Wow. What a difference a few years makes. Back in the late 90s, I used to ride the Pennsylvanian to H'burg a few times a year. Took the train this past weekend for a meeting -- out Sunday morning and back yesterday afternoon -- and I was amazed by the experience.
I see the other reviews about the station. Forget the station. Any train station. They're all sad and they offer very little in the way of amenities. You're not there for the station; you're there for the ride.
First and foremost, the trains were on time for both trips. In fact, we arrived in H'burg and Pgh EARLY!
Not only has the on-time performance improved, but the service on the train is MUCH better than I remember. The conductors and cafe staff are warm, friendly and helpful. More like hosts than employees.
Now I did spend the extra $19 to get "business class" seats. It's a Metroliner car with more room between seats and a power outlet in each row. AND FREE WIRELESS INTERNET for nearly the entire journey! You also receive unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and a newspaper. I think I drank more than $19 worth of beverages on each leg of the trip.
Yea, I could have driven the route in about three hours and the train took five hours, but I arrived in H'burg without being burned out from navigating the gawdawful turnpike. Plus, I was able to get some work done. Not as much as I had planned, mind you, because I spent most of the time looking out the window at the scenery. It's a series of wonderful views between Greensburg and Harrisburg.