Cheap train tickets from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA. Traveling by train from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA usually takes 9 hours and 38 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 341 mi (548 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 38m |
| Lowest price | $95.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Carolinian |
| Train lines | 1 |
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
Durham to Philadelphia Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Durham to Philadelphia?
There are usually 6 daily bus trips available from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$163.34 | Avg. Price$121.86Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips6 |
Duration | Duration9h 38mFaster | Duration11h 52m |
There are several train options that can take you from Durham to Philadelphia:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA was $95.00. 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 $114.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA will cost between $82 and $165. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA by month
Ticket prices for the train from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA 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 $118. If you're thinking of traveling from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $174 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $114.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Durham to Philadelphia?
There are multiple trains that travel from Durham to Philadelphia, including Amtrak Carolinian. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 9h 38m | $163.34 |
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, NC and Philadelphia, PA, 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 $163.34, and the trip usually lasts around 9 hours and 38 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Durham to Philadelphia
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Philadelphia, PA 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, PA to Durham, NC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA for $60.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Durham, NC and Philadelphia, PA is approximately 341 miles, or 548 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 38 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)
341
DISTANCE (KM)
548
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Durham, NC at 9:27am and arrives in Philadelphia, PA around 9 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
9:27am
LATEST TRAIN
9:42am
Trains from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
Durham, NC
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, PA
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 does the train leave from in Durham?
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 does the train arrive in Philadelphia?
Main arrival station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Philadelphia, PA has one train station.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
- 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Need a return trip from Philadelphia to Durham?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Durham
Continue by train from Philadelphia
- Philadelphia to Houston Train$355+
- Philadelphia to Ocean City Train$169+
- Philadelphia to Washington, DC Train$65+
- Philadelphia to Paoli Train$12+
- Philadelphia to Jacksonville Train$175+
- Philadelphia to Louisville Train$191+
- Philadelphia to Atlantic City Train
- Philadelphia to New York Train$54+
- Philadelphia to Pittsburgh Train$108+
Check out these popular routes
- Portland to Seattle Train$51+
- Seattle to Portland Train$53+
- Los Angeles to San Diego Train$42+
- Washington, DC to Boston Train$177+
- Montreal to Québec City Train$48+
- Portland, ME to Seattle, WA Train$490+
- Newark to Washington, DC Train$107+
- Seattle, WA to Vancouver, WA Train$53+
- St Paul to Chicago Train$100+
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.