Train from Pittsburgh to NYC melts travel stress away
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Getting on the train to Pittsburgh at the Lancaster station. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
The train from Pittsburgh to New York City is slower than driving or flying, but its vibes are much better.
Why it matters: Amtrak's Pennsylvanian line is Pittsburgh's most popular, and it's getting additional service starting next month, giving locals more opportunities to ride the rails.
🚆 The big picture: It's the first time the city is getting more passenger train service in decades.
- The Pennsylvanian runs one inbound and one outbound train a day, connecting Pittsburgh to Harrisburg, Philadelphia and NYC.
- It regularly sells out, and they are adding another daily round trip starting Nov. 18.
💺 The vibe: I rode it back from Lancaster last Friday.
- It was pretty full, and I walked through four coach class cars before finding an empty window seat.
- The trip took about 6.5 hours, and rolled into Pittsburgh 20 minutes late (8:24 pm) due to a high volume of passengers getting on and off in between.
🔎 Zoom in: I had two seats to myself for most of the ride, except when over 100 tourists got on briefly after Altoona to see the Horseshoe Curve.
- It's pretty hectic in the small train station parking lot when you arrive in Pittsburgh, so it's smart to walk a block to catch a bus, Uber or ride from a friend.
🕘 Zoom out: The whole trip between Pittsburgh and NYC typically takes over nine hours.
- That's compared to about six hours to drive or about a 90-minute flight.
- Yes, but: The train dodges traffic and drops you off right in Midtown Manhattan, unlike planes.
🛜 Reality check: The Wi-Fi does not work. I connected several times, but it never functioned.
- Cell signal and hot spots work better but are spotty.
- Don't count on any cell signal between Tyrone and Harrisburg.
🌭 Dig in: The cafe car is closed for about 45 minutes before and after Harrisburg and Philadelphia stations, but it's open the rest of the trip.
- The line backs up quickly after the car reopens.
- Prices are pretty reasonable. A hot dog, some Cheez-Its and a beer cost about $20.
🛍️ Pro tip: Come prepared to maximize your relaxation.
- Bring as many snacks and drinks as you want. You can't consume your own alcohol on this train.
- Download some movies to watch when the cell signal goes out.
- Pack a pillow since there's usually plenty of room to stretch out and nap.
🆓 Business class gets free nonalcoholic drinks in the cafe car. Just tell them you are in business class.
💵 Cost: Tickets start at $70 for the entire length, and less for shorter trips.
💭 Ryan's thought bubble: I worked for the first 90 minutes, then scrolled my phone, enjoyed dinner in the cafe car, and watched a movie at the end. It felt like a typical evening at home, but with beautiful Pennsylvania mountains and rivers in the background.
⏭️ What's next: Check out the full schedule here.
- Don't miss our guides on trains to Chicago and Washington, D.C.