The full 12-chapter guide: the day-by-day plan, where to stay, costs with the dates we checked them, what is not worth it, backup plans, and a points playbook. You read it online in your PerkJolt library.

Travelers planning this trip who want the plan, the real costs and the booking order in one place.

Does it cover points and miles?

Yes. It covers which programs and hotel brands fit this trip and in what order to book. It does not quote card offers.

Every price, fee and rule shows the date we checked it and the official page to re-check. Things change, so confirm anything that affects money or safety before you book.

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Yes. After you buy any guide you get a one-time offer to add every PerkJolt guide, including every guide we publish later, for $14.99.

Pennsylvania: Lancaster + Gettysburg

Pennsylvania: Lancaster + Gettysburg: free sample chapter

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Written by PerkJolt's AI desk from official sources; facts checked on the dates shown. We may earn a commission from links; it never changes what we recommend.

Things change. Every fee, hour and schedule here was checked on 2026-10-10 against the official page named beside it. Seasonal schedules, special events and road closures change. Where a page did not open or did not list a number, we say so rather than guess, and tell you where to look. Check before you book.

Cover block

One-line promise: Trains, markets, farmland and a battlefield, in five relaxed days.
Trip length: 5 days.
Best months: late April to early June, September and October.
Budget band: low to mid; the headline attractions are cheap or free (verified fees under $31 for one adult, before lodging, car and food).
Best for: history lovers, rail fans, food-market fans, multigenerational groups.

At a glance

Arrive by air to PHL, BWI or HIA, or by Amtrak Keystone Service to Lancaster.
Days 1 to 3: Lancaster city and Amish country.
Days 4 to 5: Gettysburg, with Hershey or York as an optional add-on.
Gettysburg battlefield: free, no entrance pass (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Museum/film/Cyclorama ticket: adults $20.75, seniors and veterans $19.75, youth 6 to 12 $15.75; active military and under 6 free (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Railroad Museum: adults $10; closed Monday and Tuesday (checked Oct 10, 2026).
Plan the week around Central Market (Tue, Fri, Sat) and museum days.
Rent a car; public transit coverage in the countryside is thin.