Cheap train tickets from Charlotte to Philadelphia
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Charlotte to Philadelphia. Traveling by train from Charlotte to Philadelphia usually takes 11 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Crescent train can make the trip in 10 hours and 37 minutes.
- Distance
- 451 mi (725 km)
- Fastest train
- 10h 37m
- Lowest price
- $100.00
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Carolinian
- Train lines
- 2
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Charlotte to Philadelphia Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Charlotte to Philadelphia?
There are usually 7 daily bus trips available from Charlotte to Philadelphia.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$165.78 | Avg. Price$121.51Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips7 |
Duration | Duration11h 50mFaster | Duration12h 43m |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Charlotte to Philadelphia (Based on 5 ratings and reviews)
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There are several train options that can take you from Charlotte to Philadelphia:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Charlotte to Philadelphia?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Charlotte to Philadelphia was $135.44. 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 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $100.45 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Charlotte to Philadelphia by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charlotte to Philadelphia will cost between $122 and $211. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Charlotte to Philadelphia by month
Ticket prices for the train from Charlotte to Philadelphia 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 $152. If you're thinking of traveling from Charlotte to Philadelphia during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $218 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Charlotte to Philadelphia on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $100.45 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Charlotte to Philadelphia?
2 train services operate from Charlotte to Philadelphia. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 12h 36m | $144.13 |
| Amtrak Crescent | 1 | 11h 4m | $187.56 |
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 Charlotte 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 $144.13, and the trip usually lasts around 12 hours and 36 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 Charlotte to Philadelphia take about 11 hours and 4 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $149.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Charlotte to Philadelphia
Trains leave the station in Charlotte twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Charlotte. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Charlotte to Philadelphia for $70.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
The distance between Charlotte and Philadelphia is approximately 451 miles, or 725 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 37 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.
Distance (mi)
451
Distance (km)
725
The earliest train departs Charlotte at 5:31am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:45am. 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
5:31am
Last train
6:45am
Trains from Charlotte 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Friday
City Information
Charlotte



A mecca for fans of speed in general and for NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is a burgeoning urban center that still retains its southern charm. Even if you are not a hardcore fan of NASCAR, it is still worth taking the time to check it out. Housing more than just plaques dedicated to legendary drivers, the museum also features high-tech exhibits, as well as racing simulators to keep you enthralled. If cars are not your thing, the bustling Uptown area, which houses the city’s top museums such as Discovery Place or Mint Museum Uptown, will offer a day’s worth of interesting facts to enjoy. When you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Uptown, Freedom Park, located about three miles north of the city center, provides a natural refuge where you can recover.
Charlotte’s food scene is brimming with life, as modernized Southern staples take the city by storm. Perhaps the best place to enjoy the tastiest Southern dishes in town is at Price’s Chicken Coop. If you are looking to enjoy some fine barbecues, Midwood Smokehouse or Noble Smoke might have what you need.
Charlotte’s busiest bus station is at W 4th St in the heart of the city, offering bus trips by several carriers like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines to other cities such as Richmond or New York. The city is served by three Amtrak lines: the Crescent, the Carolinian, and the Piedmont. Travelers can catch these trains at the station on Tryon St in Lockwood. The main airport of the city is the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the sixth-busiest airport in the country. It is located 6 miles from the city center.
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 Charlotte?
Main departure station: 1914 N Tryon St

The busiest train station in North Carolina is located at 1914 N Tryon St, slightly northeast of downtown Charlotte. This station is the origin point for the Amtrak Carolinian to New York City and the Amtrak Piedmont to Raleigh. The Amtrak Crescent also stops in Charlotte on its route from New York City to New Orleans. The station has free parking and vending machines onsite, and is close to several stations for the local LYNX light rail.
All train stations in Charlotte:
- 1914 N Tryon St
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 Charlotte?
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