Amtrak, the national rail operator in the U.S., offers the only train transportation in and out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Two rail lines run east from Pittsburgh to New York City via Philadelphia and to Washington D.C. One line runs west through Ohio and Illinois to Chicago. Travelers looking to head west via train from Pittsburgh can access most of Amtrak's routes west by transferring trains in Chicago.
Pittsburgh's Amtrak Station is downtown at 1100 Liberty Avenue. A small parking adjacent to the terminal entrance offers free short-term parking for drop-off and pick-up. The 24-hour station features an enclosed waiting area with restrooms, payphones, ATMs, ticket counters and a Quik-Trak automated ticket kiosk. Trains depart and arrive at the covered rail hangar upstairs from the reception area.
The lone passenger train line going west from Pittsburgh is Amtrak's Capitol Limited, which runs from Washington, D.C. to Chicago. This route utilizes Amtrak's Superliner class trains. Standard amenities include on-board bathrooms, checked baggage service, lounge cars, dining cars and snack cars. In addition to coach seating, Superliners possess roomettes, bedrooms and bedroom suites. Amtrak notes that not all trains on this route offer the full range of accommodations, so passengers should check to make sure a given train meets their needs.
Travelers can purchase tickets online at Amtrak.com with a credit or debit card. Amtrak also sells tickets over the phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). Travelers can purchase tickets in person from attendants at Pittsburgh's Amtrak station, or they can buy or pick up previously reserved tickets at the station's Quik-Trak automated kiosk.
People considering a train trip to the west from Pittsburgh can contact Amtrak for vacation assistance service. The Amtrak Vacations department can be reached at 1-800-AMTRAK-2. Staff can book train tickets and make hotel and tour arrangements at the destinations of a traveler's choosing.
Amtrak offers discounts on train tickets and other services to select types of travelers. Passengers eligible for discounts generally include children under 15 years of age, senior citizens, military veterans, active military personnel, AAA members, NARP members and college students. Ask about the discounts that may be available if you or your traveling companions fall into any of these categories.
West of Pittsburgh, Amtrak's Capitol Limited makes two major stops before arriving at Chicago's Union Station a little less than 10 hours after departure. The first major stop is Cleveland, Ohio, which is about 3 hours from Pittsburgh. Continuing west, riders pass through Sandusky before arriving in Toledo, Ohio, approximately 5 hours after departing Pittsburgh.
