Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Philadelphia
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 35 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Philadelphia. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Philadelphia usually takes 1 hour and 51 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 1 hour and 36 minutes.
- Distance
- 123 mi (198 km)
- Fastest train
- 1h 36m
- Lowest price
- NOK 103.88
- Trains per day
- 35
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Northeast Regional
- Train lines
- 7
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Washington DC to Philadelphia Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Washington DC to Philadelphia?
There are usually 25 daily bus trips available from Washington DC to Philadelphia.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceNOK 1,177.60 | Avg. PriceNOK 328.26Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips35 | Daily Trips25 |
Duration | Duration1h 51mFaster | Duration3h 25m |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Washington DC to Philadelphia (Based on 180 ratings and reviews)
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Washington DC to Philadelphia Route Map

There are several train options that can take you from Washington DC to Philadelphia:
- Amtrak tickets: NOK 161 one-way
- Amtrak Acela tickets: NOK 501 one-way
- Amtrak Carolinian tickets: NOK 689 one-way
- Amtrak Crescent tickets: NOK 793 one-way
- Amtrak Northeast Regional tickets: NOK 104 one-way
- Amtrak Palmetto tickets: NOK 585 one-way
- Amtrak Vermonter tickets: NOK 104 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Philadelphia?
In the last month, train tickets from Washington DC to Philadelphia cost about NOK 837 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 731.49 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Philadelphia by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Philadelphia will cost between NOK 406 and NOK 1,993. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Philadelphia by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Philadelphia often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only NOK 755. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Philadelphia during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 1,180 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Washington DC to Philadelphia on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 731.49 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
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 travelers, offering scheduled service on 19 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 1h 54m | NOK 944.93 |
| Amtrak Acela | 12 | 1h 40m | NOK 1,609.41 |
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 1h 47m | NOK 1,240.02 |
| Amtrak Crescent | 1 | 2h 4m | NOK 1,169.68 |
| Amtrak Northeast Regional | 19 | 1h 55m | NOK 956.20 |
| Amtrak Palmetto | 1 | 1h 55m | NOK 1,454.57 |
| Amtrak Vermonter | 1 | 1h 49m | NOK 1,162.66 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Washington DC to Philadelphia every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 160.54.










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 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 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.
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 outlets, and snacks available in the Café car. The average Amtrak Carolinian ticket price for this route is NOK 1,240.02, and the trip usually lasts around 1 hour and 47 minutes.
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 DC to Philadelphia take about 2 hours and 4 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from NOK 793.25.
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 19 daily train trips from Washington DC to Philadelphia, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.
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 DC 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 departure along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of NOK 1,454.57 on the Palmetto.
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 is 1 Vermonter train traveling from Washington DC to Philadelphia every day, with prices starting from NOK 103.88.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington DC to Philadelphia
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.
There are 35 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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Philadelphia for NOK 142.
Trains per day
35
Direct trains
35
The distance between Washington DC and Philadelphia is approximately 123 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour and 51 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour and 36 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
Distance (mi)
123
Distance (km)
198
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 4:48 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00 PM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
4:48am
Last train
10:00pm
Trains from Washington DC to Philadelphia are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Saturday
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, 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 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. 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 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
Where is the train station in Philadelphia?
Main arrival station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Philadelphia has one train station.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
- 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Need a return trip from Philadelphia to Washington DC?
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- York to Philadelphia Train

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