This Amtrak Train Is One of the Most Scenic on the East Coast

Running between New York City and Pittsburgh, Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian route shows travelers a side of Pennsylvania most who fly or drive miss. Passengers aboard the train weave past rivers, tree-lined hills, Amish Country, and historic rail towns that rarely get the spotlight. It’s less about getting somewhere fast and more about watching the landscape change mile by mile, from urban neighborhoods to the rolling Allegheny Mountains, without ever leaving the seat.

Covering 444 miles in about 9.5 hours, the Pennsylvanian is a daytime-only route designed for travelers who want to see the landscape rather than sleep through the journey. With comfortable seating, an onboard cafe car, and convenient downtown Amtrak stations at both ends, the trip itself is just as important as the destination.

Here’s everything to know about riding Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian train, from route highlights and onboard amenities to the best seats for soaking in the ever-changing landscape.

Highlights Along the Route

The Pennsylvanian can be ridden in either direction, but for this piece, we’ll follow the route from east to west, beginning in New York City. Departing from Moynihan Train Hall in the heart of Manhattan, the train eases out from beneath the skyline before slipping into New Jersey, where city boroughs gradually give way to quieter suburbs.

After crossing into Pennsylvania, the pace noticeably slows. Beyond Philadelphia, rolling farmland and wide-open fields come into view as the train enters Lancaster County. Barns, open pastures, horses and buggies, and small towns define this stretch of Amish Country, offering a quiet change from the busy cities left behind.

As the train approaches Altoona, the landscape narrows, and the climb into the Allegheny Mountains begins. The route winds slowly uphill through thick woods, then reaches the iconic Horseshoe Curve, where the tracks bend sharply around the mountainside in a massive horseshoe shape. Passengers can even spot the locomotive ahead as it rounds the bend, providing stunning views of both the train and the mountains. Beyond its beauty, it’s also an impressive engineering feat, being one of the first railroad tracks built with a dramatic curve at a time when train lines were typically straight.

After leaving the mountains in the rearview, the Pennsylvanian begins its gradual descent into the valleys of western Pennsylvania. The landscape opens up and passengers catch glimpses of the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers converging to form the Ohio River. In the background, passengers can spot rolling hills and early signs of the city beyond.

As the train nears Pittsburgh, former steel towns and small communities line the tracks. Rust-colored brick buildings, quiet neighborhoods, and remnants of mills and factories speak to the region’s rich industrial history. This final stretch offers a glimpse of everyday life outside the city, while also building anticipation as the trip continues into downtown Pittsburgh, where the rivers and bridges above create a breathtaking cityscape.

Sleeping and Seating Options

There are two seating options aboard the Pennsylvanian. The most budget-friendly is coach, where passengers can board and settle into any open seat. Chairs have ample legroom, fold-down trays, power outlets, and reading lights. Plus, there are no middle seats to worry about.

For travelers wanting a bit more comfort, business class provides a noticeable upgrade. Passengers enjoy assigned seating, wider chairs, extra legroom, and complimentary nonalcoholic drinks.

Dining

The Pennsylvanian features a Corridor Cafe, where travelers can grab breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with snacks and a selection of beverages, including wine, beer, spirits, and nonalcoholic drinks.

Onboard Perks

Beyond the scenic views, passengers can enjoy practical perks such as two free checked bags, onboard Wi-Fi, and a café.