- Must visit
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Major regional museum with American art, natural history, and science exhibits. It is Harrisburg's best-known museum and a strong all-ages visit.
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
2 h 52 m
Average duration
2 h 52 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
131 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Altoona, PA to Harrisburg, PA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Altoona, PA to Harrisburg, PA will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 1 trains that leave Altoona, PA for Harrisburg, PA on Tue, Aug 25, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct trains cover the 131 km distance in an average of 2 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 52 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest trains will take 2 h 52 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
42 Pennsylvanian
42 PennsylvanianOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Altoona, PA to Harrisburg, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 81 miles (131 km)
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$51 Average price | $45 Average price Cheapest |
3h 22m Average total duration Fastest 2h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 33m Average total duration 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Altoona, PA to Harrisburg, PA:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Altoona, PA to Harrisburg, PA costing on average $51 (€41).
Other travel options to Harrisburg, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 3m.
The table below shows live departures for Altoona, PA to Harrisburg, PA trains for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:03 AM Altoona, PA | 2h52 | 12:55 PM Harrisburg, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Altoona, PA to Harrisburg, PA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 2h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $38 (€30) if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 10:03, the last at 14:46. The fastest train covers the 81 miles (131 km) distance in 2h 52m.
Distance 81 miles (131 km) |
Average train duration 2h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€30) |
Trains per day 1 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 10:03 AM |
Last train 2:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Harrisburg, PA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Harrisburg, PA trip today.
Major regional museum with American art, natural history, and science exhibits. It is Harrisburg's best-known museum and a strong all-ages visit.
National Civil War museum with broad exhibits on soldiers, civilians, and the war's legacy. It is one of the city's most important history stops.
Museum at Fort Hunter highlighting local river history, mansion life, and the Susquehanna landscape. A quieter favorite with a scenic setting.
Riverfront promenade and park system with skyline views, paths, and event spaces. It is one of the most pleasant walks in central Harrisburg.
Car-free island in the Susquehanna with walking paths, recreation, and broad water views. A classic local escape close to downtown.
Victorian neighborhood known for colorful homes, local shops, and a creative atmosphere. It is ideal for strolling and seeing everyday Harrisburg charm.
Pennsylvania Dutch chicken pot pie is a rich stew with square noodles, chicken, and vegetables. It is a regional comfort food common around Harrisburg.
Shoofly pie is a classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert made with molasses crumb filling. Its deep sweetness makes it a traditional local bakery staple.
Whoopie pie features two soft chocolate cake rounds with creamy filling. It is a beloved Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch treat found across the region.
Long-running local favorite serving creative American dishes and seafood in a comfortable, polished neighborhood setting.
Historic market with many established local vendors for Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods, pretzels, sandwiches, and regional specialties in a lively setting.
Popular casual tavern and brewery pouring local beer with pub fare. It is well known for a relaxed atmosphere and central location.
Moderate for US state capitals; hotels and dining are usually below major East Coast cities, while transit needs and limited cheap tourist areas can raise daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or café order if service is provided.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Altoona, PA to Harrisburg, PA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Harrisburg, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Altoona, PA to Harrisburg, PA trains use the Altoona Station to Harrisburg Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Altoona, PA and Harrisburg, PA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Altoona Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Altoona Station.
Ticket office support is available at Altoona Station. Information desks are located in the enclosed waiting area.
Available at Altoona Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Altoona Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Fairfield Inn & Suites Altoona, Wingate by Wyndham Altoona, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Altoona.
Harrisburg Station is 1 km from Harrisburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Harrisburg Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Millworks, Bricco
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Harrisburg Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Harrisburg Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Harrisburg Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Harrisburg Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Harrisburg Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Harrisburg, Crowne Plaza Harrisburg-Hershey, Radisson Hotel Harrisburg.
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