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Boston to Philadelphia train

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Helpful info about taking the train from Boston to Philadelphia

  • You can find cheap train tickets as low as $33 from Boston to Philadelphia. We recommend booking a month or more in advance to score a deal like this one. Amtrak is not always cheaper than flying from Boston to Philadelphia, especially because ticket prices increase significantly if you book at the last-minute. Flights from Boston to Philly usually cost between $40 and $150, while $163 is the average cost of a train on this route.

    • Amtrak’s Acela is the high-speed train from Boston to Philadelphia. The Acela provides luxury train service with faster speeds that can make the trip to Philadelphia in just 4 hours and 51 minutes. On other Amtrak lines, the train ride from Boston to Philadelphia takes 5 hours and 38 minutes on average.

    • You can technically travel from Boston to Philadelphia by train on a day trip, but we don’t recommend it. A round trip in a single day means spending over 10 hours on the train. This doesn’t leave much time to explore the sights in Philly, even if you left Boston early in the morning and traveled back on an evening train.

    • Trains to Philly leave from both South Station and Back Bay Station in Boston. South Station is located near downtown Boston and includes connections to the MBTA red line and silver line. About a mile west of South Station, Back Bay Station is located near Copley Square and connects to the MBTA orange line.

    • All Amtrak trains from Boston to Philadelphia arrive at 30th Street Station, near the UPenn campus. 30th Street Station offers tons of amenities, including WiFi, restrooms, luggage storage, and a lactation suite. New Jersey Transit trains and SEPTA commuter rail and subway service also operate from 30th Street Station.

    • A train ticket from Boston to Philadelphia costs $163 on average. Keep in mind that tickets on the high-speed Acela train are often more expensive, so you might see tickets going for as much as $242. Booking well in advance is the best way to find a cheap train ticket from Boston to Philly.

    • Trains from Boston to Philadelphia include a cafe car with meals, snacks, coffee, and drinks for sale — just remember your credit card, since Amtrak does not accept cash onboard. You can also pick up a snack before your trip from one of the fast food spots in Boston’s Back Bay or South Station, or wait until you arrive in Philadelphia and grab a bite at 30th Street Station.

Boston - Philadelphia Train Schedule

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Train Trip Information: Boston to Philadelphia

There are usually 17 daily train trips available from Boston to Philadelphia. Traveling by train from Boston to Philadelphia usually takes 5 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 4 hours and 51 minutes.

Distance271 mi (436 km)
Fastest train4h 51m
Lowest price$27.00
Trains per day33
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Boston to Philadelphia

(Based on 37 ratings and reviews)

4.6

4.0

Alicia

November 24, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: The trip to Boston from Philly is never an easy commute but I prefer to use Amtrak over any other form of transportation. The seating is comfortable and you can either sleep or work in the quiet car. Cons: I would love to get price alerts to get the best deal moving forward.

5.0

Lisa

July 25, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Cons: Too cold; I wish I could have turned off or lowered the air conditioning. Tips: Bring a sweater or jacket.

5.0

Porter

July 22, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Since I stalled on getting a ticket, I had to pay much more than I should have. But that was my fault. Overall, I think I fell in love with Amtrak and train travel in general. It has all the comforts of a plane plus more room to stretch, better food options, interesting scenery, and a quieter ride. People don't like it because it takes much longer, but you always got your tradeoffs. Cons: The gentleman at the station before I first got on was unhelpful and pretty rude about a question I asked about the ride, so that wasn't a good impression. The ride itself was good. It would have been nice if I could tilt my seat back. Also, there were very few stops between new York and Philadelphia, which may have been due to the late time of day but would have made it inconvenient if my destination had been, say, Princeton. Tips: Get your tickets early. The prices skyrocket the closer you get to travel day.

5.0

Chisom

July 21, 2023- Business

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: I love the fact I could work while on the train No check in bags or harassment as the airport I was able to charge my phones and laptop to keep myself busy till the end of the trip Not congested which is my major basic thing I enjoyed . Cons: Just the space.

5.0

Fafane

June 14, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: The help of the agent. Cons: NA. Tips: NA.

Boston to Philadelphia Route Map

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Boston to Philadelphia was $167.69. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $96.90 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$240$160$80DecDec

Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Boston to Philadelphia is expected to be between $130 and $228. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is December 19, 2023, when tickets are available for December 19, 2023. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just $144.

Monthly average prices

$200$160$120$80$40JFMAMJJASOND
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from Boston to Philadelphia, mark your calendar for August. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just $144. However, taking the bus from Boston to Philadelphia during November is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of $193. The best way to find deals on a trip in November is to plan ahead and book your bus ticket as early as possible.

Prices as travel date approaches

$250$200$150$100$503020100

The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 29 days in advance to save $96.90 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Boston to Philadelphia?

