Explore Pennsylvania United States

Explore Pennsylvania United States

What is the best time to travel to Pennsylvania

The best time to travel to Pennsylvania depends on what you want to do and see. The state has a diverse climate, with hot summers and cold winters in some areas, and milder temperatures in others.

Summer is a popular time to visit Pennsylvania, especially for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and visiting amusement parks. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the state’s forests and countryside become ablaze with colorful foliage.

Winter is a good time to visit if you enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The state’s ski resorts offer a range of activities and amenities for winter visitors.

Spring is also a good time to visit, as the weather is generally mild and the state’s gardens and parks come to life with blossoming flowers and trees.

Overall, the best time to visit Pennsylvania is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.

How to get to Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania can be reached by various modes of transportation. The most popular ways to get to Pennsylvania include:

Flying: Pennsylvania has several airports, including Philadelphia International Airport, Pittsburgh International Airport, and Harrisburg International Airport.

Train: Amtrak provides train services to several cities in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg.

Bus: Several bus companies, including Greyhound and Megabus, provide transportation to various cities in Pennsylvania.

Car: Pennsylvania is accessible via several highways, including I-76, I-78, I-81, I-83, I-90, and I-95.

Cruise: If you are planning a trip to the eastern coast of the United States, you can also consider taking a cruise that stops in Philadelphia, which is a major port city.

How to get around Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a variety of transportation options for travelers, including:

Car: Driving is a popular way to get around Pennsylvania, as it has an extensive network of highways and roads. Car rental companies are available at major airports and in larger cities.

Public transportation: The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides bus, subway, and commuter rail service in the Philadelphia area. Pittsburgh has the Port Authority of Allegheny County, which provides bus and light rail service. Other cities and towns may have local bus systems.

Amtrak: Amtrak provides train service to many cities in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, and more.

Air: Pennsylvania has several major airports, including Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), and Harrisburg International Airport (MDT). There are also regional airports throughout the state.

Bicycle: Many cities and towns in Pennsylvania have bike lanes and bike-sharing programs, making biking a popular option for getting around.

Walking: Pennsylvania’s major cities, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, are very walkable with many attractions located close together.

Taxis and ridesharing: Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in most cities in Pennsylvania.

It’s important to note that the transportation options available may vary depending on the location within Pennsylvania.

National Airports

Pennsylvania has several airports that serve domestic and international flights, including:

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT)

Harrisburg International Airport (MDT)

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)

Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (AVP)

Erie International Airport (ERI)

Arnold Palmer Regional Airport (LBE)

University Park Airport (SCE)

These airports offer flights from major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, among others.

Trains in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has several options for train travel, including Amtrak and SEPTA regional rail. Amtrak offers service throughout the state with stops in major cities like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg. The SEPTA regional rail system operates in the Philadelphia metropolitan area with stops in the city and suburbs.

In addition, the Pennsylvania State Transportation Authority (PSTA) operates the Pennsylvanian, which is a daily Amtrak train that runs between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. This train makes stops in several other cities along the way, including Harrisburg and Lancaster.

Buses in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a good network of bus transportation for both intercity and intracity travel. Here are some of the major bus companies operating in Pennsylvania:

Greyhound: Greyhound is one of the largest bus companies in the United States and operates in almost all major cities in Pennsylvania. You can check their website or mobile app for schedules and fares.

Megabus: Megabus offers affordable bus services between major cities in Pennsylvania, as well as to other cities in the United States and Canada. You can book tickets and check schedules on their website.

BoltBus: BoltBus also offers intercity bus services between major cities in Pennsylvania and other cities in the United States. You can check their website for schedules and fares.

Martz Trailways: Martz Trailways provides bus services between several cities in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and more. You can check their website for schedules and fares.

Trans-Bridge Lines: Trans-Bridge Lines offers daily bus services between Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and other cities in Pennsylvania, as well as New York City. You can check their website for schedules and fares.

There are also local bus services in cities and towns across Pennsylvania, which are operated by local transit authorities.

Accommodations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is home to a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. Some popular options include:

Hotels and motels: Pennsylvania has a large number of hotels and motels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious five-star accommodations. Some popular hotel chains include Hilton, Marriott, and Sheraton.

Bed and breakfasts: For a more intimate and cozy stay, consider booking a bed and breakfast. Pennsylvania is home to many charming B&Bs, particularly in historic towns like Gettysburg and Lancaster.

Cabins and cottages: Pennsylvania’s natural beauty makes it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Many cabins and cottages are available for rent throughout the state, particularly in the Poconos and the Allegheny Mountains.

Campgrounds: Pennsylvania has a large number of public and private campgrounds, making it a great destination for camping enthusiasts. Many campgrounds offer RV sites as well as tent sites.

Vacation rentals: For a more homey and private stay, consider booking a vacation rental. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have many options available throughout Pennsylvania.

It’s always a good idea to book accommodations in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons or for popular events.