5.0
Pros: I like how easy it was to follow. Cons: I thought it was great! Tips: Read signs for sure.
4.0
Pros: Staff. Cons: The prices could be cheaper. Tips: no.
5.0
Always good to travel by train, relaxing and stress free
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.
Trip Summary
You can pick from 36 daily train trips between Philadelphia and Wilmington. The average train journey from Philadelphia to Wilmington takes 20 minutes, but some Amtrak Acela train trips are as short as 17 minutes.
| Distance | 25 mi (40 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 17m |
| Lowest price | €4.71 |
| Trains per day | 36 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Northeast Regional |
| Train lines | 9 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Philadelphia to Wilmington
(Based on 8 ratings and reviews)
4.9
Train service from Philadelphia to Wilmington
- Amtrak tickets: €5 one-way
- Amtrak Acela tickets: €28 one-way
- Amtrak Cardinal tickets: €29 one-way
- Amtrak Carolinian tickets: €57 one-way
- Amtrak Crescent tickets: €29 one-way
- Amtrak Northeast Regional tickets: €5 one-way
- Amtrak Palmetto tickets: €15 one-way
- Amtrak Silver Service tickets: €29 one-way
- Amtrak Vermonter tickets: €5 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Wilmington?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Wilmington was €14.92. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around €27.51 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly avg. prices
Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to Wilmington 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 €26. If you're thinking of traveling from Philadelphia to Wilmington during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €32 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
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Philadelphia to Wilmington, book online with Wanderu at least 27 days in advance. That way, you’ll save €27.51 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Wilmington?
There are 9 train lines with service from Philadelphia to Wilmington. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 17 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 0h 21m | €35.42 |
| Amtrak Acela | 9 | 0h 19m | €55.70 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 0h 23m | €36.91 |
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 0h 21m | €56.54 |
| Amtrak Crescent | 1 | 0h 21m | €37.00 |
| Amtrak Northeast Regional | 17 | 0h 21m | €22.74 |
| Amtrak Palmetto | 1 | 0h 21m | €33.30 |
| Amtrak Silver Service | 2 | 0h 22m | €37.94 |
| Amtrak Vermonter | 1 | 0h 21m | €19.93 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Philadelphia to Wilmington every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €5.
The Acela is Amtrak’s flagship high-speed rail service. Connecting 15 cities along the Northeast Corridor of the United States, the Acela is Amtrak’s fastest running passenger train, developing a speed of up to 82.2 mph. Acela trains are equipped with free high-speed internet, power outlets and extra comfortable seats. In addition, all Acela passengers have access to the line’s signature Corridor Café where they can unwind and enjoy a freshly prepared meal with a glass of wine. There are 9 Acela trips from Philadelphia to Wilmington every day, including the weekend. As it is Amtrak’s most premium service, the average Acela train ticket may cost more than other train lines.
The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Philadelphia to Wilmington per day, with an average trip length of 0 hours and 23 minutes.
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 Philadelphia and Wilmington, 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 , and the trip usually lasts around 0 hours and 21 minutes.
The Crescent is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs from New York to New Orleans by way of Atlanta. As an overnight service, the Crescent offers a variety of amenities and accommodation options. There’s also a café car where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals and a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages. Like all Amtrak trains, the Crescent offers free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom. Train trips from Philadelphia to Wilmington take about 0 hours and 21 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from €29.
The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes traveling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 17 daily train trips from Philadelphia to Wilmington, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.
The Palmetto is an Amtrak train service that runs a total of 829 miles from New York City to Savannah, GA, connecting 20 cities from the Northeast to the Southeast along the way. Traveling from Philadelphia to Wilmington is comfortable and relaxing on the Palmetto, thanks to the train’s free WiFi, power outlets, and seating with extra legroom. You can pick from 1 daily departures along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of on the Palmetto.
The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Philadelphia to Wilmington start from €29 and the average train journey lasts about 0 hours and 22 minutes.
The Vermonter is an Amtrak passenger train that connects St. Albans, VT to Washington, D.C. by way of New York City. The journey is renowned for the beautiful scenic views that it presents as it passes through the Green Mountains and the Berkshires. Aboard the Vermonter, passengers can enjoy free WiFi, power outlets at every seat and extra legroom. You can also grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshing beverage from the train’s café. There are 1 Vermonter trains traveling from Philadelphia to Wilmington every day, with prices starting from €5.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Philadelphia and Wilmington is approximately 25 miles, or 40 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 minutes. It's a short and pleasant ride; the train is a perfect way to get to Wilmington.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Philadelphia to Wilmington on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Monday. Monday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
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.
There are 36 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Philadelphia to Wilmington.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Wilmington to Philadelphia.
City Information
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.
Wilmington
Wilmington is a major city in Delaware, established at the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America. The charming city, at the confluence of the Brandywine River and Christina River, offers easy connections to the lush countryside of Brandywine Valley. Thanks to the venerable du Pont family, who established the DuPont Company in Wilmington in 1802, the city is filled with grand estates and magnificent gardens for visitors to enjoy. The Hagley Museum & Library is the ultimate example. The expansive complex includes the first home of the du Pont family, powder yards from the company's initial gunpowder mill, and a Renaissance-style garden complete with terraces.
To dive deeper into the city's history, check out the Fort Christina State Park, the site of Wilmington's original Swedish settlement over 400 years ago. Other popular attractions include the Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.
Wilmington is easy to access from most of the mid-Atlantic region and is located between Philadelphia and Washington. In 2011, the city's Amtrak train station was renamed the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station in honor of rail enthusiast Joe Biden, who often commuted via Amtrak from Wilmington to Washington during his time as a Senator. Buses from Wilmington also connect to cities like New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Since the regional Wilmington Airport does not offer civilian flights, travelers can easily take a bus to the airport in Philadelphia for any air travel out of the area.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Philadelphia?
Image credit: Ben Schumin
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St
There is one train station in Philadelphia.
All train stations in Philadelphia:
30th St Station - 2955 Market St
Where is the train station in Wilmington?
Main arrival station: Amtrak/SEPTA Station
Wilmington has one train station.
All train stations in Wilmington:
Amtrak/SEPTA Station
Get around town with Moovit
Find the best way to get to and from any station in Wilmington by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now
Need a return trip from Wilmington to Philadelphia?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Philadelphia
- Philadelphia to San Francisco Train
€370+
- Philadelphia to New Haven Train
€93+
- Philadelphia to Newark Train
€21+
- Philadelphia to Chicago Train
€203+
- Philadelphia to Boston Train
€142+
- Train from Philadelphia to Baltimore
€39+
- Philadelphia to Atlantic City Train
€10+
- Philadelphia to Newark
€58+
- Philadelphia to Buffalo
€147+
Continue by train from Wilmington
- Wilmington to Hartford Train
€118+
- Train from Wilmington to New Haven
€116+
- Train from Wilmington to Washington D.C.
€44+
- Wilmington to Miami Train
€256+
- Train from Wilmington to Orlando
€233+
- Train from Wilmington to Atlanta
€205+
- Wilmington to Savannah
€156+
- Wilmington to New Orleans Train
€228+
- Train from Wilmington to Boston
€158+
- Wilmington to Baltimore
€35+
- Wilmington to Portland Train
€188+
- Wilmington to Raleigh
€101+
- Train from Wilmington to Newark
€79+
- Wilmington to New York Train
€74+
- Train from Wilmington to Philadelphia
€26+
- Train from Wilmington to Pittsburgh
€127+
- Wilmington to Providence Train
€154+
- Train from Wilmington to Richmond
€77+
Check out these popular routes
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.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more