Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to North Charleston

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to North Charleston. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to North Charleston usually takes 13 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 12 hours and 31 minutes.

Distance: 558 mi (899 km)
Fastest train: 12h 31m
Lowest price: RON 438.62
Trains per day: 2
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 3

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Philadelphia to North Charleston Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Philadelphia to North Charleston?

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Philadelphia to North Charleston.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceRON 1,063.78	Avg. PriceRON 624.23Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips3	Daily Trips4
Duration	Duration13h 18mFaster	Duration20h 41m

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Philadelphia to North Charleston (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

Benjamin

September 27, 2025 - Business

Amtrak Palmetto

Tips: Make sure you wear pants, long sleeve shirt or hoody and bring a small blanket

There are several train options that can take you from Philadelphia to North Charleston:

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to North Charleston was RON 567.90. 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 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 713.25 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to North Charleston by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to North Charleston will cost between RON 494 and RON 947. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to North Charleston by month

Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to North Charleston 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 RON 693. If you're thinking of traveling from Philadelphia to North Charleston during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 1,131 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 North Charleston on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 713.25 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Philadelphia to North Charleston?

There are 3 train lines with service from Philadelphia to North Charleston. There is only one daily train on each service.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	12h 48m	RON 1,219.11
Amtrak Palmetto	1	14h 49m	RON 788.95
Amtrak Silver Service	1	12h 33m	RON 1,113.13

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 North Charleston every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from RON 521.73.
The Palmetto is an Amtrak train service that runs a total of 829 miles from New York City to Savannah, GA, connecting 20 cities from the Northeast to the Southeast along the way. Traveling from Philadelphia to North Charleston is comfortable and relaxing on the Palmetto, thanks to the train’s free WiFi, power outlets, and seating with extra legroom. You can pick from 1 daily departures along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of RON 788.95 on the Palmetto.
The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Philadelphia to North Charleston start from RON 743.35 and the average train journey lasts about 12 hours and 33 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Philadelphia to North Charleston

There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to North Charleston. 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 North Charleston to Philadelphia. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Philadelphia to North Charleston for RON 365.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Philadelphia and North Charleston is approximately 558 miles, or 899 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 31 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)

558

Distance (km)

899

The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 7:32am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:15pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

7:32am

Last train

4:15pm

Trains from Philadelphia to North Charleston are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Saturday

Least crowded

Thursday

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.

North Charleston

North Charleston is a promising travel destination with quirky landmarks and fun activities for all travelers. To explore the city’s rich history, the H.L. Hunley Museum offers everything you need. Featuring the first successful combat submarine in the world as well as other Civil War-era relics, the museum will keep you enthralled for a whole morning. Other notable museums include the Greater Charleston Naval Memorial as well as the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum. For fans of cultural activities, don’t pass up the chance to enjoy an event at the North Charleston Coliseum, which is one of the largest venues in South Carolina. If you enjoy staying away from a crowd and exploring nature, a walk around Riverfront Park will be what you need.

Though North Charleston might not feature a lively food scene like Charleston does, the city’s staples will still satisfy hungry travelers. Nigel’s Good Food is a local favorite and a good place to start your food tour. Chill-N-Grill is a great spot to grab some fresh seafood.

The city’s transportation center is located on Gaynor Ave. Travelers can catch Southeastern Stages buses here. Travelers can also catch Amtrak trains passing through the city at this station. North Charleston is served by Amtrak’s Palmetto and Silver Meteor lines. The main airport is the Charleston International Airport.

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 North Charleston?

Main arrival station: 4565 Gaynor Ave

The Amtrak Station in North Charleston is an intermodal transportation hub offering both intercity bus services and train services for travelers into and out of the Charleston area. The station opened in 2018 and offers modern amenities like charging ports along with vending machines and restrooms. Amtrak’s Palmetto service from Savannah to New York and Silver Meteor service from Miami to New York both stop in North Charleston. Southeastern Stages provides bus service from this station to destinations throughout the South.

All train stations in North Charleston:

4565 Gaynor Ave

Need a return trip from North Charleston to Philadelphia?

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