Amish Country and Gettysburg
Horse-drawn buggies in Lancaster County and the battlefield of Gettysburg.
- Distance
- 256 km (159 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 51 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 4
- States
- PA
- Updated
- April 29, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 256 km (159 mi) with 4 stops, from Philadelphia to Gettysburg National Military Park. About 2 h 51 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Pennsylvania · More road trips from Philadelphia
Route description
From Philadelphia, head west on US-30 to Lancaster, whose Central Market is one of the oldest farmers markets in the country. The surrounding Lancaster County is home to a large Amish community, with farms, one-room schoolhouses and horse-drawn buggies on the roads. Drive slowly and give buggies plenty of room when passing.
PA-340 leads east through Bird-in-Hand to Intercourse, a village with shops selling quilts, crafts and local food. Many Amish people prefer not to be photographed, so ask first and avoid taking pictures of faces. On Sundays many businesses are closed.
Continue west on US-30 through York to Gettysburg, where the three-day battle of 1863 was fought. The museum and visitor center has the cyclorama painting, which surrounds you with the battle, and a self-guided auto tour with 16 stops covers the battlefield. For a deeper visit, a licensed guide can ride along in your vehicle.
Spring and fall are the most pleasant times to visit, and summer weekends are busy. Book a guide ahead in season. Parking at the battlefield stops can be tight for large vehicles.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Philadelphia
PA - 2117 km
Lancaster
PA - 320 km
Intercourse
PA - 4119 km
Gettysburg National Military Park
HistoryGettysburg, PAA self-guided auto tour covers the three-day battle of 1863. The cyclorama painting surrounds you at the visitor center.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Philadelphia → Intercourse · 86 mi · 1 h 32 minOn the way: Lancaster.Overnight nearby, for example: Country Acres Campground (3 mi); Mill Bridge Village Camp Resort (3 mi).
- Day 2: Intercourse → Gettysburg National Military Park · 74 mi · 1 h 19 minOvernight nearby, for example: Artillery Ridge Campground & Gettysburg Horse Park (1 mi); Drummer Boy Camping Resort (2 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. Cold, short days in January–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Amish Country and Gettysburg?
2-day road trip of about 256 km (159 mi) with 4 stops, from Philadelphia to Gettysburg National Military Park. About 2 h 51 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Amish Country and Gettysburg?
We suggest 2 days: about 2 h 51 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Amish Country and Gettysburg start and end?
It starts in Philadelphia and ends in Gettysburg National Military Park.
Which states does Amish Country and Gettysburg pass through?
Pennsylvania.
Where can you camp along Amish Country and Gettysburg?
OpenStreetMap lists 95 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Old Mill Stream Campground, Mill Bridge Village Camp Resort and Country Acres Campground.
When is the best time for Amish Country and Gettysburg?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, June and August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
