Major city · United States
IntercourseIntercourse, Pennsylvania
Give Intercourse half a day, or one night if you want a buggy ride or farm tour: the village core is walkable in 15 minutes and the farmland around it is the draw.
Intercourse is a village of about 1,500 people in eastern Lancaster County, 10 mi (16 km) east of Lancaster city on Route 340, the Old Philadelphia Pike. It was founded in 1754 as Cross Keys and later renamed for a racecourse that stood here. Visitors come for the Amish and Mennonite farms and shops along Route 340, and for the name. The sights are small and close together, so most people see the village in two to four hours and use it as a stop between Bird-in-Hand and Strasburg rather than a multi-night base.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug heat and crowds; late Nov–Mar many shops on short hours
- Airports
- PHL · MDT · LNS
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Intercourse911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Poison control1-800-222-1222
- Pennsylvania State Police, Lancaster717-299-7650
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Intercourse, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery safe for a rural tourist village; the real risks are road traffic on Route 340, buggies on the shoulder and summer heat.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 1-800-222-1222 Poison control · 717-299-7650 Pennsylvania State Police, Lancaster
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPHL Philadelphia International (About 97 km (60 mi) east; 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min by car depending on traffic.).PHL Philadelphia International (About 60 mi (97 km) east; 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min by car depending on traffic.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: Route 340 links Intercourse with Bird-in-Hand to the west and Strasburg to the south, and the farms…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$2–4
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner, per personTipping 18–22% is expected on top.$18–35
- Street or quick mealBreakfast or lunch plate$10–18
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry$5–12
- Budget bedFamily room or suite (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$160
- Mid-range bedRoadside motel double room, a night, per roomUS$140
- High-end bedRoadside motel double room, a night, per roomUS$220
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$150 · High US$300
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PHL Philadelphia International (About 97 km (60 mi) east; 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min by car depending on traffic.) · MDT Harrisburg International (About 64 km (40 mi) west; roughly 50 min by car.) · LNS Lancaster Airport (Small field about 16 km (10 mi) northwest; few scheduled flights.)PHL Philadelphia International (About 60 mi (97 km) east; 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min by car depending on traffic.) · MDT Harrisburg International (About 40 mi (64 km) west; roughly 50 min by car.) · LNS Lancaster Airport (Small field about 10 mi (16 km) northwest; few scheduled flights.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Feb
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Mar
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
May
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
Avoid*
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C) low), wettest May (12 rain days), driest Feb (9). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Intercourse: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−5°C (23°F)23°F (−5°C)
10 rd
Feb
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
9 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
11 rd
Apr
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
11 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
11 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
9 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
10 rd
Dec
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: Route 340 links Intercourse with Bird-in-Hand to the west and Strasburg to the south, and the farms, shops and parking lots sit along it. The village core is walkable in 10–15 minutes end to end. Red Rose Transit runs a bus route along the corridor (listed as Route 13, White Horse) — check current schedules and stops before relying on it. Buggies share the road; pass slowly and wide.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bird-in-Hand
goDoor to door: 10 min
Drive or cycle 3 km (2 mi) west on Route 340Drive or cycle 2 mi (3 km) west on Route 340
Bakery, market and a second village of shops; pairs with Intercourse in one morning.
Strasburg
goDoor to door: 15 min
Drive 8 km (5 mi) south via Route 896 and Route 741Drive 5 mi (8 km) south via Route 896 and Route 741
Steam railroad and train museum; book train seats ahead for weekends.
Door to door: 25–35 min
Drive 16 km (10 mi) west on Route 340 then Route 30Drive 10 mi (16 km) west on Route 340 then Route 30
Central Market, galleries and the widest restaurant choice in the county.
Lititz
goDoor to door: 30 min
Drive about 24 km (15 mi) northwest via Route 772Drive about 15 mi (24 km) northwest via Route 772
Small town with a chocolate factory tour and a walkable centre.
Ephrata
goDoor to door: 30 min
Drive about 24 km (15 mi) north via Route 772 and Route 272Drive about 15 mi (24 km) north via Route 772 and Route 272
Historic cloister; a quiet half-day.
Elizabethtown
cautionDoor to door: 35–45 min
Drive about 40 km (25 mi) west via Route 283Drive about 25 mi (40 km) west via Route 283
Mostly a rail stop and small-town main street; only worth it if you are passing.
Landisville
skipDoor to door: 35 min
Drive about 32 km (20 mi) west via Route 30 and Route 283Drive about 20 mi (32 km) west via Route 30 and Route 283
Residential; no reason to detour.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Route 340 through the village
Inns and motels within walking distance of the shops; book early for fall weekends.
Bird-in-Hand, 2 mi west
Motels and a bakery on the same road; often cheaper than in-village rooms.
Ronks and Strasburg, 3–5 mi south
Train-themed motels and family lodging near the Strasburg Rail Road.
Lancaster city, 10 mi west
Full hotel choice and restaurants; you drive in each day.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $60–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $110–200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Roadside motel double room1 × 1 night × US$140 | US$140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$150 | US$300 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$70 · fuel extra | US$70 |
| Buggy ride, per person2 × US$25 | US$50 |
| Amish farm tour or shuttle van2 × US$35 | US$70 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$66 |
| Trip total≈ US$363 per person per day, bed included | US$726 |
2026 estimate in US dollars, per person unless marked; sales tax is added at the till. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $2–4 |
| Soft pretzel | $3–6 |
| Breakfast or lunch plate | $10–18 |
| Sit-down dinner, per personTipping 18–22% is expected on top. | $18–35 |
| Quilt or handmade craft | $50–500+ |
| Buggy ride | $15–40 per person |
| Museum entry | $5–12 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Route 340 traffic backs up on summer and fall weekends; arrive before 10:00 or after 15:00.Route 340 traffic backs up on summer and fall weekends; arrive before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM.
- Many shops close on Sunday and some close Saturday afternoon; the Amish do not work Sundays.
- Do not photograph Amish people, homes or children without asking; many decline, and it is a real offence to them.
- Parking is free but small; lots fill by mid-morning in leaf season.
- Buggy horses on the shoulder: slow down, no horn.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Poison control
- 1-800-222-1222
- Pennsylvania State Police, Lancaster
- 717-299-7650
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
IntercourseIntercourse, Pennsylvania
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Please take me to this addressTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Poison control1-800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies here; they are in Washington, DC, with consulates in Philadelphia and New York.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- PHL airport → Intercourse by car: about 97 km (60 mi), 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 minabout 60 mi (97 km), 1 h 15 min–1 h 45 min
- Lancaster city → Intercourse by car: 16 km (10 mi), about 25 min10 mi (16 km), about 25 min
- Rideshare Lancaster → Intercourse: $25–40
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the parking? — Where is the parking?
- May I take your picture? — Can I take a photo?
- Do you take cards? — Card or cash?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
Tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, $2–5 for hotel housekeeping.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Intercourse. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug heat and crowds; late Nov–Mar many shops on short hours · month by month →
- 3 airports and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contracts for PHL and MDT: last train and bus options field-checked, taxi and rideshare fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters along Route 340: the village core, Kitchen Kettle Village, and the Bird-in-Hand strip.
- Place pages with verified hours and Sunday closures for the quilt museum, Old Country Store and Kitchen Kettle Village.
- Buggy-ride and farm-tour operators with booking links, season windows and cancellation rules.