Article Summary: You can find a collection of exciting, picturesque, and scenic train rides near Pittsburgh. Grab your camera, notebook, and favorite snacks, then read through this blog for our roundup of the best railfan destinations for fun train rides near the Steel City.
Not many people know this, but Pittsburgh was once the 8th-largest city in the United States, thanks to its status in the steel and railroad industries.
As the steel-making capital of the world, the Pittsburgh region spawned more than 600 miles of railroad track, creating a haven for railfans and railroad photographers throughout Western Pennsylvania.
Although few of these tracks still carry steel, many of them are still in operation, and some even offer scenic train rides open to the public.
And it’s not just seasonal Christmas train rides. Many organizations offer lovely and relaxed rides through the Pittsburgh region, which is known for its beautiful Appalachian terrain.
Continue reading to learn about your options!
Table of Contents
4 Scenic Train Rides Near Pittsburgh
Stay Close To The Trains At The Station Inn
4 Scenic Train Rides Near Pittsburgh
Here are some of the best train rides in the Pittsburgh region that are also close to our home base in Cresson, PA:
Everett Railroad
About: The Everett Railroad specializes in fun. From ice cream specials to sunset trips, this Railroad offers something for everyone.
Plus, Everett features a working steam locomotive—the ALCO 2-6-0 Number 11. They are actively restoring a second steam engine, the Baldwin 2-8-0 Number 38. (Tip: If you like steam engines, read our write-up on the Union Pacific Big Boy.) Everett features a few classic passenger cars, including new First-Class offerings with gorgeously restored interiors.
Be sure to check out the Everett Railroad schedule on a regular basis; they often offer fun, seasonally themed trips throughout the year.
Location: 244 Pullman Drive, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Distance From Pittsburgh: 91.5 miles (About 1.75 hours)
Distance From The Station Inn: 12 miles (About 20 minutes)
Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad
About: The Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad takes you through history into the heart of Oil Country. (Titusville, if you don’t know, kicked off the American oil industry.)
You’ll step back in time by riding a 1930s Pullman car, which departs Perry Street Station—an early 1890s freight station.
Location: 409 S Perry St, Titusville, PA
Distance From Pittsburgh: 105 miles (1.75 hours)
Distance From The Station Inn: 127 miles (About 2.75 hours)
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
About: Although the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is south of the Mason-Dixon line, it’s only a little more than an hour from our front porch at The Station Inn.
And that’s great news because the WMSR offers a variety of brunch rides, murder mystery dinners, and way, way more—including trips through the beautiful Maryland mountains. WMSR also rosters two steam locomotives – check in advance to see which trips will be steam powered!
Location: 13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD 21502, USA
Distance From Pittsburgh: 106 miles (2 hours)
Distance From The Station Inn: 72 miles (About 1.25 hours)
Amtrak
About: Look, we’re all about supporting small businesses, especially when they support and promote railroad history. But we can’t talk about scenic train rides without at least mentioning Amtrak.
The Amtrak station in Pittsburgh is an incredible architectural structure, and you can use it to travel to Philadelphia, Cleveland, or even New York City. (Technically, though, the actual Amtrak station is just the basement of the classic building; the grandiose upstairs area is typically not open to the public). Taking Amtrak, you’ll cut through some of the most beautiful landscapes Pennsylvania has to offer.
Of course, we should also mention: You’ll find numerous Amtrak stations throughout Pennsylvania, so you can pick and choose where you board.
It is definitely possible to “make a day of it” from Pittsburgh, as the “Pennsylvanian” trains 42 & 43 have very good on-time performance. You can depart Pittsburgh at about 7:30 AM, pass the Station Inn and round Horseshoe Curve, and de-train in Altoona or Lewistown. Then you can catch the westbound train back to Pittsburgh, arriving around 8:00 PM.
Location: 1100 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Distance From Pittsburgh: 0 miles (0 hours)
Distance From The Station Inn: 80 miles (1.5 hours)
Stay Close To The Trains At The Station Inn
The fun doesn’t have to end when you step off your scenic train ride.
Book a room at The Station Inn to keep the adventure going! Our front porch overlooks the busy Norfolk Southern main line (see our write-up of the Norfolk Southern-Union Pacific merger), which also runs by the historic Horseshoe Curve only a few times away.
And be sure to check out The Yard Office Lounge while you’re here! This speakeasy-style gastropub offers delicious, hearty comfort food and custom drinks in our railroad-themed decor.
Contact us to learn more!