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Trains from Washington DC to Philadelphia

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Washington DC - Philadelphia Train Schedule

Train
$117.00
7:00 AM
Union Station
8:34 AM
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
USACL
4.5stars
0 transfers
Luxury
Train
$48.00
7:15 AM
Union Station
9:07 AM
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
USNER
4.6stars
0 transfers
Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00
Train
$117.00
4:55 PM
Union Station
6:30 PM
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
USACL
4.5stars
0 transfers
Luxury
Train
$117.00
11:55 AM
Union Station
1:30 PM
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
USACL
4.5stars
0 transfers
Luxury
Train
$48.00
8:10 AM
Union Station
9:58 AM
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
USVTR
4.6stars
0 transfers

Train Trip Information: Washington DC to Philadelphia

There are 24 daily trains from Washington DC to Philadelphia. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Philadelphia usually takes around one hour and 48 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in one hour and 30 minutes.

Distance123 mi (198 km)
Fastest train1h 30m
Lowest price$18.00
Trains per day24
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines7

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Washington to Philadelphia

(Based on 51 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Michael

December 25, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Quiet. Cons: Mask enforcement.

Pros: Quiet. Cons: Mask enforcement.

5.0

Seagal

November 22, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Good deal on price and on time arrival.

Good deal on price and on time arrival.

4.0

Michael

November 19, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Mostly quiet, uneventful. Cons: better communication to passengers of upcoming station. Current means had to be suplemented by checking phone GPS. Tips: Union station tracks mean that you will enter the platform at the back of the train. Would suggest delaying en...

Pros: Mostly quiet, uneventful. Cons: better communication to passengers of upcoming station. Current means had to be suplemented by checking phone GPS. Tips: Union station tracks mean that you will enter the platform at the back of the train. Would suggest delaying entering the train for a few cars for a quieter experience.

More

4.0

Paul C.

November 11, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Ride was good, train filled to capacity in Baltimore to Philadelphia, some riders chose to listen to their music aloud ...ummm but the trip was good. Cons: I don't know. Tips: Travel light, bathe beforehand and bring your own headphones.

Pros: Ride was good, train filled to capacity in Baltimore to Philadelphia, some riders chose to listen to their music aloud ...ummm but the trip was good. Cons: I don't know. Tips: Travel light, bathe beforehand and bring your own headphones.

5.0

Juan

October 5, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: punctuality. Cons: Better Wi-Fi. It was interrupted frequently.

Pros: punctuality. Cons: Better Wi-Fi. It was interrupted frequently.

Washington DC to Philadelphia Route Map

Washington Philadelphia

Train service from Washington DC to Philadelphia

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Philadelphia?

In the last month, $44.47 was the average price of a train ticket from Washington to Philadelphia. This is a good price that is inexpensive compared to most train fares. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $35.57 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$75$50$25JanFeb

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Philadelphia will vary between $42 and $61. Planning a train trip to Philadelphia within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Washington over the next 7 days is $49. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$75$60$45$30$15FMAMJJASONDJ

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Washington DC to Philadelphia by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for February. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $47 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Washington DC to Philadelphia in July, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $68 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$203020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Philadelphia from Washington will be about $35.57 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Washington DC to Philadelphia?

There are 7 train lines with service from Washington to Philadelphia. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 14 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak22h 14m$99.95
Amtrak Acela71h 36m$99.90
Amtrak Carolinian11h 45m$55.09
Amtrak Crescent11h 59m$48.00
Amtrak Northeast Regional141h 54m$36.51
Amtrak Palmetto11h 55m$43.93
Amtrak Vermonter11h 48m$37.29
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Washington to Philadelphia every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $35.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Acela

    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, developing a speed of up to 82.2 mph. Acela trains are equipped with free high-speed internet, power outlets 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 7 Acela trips from Washington to Philadelphia every day, including the weekend. As it is Amtrak’s most premiumly priced service, the average Acela train ticket for this route costs around .

  • Amtrak Carolinian

    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 trips per day between Washington and Philadelphia, all of which include seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available in the Café car. The average Amtrak Carolinian ticket price for this route is , and the trip usually lasts around 1 hours and 45 minutes.

  • Amtrak Crescent

    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 outlets and extra legroom. Train trips from Washington to Philadelphia take about 1 hours and 59 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $48.

  • Amtrak Northeast Regional

    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 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 14 daily train trips from Washington to Philadelphia, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

  • Amtrak Palmetto

    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. Traveling from Washington to Philadelphia is comfortable and relaxing on the Palmetto, thanks to the train’s free WiFi, power outlets, and seating with extra legroom. You can pick from 1 daily departures along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of on the Palmetto.

  • Amtrak Vermonter

    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 outlets 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 are 1 Vermonter trains traveling from Washington to Philadelphia every day, with prices starting from $18.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to travel by bus or train from D.C to Philly?

Although a train from D.C to Philly is faster and has more comfort, traveling by bus is cheaper. Bus tickets average $14, and take between 3 and 3.5 hours. Amtrak trains take only 2 hours, but the average price is around $64 more.

Is it safe to travel by train from Washington to Philadelphia during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the train journey from Washington DC to Philadelphia?

The distance between Washington DC and Philadelphia is approximately 123 miles, or 198 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 30 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

When are trains the most crowded?

Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Washington DC to Philadelphia. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 1:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Washington DC to Philadelphia?

There are 24 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Washington DC to Philadelphia.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Philadelphia to Washington DC.

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 neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, and follow that up with a drink (or two) at one of the many bars in the area.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus 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. Fuel up at the Reading Terminal Market or Italian Market, both offering fresh food from local vendors, to prepare for a night hitting up the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line up 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?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main departure station: Union Station

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers 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 bus travel, serving as the main bus 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, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers 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

  • 1100 Liberty Ave

  • 110 Callahan Dr

  • 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway

  • Potomac St & Shenandoah St

  • 307 South Stonestreet Ave

  • Train Station - 810 W Main St

Where is the train station in Philadelphia?

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

Philadelphia receives travelers from Washington DC at its two active train stations.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

  • N Phil - 2900 N Broad St

From the Wanderu blog

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