Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to Cincinnati
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Philadelphia to Cincinnati. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Cincinnati usually takes 17 hours and 49 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 17 hours and 36 minutes.
- Distance
- 501 mi (807 km)
- Fastest train
- 17h 36m
- Lowest price
- CHF 83.52
- Trains per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Cardinal
- Train lines
- 1
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Philadelphia to Cincinnati Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Philadelphia to Cincinnati?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Philadelphia to Cincinnati.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCHF 215.14 | Avg. PriceCHF 105.47Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration17h 49m | Duration14h 56mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Philadelphia to Cincinnati:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Cincinnati?
In the last month, train tickets from Philadelphia to Cincinnati cost about CHF 84 when booked at the cheapest time. 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 10 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 400.87 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Cincinnati by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Cincinnati will cost between CHF 79 and CHF 247. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Cincinnati by month
Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to Cincinnati 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 CHF 102. If you're thinking of traveling from Philadelphia to Cincinnati during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 256 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Philadelphia to Cincinnati on Wanderu at least 10 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 400.87 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Cincinnati?
Amtrak Cardinal is the one and only train line which connects Philadelphia to Cincinnati. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 17h 49m | CHF 215.14 |
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 is usually 1 Cardinal trip from Philadelphia to Cincinnati per day, with an average trip length of 17 hours and 49 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Philadelphia to Cincinnati
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Cincinnati with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Cincinnati to Philadelphia. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Philadelphia to Cincinnati for CHF 66.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
1
The distance between Philadelphia and Cincinnati is approximately 501 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 17 hours and 49 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 17 hours and 36 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)
501
Distance (km)
807
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Philadelphia at 8:20 AM and arrives in Cincinnati around 17 hours later.
First train
8:20am
Last train
8:35am
Trains from Philadelphia to Cincinnati are the most crowded on Friday. 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.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Sunday
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.
Cincinnati



A city famous for its idyllic beauty and quaint quarters, Cincinnati is the destination for tourists who wish to stay away from a large crowd. On a bright sunny day in Cincinnati, head over to Eden Park. Encompassing over 183 acres of green space and tree groves, the park lives up to its name, and there are some scenic ponds where you can unwind as well as take a few amazing pictures. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum might sound like a scary place to visit, but its tranquility and amazing landscape design, which was ahead of its time, will make it worth the while to check it out. For those who still crave some liveliness, watching a game at the Great American Ball Park, home of the oldest professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds, will be an unforgettable experience.
Cincinnati features a very diverse food scene in spite of its German roots. If you are looking to try out some refreshing Mediterranean dishes, head over to Abigail Street, one of the local favorites. For authentic German dishes, the door at Mecklenburg Gardens welcomes you.
There’s not a central bus station in the city, as each of the different bus carriers serving Cincinnati operates out of a different location. The principal Amtrak train station is the Union Terminal on Western Ave. Cincinnati is served by Amtrak’s Cardinal line. The city’s main airport is the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is located in Hebron, Kentucky.
Station Information
Where is the train station 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 is the train station in Cincinnati?
Main arrival station: Union Terminal - 1301 Western Ave



Cincinnati’s Union Terminal is a living museum and train station with service operated by Amtrak. The art deco train station opened in 1933 and is now part of the Cincinnati Museum Center. Visitors can ogle dinosaur skeletons in the Museum of Natural History and travel back in time to an old-fashioned city street in the Cincinnati History Museum. To serve the 1.4 million annual visitors to these museums, the center offers a coat check, gift shops, and three dining rooms where travelers can stop in for ice cream or a draft beer before boarding their train. Amtrak’s Cardinal line runs through Union Terminal on its route from Chicago to New York, and travelers can travel to other cities along this line, such as Toledo and Cleveland.
All train stations in Cincinnati:
- Union Terminal - 1301 Western Ave
Need a return trip from Cincinnati to Philadelphia?
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