- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Major art museum with encyclopedic collections, from ancient works to Impressionism, in a grand and highly walkable campus.
Cheapest price on Sep 06
$134
Average ticket price on Sep 06
$153
Fastest journey on Sep 06
9 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 06
10 h 9 m
Trains on Sep 06
4
Distance
539 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Harrisburg, PA to Boston, MA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Harrisburg, PA to Boston, MA will cost around $153 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $134.
It's difficult to get from Harrisburg, PA to Boston, MA without transferring at least once.
42 Pennsylvanian · 168 Northeast Regional
42 Pennsylvanian · 168 Northeast Regional
660 Keystone Service · 164 Northeast Regional
660 Keystone Service · 164 Northeast Regional
660 Keystone Service · 164 Northeast Regional
660 Keystone Service · 164 Northeast Regional
42 Pennsylvanian · 168 Northeast Regional
42 Pennsylvanian · 168 Northeast RegionalOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Harrisburg, PA to Boston, MA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $100 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 10m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $100, while a flight costs an average of $607.
Distance: 334 miles (539 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$289 Average price | $100 Average price Cheapest | $607 Average price | $98 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 31m Average total duration 8h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 31m Average total duration 9h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 10m Average total duration Fastest 4h 10m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 1.6 - 3.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Harrisburg, PA to Boston, MA:
A bus is $189 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Harrisburg, PA to Boston, MA costing on average $289.
A bus is $507 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Harrisburg, PA to Boston, MA costing on average $607.
Other travel options to Boston, MA take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 1m.
Bus takes on average 9h 1m.
Tickets start at around $289 compared to roughly $98 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-190.67. The journey takes 8h 1m versus 6h 11m 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 Harrisburg, PA to Boston, MA trains for today, Saturday, September 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
42 Pennsylvanian · 168 Northeast Regional | 1:05 PM Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA | 10h15 | 11:20 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
42 Pennsylvanian · 168 Northeast Regional | 1:05 PM Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA | 10h21 | 11:26 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Harrisburg, PA to Boston, MA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 8h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $86 but you can travel from only $59 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 21:15. The fastest train covers the 334 miles (539 km) distance in 6h 53m.
Distance 334 miles (539 km) |
Average train duration 8h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $86 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 6h 53m |
First train 5:00 AM |
Last train 9:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Boston, MA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Boston, MA trip today.
Major art museum with encyclopedic collections, from ancient works to Impressionism, in a grand and highly walkable campus.
Unique museum displaying Isabella Stewart Gardner's art collection in a Venetian-style palace with a beautiful courtyard.
Hands-on science museum on the Charles River, popular for interactive exhibits, live presentations, and family-friendly learning.
Historic brick-lined route connecting key revolutionary sites, ideal for first-time visitors seeking Boston's core story on foot.
Elegant public garden famous for swan boats, seasonal flowers, and postcard views in the heart of downtown Boston.
Historic market district and pedestrian-friendly area known for street life, shops, performers, and easy downtown exploring.
Creamy New England chowder with clams, potatoes, and salt pork. It is a defining Boston seafood dish tied to the city's maritime history.
Hot dog bun split on top and filled with chilled lobster meat, usually with butter or mayo. A classic New England summer seafood staple.
Baked cod topped with buttery crumbs, often with lemon. It reflects Boston's long cod fishing tradition and old-school Yankee cooking.
Elegant fine-dining destination by the waterfront known for pristine seafood, tasting menus, and one of Boston's top culinary reputations.
Classic North End Italian restaurant famous for generous portions, old-school service, and beloved Boston dining tradition.
Refined seafood restaurant and oyster bar with polished service, excellent raw bar options, and a Back Bay setting.
Boston is pricier than many US cities. Hotels, dining, and attractions add up fast, though transit is manageable and budget food options exist.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis: 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1 per drink.
Traveling between Harrisburg, PA and Boston, MA is a convenient journey made easy by Amtrak. The train service offers comfortable seating and scenic views along the way, making it an enjoyable experience for travelers. With multiple daily departures, you can choose a schedule that best fits your plans while enjoying the ease of rail travel across these two cities.
The train journey from Harrisburg, PA to Boston, MA takes approximately 8 hours and 43 minutes. There are a total of 0 direct connections per day; however, travelers can expect multiple transfers along the way. The trip offers an opportunity to experience scenic views while traveling through various regions.
The first daily train journey departs from Harrisburg at 10:45 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to the vibrant city of Boston. The last departure is scheduled for 11:05 PM, allowing late-night arrivals into this historic destination.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Harrisburg to Boston is $65 (58.5€). The average ticket price tends to be around $183 (164.7€), making it a more economical option if you book in advance or look out for special deals.
Boston Common, established in 1634, is the oldest public park in America and has served as a gathering place for generations of Bostonians. Its significance lies not only in its historical role during pivotal moments like the American Revolution but also as a vibrant green space that continues to host events and activities today. Unique features include its beautiful landscapes, iconic swan boats on the pond, and monuments commemorating important figures from Boston's rich history.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile path that weaves through downtown Boston, connecting 16 historically significant sites related to America's fight for independence. This trail serves as an educational journey where visitors can immerse themselves in revolutionary history while walking alongside landmarks such as Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church. What sets it apart is how it combines both guided tours with self-exploration options—allowing you to experience this living museum at your own pace.
Fenway Park, opened in 1912, stands proudly as one of Major League Baseball's most cherished ballparks and home to the beloved Boston Red Sox. Its significance extends beyond sports; it's a cultural icon representing resilience through decades of change within baseball itself and serving up unforgettable memories for fans across generations. The unique features here include "The Green Monster," an imposing left-field wall that adds character—and challenge—to every game played within these historic walls.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Harrisburg, PA to Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Harrisburg, PA to Boston, MA trains use the Harrisburg Station to South Station station pair, with some services arriving at Back Bay Station. Use this guide to compare Harrisburg, PA and Boston, MA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need