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Compare train tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC

Philadelphia-Washington DC Train Schedule

Train
$158.00
6:31 AM
44 Station Road
9:30 AM
Union Station
AMT
4.4stars
1 transfer
Train
$175.00
6:31 AM
44 Station Road
10:14 AM
110 Callahan Dr
AMT
4.4stars
1 transfer
Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00
Train
$158.00
6:31 AM
44 Station Road
10:45 AM
Union Station
AMT
4.4stars
1 transfer
Train
$175.00
6:31 AM
44 Station Road
11:23 AM
110 Callahan Dr
AMT
4.4stars
1 transfer
Train
$152.25
6:44 AM
New Jersey Transit Station
9:30 AM
Union Station
AMT
4.4stars
1 transfer
Lowest PricesWe work directly with hundreds of bus & train carriers to find the best available fares.
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Trip Summary

How much are train tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC?

Lowest price$19.00
Fastest train1h 38m
Trains per day20
Train lines9

Philadelphia to Washington DC Route Map

Philadelphia Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

What Amtrak lines travel from Philadelphia to Washington?

There are 8 Amtrak lines that travel between Philly and Washington, DC, combining for 40 daily trips.

  • Amtrak Acela offers 13 daily trips from Philadelphia to Washington, and is the fastest train covering this route, with an average travel time of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It’s also the most expensive, with ticket prices averaging around $149.
  • Amtrak Northeast Regional offers 18 daily trips from Philadelphia to Washington, with an average travel time of 2 hours. Tickets on the Northeast Regional average around $69.
  • Amtrak Silver Service offers 2 daily trips from Philadelphia to Washington, with an average travel time of 1 hour and 58 minutes. Tickets on the Silver Service average around $101.51.
  • Amtrak Vermonter offers 1 daily trip from Philadelphia to Washington, with an average travel time of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It’s also the cheapest option, with tickets averaging $65.36.
  • Amtrak Carolinian, Cardinal, Crescent and Palmetto all offer 1 daily trip between Philadelphia and Washington, with trips taking about 2 hours and prices ranging between $72 and $82.

Where does the train drop you off in DC?

Incoming Amtrak lines in DC drop off passengers at Washington Union Station. Union Station is a historic train station, completed in 1908 by the famed architect Daniel Burnham. At Union Station you can board regional transit, including the Metro, the Maryland Rail Commuter Service (MARC), the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), and local buses.

From Philadelphia, trains depart from 30th Street Station. The first train of the day departs at 12:00 a.m., while the last train departs at 10:00 p.m.

Is Philadelphia to Washington a good day-trip?

A day-trip from Philadelphia to Washington would be relatively doable, as the total travel time averages around 2 hours. However, the cheapest ticket is $65, making it rather expensive for a day-trip — in which case you may prefer to take a bus. Buses take closer to 3 hours, but tickes are only $14.

Is it safe to travel by train from Philadelphia to Washington during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

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

In the last month, $44.77 was the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC. This is a good price that is inexpensive compared to most train fares. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $56.66 more than that for a same-day booking.

How long is the train journey from Philadelphia to Washington DC?

The distance between Philadelphia and Washington DC is approximately 123 miles, or 198 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 38 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Philadelphia to Washington DC are the most crowded on Monday. 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.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Philadelphia to Washington DC?

There are 20 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Philadelphia to Washington DC.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Washington DC to Philadelphia. If you're not not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Philadelphia to Washington DC for $27.00.

Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Washington DC?

There are 9 train lines with service from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Washington, District of Columbia. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 10 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak11h 50m$40.28
Amtrak Acela61h 44m$100.97
Amtrak Cardinal11h 55m$57.35
Amtrak Carolinian11h 52m$71.87
Amtrak Crescent12h 6m$67.60
Amtrak Northeast Regional101h 59m$47.71
Amtrak Palmetto11h 50m$77.07
Amtrak Silver Service11h 56m$60.94
Amtrak Vermonter11h 59m$47.00

Amtrak train tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC start from $19, and on average cost $40. Daily there are 1 Amtrak schedules to Washington. Amtrak in Philadelphia leaves from 30th St Station - 2955 Market St, And in Washington trains arrive at Union Station, From Philadelphia to Washington DC train travel on Amtrak takes 1 hours and 50 minutes. If you are looking to get to Washington faster, Amtrak offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 38 minutes. If you are looking to travel to Washington on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak scheduled trip per day, which will cost $45 for a one-way weekend reservation from Philadelphia.

Amtrak Acela train tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC start from $92, and on average cost $101. Daily there are 6 Amtrak Acela schedules to Washington. Amtrak Acela in Philadelphia leaves from 30th St Station - 2955 Market St, And in Washington trains arrive at Union Station, From Philadelphia to Washington DC train travel on Amtrak Acela takes 1 hours and 44 minutes. If you are looking to get to Washington faster, Amtrak Acela offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 38 minutes. If you're considering a weeked trip, Amtrak Acela offers 5 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay $106 for a one-way train ticket to Washington.

Amtrak Cardinal train tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC start from $19, and on average cost $57. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Cardinal schedules to Washington. Amtrak Cardinal in Philadelphia leaves from 30th St Station - 2955 Market St, And in Washington trains arrive at Union Station, From Philadelphia to Washington DC train travel on Amtrak Cardinal takes 1 hours and 55 minutes. If you are looking to get to Washington faster, Amtrak Cardinal offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 38 minutes. If you are looking to travel to Washington on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Cardinal scheduled trip per day, which will cost $63 for a one-way weekend reservation from Philadelphia.

