The Station Inn here in western Pennsylvania is utterly lacking in amenities… Yet guests from across the continent and beyond return again and again to this bed-and-breakfast…
—Eugene L. Meyer New York Times
“To all but the most avid rail fans, Cresson is almost beyond comprehension. An average of 75 trains rumble through each day, all clearly visible from the lengthy front porch of the Station Inn.”
—The Washington Post The Washington Post
“What makes The Inn a complete experience is the chance to talk with fellow guests”
—Ryan Fischer Erie Times-News
“Cresson’s most popular railfan spot is now the Station Inn.”
—Barber & Olmstead Railpace
“Guests get a first class seat from which to see the minutiae of rail operations.”
—Dan Machalba Wall Street Journal
“The 1866 Station Inn in Cresson is the place to stay when visiting Altoona. The style is no frills, but comfortable.”
—Jacqueline Ruyak The International Railway Traveller
“It would be downright delightful to leave the eager-beaver photography to others and just spend a day on that porch watching the railroad world come to you.”
—Jim Boyd Railfan & Railroad
“To folks with an unshakeable railroad jones, this is paradise with a 100-foot front porch.”
—Tom Gibb Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“The Station Inn draws because it is a fraternity of kindred spirits.”
—Tom Gibb Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“ExplorePAhistory.com’s description of the Station Inn as ‘a rail enthusiast’s paradise’ is, if anything, understated.”
—Stephen Kennedy Explore PA
“It’s a slice of railfan heaven where there is no rush, no uncertainty and no travel. Just comfortable chairs in which to sit, wait and watch the three tracks where the trains always come.”
—Patt Keith, Altoona Mirror
The Station Inn is a railfan's dream location with excellent views of NS's busy Pittsburgh Line! The Inn has a very cozy and warm feel, and almost feels like home. While the rooms might not be considered modern by today's standards, they are still well kept, comfortable, and offer lots of space. The rooms have a plethora of blankets and fans to keep you comfortable no matter the season. The breakfast has been a staple of the Station Inn, and the new cooks are keeping that going. It was really nice having a huge selection of fresh fruits and yogurt to supplement the standard breakfast fare of eggs, pancakes, French toast, or biscuits and gravy! The front porch is the best part of staying at the Inn, and there's nothing better than relaxing with a cup of coffee in the cool morning air, or hot chocolate in the evening, watching and listening to the trains go by! While this place is ideal for railfans and train enthusiasts, there non-train enthusiasts partners will still enjoy the Station Inn for it's cozy, at home feel, small town feel. Just make sure they are well aware that the trains are literally feet outside and they will hear them passing at all hours.
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Been staying here for almost 20 years and it’s always been a blast ! The new owners have re polished this place into the diamond that it is for rail fans!
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We stayed as a couple for 4 nights in September 2025. What can I say but it was amazing, the highlight of our holiday. It felt like a home from home and very relaxed, with all the amenities you require with fantastic hosts and breakfast, it was great having a chat over breakfast with the other guests too. The porch was also a great way to watch the trains trundle around and everything had been thought off to make for an enjoyable, comfortable stay. Will definately return one day. Thank you for your hospitality. Sharon & Andrew.
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Amazing We stayed as a couple for 4 nights in September 2025. What can I say but it was amazing, the highlight of our holiday. It felt like a home from home and very relaxed, with all the amenities you require with fantastic hosts and breakfast, it was great having a chat over breakfast with the other guests too. The porch was also a great way to watch the trains trundle around and everything had been thought off to make for an enjoyable, comfortable stay. Will definately return one day. Thank you for your hospitality. Sharon & Andrew.
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First time staying at The Station Inn. We have a great stay. The staff was very pleasant and helpful. A great breakfast in the morning. We loved sitting on the front porch and catching the train traffic. Amtrack, freight, coal, and other railroad equipment coming and going. I highly recommend.
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This is the second time we've stayed at the Station Inn. Being a train fan I really enjoy staying there. The rooms are clean and adequate. Not a high luxury hotel but great for a rail fan that wants to see lots of action. They serve a great family style breakfast in the mornings too. Everyone is friendly and helpful you learn a lot from the other guests. The best part is sitting on the front porch, rocking and watching all the trains go by. Very close to Altoona and the Horseshoe Curve and the Gallitzin Tunnels. If you like trains then this is your place.
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To be sure this is a "speciality" accommodation for the ardent ferroequinologist. If you like sitting trackside and watching countless intermodal, local freight, tank car, and Amtrak passenger trains you will have a great time. The breakfast was more than ample served family style with food left over. The young women attending the place know how to interact to make guest feel relaxed and happy. If you are simply looking for overnight accommodations without the railroad distractions you might want to go some where else - just saying..... How much did I really like it? I rebooked my 4th visit for August of 26.
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Another great stay at the Station Inn This is the second time we've stayed at the Station Inn. Being a train fan I really enjoy staying there. The rooms are clean and adequate. Not a high luxury hotel but great for a rail fan that wants to see lots of action. They serve a great family style breakfast in the mornings too. Everyone is friendly and helpful you learn a lot from the other guests. The best part is sitting on the front porch, rocking and watching all the trains go by. Very close to Altoona and the Horseshoe Curve and the Gallitzin Tunnels. If you like trains then this is your place.
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A Ferroequinologist's Fantasy... Chilling on the porch with fellow train lovers. To be sure this is a "speciality" accommodation for the ardent ferroequinologist. If you like sitting trackside and watching countless intermodal, local freight, tank car, and Amtrak passenger trains you will have a great time. The breakfast was more than ample served family style with food left over. The young women attending the place know how to interact to make guest feel relaxed and happy. If you are simply looking for overnight accommodations without the railroad distractions you might want to go some where else - just saying..... How much did I really like it? I rebooked my 4th visit for August of 26.
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