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Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to Reading

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Philadelphia to Reading Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Reading. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Reading usually takes one hour and 45 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance48 mi (78 km)
Fastest train1h 45m
Lowest price$20.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Philadelphia to Reading

(Based on 27 ratings and reviews)

4.9

4.0

Zohair

March 3, 2025

Amtrak

Wifi service

4.0

Kamika

February 10, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak

Cons: This particular trip only allowed luggage space in the smallest luggage area under bus for all passengers. I wasn't too happy with having to stack my belongings on top of others and others on top of mine. Tips: Bring earbuds if you don't like noisy and rude passengers.

5.0

Michaelle

December 27, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: Spacious bus arriving on time. Cons: Keep up with the good work. Tips: Good company to book from.

4.0

Richard

November 6, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak

The WiFi never seems to be on.

5.0

Billy

October 20, 2024- Business

Amtrak

Pros: I was traveling out of state for training and had to travel about an hour and a half from the airport. I would have struggled if it weren't for Wanderu. Wanderu solved my whole problem, the search, the booking, the tickets and the receipts were handled. The bus ride was the best part of my travel. Cons: Don't change anything! Tips: Start with Wanderu before you go anywhere.

Price trends for trains from Philadelphia to Reading

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10AMJJASONDJFM

Prices as travel date approaches

$25$20$15$10$53020100

Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Reading?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Philadelphia to Reading. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak21h 45m$20.00

  • 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 Reading every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $20.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Philadelphia to Reading

Currently there is not a train that travels the entire distance without requiring you to switch onto a connecting vehicle. However, there are direct buses from Philadelphia to Reading.
The distance between Philadelphia and Reading is approximately 48 miles, or 78 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 45 minutes, As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

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

The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 11:00am 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.

Trains leave the station in Philadelphia twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Reading with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

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

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 Reading?

Main arrival station: BARTA Transportation Center

Reading has one train station.

All train stations in Reading:

  • BARTA Transportation Center

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