Lancaster is a traditional town known for its history and long running Amish community. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Lancaster and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or taking in the beauty.
How much does it cost to travel to Lancaster?
You should plan to spend around $221 per day on your vacation in Lancaster. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $91 on meals
- $69 on local transportation
- $182 on hotels
A one week trip to Lancaster for two people costs, on average, $3,094. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Lancaster expensive to visit?
Lancaster is a small yet inviting town that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Although Lancaster can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by eating at less expensive restaurants and looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $97 per day, mid-range travelers spend $221 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $425 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Lancaster.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Lancaster is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Galveston or Hilo.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Lancaster Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Lancaster?
The average Lancaster trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Lancaster travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Lancaster cost?
Lancaster on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$40
|
$91
|
$173
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$30
|
$69
|
$131
|
Food 2
|
$40
|
$91
|
$178
|
Entertainment 1
|
$8.13
|
$19
|
$35
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-8
|
$6-17
|
$11-33
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Lancaster, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $97 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Food is a key highlight for everyone who visits Lancaster, but budget travelers often stick to street food or cook in their hostel, which means they might not fully appreciate the local culinary offerings.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Lancaster. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $221 per person, per day.
In Lancaster, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. EJ Bowman House Bed & Breakfast is a great choice for families, and Lancaster Arts Hotel is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Lancaster.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a higher-end vacation filled with high-end amenities and exceptional service, plan for a daily expense of approximately $425. Staying at nicer hotels, savoring meals at top-rated restaurants, splurging on lavish outings, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the town means you'll need a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as 45-Minute Private Guided Historic Walking Tour in Lititz - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Lancaster
Lancaster offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $133, but during peak summer season, they can average $248. Prices range from $85 to $435, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Lancaster for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $182. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $91 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Lancaster? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Lancaster include:
- EJ Bowman House Bed & Breakfast starting at $150
- Apple Bin Inn starting at $160
- Fulton Steamboat Inn starting at $133
- Country Living Inn starting at $105
- Eden Resort and Suites BW Premier Collection starting at $133
In a family-friendly destination like Lancaster, it's best to find an apartment with more room when traveling with children.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Lancaster
Unfortunately, Lancaster does not provide a solid public transit network. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.
It's unfortunate that most of the town isn't very walkable. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.
Public Transit: 



(moderate)
Walkability: 



(moderate)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $69 per person, per day, on local transportation in Lancaster. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Lancaster is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$69
Check that your hotel has convenient parking if you're planning on driving.
How much does it cost to go to Lancaster? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Lancaster will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Lancaster
Food in Lancaster is outstanding, and it's essential to make time to indulge in all the unique local flavors. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Lancaster can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Lancaster is $91 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$91
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Lancaster is around $91 ($91) per person, with previous travelers spending from $40 to $178. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Lancaster are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $27
- Lunch: $14 to $37
- Dinner: $27 to $64
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
Lancaster County is all about local restaurants with slow cooked meals and traditional flavors. Lancaster was filled with farm to table restaurants before farm to table was a concept. There are bakeries, cafes, and restaurants that feature all kinds of local dishes. Many restaurants are designed to be an experience, not just a meal. Dishes are meant to be shared and savored, and the experience is as much about the people you're with as it is about the food.
If you're dining out with children, try to find restaurants that include a kids' menu. This can help you save quite a bit since those meals tend to be cheaper. Remember, some places may not highlight their kids' options, so don't forget to ask your waiter first.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Make a picnic to enjoy the scenery and save money. Find a local grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and head to a nice park or beautiful location for your meal.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Lancaster. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Red Rose Walking Food Tour in Lancaster for $69 details
- International Food Tour Lancaster, Pennsylvania for $65 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Lancaster
It's not a shock that Lancaster draws crowds, as it is known for its museums and attractions, food, family-friendly activities, and romance.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Lancaster typically cost an average of $19 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$19
Lancaster is a beautiful area. Many visitors come to learn more about the area's Amish population. You can learn more about their traditional way of life by visiting the People's Place Quilt Museum, the Mennonite Information Center, Plain and Fancy Farm, and Amish Country Tours.
