- Must visit
Palmer Museum Of Art
Penn State’s art museum with American and global collections, rotating exhibitions, and a prominent new building on campus.
Cheapest price
$268
Average price
$268
Fastest journey
18 h 30 m
Average duration
18 h 30 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
592 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Boston, MA to State College, PA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Boston, MA to State College, PA will cost around $268 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $268.
Of the 1 trains that leave Boston, MA for State College, PA on Sat, Jul 11, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 11 the direct trains cover the 592 km distance in an average of 18 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 18 h 30 m .
On Sat, Jul 11 the slowest trains will take 18 h 30 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.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Boston, MA to State College, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 4m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $298.
Distance: 367 miles (592 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$280 Average price | $131 Average price Cheapest | $467 Average price | $96 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 0m Average total duration 18h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 43m Average total duration 10h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 4m Average total duration Fastest 7h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Boston, MA to State College, PA:
A bus is $149 (€122) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Boston, MA to State College, PA costing on average $280 (€230).
A bus is $336 (€276) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Boston, MA to State College, PA costing on average $467 (€383).
Other travel options to State College, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 13m.
Train takes on average 18h 30m.
Tickets start at around $280 (€230) compared to roughly $96 (€79) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-184.20 (€-151.33). The journey takes 18h 30m versus 7h 30m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Boston, MA to State College, PA trains for today, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
65 Northeast Regional · 661 Keystone Service · 8693 AMTRAK | 6:45 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 18h30 | 1:15 PM State College, PA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, and train 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 Boston, MA to State College, PA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 18h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $134 (€110) but you can travel from only $68 (€56) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:05, the last at 18:45. The fastest train covers the 367 miles (592 km) distance in 18h 30m.
Distance 367 miles (592 km) |
Average train duration 18h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $134 (€110) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 18h 30m |
First train 6:05 AM |
Last train 6:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of State College — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect State College trip today.
Penn State’s art museum with American and global collections, rotating exhibitions, and a prominent new building on campus.
A museum inside Beaver Stadium showcasing Penn State athletics history, notable teams, trophies, and memorabilia.
Penn State museum with minerals, fossils, gems, and earth science displays, popular with families and geology fans.
A beautifully designed university arboretum with gardens, walking paths, seasonal blooms, and strong photo appeal.
The city’s main walkable district with shops, university atmosphere, events, and a lively street scene.
Expansive flagship campus known for classic collegiate architecture, quads, public art, and an energetic atmosphere.
A central Pennsylvania breakfast pastry made from sweet dough baked in caramel syrup, often served warm with cream. It is a beloved regional treat tied to Pennsylvania Dutch cooking.
A regional comfort dish made with square noodles in a rich broth with chicken and vegetables. In central Pennsylvania, it is distinct from a baked pie and is widely associated with local home cooking.
A classic Pennsylvania Dutch dessert with a molasses filling and crumb topping. It is one of the best-known traditional sweets in the region surrounding State College.
An established upscale-casual venue above the Corner Room, known for steaks, seafood, and Penn State campus views with a lively but refined atmosphere.
A long-running downtown State College restaurant known for classic American fare, seafood, and steaks in a polished historic setting.
A classic State College institution serving breakfast, sandwiches, and American comfort food in a relaxed, historic downtown space.
Costs are moderate for a U.S. college town. Dining is fairly priced, while hotels rise on football weekends and university event dates.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants before tax. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip delivery drivers 15-20%.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Boston, MA to State College, 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 State College, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Boston, MA to State College, PA trains use the South Station to State College, Greyhound Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Boston, MA and State College, PA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
South 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Legal Sea Foods, Tavern in the Square
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at South Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at South Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at South Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at South Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at South Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include InterContinental Boston, The Langham, Boston, Boston Harbor Hotel.
Back Bay Station is 1 km from Boston city centre. Public transport options include:
Back Bay 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, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Sorellina, Atlantic Fish Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Back Bay Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Back Bay Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Back Bay Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Back Bay Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Back Bay Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Copley Square Hotel, The Westin Copley Place, Fairmont Copley Plaza.
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