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Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to Boston

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Philadelphia to Boston Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Philadelphia to Boston?

There are usually 61 daily bus trips available from Philadelphia to Boston.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$56.70
Avg. Price
$150.43
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
61
Daily Trips
42
Duration
Duration
8h 9m
Duration
6h 7m

Trip Summary

There are usually 20 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Boston. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Boston usually takes 6 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 5 hours.

Distance271 mi (436 km)
Fastest train5h 0m
Lowest price$40.00
Trains per day37
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines3

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Philadelphia to Boston

(Based on 34 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Pedro

December 4, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Seats are spacious and comfortable. The trains were super punctual. The food it’s okay and the price is fair for what it is. Compared to fly is a way better experience. Cons: Toilets better clean. Tips: Look between the carriages for 2 empty seats. There are always some available.

5.0

Jerome

June 12, 2024- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: The value was excellent. The views were interesting. The staff was friendly. Cons: The restrooms got very dirty as the trip went on. Tips: Sit back and enjoy the ride.

5.0

Edward

June 4, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Very pleasant until I arrived in Boston which was the first leg of my journey. Cons: After arriving in Boston, I had to switch to a bus to continue to Bangor, Maine. I had a difficult time locating the bus station due to lack of signs or a customer service area.There was no indication anywhere that the bus station itself was 2 escalator flights above me.I actually wandered outside at one point.I received assistance from fellow passengers and found the bus station area purely " by luck". The station itself was not very organized and I found by departure gate again due to luck. The electronic board for all departures did not a thing about my bus .It was eventually on an overhead board above my departure that a passenger that I had spoken to in the bus terminal earlier pointed out to me.There was no customer service in the bus terminal at all.There were also no personnel where tickets could be purchased, so consequently no one to ask questions. It was all very confusing. I purchased my tickets online and thought I switch from the rain to the bus in an efficient manner and it proved to be the exact opposite due to all of this lack of direction or areas for assistance.Since I am now familiar due to this experience, I'm hoping my return home will be less stressful when I depart from the bus to the connecting Amtrak train. Tips: A more comprehensive map of the Boston train/bus station would be most beneficial.

5.0

anita

May 15, 2024- Business

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Easy. Dropped me right off near my hotel Luckily has a seat because some people who got on later were not able to sit! Cons: WiFi really slow.

5.0

Lara

October 10, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: I love trains for 4-hour trips that would be more annoying and way more polluting by car or plane. I worked all morning, picked up a take out lunch walking to work, made it to work by 1 pm. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Buy train tix early, they go up like flights.

Philadelphia to Boston Route Map

Philadelphia Boston

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Philadelphia and Boston cost $104.59, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 26 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $169.79 more.

Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Boston by travel date

$285$190$95FebFeb

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Boston is expected to fluctuate between $81 and $278 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Boston in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Philadelphia is $124.

Monthly avg. prices

$225$180$135$90$45MAMJJASONDJF
Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to Boston 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 $132. If you're thinking of traveling from Philadelphia to Boston during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $211 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$300$240$180$120$603020100

By booking your train trip from Philadelphia to Boston on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about $169.79 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Boston?

There are 3 train lines with service from Philadelphia to Boston. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 11 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak36h 25m$180.09
Amtrak Acela65h 20m$226.74
Amtrak Northeast Regional116h 36m$143.73
  • 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 Boston every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $41.

  • 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 6 Acela trips from Philadelphia to Boston 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 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 11 daily train trips from Philadelphia to Boston, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Philadelphia to Boston

The distance between Philadelphia and Boston is approximately 271 miles, or 436 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours,

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.

Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Philadelphia to Boston. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 20 scheduled trains on most days. 37 of these are direct connections to Boston. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Boston 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.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):

Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.

From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Philadelphia?

PHLTTH-0 - PHLTTH-0.jpg

Image credit: Ben Schumin

Link to image attribution

Main 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 Boston?

Boston, MA - South Station - BOSSST-0

Image credit: Tony Hisgett

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: South Station

South Station is the largest and busiest train station in Boston, and a major transportation hub for the greater New England area. South Station's 13 tracks are used by Amtrak, Acela, the MBTA commuter rail, and the MBTA subway system (a.k.a. the "T") with connections to the Boston Logan International Airport. You can also access intercity bus service in the adjacent South Station Bus Terminal. South Station's historic train terminal opened in 1899 right in downtown Boston, and is close to many points of interest like the Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and the hip Seaport district. At the terminal, you'll find free WiFi, luggage storage, a 24-hour information booth, and 14 dining options, including that New England favorite, Dunkin'.

All train stations in Boston:

  • South Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

Get around town with Moovit

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