A Day in Gettysburg: Quick Facts for Your Trip
Planning a trip to one of America’s most hallowed grounds? Here’s a quick overview to get you started.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania |
| Distance from D.C./Baltimore | ~1.5 hours / ~1 hour drive |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 6-8 hours for a comprehensive day trip |
| Estimated Cost (per person) | $50 – $100 (excluding gas and souvenirs) |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (April-May) & Fall (September-October) on a weekday |
How to Get to the Gettysburg Battlefield
By far, the most convenient way to reach Gettysburg is by car. Its location in south-central Pennsylvania makes it an easy and scenic drive from several major Mid-Atlantic cities. While limited public transport options exist, driving gives you the freedom and flexibility essential for exploring the sprawling battlefield at your own pace.
Driving to Gettysburg
Here are the estimated drive times from nearby urban centers. Plan for slightly longer on weekend mornings.
| Starting City | Approximate Drive Time |
|---|---|
| Washington, D.C. | 1.5 – 2 hours (~85 miles) |
| Baltimore, MD | 1 – 1.5 hours (~60 miles) |
| Philadelphia, PA | 2.5 – 3 hours (~140 miles) |
| Harrisburg, PA | 1 hour (~40 miles) |
Parking Information
Parking is refreshingly simple and free where it matters most. The Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center has a large, complimentary parking lot, which is the perfect place to start your day. Along the official Auto Tour route, you’ll find numerous designated pull-offs and small parking areas at key monuments and sites, all of which are free of charge. If you venture into historic downtown Gettysburg for a meal or shopping, be prepared for metered street parking or paid public lots.
What is the Best Way to Tour the Gettysburg Battlefield?
Choosing how to experience the battlefield is your most important decision! The “best” way truly depends on your budget, learning style, and how much time you have. Here are the top options, broken down for you.
Option 1: The Licensed Battlefield Guide (The Expert’s Tour)
For the most immersive and insightful experience, nothing beats hiring a Licensed Battlefield Guide. These guides are certified experts who have passed rigorous exams. For a flat fee (around $85 for a 2-hour tour for up to 6 people), a guide will join you in your own car, providing a personalized narrative that brings the battle’s complex events to life. This is the single best investment for a deep understanding of the battle.
Option 2: The Self-Guided Auto Tour (The Flexible Tour)
The most popular and budget-friendly option is the self-guided auto tour. You can simply drive the park roads for free and see the monuments. However, to understand what you’re seeing, we highly recommend purchasing an audio tour guide (available as a CD or app download from the Visitor Center for about $25-$30). This allows you to explore at your own pace, stopping wherever you like for as long as you like.
Option 3: The Bus Tour (The Easiest Tour)
If you prefer to sit back and let someone else do the driving and navigating, a narrated bus tour is a great choice. These tours depart directly from the Visitor Center and cover the main highlights of the battlefield in about two hours. It’s less flexible than the other options but offers a comfortable, climate-controlled way to see the park. Expect to pay around $38-$45 per person.
Option 4: Free National Park Service Ranger Programs (The In-Depth Tour)
For a taste of expert knowledge without the cost, look into the free programs offered by the National Park Service. These ranger-led walks and talks focus on specific areas or events of the battle, offering incredible detail. Check the daily schedule at the Visitor Center or on the NPS website, as times and topics vary seasonally.
Top 10 Must-See Attractions on the Battlefield
The battlefield is vast, but with a plan, you can hit the most significant sites. We recommend following them in this order for a logical progression that follows the three days of battle.
- Gettysburg Museum & Visitor Center: ALWAYS start here. The context provided by the film “A New Birth of Freedom,” the breathtaking 360-degree Cyclorama painting, and the excellent museum exhibits are essential before you set foot on the field.
- McPherson Ridge: Stand where the battle began on July 1, 1863. This is where Union cavalry first engaged Confederate infantry, sparking the massive engagement that followed.
- Eternal Light Peace Memorial: Dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938, this beautiful monument commemorates the 75th anniversary of the battle and serves as a powerful symbol of reconciliation. The views from here are fantastic.
- Little Round Top: The strategic “key” to the Union’s defensive fishhook line. (IMPORTANT NOTE: As of early 2025, Little Round Top is closed for an extensive rehabilitation project. Please check the official NPS website for the latest updates on its reopening before your visit.)
- Devil’s Den: A formidable maze of massive boulders that was the scene of some of the most intense and brutal fighting on the battle’s second day.
- The Wheatfield & The Peach Orchard: These seemingly peaceful fields were anything but in 1863. Control of this ground changed hands multiple times in a chaotic and bloody struggle.
- Pennsylvania Memorial: The largest and most impressive of the state monuments. You can climb to its observation deck for a commanding panoramic view over the fields where Pickett’s Charge took place.
- The High Water Mark & The Angle: This is the emotional climax of the battlefield. A stone wall marks the furthest point reached by the Confederate assault on the third day, often called the “High Water Mark of the Confederacy.”
- Soldiers’ National Cemetery: Consecrated just months after the battle, this is the final resting place for more than 3,500 Union soldiers who perished at Gettysburg. It’s a place of profound solemnity and remembrance.
- Site of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: Within the cemetery, a memorial marks the spot where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his immortal Gettysburg Address, redefining the purpose of the Civil War and the nation itself.
A Perfect One-Day Gettysburg Itinerary
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. Follow this simple schedule to maximize your day trip and experience the best of Gettysburg without feeling rushed.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at the Museum & Visitor Center. Park your car, grab a map, and check the schedule for any ranger programs that catch your eye.
