Transportation in Lancaster, PA

Before you set off on your adventure to Lancaster, PA, make sure you’re familiar with how to get to and from, and around Lancaster. There is so much to see in each corner of the county, so it’s helpful to understand the resources available during your trip in order to make your travel plans less stressful.

Getting to and from Lancaster

If you’re traveling from a major city, public transportation can help you get here seamlessly. Lancaster is home to an Amtrak station that brings in trains from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and New York. Sit back and relax as you make your way to Lancaster County. When you arrive, you’ll arrive in Downtown Lancaster, located in the center of the County.

Lancaster is also accessible by plane, with Pennsylvania flights available via the Lancaster Airport and Southern Airways Express and national flights into Harrisburg International Airport, a short drive from Lancaster County. Rental cars are available from both airports, helping you continue your trip to and around Lancaster.

Hopping in your own car? Lancaster County is easily accessible from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and is just a short drive from major cities. Once you’re in Lancaster, you’ll be welcomed by spacious roads surrounded by farmland – what could be better!

If you’re traveling from New York City and have a flexible arrival and departure time, consider using the Our Bus service, which offers inexpensive bus rides between the two cities. The buses are outfitted with free Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, charging ports, and free water. You’ll be dropped off at the Hotel Lancaster Downtown, close to all the city attractions just a short walk away.

Getting Around Lancaster

Once you’re here, we’ve rounded up some options for getting around if you don’t have a car with you. If you arrive at one of the airports (Lancaster or Harrisburg) or the Amtrak station, rental car services are available if you prefer to have a car. You can pick up and go explore, then drop-off at the same location when you’re ready to head home.

Lancaster also has extensive Uber and Lyft networks for those who enjoy using these convenient ride sharing services. Whether you’re in the city, or exploring the countryside, drivers are available within 10-15 minutes during most of the day. Be sure to download your app of choice before you arrive to make sure your account is set up before you need a ride.

Depending on your public transportation savvy, the Red Rose Transit bus networks is helpful for getting between Downtown Lancaster and the major towns. They don’t cover the backroads, but are helpful for your explorations of our small, walkable towns.

While visiting towns like Lititz, Strasburg, Downtown Lancaster, and Adamstown, keep in mind that these towns are extremely walkable. You can take a bus or ride share to the town, or park your car in a public lot, then walk between the shops, restaurants and attractions.

When you’re exploring Downtown Lancaster, consider using the bike share program powered by Zagster, where you can pay by the hour for a bike to cruise around on. There are locations throughout the city to pick up and drop off. If you’re planning to bike, sign up for Zagster before you arrive to make your bike share experience as seamless as possible. You can also check out Let's Roll, where you can rent or purchase an ebike to explore the city on!

If you find yourself in need of directions or recommendations, stop by the Discover Lancaster Visitors Center, where our helpful travel consultants can help guide you to the must-sees with our Getaway Guide and map, filled with useful information and directions.