There are a number of other sights around Lancaster that are separate from the Amish community. The Ephrata Cloister is a historic site with a number of buildings that teach visitors about the German religious refugees that originally lived here. Elizabethtown College and Millersville University are both interesting places to visit. Other sights include Strasburg Rail Road, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, Bird-in-Hand Village, and the National Watch and Clock Museum. Antique lovers will enjoy a visit to Antiques Capital.
Many of the activities in Lancaster are centered around experiencing the Amish way of life. There are a few places that offer Amish buggy rides or opportunities to visit traditional Amish villages. These villages often have a farmhouse, farm animals, smoke houses, water wheels, and food areas.
There are also a number of art and cultural activities in Lancaster. First Fridays happen every month and highlight the town's local art scene. There's live music, theater performances, and more.
Other activities in the area include Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park (best for younger children), watching the Lancaster Barnstormers Baseball team, and visiting the Laserdome.
A unique way to see Lancaster is by air. Hot air balloon rides are popular in the area and not to be missed. Also make sure you swing by the Central Market - the longest running farmer's market in the country.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Lancaster have earned worldwide fame. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.
Shopping:
Don't pass up the chance to shop here, as it's fun and enjoyable. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.
A nice way to explore destinations in Lancaster is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Truly Authentic Lancaster Experience! For $79 details
- Guided Tour of the 1792 Johannes Mueller House for $12 details
- Lititz Whiskey and History Tour for $25 details
Nightlife Budget in Lancaster
The nightlife in Lancaster offers a relaxed and calm vibe. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $11 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Lancaster per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Lancaster. A few favorites from other travelers include:
- Guided Brewery Walking Tour in Lancaster City for $79 details
- Lancaster City: The Ultimate Walking Craft Brewery Tour for $79 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 21, 2024
Traveling in Lancaster
Lancaster, PA
The largest city in Pennsylvania's Dutch Country, Lancaster is surrounded by scenic landscape and a unique culture. The area is predominately agricultural in nature and you will find lush farms growing crops and produce most seasons. The Amish communities are spread throughout the area and although they remain relatively isolated, they are acknowledged by fellow community members and their customs are respected. The Amish community prides themselves on minimalist living. They do not use electricity and travel around in horse and buggy, a sight which you will grow accustomed to while you're in the area. They are excellent farmers and craftsmen and you can find shops that proudly sell Amish made goods. Their close are old fashion in nature. Women generally wear long dresses and bonnets while men wear black suits and hats. The Amish community has their own churches and their own schools. There are a handful of places where you can learn more about the Amish community in the area. The Amish Experience F/X Theater offers shows and the People's Place Quilt Museum shows some handicrafts. It is possible to take an Amish Country tour or visit the Mennonite Information Center for more information.
There are some other sights in Lancaster outside of the Amish community. Head to Elizabethtown College which is quite nice, or spend some time at Franklin and Marshall College. The National Watch and Clock Museum is nice as is a visit to the Strasburg Rail Road.
There are some wonderful local restaurants in the area that take advantage of the locally grown produce that is in abundance here. Many restaurants sell Amish specialties so you can enjoy a traditional home cooked meal in a nice setting. There are also plenty of chain restaurants around town if that's more your style.
There are plenty of affordable hotels in the area but if you're looking for a splurge a bed and breakfast can be a fun alternative. If you choose to go this route it is best to have reservations in advance.
Neighborhoods & Around
Lancaster County has a number of quaint and beautiful communities to explore. Some of the more popular ones are listed below.
Intercourse - a town in eastern Lancaster with Amish shops, local food, and antique shops.
Bird-in-Hand - another quaint town with excellent restaurants, a farmer's market, buggy rides, a theater, and hot air balloon rides.
Lititz - in the northern part of Amish country, this town has homemade pretzels, chocolate, restaurants, and a walkable small town vibe.
Strasburg - in southeast Lancaster County, this town has everything a railroad lover could need. Museums, attractions, and the opportunity to ride the oldest continuously operated railroad in the western hemisphere.
Lancaster City - in the middle of Lancaster County, this city has a number of great restaurants, museums, and the longest running farmer's market in the country.
Paradise - another small town in Amish Country with all of the quintessential sights - a covered bridge, an old mill, farmlands, are great food.
Ephrata - famous for the Ephrata Cloister.
Adamstown - the antiques capital of the area.
Manheim - offers horseback rides, a renaissance faire, and farm tours.
Mount Joy - offers many guest houses, bed and breakfasts, and inns.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.