Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to Durham
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Durham. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Durham usually takes 11 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 10 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 341 mi (548 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 5m |
| Lowest price | $78.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Philadelphia to Durham Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Philadelphia to Durham?
There are usually 8 daily bus trips available from Philadelphia to Durham.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$163.74 | Avg. Price$109.88Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips8 |
Duration | Duration11h 9mFaster | Duration11h 17m |
There are several train options that can take you from Philadelphia to Durham:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Durham?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Durham was $102.25. 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 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $131.24 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Durham by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Durham will cost between $82 and $132. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Durham by month
Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to Durham 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 $108. If you're thinking of traveling from Philadelphia to Durham during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $174 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Philadelphia to Durham on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about $131.24 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Philadelphia to Durham?
There are multiple trains that travel from Philadelphia to Durham, including Amtrak, Amtrak Carolinian. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 11h 17m | $171.77 |
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 10h 59m | $153.55 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Philadelphia to Durham every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $71.
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 Durham, 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 $153.55, and the trip usually lasts around 10 hours and 59 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Philadelphia to Durham
Trains leave the station in Philadelphia twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Durham faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Durham to Philadelphia. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Philadelphia to Durham for $56.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Philadelphia and Durham is approximately 341 miles, or 548 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 5 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
341
DISTANCE (KM)
548
The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 4:20am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:50am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
4:20am
LATEST TRAIN
9:50am
Trains from Philadelphia to Durham are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
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.
Durham
Durham is a little treasure cove for all fans of history and the United States’ heritage. The first and foremost thing you should try out is go on a hike on one of the city’s iconic trails. For a more traditional hiking experience, try the Eno River Trail. If you wish to enjoy a more unique experience, the American Tobacco Trail will be a better choice, as it follows the old CSX railroad. For those who want to explore the city’s rich history, check out the Stagville Plantation, which is now a museum dedicated to the city’s antebellum history, offering a unique historical perspective.
Durham’s food scene is vibrant and exciting. Fans of seafood will definitely be amazed at how fresh and delicious the seafood at Mateo Bar de Tapas is. If you wish to try out Italian eats with a twist, check out Devil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant.
The main bus station is the Transportation Center located at 515 W Pettigrew St in Downtown Durham. From there, you can take a bus to New York, Richmond, Washington D.C., and dozens of other destinations across the country. The main Amtrak train station in Durham is located around the corner from the bus stop at 601 W Main St. Durham is served by Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont lines. The city’s air services are handled by the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 12 miles southeast of the city.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Philadelphia?
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 does the train arrive in Durham?
Main arrival station: 601 W Main St
In Durham, Amtrak’s train station is at 601 W Main St, in a historic brick warehouse originally constructed in 1897. The Carolinian line from Charlotte to New York and the Piedmont line from Charlotte to Raleigh both stop at this station in Durham. Inside the station, passengers are greeted by high ceilings (this was once a warehouse, after all!) and can find restrooms, long benches for seating, and Amtrak staff. The same building also hosts an Italian restaurant and pool hall around the corner, and several more restaurants are within a one-block walk. You can even check out the Museum of Durham History on Main St, too. The Durham Amtrak station is located in the city center, close to Duke University and Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
All train stations in Durham:
- 601 W Main St
Need a return trip from Durham to Philadelphia?
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