Second daily Amtrak train coming to Lewistown
Expanded Pennsylvanian service between Pittsburgh and New York begins Nov. 18
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LEWISTOWN - The whistle is about to sound on a new era of passenger rail travel in Pennsylvania, including the station in Lewistown.
Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, travelers will have twice as many opportunities to ride Amtrak's Pennsylvanian between Pittsburgh and New York City as a long-awaited second daily roundtrip officially enters service. For rail advocates, business travelers, students and tourists, the expansion represents one of the biggest improvements to passenger rail service in Pennsylvania in years.
The new train will double service along the 444-mile route connecting Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and New York City, while also serving communities in between. The Lewistown Junction Train Station is included among those stops.
According to a daily schedule released at a Tuesday press conference, beginning Nov. 18, the westbound train will reach Lewistown at 10:53 a.m. and 5:36 p.m. then be eastbound at Lewistown at 11:08 a.m. and 4:56 p.m.
The additional frequency is expected to provide travelers with greater flexibility and make train travel a more practical option for thousands of passengers each year.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll called the launch a major achievement for the Commonwealth.
"PennDOT has been working hard to make transportation work better for everyone, no matter how you travel," Carroll said during the announcement. "Thanks to a critical investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, years of hard work and collaboration, and the tireless advocacy of the community and elected officials, we have reached this exciting milestone."
For years, the Pennsylvanian has provided the only direct passenger rail link between western Pennsylvania and the East Coast. While the service has long been popular, travelers have often been limited by having just one departure in each direction each day. Starting in November, those limitations will ease considerably as passengers gain additional scheduling options for work trips, vacations, family visits and weekend getaways.
The expanded schedule is expected to be especially beneficial for travelers who frequently move between Pennsylvania's largest cities. Business travelers will have more flexibility for meetings and day trips, while college students and families will gain additional options when planning travel around holidays and school breaks.
Amtrak officials believe the second daily train will make rail travel more convenient while strengthening transportation connections throughout the state.
"With tickets becoming available this week, customers will soon have even more opportunities to travel aboard the Pennsylvanian," said Amtrak Board Member and Chair of the System Growth Committee Rob Gleason. "This second daily round trip will provide greater flexibility, strengthen connections across Pennsylvania and demonstrate the value of strong partnerships in growing passenger rail."
Passengers aboard the Pennsylvanian enjoy several amenities designed to make the journey comfortable and productive. The train offers coach and business-class seating, onboard Wi-Fi, power outlets and café service featuring Pennsylvania-inspired menu items. Unlike air travel, passengers can move about the train freely, avoid lengthy security lines and enjoy scenic views throughout the trip.
Those views are among the route's biggest attractions. Departing Pittsburgh, the train travels through the Allegheny Mountains and historic rail corridors before continuing east through Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia and eventually New York City. The route showcases some of Pennsylvania's most picturesque landscapes while connecting major economic and cultural centers.
The expansion was made possible through extensive cooperation between PennDOT, Amtrak and Norfolk Southern, whose Pittsburgh Line hosts the passenger service. That rail corridor is one of the most important freight routes in the eastern United States, carrying significant double-stack intermodal traffic between Chicago and the New York metropolitan area.
Norfolk Southern officials praised the collaborative effort that made the additional service possible.
"The expansion of Pennsylvanian service demonstrates what is possible when public and private partners work together toward a shared vision for rail transportation," said Norfolk Southern Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Mike McClellan. "Norfolk Southern is proud to support efforts that expand transportation options for Pennsylvanians while maintaining the safe and efficient movement of freight across the Commonwealth."
McClellan added that the railroad remains committed to working with both PennDOT and Amtrak to support initiatives that benefit passengers, communities, businesses and freight customers alike.
Beyond convenience for travelers, the additional service is expected to create economic benefits for communities along the route. Increased rail access often supports tourism, encourages business development and makes it easier for residents to reach employment centers. Local leaders and transportation advocates have spent years pushing for expanded rail service, arguing that more frequent trains can help drive economic growth while providing a reliable transportation alternative.
The Pennsylvanian also serves as an important part of Amtrak's national network. Through connections with the Floridian service, travelers can continue west to destinations including Cleveland and Chicago, creating additional travel possibilities beyond Pennsylvania. The route's integration into the broader rail system helps connect communities across multiple states while providing an alternative to highway and air travel.
Tickets for the second daily Pennsylvanian will be available through Amtrak's website and mobile app, allowing travelers to begin booking trips ahead of the November launch.
When the second daily train departs on Nov. 18, it will represent more than simply another scheduled departure. It will mark the culmination of years of planning, investment and cooperation among public agencies, private industry and transportation advocates. Most importantly, it will give Pennsylvanians and visitors more opportunities to travel comfortably across the state, strengthening connections between Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York and the many communities that lie in between. The Juniata Valley included.