Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, a town steeped in American history, particularly known for the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, attracts visitors from across the nation and the globe. If you’re planning a trip to explore this historic destination, understanding Where Is Gettysburg and the best ways to get here is essential. This guide provides comprehensive information on reaching Gettysburg by car, public transportation, and air, ensuring a smooth and convenient journey to this significant location.
Getting to Gettysburg by Car: Driving Directions and Tips
For many travelers, driving to Gettysburg offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy the scenic landscapes of Pennsylvania. Gettysburg is conveniently located within driving distance of several major cities in the East Coast and Midwest. The region is known for its beautiful countryside, making the drive itself a pleasant part of your visit.
Below is a mileage chart to give you an idea of driving distances from various locations:
Mileage Chart
From the East
- Boston: 440 miles
- Poconos: 162 miles
- Lancaster: 53 miles
- New York: 206 miles
- Philadelphia: 118 miles
- Trenton: 149 miles
- York: 29 miles
From the West
- Breezewood: 65 miles
- Chicago: 640 miles
- Cincinnati: 468 miles
- Cleveland: 301 miles
- Columbus: 348 miles
- Indianapolis: 538 miles
- Pittsburgh: 180 miles
From the North
- Buffalo: 305 miles
- Harrisburg: 36 miles
- Hershey: 52 miles
- Ottawa: 413 miles
- Scranton: 172 miles
- Syracuse: 294 miles
- Toronto: 391 miles
From the South
- Atlanta: 730 miles
- Baltimore: 54 miles
- Charlotte: 482 miles
- Frederick: 34 miles
- Richmond: 186 miles
- Washington DC: 78 miles
- Williamsburg: 236 miles
Before you set off, it’s always a good idea to check real-time traffic conditions, especially at www.511PA.com for Pennsylvania road updates. Construction is common during spring and summer, so checking for potential delays can save you time and frustration.
Parking in Gettysburg
Once you arrive in Gettysburg, parking is readily available. While numerous businesses offer parking for their patrons, for those planning to explore the shops and restaurants in the town center, the Race Horse Alley Parking Garage, situated behind the Gettysburg Hotel, is a prime location. Additionally, municipal parking lots on Middle Street and Stratton Street provide convenient options, as does the Gettysburg Heritage Center on Steinwehr Avenue.
To simplify your parking experience in the Borough of Gettysburg, consider using the Passport Parking App. This user-friendly app allows you to pay for parking, extend your parking time remotely, and receive notifications before your meter expires. Download the app at m.ppprk.com.
Public Transportation to Gettysburg: Train and Bus Options
For visitors preferring public transportation, reaching Gettysburg is feasible via a combination of train and bus services. Amtrak provides train services to Harrisburg from major cities including New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. From Harrisburg, Rabbit Transit offers direct bus service into Gettysburg.
Rabbit Transit’s service is particularly convenient, designed to connect Harrisburg and Gettysburg directly with multiple stops throughout Gettysburg. It’s important to note that Rabbit Transit primarily caters to commuters, with services running at select times during weekdays. Planning your travel around these schedules is advisable if you opt for this mode of transport.
Flying into Gettysburg: Nearby Airports and Connections
Gettysburg itself does not have a commercial airport. Travelers flying to Gettysburg will need to arrive at one of the nearby international airports and then proceed by ground transportation. Several major airports are within a reasonable driving distance, offering various options depending on your origin and preferences. The closest airports include:
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Harrisburg International Airport (MDT): Approximately 36 miles away. This is the closest airport, offering the quickest ground travel time to Gettysburg. Rabbit Transit provides a direct connection from the airport area to Gettysburg.
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Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI): Around 55 miles away. BWI is a larger international airport with more flight options. Rental cars are readily available at BWI for the drive to Gettysburg.
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Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Approximately 118 miles away. PHL is a major international hub offering extensive flight connections. Public transportation from PHL to Gettysburg involves SEPTA regional rail to 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, then Amtrak to Harrisburg, and finally Rabbit Transit to Gettysburg.
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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) & Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): Both are approximately 78 miles away. These Washington D.C. area airports provide further flight options. Rental cars and private transportation services are available at both airports for the drive to Gettysburg.
For travelers opting for public transportation from airports further away like PHL, combining train and bus services through Amtrak and Rabbit Transit, as described in the public transportation section, remains a viable option. Alternatively, renting a car at any of these airports provides greater flexibility for exploring Gettysburg and the surrounding area at your own pace. Transportation partners in the Gettysburg region can also offer private car services.
Getting Here from Local Airports: Detailed Routes
To further assist in your planning, here are more detailed directions from some of the closest airports:
From Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) (118 miles)
Public transportation route:
- Take SEPTA regional rail to 30th Street Station.
- Transfer to Amtrak towards Harrisburg.
- From Harrisburg, take Rabbit Transit directly to Gettysburg.
Directions by car to Gettysburg from PHL
From Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) (36 miles)
Public transportation route:
- Take Rabbit Transit directly to Gettysburg.
Directions by car to Gettysburg from MDT
From Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) (55 miles)
Rental cars are available at BWI.
Directions by car to Gettysburg from BWI
From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) (78 miles)
Rental cars are available at DCA.
Directions by car to Gettysburg from DCA
From Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) (78 miles)
Rental cars are available at IAD.
Directions by car to Gettysburg from IAD
By understanding your transportation options, planning your route, and considering these helpful tips, your journey to Gettysburg will be as enriching as the historical experience that awaits you. Whether you choose to drive through the picturesque countryside, utilize public transportation, or fly into a nearby airport, Gettysburg is readily accessible and eager to welcome you.
