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Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to Charleston
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Philadelphia to Charleston. Travelling by train from Philadelphia to Charleston usually takes 12 hours and 47 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 12 hours and 34 minutes.
- Distance
- 364 mi (585 km)
- Fastest train
- 12h 34m
- Lowest price
- US$95.00
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Cardinal
- Train lines
- 1
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Philadelphia to Charleston Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Philadelphia to Charleston?
There is usually 1 daily coach trip from Philadelphia to Charleston.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$277.00 | Avg. PriceUS$178.71Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration12h 47mFaster | Duration22h 36m |
There are several train options that can take you from Philadelphia to Charleston:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Charleston?
In the last month, train tickets from Philadelphia to Charleston cost about US$95 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$449 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Charleston by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Charleston will cost between US$93 and US$137. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Charleston by month
Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to Charleston often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only US$146. If you're thinking of travelling from Philadelphia to Charleston during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$373 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
By booking your train trip from Philadelphia to Charleston on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about US$449 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Charleston?
Amtrak Cardinal is the one and only train line which connects Philadelphia to Charleston. 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 | 12h 47m | US$277.00 |
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 sockets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There is usually 1 Cardinal trip from Philadelphia to Charleston per day, with an average trip length of 12 hours and 47 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Philadelphia to Charleston
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Charleston 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 Charleston to Philadelphia. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from Philadelphia to Charleston for US$113.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
1
The distance between Philadelphia and Charleston is approximately 364 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 47 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 34 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films 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 Philadelphia at 8:20 and arrives in Charleston around 12 hours later.
First train
8:20am
Last train
8:35am
Trains from Philadelphia to Charleston are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Wednesday
Least crowded
Sunday
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Philadelphia?
Main 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 Charleston?
Main arrival station: 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Charleston has one train station.
Train stations in Charleston:
- 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Need a return trip from Charleston to Philadelphia?
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Continue by train from Charleston
- Charleston to Phoenix Train
- Charleston to New York TrainUS$112+
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- Harpers Ferry to Washington DC TrainUS$17+
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- Charleston to Nashville TrainUS$186+
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- Harpers Ferry to Orlando TrainUS$175+
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