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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Philadelphia to North Charleston. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to North Charleston usually takes around 11 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Silver Service train can make the trip in 11 hours and 53 minutes.
| Distance | 558 mi (899 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 53m |
| Lowest price | $113.71 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Palmetto |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to North Charleston?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Philadelphia and North Charleston cost $142.49, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 19 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $179.31 more.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Philadelphia to North Charleston. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 19 days before departure, you can save around $179.31. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Philadelphia to North Charleston?
2 train services operate from Philadelphia to North Charleston. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Palmetto | 1 | 11h 59m | $205.27 |
| Amtrak Silver Service | 1 | 11h 53m | $253.76 |
The Palmetto is an Amtrak train service that runs a total of 829 miles from New York City to Savannah, GA, connecting 20 cities from the Northeast to the Southeast along the way. Traveling from Philadelphia to North Charleston is comfortable and relaxing on the Palmetto, thanks to the train’s free WiFi, power outlets, and seating with extra legroom. You can pick from 1 daily departures along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of on the Palmetto.
The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Philadelphia to North Charleston start from $145 and the average train journey lasts about 11 hours and 53 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Philadelphia and North Charleston is approximately 558 miles, or 899 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 53 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Philadelphia to North Charleston are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Philadelphia twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to North Charleston with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from North Charleston to Philadelphia.
City Information
Philadelphia
We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?
Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.
Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.
North Charleston
Image credit: Mobilus In Mobili
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Image credit: Warren LeMay
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Image credit: North Charleston
Link to image attributionNorth Charleston is a promising travel destination with quirky landmarks and fun activities for all travelers. To explore the city’s rich history, the H.L. Hunley Museum offers everything you need. Featuring the first successful combat submarine in the world as well as other Civil War-era relics, the museum will keep you enthralled for a whole morning. Other notable museums include the Greater Charleston Naval Memorial as well as the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. For fans of cultural activities, don’t pass up the chance to enjoy an event at the North Charleston Coliseum, which is one of the largest venues in South Carolina. If you enjoy staying away from a crowd and exploring nature, a walk around Riverfront Park will be what you need.
Though North Charleston might not feature a lively food scene like Charleston does, the city’s staples will still satisfy hungry travelers. Nigel’s Good Food is a local favorite and a good place to start your food tour. Chill-N-Grill is a great spot to grab some fresh seafood.
The city’s transportation center is located on Gaynor Ave. Travelers can catch Southeastern Stages buses here. Travelers can also catch Amtrak trains passing through the city at this station. North Charleston is served by Amtrak’s Palmetto and Silver Meteor lines. The main airport is the Charleston International Airport.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Philadelphia?
Image credit: Ben Schumin
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
There is one train station in Philadelphia.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Where is the train station in North Charleston?
Main arrival station: 4565 Gaynor Ave
The Amtrak Station in North Charleston is an intermodal transportation hub offering both intercity bus services and train services for travelers into and out of the Charleston area. The station opened in 2018 and offers modern amenities like charging ports along with vending machines and restrooms. Amtrak’s Palmetto service from Savannah to New York and Silver Meteor service from Miami to New York both stop in North Charleston. Southeastern Stages provides bus service from this station to destinations throughout the South.
Train stations in North Charleston:
4565 Gaynor Ave
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