This 444-mile Amtrak Train Is One of the Most Scenic Rides on the East Coast-With Mountain Views, Charming Towns, and a Famous 'Horseshoe Curve'

"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."

"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."

Amtrak's Pennsylvanian runs approximately 444 miles between New York City and Pittsburgh in about 9.5 hours as a daytime-only route focused on scenery. The train departs Moynihan Train Hall, moves through New Jersey suburbs, and enters Pennsylvania where landscapes shift to rolling farmland and Amish Country with barns, pastures, horses, buggies, and small towns. Approaching Altoona the route climbs into the Allegheny Mountains, winding through woods and reaching the Horseshoe Curve with dramatic track bends. Onboard amenities include comfortable seating, an onboard cafe car, and downtown stations at both ends, making the journey itself a primary attraction.

Read at Travel + Leisure