cliffs Trail (wonderful views) and multiple state parks with a rental car (Enterprise has pickup service). Stay overnight to enjoy all the things to do, or you can explore the area for about five hours before heading back to Pittsburgh.

Cumberland

Cumberland, Maryland is four hours away from Pittsburgh on Amtrak. You can hike or bike on the Great Allegheny Passage, C&O Canal Towpath and in Rocky Gap State Park. Other top attractions include the C&O Canal National Historical Park, Allegheny Museum and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. For golf, spa and casino, consider staying at the Rocky Gap Casino Resort or view top places to stay for other ideas. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is near the Amtrak station and offers pickup service.

Harrisburg

The capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg has a variety of things to see and do. You can visit the National Civil War Museum and State Museum of Pennsylvania, explore City Island Park (which has a playground, beach, mini-golf and riverboat cruises) and walk or bike along the Capital Area Greenbelt (bike share rentals available). You can also rent a car or use rideshare to reach Hersheypark, which is only a 22-minute drive away from downtown. Amtrak travel time from Pittsburgh is 5.5 hours.

Lancaster

Plan a trip to Lancaster to experience Amish Country. Kids will have fun at the Dutch Wonderland amusement park, and there are historical sites to explore including President James Buchanan’s home, Amish Village and the Amish Farm and House. The historic Central Market is also a fantastic place to buy local food (consider bringing a cooler or cooler bag with you on the train). To get around, rideshare is your best option. Travel time from Pittsburgh is about six hours.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is full of history and beautiful scenery. The town played an important role in the Civil War, and we recommend a certified guide tour to learn about all that has happened here. The other must-do activities include visiting The Point (where two rivers meet), Jefferson Rock and various hiking trails for beautiful river and mountain views. You’ll also find the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters nearby.

Travel time on the train is just over six hours and you’ll arrive next to the Potomac River, restaurants and shops in the downtown area. For a convenient place to stay, Town’s Inn, Stonehouse Bed & Breakfast and The Ledge Bed & Breakfast are in walking distance of the station and the attractions.

Philadelphia

For an essential American experience, travel 7.5 hours to Philadelphia on the train to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Other top things to do include eating cheesesteaks, hanging out at the waterfront, going on a walking tour and visiting the many museums.

A hop-on-off sightseeing trolley and bus tours are options for getting around the city and seeing the sights in a short amount of time. There are also bikeshare rentals and plenty of Lyft and Uber rides. For more things to do, explore Amtrak day trips from Philadelphia.

Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is full of activities: museums, monuments, year-round events and great restaurants. Consider a sightseeing tour to easily explore the many attractions, and plan your trip in March to view the cherry blossoms or in fall for great weather and fewer tourists.

Travel time from Pittsburgh is almost eight hours and you’ll arrive at Union Station where you can transfer to the WMATA red line or get a ride with Uber, Lyft or a taxi. View the best places to stay in Washington D.C. — you’ll need to stay at least one night in the area. There are also many Amtrak day trip options from Washington D.C. (and longer train trips) if you want to continue your rail adventure.

South Bend

University of Notre Dame in the Spring — *Photo by Wisdommak/Wikimedia Commons*

The home of the University of Notre Dame, South Bend is about eight hours away from Pittsburgh by train. It’s a great option if you want to go to a college football game or explore the campus. You can also visit the Studebaker National Museum, go to a show or tour the beautiful Morris Performing Arts Center, gamble at the Four Winds Casino, or view the St. Joseph River via kayak, whitewater raft, bike or your own two feet.

New York City

For a big-city getaway, travel 9.5 hours on Amtrak to New York City. You’ll arrive at Penn Station with easy access to the subway, commuter trains, taxis and rideshare services, which makes it easy to visit the many museums, attractions, restaurants, Broadway shows and shopping destinations.

We recommend staying in New York City at least two nights to have enough time to sightsee and go to a show. Midtown (near Broadway theaters), West Village, Upper West Side and Chelsea are some of the popular areas for an overnight stay.

Chicago

For great food, live music and museums, head to Chicago. Travel time is almost 10 hours and you’ll arrive early evening near the Chicago River and a water taxi stop. There are many festivals and events to plan a trip around, and top attractions include the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Chicago Riverwalk, Lakefront Trail, Navy Pier and Wrigley Field. There are also many boat tours, which are a fun way to see the city.

It’s best to stay two nights or longer to see the sights. Popular hotel areas include the Loop, West Loop and River North. You can also continue on your rail journey with an Amtrak trip from Chicago to reach destinations across America.