Amtrak Carolinian train tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC start from $19, and on average cost $72. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Carolinian schedules to Washington. Amtrak Carolinian in Philadelphia leaves from 30th St Station - 2955 Market St, And in Washington trains arrive at Union Station, From Philadelphia to Washington DC train travel on Amtrak Carolinian takes 1 hours and 52 minutes. If you are looking to get to Washington faster, Amtrak Carolinian offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 38 minutes. If you are looking to travel to Washington on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Carolinian scheduled trip per day, which will cost $85 for a one-way weekend reservation from Philadelphia.

Amtrak Crescent train tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC start from $19, and on average cost $68. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Crescent schedules to Washington. Amtrak Crescent in Philadelphia leaves from 30th St Station - 2955 Market St, And in Washington trains arrive at Union Station, From Philadelphia to Washington DC train travel on Amtrak Crescent takes 2 hours and 6 minutes. If you are looking to get to Washington faster, Amtrak Crescent offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 38 minutes. If you are looking to travel to Washington on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Crescent scheduled trip per day, which will cost $86 for a one-way weekend reservation from Philadelphia.

Amtrak Northeast Regional train tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC start from $19, and on average cost $48. Daily there are 10 Amtrak Northeast Regional schedules to Washington. Amtrak Northeast Regional in Philadelphia leaves from 30th St Station - 2955 Market St, And in Washington trains arrive at Union Station, From Philadelphia to Washington DC train travel on Amtrak Northeast Regional takes 1 hours and 59 minutes. If you are looking to get to Washington faster, Amtrak Northeast Regional offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 38 minutes. If you're considering a weeked trip, Amtrak Northeast Regional offers 10 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay $60 for a one-way train ticket to Washington.

Amtrak Palmetto train tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC start from $19, and on average cost $77. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Palmetto schedules to Washington. Amtrak Palmetto in Philadelphia leaves from 30th St Station - 2955 Market St, And in Washington trains arrive at Union Station, From Philadelphia to Washington DC train travel on Amtrak Palmetto takes 1 hours and 50 minutes. If you are looking to get to Washington faster, Amtrak Palmetto offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 38 minutes. If you are looking to travel to Washington on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Palmetto scheduled trip per day, which will cost $103 for a one-way weekend reservation from Philadelphia.

Amtrak Silver Service train tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC start from $19, and on average cost $61. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Silver Service schedules to Washington. Amtrak Silver Service in Philadelphia leaves from 30th St Station - 2955 Market St, And in Washington trains arrive at Union Station, From Philadelphia to Washington DC train travel on Amtrak Silver Service takes 1 hours and 56 minutes. If you are looking to get to Washington faster, Amtrak Silver Service offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 38 minutes. If you are looking to travel to Washington on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Silver Service scheduled trip per day, which will cost $74 for a one-way weekend reservation from Philadelphia.

Amtrak Vermonter train tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC start from $19, and on average cost $47. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Vermonter schedules to Washington. Amtrak Vermonter in Philadelphia leaves from 30th St Station - 2955 Market St, And in Washington trains arrive at Union Station, From Philadelphia to Washington DC train travel on Amtrak Vermonter takes 1 hours and 59 minutes. If you are looking to get to Washington faster, Amtrak Vermonter offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 1 hours and 38 minutes. If you are looking to travel to Washington on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Vermonter scheduled trip per day, which will cost $49 for a one-way weekend reservation from Philadelphia.

Price trends for trains from Philadelphia to Washington DC

Average prices by travel date

$75$50$25AprApr

Monthly average prices

$100$80$60$40$20MJJASONDJFMA

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$203020100

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC

(Based on 32 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Ethel

March 20, 2021 - Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

I love the affordability, convenience and stress free transportation.I love the affordability, convenience and stress free transportation.

5.0

Oliva

March 19, 2021 - Visiting family

Amtrak Silver Service

ConvenientConvenient

5.0

Karen

March 15, 2021 - Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: No airport-style security or check-in hassle. Cons: Information about the track is given very late and there's minimal time to board and accommodate baggage. Tips: Be ready to run! If you are traveling with more than one piece of luggage, I recommend that you boa... Pros: No airport-style security or check-in hassle. Cons: Information about the track is given very late and there's minimal time to board and accommodate baggage. Tips: Be ready to run! If you are traveling with more than one piece of luggage, I recommend that you board the train on one end and walk towards the other until you find an empty spot with enough space for your baggage.More

5.0

Angela

January 20, 2021 - Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Price, service and finally riding on the train again. I live on the west coast now and was visiting family and friends on the east coast and it was just so nice to ride and relax on Amtrak like old times instead of sitting in traffic all day and night in LA. Also... Pros: Price, service and finally riding on the train again. I live on the west coast now and was visiting family and friends on the east coast and it was just so nice to ride and relax on Amtrak like old times instead of sitting in traffic all day and night in LA. Also I was VERY happy to see outlets which I could plug in my chargers and devices right there in my seat! 😊. Cons: Nothing! Tips: The Amtrak is so comfortable and relaxing and a nice and affordable alternative for a vacation short or long.More

5.0

Lawrence

May 22, 2020 -

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Emergency visit.Emergency visit.

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