Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on September 17, 2024.
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Are you looking to travel from Pittsburgh to New York? Well, you're in luck- there are actually a number of options available beyond just flying.
Whether you're looking to take Trailways, Amtrak, drive, or even fly, there are a number of travel options for you!
As we've taken more or less every transportation option in our travels from Pittsburgh to NYC, we wanted to break down the options in detail in this one.
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Pittsburgh Buses to New York City
Prior to 2024, Pittsburgh had a convenient, and often reasonably priced, bus trip to NYC via Megabus. This route ended and service was picked up by several other carriers such as Greyhound.
While the deals for cheap tickets seem to be harder and harder to find, one-way tickets have started in the roughly $50 per ticket price range and typically depart Grant Street Transportation Center in downtown Pittsburgh and arrive at NYC's Port Authority Bus Terminal or Midtown in 7 1/2 to 15 hours, with the longer rides often requiring a transfer- so be sure to check those details prior to booking.
Admittedly, it is because of this variation that some may find that it is easier to book the (often longer) Pennsylvanian train on Amtrak and not have to worry about the variability of busing.
Pittsburgh Amtrak to New York City
The train from Pittsburgh to NYC is another great option, and is one I did on return from New York on the aptly named Pennsylvanian train. Other lines exist that will get you to New York but require a transfer, so we are excluding those from this guide at this time.
The Pennsylvanian from Pittsburgh to New York departs downtown Pittsburgh at about 7:30am and arrives at Penn Station just before 5pm. On the return the train departs New York at 10:50 and arrives in Pittsburgh just before 8pm. This is ultimately a 9 hr and 20 minute ride, about an hour longer than an on-time bus, and is mostly due to the fact that the train route between Harrisburg and Pittsburgh is quite slow (you are at the mercy of the speed of the cargo train in front of you).
In 2024, a one-way ticket on Amtrak for this route was about $66 for a regular coach seat and about $115 for a business class seat when booked a month in advance (I purchased business class), and closer to day of departure increased about $20 for the two classes respectively.
As I splurged for business class on a recent trip the synopsis may be a bit biased, but the comfort of the seats and ample leg room more than made up for the price difference and increased trip duration to me. Throw in working wifi*, a dining car, the ability to walk around, and great views and I would say that Amtrak is our preferred method to travel from Pittsburgh to New York when we have the time.
*We've read reports that wifi works mostly only in business class and the dining car, so if you are planning on working / requiring wifi then the upgrade to business class may make more sense. If you can do without, the upgrade may not be as necessary.
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For more information on Amtrak's Pennsylvanian train from Pittsburgh to New York, click here.
Drive from Pittsburgh to New York
Driving to New York City is simply not recommended in our opinion. The fastest route is over six hours of driving without stops which is equivalent to $35-$50 in PA turnpike tolls (whether you have an EZ Pass or not), $45 or so in gas, plus additional tolls and parking fees when arriving in NYC based on where you are staying (and that is just one way).
Personally, unless you are driving with a long group or are on a road trip apart of a larger journey, we think the cost greatly outweighs the convenience when Amtrak and buses are more economical options. And as an added bonus you won't have to drive in NYC, which no one does because there are too many cars on the road.
Fly from Pittsburgh to New York
Many flights exist to travel between Pittsburgh and New York City, both direct and with layovers, and to JFK, LaGuardia, and other further out airports that require more creative transit to get into the city.
Depending on when you book we've seen direct prices to LaGuardia for under $200 round trip (about the same as business class on Amtrak booked early enough) and last minute tickets pushing $500.
Flights themselves are a brief 90 minutes, but when you factor in getting to the airport early, picking up luggage, traveling to and from the airports, delays (there are almost always delays in the New York Airports), you are looking at several hours- still the fastest option available beyond private chartered flights.
That being said, New York airports are some of the worst for flight delays, and virtually every time we've traveled through these airports our return flight home has been delayed anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. As such, we try to avoid flying through any New York airport if we can.
To find a great flight deal, check out options from Skyscanner by clicking here.
So, thinking of taking a trip from Pittsburgh to New York City soon? Comment below to let us know which option you prefer!
Don't forget to book a hotel in New York for your stay as well!
Thank you for this information. Very helpful!
I may be taking this trip in the next few months, the cost of the mega bus is a leading option right now for me.
I just drove to NYC and back.. I’ll never do that again. I didn’t mind driving in the city.. it was the 7 hours behind the wheel that bothered me. My butt hurt so bad by hour 5.. then I got stuck in New Jersey construction traffic. My car started sounding like a plane taking off halfway there so now I have to have my engine looked at.. I’ll also never ever complain about cars on the Fort Pitt Bridge again after dealing with the drivers getting onto the George Washington Bridge from Jersey!
I want to try the train to New York but the 9-10 hour trip sounds daunting. Will I feel trapped on there after a few hours? We’ll see!
It is a pretty rough trip so I’d recommend bringing movies on your computer or a book!
Just drive I-80, only toll is entering Manhattan ($15 without EZ pass), $10 with, and $1 only on return trip at the NJ border. Trip takes 6.5hrs or less with one bathroom break.
Parking in a garage can be booked ahead of time (ParkWhiz app) and is very reasonable. Have paid as little as $43 for 72hours in covered/valet parking in Manhattan.
I just discovered your blog. Thank you for the options. I’m from New York City, don’t drive, and would like to visit Pittsburgh one day..but the airfare is so ridiculously expensive for just a 90 minute trip. I wonder why. 😕 The overnight bus seems a viable option, but I would be nervous to travel that late at night by myself among strangers. And Amtrak seems more comfortable, but you have to waste a whole day and the cost is comparable to airfare if you want leg room. It’s too bad that Pittsburgh wasn’t as easy and cheap to travel to as Florida is. I hope one day to visit, though. Thank you. xx
Agree with you 100% there! It is unfortunate but direct flights to hub cities seem insanely expensive.
I have both driven to NYC and also have used the train on a different occasion. Since bus is out due to the time factor, the train most certainly can only be used if you are retired and are not a slave to time. Train time can only be classified as “brutal.” As in the one post, our drive was only 6.5 hours. Parking was inexpensive. So choose wisely, your mental health may depend on it…
Having tried many of the options my most preferred is a hybrid approach. Drive to Harrisburg, park for $5 a day, train in comfort to midtown Manhattan in a little over 3 hours. Lots of departures from Harrisburg, no stress getting into Manhattan and parking there. Possible on 7 hours point to point if u time ur connection properly.