4.0
Pros: I didn't have to drive. Cons: Other passengers could keep private conversations private and short. Tips: Hope for the best.
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
There are usually 17 daily train trips available from Rensselaer to Philadelphia. Traveling by train from Rensselaer to Philadelphia usually takes 5 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 14 minutes.
| Distance | 200 mi (322 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 14m |
| Lowest price | £38.70 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |

Average score for trains from Rensselaer to Philadelphia
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: I didn't have to drive. Cons: Other passengers could keep private conversations private and short. Tips: Hope for the best.
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Rensselaer to Philadelphia was £63.89. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 22 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £89.26 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
By booking your train trip from Rensselaer to Philadelphia on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time, you can save about £89.26 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Rensselaer to Philadelphia. However, there are 17 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 17 | 5h 55m | £136.09 |
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 17 Amtrak trains from Rensselaer to Philadelphia every day, as well as 16 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £39.
The distance between Rensselaer and Philadelphia is approximately 200 miles, or 322 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 14 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 from Rensselaer to Philadelphia are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Rensselaer at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 17 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Philadelphia to Rensselaer.
Rensselaer is a small town located just across the Hudson River from the New York State capital, Albany. The Amtrak train station that serves Albany is actually located within Rensselaer, so many commuters and vacationers alike will pass through the city when traveling in the Hudson River Valley.
Rensselaer itself boasts a rich industrial tradition, and it was known as a major railway hub in the 19th century. One of the appealing local attractions in town is the Crailo State Historic Site. The site is a manor house, built in 1707, that today serves as a museum dedicated to the culture of Dutch colonists in New York State. More museums, activities, parks, and sights are waiting just across the river in Albany for the curious traveler.
The city of Rensselaer is an important transportation hub for Amtrak trains throughout the region, which include the Amtrak Empire Service, Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, Amtrak Maple Leaf, and Amtrak Ethan Allen Express. Between these services, Amtrak connects Rensselaer to New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and beyond. The nearest airport to the city is the Albany International Airport.



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.
There is one train station in Rensselaer.
Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

Image credit: Ben Schumin
Link to image attributionPhiladelphia receives travelers from Rensselaer at its two active train stations.
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
N Phil - 2900 N Broad St
£114+
£115+
£174+
£327+
£67+
£47+
£44+
£86+
£40+
£46+
£16+
£53+
£43+
£31+
£22+
£51+
£120+
£194+
£712+
£70+
£169+
£175+
£137+
£55+
£631+
£130+
£8+
£415+
£100+
£90+
£65+
£60+
£59+
£60+
£43+
£26+

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.