Cheap train tickets from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA

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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: RON 438.62
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak Carolinian
Train lines: 1

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Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA Train Schedule

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

There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceRON 706.55	Avg. PriceRON 485.35Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips1	Daily Trips5
Duration	Duration9h 38mFaster	Duration12h 8m

There are several train options that can take you from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA:

Amtrak Carolinian tickets: RON 406 one-way

See more details

What 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 RON 480.18. 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 RON 562.36 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 RON 379 and RON 836. 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 RON 545. 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 RON 803 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 RON 562.36 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA?

Amtrak Carolinian is the one and only train line which connects Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA. 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.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak Carolinian	1	9h 38m	RON 706.54

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 RON 706.54, and the trip usually lasts around 9 hours and 38 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA

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 RON 291.

Trains per day

Direct trains

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.

First train

9:27am

Last train

9:52am

Trains from Durham, NC to Philadelphia, PA are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Tuesday

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, NC?

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, NC:

601 W Main St

Where is the train station in Philadelphia, PA?

Main arrival station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Philadelphia, PA has one train station.

All train stations in Philadelphia, PA:

30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Need a return trip from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC?

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