Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Philadelphia

Washington DC to Philadelphia Route Map

There are several train options that can take you from Washington DC to Philadelphia:

• Amtrak tickets: US$17 one-way
• Amtrak Acela tickets: US$53 one-way
• Amtrak Carolinian tickets: US$73 one-way
• Amtrak Crescent tickets: US$84 one-way
• Amtrak Northeast Regional tickets: US$11 one-way
• Amtrak Palmetto tickets: US$62 one-way
• Amtrak Vermonter tickets: US$11 one-way

Which train should you take from Washington DC to Philadelphia?

There are 7 train lines with service from Washington DC to Philadelphia. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travellers, offering scheduled service on 19 trains each day.

• Amtrak

  Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 4 Amtrak trains from Washington DC to Philadelphia every day, as well as 3 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$17.

  
• Amtrak Acela

  The Acela is Amtrak’s flagship high-speed rail service. Connecting 15 cities along the Northeast Corridor of the United States, the Acela is Amtrak’s fastest running passenger train, reaching speeds of up to 150 mph. Acela trains are equipped with free high-speed internet, power sockets and extra comfortable seats. In addition, all Acela passengers have access to the line’s signature Corridor Café where they can unwind and enjoy a freshly prepared meal with a glass of wine. There are 12 Acela trips from Washington DC to Philadelphia every day, including the weekend. As it is Amtrak’s most premium service, the average Acela train ticket may cost more than other train lines.

• Amtrak Carolinian

  The Amtrak Carolinian is a passenger train service which connects New York City and Washington, DC to some of the most charming destinations in North Carolina. The Carolinian runs an average of 1 trip per day between Washington DC and Philadelphia, all of which include seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power sockets, and snacks available in the Café car. The average Amtrak Carolinian ticket price for this route is US$132.13, and the trip usually lasts around 1 hour and 47 minutes.

• Amtrak Crescent

  The Crescent is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs from New York to New Orleans by way of Atlanta. As an overnight service, the Crescent offers a variety of amenities and accommodation options. There’s also a café car where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals and a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages. Like all Amtrak trains, the Crescent offers free WiFi, power sockets and extra legroom. Train trips from Washington DC to Philadelphia take about 2 hours and 4 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from US$84.

• Amtrak Northeast Regional

  The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes travelling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power sockets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 19 daily train trips from Washington DC to Philadelphia, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

• Amtrak Palmetto

  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. Travelling from Washington DC to Philadelphia is comfortable and relaxing on the Palmetto, thanks to the train’s free WiFi, power sockets, and seating with extra legroom. You can pick from 1 daily departure along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of US$156.17 on the Palmetto.

• Amtrak Vermonter

  The Vermonter is an Amtrak passenger train that connects St. Albans, VT to Washington, D.C. by way of New York City. The journey is renowned for the beautiful scenic views that it presents as it passes through the Green Mountains and the Berkshires. Aboard the Vermonter, passengers can enjoy free WiFi, power sockets at every seat and extra legroom. You can also grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshing beverage from the train’s café. There is 1 Vermonter train travelling from Washington DC to Philadelphia every day, with prices starting from US$11.

City Information

Washington DC

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.

D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighbourhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transport hub with three nearby airports and several coach and train stations.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Main departure station: Union Station

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transport hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travellers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity coach travel, serving as the main coach station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, local bus and tram services, as well as commuter rail for travellers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.

All train stations in Washington DC:

• Union Station

Where is the train station in Philadelphia?

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

Philadelphia has one train station.

Train stations in Philadelphia:

• 30th St Station - 2955 Market St