Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to Erie
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Philadelphia to Erie?
There are usually 6 daily bus trips available from Philadelphia to Erie.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price€87.37 | Avg. Price€192.18 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration15h 49m | Duration13h 49m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Erie. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Erie usually takes 13 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 12 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 297 mi (478 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 50m |
| Lowest price | €109.34 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Erie?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Erie was €109.34. 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 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around €328.48 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Philadelphia to Erie. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 21 days before departure, you can save around €328.48. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Erie?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Philadelphia to Erie. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 14h 0m | €250.52 |
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 Erie every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €109.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Philadelphia to Erie
The distance between Philadelphia and Erie is approximately 297 miles, or 478 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 50 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.
Trains departing from Philadelphia to Erie tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Philadelphia twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Erie 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.
Erie
Image credit: Unsplash
Named for the Great Lake it sits upon, Erie is one of Pennsylvania's most picturesque cities. Erie is about halfway between Buffalo and Cleveland and about two hours north of Pittsburgh.
One of the most popular spots to visit, Presque Isle State Park, is a curved peninsula that extends into Lake Erie and creates 11 miles of beaches. Swim on the beaches, birdwatch near some of its lagoons, or tour the Presque Isle Lighthouse for a full day of lakeside exploring. Then, head up to the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower on the bayfront for epic panoramic views of the park and lake beyond.
Discover the city's buzzing nightlife by visiting downtown Erie, where you'll find numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs. Go big with a concert at Erie Insurance Arena, or watch a horse race at the Presque Isle Downs & Casino.
Barons Bus Lines and Jefferson Lines provide affordable bus transportation from Erie to Cleveland, Columbus, Buffalo, and beyond. The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited runs from Chicago through Erie, onward to Boston and New York City. Erie International Airport has a handful of flights to Charlotte and Chicago, but if you're flying from Erie, you'll find more destinations available from Buffalo or Cleveland's airports.
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 Erie?
Main arrival station: 125 W 14th St
Erie has one train station.
All train stations in Erie:
125 W 14th St
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Continue by train from Erie
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