August 26, 2025Your Next Side Quest: Train Ride to Lancaster City
If you’re looking for a quick escape from the big city, Lancaster City, PA, is the perfect day trip or weekend getaway. Known for its mix of cultures, vibrant small businesses, rich history, and warm community, our Red Rose City has a charm you won’t find just anywhere on the East Coast.
Getting Here by Amtrak
You might be weighing your options for getting to our lovely city, but one of our favorite methods of travel is the Keystone Service Train by AMTRAK. Lancaster has quite a historic train station that welcomes passengers directly from major cities like Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and New York City—and depending on where you hop on, the ride takes three hours or less. Booking your train is a breeze! You can plan online or grab a ticket at your departure station, like Moynihan Train Hall in New York City or William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in Philadelphia—then sit back and let the adventure begin!
How to book:
- Go to amtrak.com
- Select your closest departure station
- Choose LNC – Lancaster, PA as your arrival station.
- Book your ticket, pack your bag, and you’re set!
Pro tip: Arrive at the station at least 40 minutes early. Boarding usually begins 10 minutes before departure, and trains usually leave on time according to your ticket.
Arriving in Lancaster City
When you step off the train at Lancaster’s historic station, you’re just a short ride from the heart of downtown. Getting around is easy with options like:
- Bike It Lancaster (bike share)
- Ride-shares like Uber and Lyft
- Rental cars for exploring beyond the city
- Red Rose Transit (mass transit)
Places to Stay
If you’re planning on spending a couple of days here, great choice! Lancaster has a range of hotels right in the city, so you can easily walk to shops, restaurants, and attractions. Some local options include:
- Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square – 25 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA
- Holiday Inn Lancaster – 26 E Chestnut St, Lancaster, PA
- Lancaster Arts Hotel – 300 Harrisburg Ave, Lancaster, PA
- Cork Factory Hotel – 480 New Holland Ave, Lancaster, PA
Things to Do
Lancaster City is bursting with things to do and places to explore! There’s fun for all ages here—whether you’re planning a family outing, a girls’ night out, or a solo adventure. From unique shops and incredible restaurants to museums, public art, and special events, there’s always something happening in the Red Rose City.
For a full list of shops, restaurants, museums, activities, public art, and events, check out our Visitor Guide—it’s the ultimate resource for making the most of your trip.
Need help while you’re here? Stop by the Lancaster City Welcome Center Pop-Up, located in the lobby of the Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square and Lancaster County Convention Center. You can also call 717-735-3138 for assistance.
Want to Plan Your Trip? Request a printed Visitor Guide before your trip or take a look at it online. Printed copies are also available at key spots around the city, including the train station. Lancaster is exciting, inviting, and full of charm—we can’t wait to welcome you! No matter how you get here, you’re sure to make lasting memories and experience one of the most unique towns in Pennsylvania. We hope to see you soon!
