Amtrak's Pennsylvanian

Welcome aboard the Amtrak Pennsylvanian, a daily train that offers a scenic and comfortable journey across Pennsylvania and parts of New York. The train travels between New York City and Pittsburgh, and the 9-hour and 20-minute trip on the 40 & 41 Floridian in Pittsburgh extends your adventure to Cleveland, Toledo, Chicago, and beyond.

The Pennsylvania journey allows you to experience stunning landscapes and landmarks in Pennsylvania.

From the iconic Golden Triangle in Pittsburgh to the majestic Allegheny Mountains and the famous Horseshoe Curve near Altoona, each mile of the journey offers a unique view.

Don’t miss the chance to explore Pennsylvania’s Dutch Country and witness its rich cultural heritage.

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know before booking your trip aboard the Pennsylvanian, including accommodations, timetables, food options, and travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Whether you’re seasoned or new to train travel, this guide will help set up your next Amtrak adventure.

Amtrak Pennsylvanian Coach Class

The Pennsylvanian offers comfortable coach-class seating with a fold-down tray. Based on savings or flexibility, you can choose from several coach-class fares.

To improve your at-seat experience, you will find seat-back pockets, individual reading lights, and 120V grounded (three-prong) electric outlets underneath the windows.

You can place your luggage on the overhead shelf or the rack at the end of the car.

Coach Travel Tips from Kev’s Experience

I have spent hundreds of hours in Amtrak coach class and have come up with a few things that I always throw into my bag before leaving the house.

Since the outlet is on the wall under the window, a simple three- to six-foot extension cord helps me get power where I need it, especially if I have an aisle seat. Additionally, it allows me to plug in more than one thing without being an outlet hog.

Snacks and water bottles help fill in the gaps when I cannot access them. Most stations do not have food outside of vending machines. I bring money for the café car because it lets me get out of my seat and pack lighter.

Business class on the Pennsylvanian

The Pennsylvanian’s Business Class is in a separate car. It offers extra legroom, comfortable seating, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. The café car separates this car from the coach cars.

In addition to the upgraded amenities, Business Class customers earn a 25% bonus on Amtrak Guest Rewards points.

While I’ve only traveled in Business Class on this train, the coach car layout resembles other Amtrak trains.

Amtrak Wi-Fi on the Pennsylvanian

Free Amtrak Wi-Fi is available. However, the Wi-Fi and your cell phone may have dead spots along the way.

Food on the Amtrak Pennsylvanian

While you’re on the train, why not try one of my favorite activities—visiting the café car?

The Amtrak Café Car offers a variety of options, including hot and cold meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and alcoholic beverages.

You’re welcome to bring your food and drinks on board, but keep these rules in mind:

• Alcohol restrictions: While you can bring alcohol on board, consuming it is prohibited. Violating this rule could result in removal from the train without accommodations or refunds.
• Personal food and drinks: Due to FDA regulations, you cannot consume them in the café car, and Amtrak staff cannot heat or store your items.

Add-on for this train.

There are a few things you can add to your reservation.

Bring your bike

Amtrak allows you to bring a standard bicycle with a maximum tire width of 2″. Check the link for details; bike service may not be available at all stations. For more information, check out Amtrak’s bike policy.

Bring your pet!

• You can bring your cat or dog on board, provided the combined weight of your pet and their carrier is under 20 pounds.
• Paperwork and some limitations are required.
  • This online form is available after booking.
  • Additionally, you can access the form through “My Trip” on Amtrak.com or via the Amtrak app.
• Review and understand Amtrak’s pet policy before booking.

Different rules apply if you’re traveling with a service or emotional support animal; not all animals qualify. Read and follow Amtrak’s service animal policy to ensure a smooth trip.

Luggage

This train offers checked bag service for two pieces under 50 pounds and the option of two additional bags for a fee. Note that this service may not be available at the start and end points.

Each passenger may carry on:

• One personal item, up to 25 pounds (12 kg), and 14 x 11 x 7 inches
• Two carry-on pieces of luggage, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each

If you transfer to the Pacific Surfliner at some point along your journey, the baggage size for that train is up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each.

Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage; check out Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.

Join the Travels with Kev Community!

🚂 Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains! Get details on train equipment, dining options, and more—in one handy, free guide. Enjoy the latest travel tips, Amtrak insights, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox.

💌 Support my work and help keep Travels with Kev on track! Join my Patreon at $5 or more to receive a limited-edition postcard featuring photos from my travels, or check out my Support Page for other ways to contribute, including my wishlist and one-time donations. Every bit of support keeps the journey going!

If you want to check me out on social media, the links are further down!

Don’t miss out—join the adventure today!

Amtrak Pennsylvanian timetable/schedule

This timetable is from the official Amtrak website and was last updated on June 8, 2024.

Click on the stations to see the services offered at each stop. Since Amtrak can change this schedule any time, check the times on your tickets before leaving. I suggest printing your tickets before or after your journey to ensure you have the most up-to-date times in case of a last-minute change.

Printable Amtrak Pennsylvanian Schedule

Feel free to print out or download this page from Amtrak or print out schedules directly from Amtrak. Learn how to print Amtrak schedules, including route and custom ones!

Safe Travels,

Kev