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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Philadelphia to Lafayette per day. The average train journey from Philadelphia to Lafayette takes 23 hours and 20 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 619 mi (995 km) |
| Fastest train | 23h 20m |
| Lowest price | £129.22 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Lafayette?
Amtrak Cardinal is the one and only train line which connects Philadelphia to Lafayette. 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.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 23h 20m | £145.37 |
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 are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Philadelphia to Lafayette per day, with an average trip length of 23 hours and 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Philadelphia and Lafayette is approximately 619 miles, or 995 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Philadelphia to Lafayette on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Philadelphia at 08:00 and arrives in Lafayette around 23 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Lafayette 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 Lafayette 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.
Lafayette
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Lafayette, a quaint college town with a vibrant history, is a superb destination for fans of history and old buildings. The city's historic old quarter is a beautiful sight to behold, with some buildings dating back to the 19th century. A walk around this quarter will bring you back to the early days of the American Industrial Revolution. Don't miss out on the chance to visit Fort Ouiatenon, the first European fortified settlement in the area now called Indiana. If you are looking for a spot to enjoy a picnic with your friends and your family, head to historic Prophetstown State Park for plenty of activities; we're talking a water park, unique wildlife observation, camping, and a working farm dating back to the 1920s.
Lafayette's food scene offers a good mix of traditional dishes and modern ones. If you wish to enjoy genuine local specialties, South Street Smokehouse offers amazing homestyle dishes. For those who just can't have enough local pizzas, stop by Arni's, a pizzeria that has been around for more than 40 years.
Travel to Lafayette is easy thanks to multiple bus lines and the Amtrak Cardinal line, which runs through the city. The nearest major airport is about 60 miles away in Indianapolis, so ground travel is definitely your friend for this destination.
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 Lafayette?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 200 N Second St
The Lafayette Amtrak Station is located in the heart of Downtown Lafayette right alongside the Wabash River. Originally built in 1902, the station is famous for its signature Romanesque Revival style. In 2003, the station was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The only Amtrak line that serves the Lafayette station is the Cardinal, one of the most scenic train routes in the U.S. There is a local bus stop outside the station that connects it to the rest of Lafayette and the neighboring areas via CityBus, the public transit bus service provided by the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation. Thanks to the station's downtown location, there is a rich variety of bars and restaurants nearby.
Train stations in Lafayette:
200 N Second St
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Need a return trip from Lafayette to Philadelphia?
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