
Best Train Journeys Around the World in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
1. Amtrak Keystone Service
Daily service connecting Harrisburg and New York City via Philadelphia. Offers scenic views of the Susquehanna River and Appalachian Mountains.
- Direct Connection: Direct connection to major East Coast cities like New York City and Baltimore
- Scenic Route: Offers a scenic journey through the Susquehanna River Valley and Appalachian Mountains
- Comfortable Journey: Provides comfortable seating, dining options, and Wi-Fi onboard
2. Cumberland Valley Rail Trail
A converted rail-trail offering a picturesque bicycle or hiking journey through the Cumberland Valley.
- Natural Beauty: Passes through forests, farmlands, and historic sites in the picturesque Cumberland Valley
- Recreational Opportunities: Ideal for cycling, hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature's beauty
- Accessibility: Easily accessible from Harrisburg and offers ample parking along the trail
3. Capital Area Transit Busways
An innovative bus rapid transit system connecting downtown Harrisburg and nearby towns. Offers a convenient alternative to driving.
- Efficiency: A fast, efficient way to travel within the Harrisburg area
- Environmentally Friendly: Reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions compared to personal vehicles
- Connectivity: Connects downtown Harrisburg, Hershey, and other nearby towns with ease
4. Strasburg Rail Road
A historic steam-powered railroad offering scenic journeys through the Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
- Historic Experience: Rides on authentic, restored steam engines dating back to the 19th century
- Scenic Route: Journey through picturesque landscapes and historic sites in Pennsylvania Dutch Country
- Family-Friendly: Offers family-friendly events, such as Thomas the Tank Engine Day
5. Northeast Regional (Amtrak)
Daily service connecting Harrisburg and Washington D.C., with stops in major cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia.
- Direct Connection: Direct connection to major East Coast cities like Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia
- Scenic Route: Offers scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay, Susquehanna River, and Appalachian Mountains
- Comfortable Journey: Provides comfortable seating, dining options, and Wi-Fi onboard
6. Cumberland Trail
A hiking trail connecting the Cumberland Valley with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through forests, farmlands, and historic sites in the picturesque Cumberland Valley
- Adventure Opportunities: Ideal for hiking, camping, or horseback riding
- Long-Distance Traversal: Allows for long-distance traversal from Harrisburg to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
7. Coast Starlight (Amtrak)
A long-distance train service connecting Seattle and Los Angeles, with a stop in Harrisburg.
- Cross-Country Journey: Offers a cross-country journey from the Pacific Northwest to California
- Scenic Route: Passes through scenic areas like the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Pacific Coast
- Comfortable Journey: Provides comfortable seating, dining options, and Wi-Fi onboard
8. Hershey Trolley Works
A nostalgic trolley tour offering a glimpse into Hershey's Chocolate World and the surrounding town.
- Historic Experience: Rides on vintage trolleys that once served Harrisburg
- Sweet Destinations: Stops at Hershey's Chocolate World, Hersheypark, and other sweet destinations
- Informative Tour: Provides an informative tour of the history and attractions of Hershey
9. Glenside Trolley (SEPTA)
A historic streetcar line offering a nostalgic journey through the vibrant Glenside neighborhood.
- Historic Experience: Rides on vintage streetcars dating back to the early 20th century
- Scenic Route: Journey through picturesque neighborhoods and historic sites in Glenside
- Affordable Transportation: Provides an affordable and enjoyable alternative to driving
10. Sunset Limited (Amtrak)
A long-distance train service connecting Los Angeles and New Orleans, with a stop in Harrisburg.
- Cross-Country Journey: Offers a cross-country journey from the West Coast to the Gulf Coast
- Scenic Route: Passes through scenic areas like the Grand Canyon, Mojave Desert, and the Gulf Coast
- Comfortable Journey: Provides comfortable seating, dining options, and Wi-Fi onboard
11. West Chester Railroad
A historic steam-powered railroad offering scenic journeys through the Brandywine Valley.
- Historic Experience: Rides on authentic, restored steam engines dating back to the 19th century
- Scenic Route: Journey through picturesque landscapes and historic sites in the Brandywine Valley
- Family-Friendly: Offers family-friendly events, such as the Polar Express experience during the holidays
12. Empire Builder (Amtrak)
A long-distance train service connecting Chicago and Portland, with a stop in Harrisburg.
- Cross-Country Journey: Offers a cross-country journey from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest
- Scenic Route: Passes through scenic areas like the Northern Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge
- Comfortable Journey: Provides comfortable seating, dining options, and Wi-Fi onboard
13. Santa Fe Chief (Amtrak)
A long-distance train service connecting Chicago and Los Angeles, with a stop in Harrisburg.
- Cross-Country Journey: Offers a cross-country journey from the Midwest to the West Coast
- Scenic Route: Passes through scenic areas like the Rocky Mountains, Arizona desert, and the Pacific Coast
- Comfortable Journey: Provides comfortable seating, dining options, and Wi-Fi onboard
14. Downeaster (Amtrak)
A daily service connecting Boston and Brunswick, with a stop in Harrisburg.
- Direct Connection: Direct connection to the historic city of Boston
- Scenic Route: Offers scenic views of the Atlantic Coast and coastal Maine
- Comfortable Journey: Provides comfortable seating, dining options, and Wi-Fi onboard
15. Cape May–Lewes Ferry
A passenger ferry service connecting Lewes, Delaware, and Cape May, New Jersey, via a 2-hour boat ride.
- Maritime Experience: Offers a unique maritime experience on a modern ferry
- Scenic Route: Journey through Delaware Bay, offering scenic views of the coastline and wildlife
- Convenient Travel: Provides a convenient alternative to driving, especially during summer months