- 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Immerse yourself in the Film, Cyclorama, and Museum. Don’t skip this! It sets the stage for everything you’re about to see.
- 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Begin the Self-Guided Auto Tour. Cover the sites of the first day’s battle, like McPherson Ridge and the Eternal Light Peace Memorial.
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break. You can pack a picnic to enjoy at a designated spot in the park or drive into historic downtown Gettysburg for a bite.
- 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Continue the Auto Tour. Explore the dramatic sites of the second and third days, including Devil’s Den, The Wheatfield, and the Pennsylvania Memorial, ending at the High Water Mark.
- 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM: A solemn conclusion. Park and walk through the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, paying your respects and visiting the site of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
- 5:30 PM onwards: Your tour of the battlefield is complete. Spend the evening exploring the shops and historic streets of Downtown Gettysburg, grab dinner, or begin your journey home.
Where to Eat: Fueling Your Day Trip
From historic taverns to modern pubs, Gettysburg’s town center offers plenty of dining options to refuel after a day of exploring.
Budget-Friendly ($)
- Dobbin House Tavern (Springhouse Tavern): Head downstairs to the cozy, rustic Springhouse Tavern for sandwiches and hearty pub fare in an authentic 18th-century atmosphere.
- Tommy’s Pizza: A local favorite for decades, serving up delicious, no-frills pizza, subs, and cheesesteaks. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Mid-Range ($$)
- Farnsworth House Inn: Dine in a building that bears over 100 bullet holes from the battle. The ambiance is steeped in history, and the food is classic American comfort fare.
- Garryowen Irish Pub: A lively and authentic Irish pub with fantastic food, a great beer selection, and often live music. The perfect place to unwind.
A Historic Splurge ($$$)
- The Inn at Herr Ridge: For a more upscale dining experience, visit this historic inn. It offers a refined menu in a beautifully preserved building that once served as a Confederate hospital.
Insider Tips for a Flawless Visit
- Start at the Visitor Center. We can’t say it enough. The film and Cyclorama provide crucial context that transforms the battlefield from a collection of fields and monuments into a coherent story.
- Hire a Licensed Battlefield Guide. If it’s in your budget, do it. It is the single most effective way to understand the complex movements and human stories of the battle.
- Download the official NPS App. Before you leave home, download the free National Park Service app and save the Gettysburg content for offline use. It has a great map and site information.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You will be getting in and out of your car and walking on uneven ground, grassy fields, and rocky paths. Your feet will thank you.
- Visit off-season and on a weekday. If you can, a trip on a Tuesday in October is vastly more peaceful than a Saturday in July. You’ll avoid the worst of the crowds and the summer heat.
- Pack water and snacks. Once you leave the Visitor Center, there are very few places to buy food or drinks on the battlefield itself.
What to Pack for Your Gettysburg Day Trip
A little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a simple checklist of what to bring:
- Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes
- A refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (even on cloudy days)
- Weather-appropriate layers like a light jacket or raincoat
- Your smartphone or camera, and a portable power bank
- Snacks or a full picnic lunch
- Binoculars for getting a closer look at distant monuments
Gettysburg Day Trip Budget Breakdown
Your day trip can be incredibly affordable or more of a splurge. Here’s a look at potential costs per person, excluding transportation.
| Item | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option |
|---|---|---|
| Attractions | $0 (Grounds Only) | ~$22 (Museum Experience) or ~$85 (2-hr LBG Tour) |
| Food & Drink | ~$20 (Packed Lunch & Snacks) | ~$40 (Casual Restaurant Lunch) |
| Souvenirs | ~$10 | ~$30 |
| Total (per person) | ~$30 | ~$92+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best Gettysburg battlefield Tour?
The “best” tour depends on you! For the ultimate deep dive, the Licensed Battlefield Guide is unparalleled. For flexibility and value, the Self-Guided Auto Tour with a purchased audio guide is the most popular choice. The Bus Tour is perfect for those who want an easy, comfortable overview, and the free NPS Ranger Programs offer fascinating, focused insights at no cost.
How much time is needed at Gettysburg battlefield?
We recommend a minimum of 4 to 6 hours for a solid day trip. This allows you to see the Visitor Center exhibits and drive the main auto tour route without rushing. If you want to explore more deeply, walk some of the trails, or visit related town museums, you could easily spend a full 8-hour day or even two days.
Can you just drive through Gettysburg battlefield?
Yes, absolutely. The auto tour route follows public park roads that are free to access during park hours. You can drive the entire route and see the landscape and major monuments from your car in about 2-3 hours. However, without the context from the museum or a guide, you will miss the rich history and significance of what you are seeing.
TLDR: Your Gettysburg Day Trip in a Nutshell
Pressed for time? Here’s the essential info for an unforgettable day trip:
- Start Here: Always begin at the Museum & Visitor Center to see the film and Cyclorama for context.
- Best Tour Option: Hire a Licensed Battlefield Guide for the best experience, or do the self-guided auto tour with an audio guide for the best value.
- Must-See Stops: Don’t miss the Pennsylvania Memorial (for the view), the High Water Mark (for the history), and the Soldiers’ National Cemetery (for reflection).
- Best Time to Go: Visit on a weekday in the Spring or Fall to avoid crowds and extreme temperatures.
- Be Prepared: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring plenty of water.
