Cheap train tickets from Raleigh to Philadelphia
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Raleigh to Philadelphia. Traveling by train from Raleigh to Philadelphia usually takes 9 hours and 48 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Carolinian train can make the trip in 8 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 345 mi (555 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 52m |
| Lowest price | $71.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Carolinian |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Raleigh to Philadelphia Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Raleigh to Philadelphia?
There are usually 8 daily bus trips available from Raleigh to Philadelphia.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$165.17 | Avg. Price$110.37Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips8 |
Duration | Duration9h 48m | Duration9h 15mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Raleigh to Philadelphia (Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
5.0
4.0
5.0
January 15, 2020 - Solo travel
Amtrak Silver Service5.0
January 6, 2020 - Business
Amtrak Silver ServiceThere are several train options that can take you from Raleigh to Philadelphia:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Raleigh to Philadelphia?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Raleigh to Philadelphia was $86.50. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 15 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $138.14 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to Philadelphia by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Raleigh to Philadelphia will cost between $71 and $176. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Raleigh to Philadelphia by month
Ticket prices for the train from Raleigh to Philadelphia often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $112. If you're thinking of traveling from Raleigh to Philadelphia during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $225 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 Raleigh to Philadelphia on Wanderu at least 15 days ahead of time, you can save about $138.14 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Raleigh to Philadelphia?
There are multiple trains that travel from Raleigh to Philadelphia, including Amtrak Carolinian, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 8h 52m | $147.12 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 10h 48m | $184.67 |
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 Raleigh 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 $147.12, and the trip usually lasts around 8 hours and 52 minutes.
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 1 Amtrak trains from Raleigh to Philadelphia every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $71.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Raleigh to Philadelphia
Trains leave the station in Raleigh twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Philadelphia faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Philadelphia to Raleigh. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Raleigh to Philadelphia for $60.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Raleigh and Philadelphia is approximately 345 miles, or 555 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 52 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)
345
DISTANCE (KM)
555
The earliest train departs Raleigh at 9:17am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:38am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
9:17am
LATEST TRAIN
10:38am
Trains from Raleigh to Philadelphia 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
Raleigh
As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travelers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.
Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.
Raleigh’s main bus station is located outside of the city center at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.
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 does the train leave from in Raleigh?
Main departure station: Union Station
The new multi-million dollar facility of Raleigh’s Union Station has quickly become one of the busiest train stations in North Carolina. Since opening in 2018, the station has expanded to serve over 150,000 passengers every year. Raleigh Union Station is an Amtrak station with routes connecting to major cities along the East Coast, including trips to New York City on the Carolinian or as far as Miami on Amtrak’s Silver Service. In addition, Amtrak’s Piedmont service from Charlotte ends its route in Raleigh. The station is a multi-level facility with tracks on the lower platform and retail shops on the main levels. It’s located in the heart of downtown, within a short walk of Nash Square, the CAM Raleigh art museum, and various restaurant options.
All train stations in Raleigh:
- Union Station
Where does the train arrive 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 Raleigh?
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