4.0
Pros: Pleasant scenery and pretty quiet ride. Cons: Delayed on the track due to another train having mechanical issues.
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Trip Summary
There are 2 daily trains from Philadelphia to Roanoke. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Roanoke usually takes around 7 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Northeast Regional train can make the trip in 7 hours and 28 minutes.
| Distance | 317 mi (511 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 28m |
| Lowest price | €35.44 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Northeast Regional |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Philadelphia to Roanoke
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.5
What is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Roanoke?
In the last month, €68.07 was the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Roanoke. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 23 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €71.28 more than that for a same-day booking.
Monthly average prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during September. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Philadelphia to Roanoke, with the average price at just €66. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in November, when the average price goes up to €102. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Roanoke from Philadelphia will be about €71.28 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Roanoke?
Amtrak Northeast Regional is the one and only train line which connects Philadelphia to Roanoke. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Northeast Regional | 2 | 7h 37m | €102.59 |
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 traveling 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 outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 2 daily train trips from Philadelphia to Roanoke, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Philadelphia and Roanoke is approximately 317 miles, or 511 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 28 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 Roanoke 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 14:00. 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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke 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 or join a history and food tour of the Italian 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.
Roanoke
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
The idyllic city of Roanoke sits against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's the site of the famous Appalachian Trail, George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, and Smith Mountain Lake. Fun and adventure are indeed the best things that Roanoke has to offer, especially if you start your visit at the iconic Roanoke Star, the largest man-made neon light that gets illuminated every night.
The Blue Ridge is one of Roanoke's major tourist attractions. Experience the Blue Ridge Day tour package to fully explore the area's history, heritage, culture, and entertainment. Make sure that your adventure includes The Crooked Road, Virginia Museum of Transportation, and Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, among others.
To enjoy Roanoke's nightlife, try doing the Downtown Roanoke Bar Crawl. That's how you get to enjoy exquisite craft beers from the city's finest breweries. If you want to shop, there's a wide selection of antiques and farmer's produce for sale in the Blue Ridge area.
Getting around Roanoke is easy with the Valley Metro bus line. This bus service covers not just the City of Roanoke but Vinton and Salem as well. There's also the Star Line Trolley that connects Downtown Roanoke and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. To travel to other exciting destinations, Amtrak trains and Jefferson Lines, OurBus, and Wanda Coach buses provide service to cities including Richmond, Atlanta, and New York.
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 Roanoke?
Image credit: Joe Ross
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 55 Norfolk Ave SW
The Roanoke Greyhound Station is right in the heart of the city- not too far from the Amtrak station. The bus stop itself is basically just a waiting room, but it does offer indoor seating and has a few vending machines if you want to stock up on snacks. For a more substantial meal, several restaurants and fast-food classics like McDonald's are within easy walking distance.
Train stations in Roanoke:
55 Norfolk Ave SW
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