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Philadelphia to Boston train

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Philadelphia - Boston Train Schedule

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Train Trip Information: Philadelphia to Boston

There are usually 18 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Boston. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Boston usually takes 6 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 4 hours and 58 minutes.

Distance271 mi (436 km)
Fastest train4h 58m
Lowest price$33.00
Trains per day35
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Philadelphia to Boston

(Based on 27 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Karen

July 22, 2023

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Very comfortable; enjoyed the scenic views by day, and other passengers very friendly. Cons: I was comfortable in my chosen seat. I cant remember which stop, but, I was asked to get up and move to another train car... I didn't like that. I'm a senior citizen and I was traveling alone... Tips: Day travel is best.

5.0

Cecelia A

July 10, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pleasant

5.0

Michael

February 22, 2023- Business

Amtrak Acela

Comfortable.

5.0

Christopher

January 18, 2023- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Direct trip to my destination in a comfortable seat

4.0

Virginia

December 27, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Acela

Bathrooms were not cleaned regularly

Philadelphia to Boston Route Map

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Boston was $132.30. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $101.29 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$225$150$75SepOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Boston will cost between $113 and $212. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly average prices

$200$160$120$80$40NDJFMAMJJASO
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 October when the average ticket price is only $139. If you're thinking of traveling from Philadelphia to Boston during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $180 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$250$200$150$100$503020100

By booking your train trip from Philadelphia to Boston on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $101.29 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 10 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak26h 33m$152.03
Amtrak Acela75h 15m$253.37
Amtrak Northeast Regional106h 29m$121.83

  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Philadelphia to Boston every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $33.

  • 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 7 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 10 daily train trips from Philadelphia to Boston, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

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.

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 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 58 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.

Friday 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 Friday 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 18 scheduled trains on most days. 35 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

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