Cheap train tickets from Charleston to Philadelphia

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Charleston to Philadelphia. Travelling by train from Charleston to Philadelphia usually takes 12 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 12 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance
364 mi (585 km)
Fastest train
12h 20m
Lowest price
$132.55
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak Cardinal
Train lines
1

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Charleston to Philadelphia Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Charleston to Philadelphia?

There is usually 1 daily bus trip available from Charleston to Philadelphia.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$322.80Avg. Price$187.70Cheaper
Daily Trips1Daily Trips1
Duration12h 24mFasterDuration19h 36m
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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Charleston to Philadelphia (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

maurice

March 31, 2023 - Business

Amtrak Cardinal
Pros: Very Quiet Commute No Loud Boisterous noises nor outburst. Cons: That our lay over for trains to pass be more time earlier to prevent lateness’s Tips: Be patient an Amtrak Will be there to pick you up.
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What is the price of a train ticket from Charleston to Philadelphia?

In the last month, train tickets from Charleston to Philadelphia cost about $133 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $426.94 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Philadelphia by travel date

$570$380$190NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charleston to Philadelphia will cost between $155 and $559. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Philadelphia by month

$550$440$330$220$110JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Charleston to Philadelphia often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in June when the average ticket price is only $162. If you're thinking of travelling from Charleston to Philadelphia during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $550 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$575$460$345$230$115

By booking your train trip from Charleston to Philadelphia on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $426.94 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Charleston to Philadelphia?

Amtrak Cardinal is the one and only train line which connects Charleston to Philadelphia. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Cardinal112h 24m$322.80
  • The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There is usually 1 Cardinal trip from Charleston to Philadelphia per day, with an average trip length of 12 hours and 24 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Charleston to Philadelphia

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Philadelphia with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Philadelphia to Charleston. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Charleston to Philadelphia for $113.

Trains per day

1

Direct trains

1

The distance between Charleston and Philadelphia is approximately 585 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 20 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.

Distance (mi)

364

Distance (km)

585

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Charleston at 8:31 a.m. and arrives in Philadelphia around 12 hours later.

First train

8:31am

Last train

8:31am

Trains from Charleston to Philadelphia are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 travelling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Sunday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Philadelphia

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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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Charleston?

Main departure station: 350 MacCorkle Ave SE

There is one train station in Charleston.

All train stations in Charleston:

  • 350 MacCorkle Ave SE

Where is the train station in Philadelphia?

Main arrival station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

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Philadelphia has one train station.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Need a return trip from Philadelphia to Charleston?

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