There are 3 train lines with service from Boston to Philadelphia. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 9 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak37h 4m$279.21
Amtrak Acela75h 3m$275.67
Amtrak Northeast Regional95h 57m$163.01

  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Boston to Philadelphia every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $68.

  • 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 Boston 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 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 9 daily train trips from Boston to Philadelphia, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

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.

The distance between Boston and Philadelphia is approximately 271 miles, or 436 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 38 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 51 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.

With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for train travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for train travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded trains to Philadelphia, book your ticket for the last day of the week.

The earliest train departs Boston at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 17 scheduled trains on most days. 33 of these are direct connections to Philadelphia. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

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

City Information

Boston

Welcome to Boston – a city where history meets modernity, where lobster rolls are a way of life, and where sports fandom is practically a religion. Get ready to explore a city that's as charming as its cobblestone streets and as diverse as its neighborhoods.

Start your adventure in the heart of downtown, where historic landmarks like Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market blend seamlessly with trendy shops and bustling cafes. It's the perfect spot to grab a coffee, people-watch, and soak in the city's dynamic atmosphere.

Boston's rich history is on full display along the Freedom Trail, a red-brick path that leads you through the city's revolutionary past. From Paul Revere's House to the USS Constitution, you'll step back in time as you stroll through history.

But Boston isn't just about history – it's also a hub of culture and innovation. Explore the Museum of Science, catch a show in the Theater District, or immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene of the South End.

Foodies, rejoice! Boston's culinary scene offers everything from traditional clam chowder to gourmet cuisine. And if you're a seafood lover, a lobster feast is an absolute must.

Major transport hubs like South Station and Boston Logan International Airport make transportatrion a breeze, and once you're in town, the city's efficient public transportation system ensures you can explore every corner with ease.

Boston's blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy creates an atmosphere that's as welcoming as a friendly chat over a cup of chowder. Whether you're cheering on the Red Sox at Fenway Park, walking the iconic Charles River Esplanade, or simply savoring the city's unique charm, Boston promises an adventure that's as timeless as it is exciting.

Philadelphia

Get ready to experience the vibrant heartbeat of Philadelphia, a city that effortlessly blends its rich historical roots with a modern and hip twist. From the Liberty Bell's iconic ring to the mouthwatering cheesesteaks sizzling on every corner, Philly is a one-of-a-kind destination that promises a fantastic journey through time and taste.

Step off the train at Philadelphia's bustling 30th Street Station, where the echoes of travelers past mix with the excitement of those about to explore. The city's energy is infectious, and you'll find yourself swept up in the stories that have unfolded on these storied streets.

Stroll through the charming cobbled paths of Old City, where revolutionary tales come to life in the shadows of modern art galleries and cozy cafes. Feel the pulse of the city at Reading Terminal Market, a food lover's paradise where diverse flavors merge to create a symphony for your taste buds.

Hop on a SEPTA bus or the iconic Philly Phlash trolley to see the city's mosaic of neighborhoods unfolds before your eyes. Discover the graffiti art masterpieces that adorn the walls of Fishtown, or immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of South Street, where vintage shops and live music venues collide.

For a dose of greenery, Fairmount Park beckons with its lush expanses, perfect for picnics and peaceful strolls. And don't miss out on the Magic Gardens, a whimsical wonderland of mosaics that will leave you enchanted.

Philly's spirit is contagious, whether you're marveling at the skyline from the observation deck of One Liberty Place or taking in a game at Citizens Bank Park. With its accessible transit options like SEPTA Regional Rail and Jefferson Station, exploring every nook and cranny of the city is a breeze.

So, fellow adventurers, pack your bags and get ready to indulge in Philly's mix of historical grandeur and modern marvels. The City of Brotherly Love is waiting to welcome you with open arms and a dash of that undeniable Philly charm!

Station Information

Where is the train station in Boston?

Boston, MA - South Station - BOSSST-0

Image credit: Tony Hisgett

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: South Station

South Station is the largest and busiest train station in Boston, and a major transportation hub for the greater New England area. South Station's 13 tracks are used by Amtrak, Acela, the MBTA commuter rail, and the MBTA subway system (a.k.a. the "T") with connections to the Boston Logan International Airport. You can also access intercity bus service in the adjacent South Station Bus Terminal. South Station's historic train terminal opened in 1899 right in downtown Boston, and is close to many points of interest like the Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and the hip Seaport district. At the terminal, you'll find free WiFi, luggage storage, a 24-hour information booth, and 14 dining options, including that New England favorite, Dunkin'.

All train stations in Boston:

  • South Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

Where is the train station in Philadelphia?

PHLTTH-0 - PHLTTH-0.jpg

Image credit: Ben Schumin

Link to image attribution

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

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From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from Philadelphia to Boston?

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