background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Cheap train tickets from Durham to Philadelphia

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Durham to Philadelphia Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Durham to Philadelphia?

There are usually 8 daily bus trips available from Durham to Philadelphia.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$104.95
Avg. Price
$132.53
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
8
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
13h 9m
Duration
9h 33m

Trip Summary

On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Durham to Philadelphia. The train trip from Durham to Philadelphia is usually about 9 hours and 33 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance341 mi (548 km)
Fastest train9h 33m
Lowest price$91.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Carolinian
Train lines1

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA was $91.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $37.40 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Monthly avg. prices

$125$100$75$50$25JFMAMJJASOND
Ticket prices for the train from Durham 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 $82. If you're thinking of traveling from Durham to Philadelphia during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $113 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$175$140$105$70$353020100

By booking your train trip from Durham to Philadelphia on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about $37.40 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Durham to Philadelphia?

Amtrak Carolinian is the one and only train line which connects Durham to Philadelphia. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Carolinian19h 34m$147.06
  • 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 Durham 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 9 hours and 34 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Durham to Philadelphia

The distance between Durham and Philadelphia is approximately 341 miles, or 548 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 33 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 departing from Durham to Philadelphia tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Durham at 9:00am and arrives in Philadelphia around 9 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Philadelphia with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.

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

City Information

Durham

Durham is a little treasure cove for all fans of history and the United States’ heritage. The first and foremost thing you should try out is go on a hike on one of the city’s iconic trails. For a more traditional hiking experience, try the Eno River Trail. If you wish to enjoy a more unique experience, the American Tobacco Trail will be a better choice, as it follows the old CSX railroad. For those who want to explore the city’s rich history, check out the Stagville Plantation, which is now a museum dedicated to the city’s antebellum history, offering a unique historical perspective.

Durham’s food scene is vibrant and exciting. Fans of seafood will definitely be amazed at how fresh and delicious the seafood at Mateo Bar de Tapas is. If you wish to try out Italian eats with a twist, check out Devil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant.

The main bus station is the Transportation Center located at 515 W Pettigrew St in Downtown Durham. From there, you can take a bus to New York, Richmond, Washington D.C., and dozens of other destinations across the country. The main Amtrak train station in Durham is located around the corner from the bus stop at 601 W Main St. Durham is served by Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont lines. The city’s air services are handled by the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 12 miles southeast of the city.

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 Durham?

601 W Main St  - DNCAMT-0

Image credit: John Buie

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 601 W Main St

In Durham, Amtrak’s train station is at 601 W Main St, in a historic brick warehouse originally constructed in 1897. The Carolinian line from Charlotte to New York and the Piedmont line from Charlotte to Raleigh both stop at this station in Durham. Inside the station, passengers are greeted by high ceilings (this was once a warehouse, after all!) and can find restrooms, long benches for seating, and Amtrak staff. The same building also hosts an Italian restaurant and pool hall around the corner, and several more restaurants are within a one-block walk. You can even check out the Museum of Durham History on Main St, too. The Durham Amtrak station is located in the city center, close to Duke University and Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

All train stations in Durham:

  • 601 W Main 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

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Philadelphia by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Philadelphia to Durham?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.