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Philadelphia to Charlottesville train

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Philadelphia - Charlottesville Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

3 trains operate daily from Philadelphia to Charlottesville. The train trip from Philadelphia to Charlottesville is usually about 5 hours and 4 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Crescent train can get you there in as little as 4 hours and 52 minutes.

Distance222 mi (357 km)
Fastest train4h 52m
Lowest price$53.00
Trains per day3
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Philadelphia to Charlottesville

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.3

5.0

Nancy B

August 25, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

The ride is comfortable and very smooth. I love that I get to read and gaze out the window. I appreciated the reading light over my seat. The conductor always helps me get my suitcase on and off the train when there are steps.

4.0

M E

October 19, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Cardinal

Pros: NOT having to wear a mask; besides, they don't work anyway. Cons: Our train had to spend over an hour on a siding waiting for a freight train to pass - 40 mins. spent waiting for the freight train to reach us, another 20 mins. for the freight to pass, and another 10 mins. before we got moving. Understandable since there are few tracks for both carriers - freight & passengers. Tips: Plan ahead. Always an important step in the process.

4.0

Sheila

July 6, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Generally what I hoped. Cons: Half of the journey the ac did not appear to be working and as the train was full it was very uncomfortable, appreciate these things happen but perhaps need checking before journey starts. Tips: Make sure you are ready with luggage and by the door that is opening in plenty of time before stopping.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Philadelphia to Charlottesville is $68.60, By booking your trip at least 22 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $74.69 more.

Monthly avg. prices

$125$100$75$50$25MJJASONDJFMA
Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to Charlottesville often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $78. If you're thinking of traveling from Philadelphia to Charlottesville during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $106 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$150$120$90$60$303020100

By booking your train trip from Philadelphia to Charlottesville on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time, you can save about $74.69 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Philadelphia to Charlottesville?

There are 3 train lines with service from Philadelphia to Charlottesville. Amtrak Northeast Regional is your best bet, with 2 scheduled trains per day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Cardinal15h 28m$132.61
Amtrak Crescent14h 52m$109.65
Amtrak Northeast Regional25h 5m$86.59

  • 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 are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Philadelphia to Charlottesville per day, with an average trip length of 5 hours and 28 minutes.

  • The Crescent is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs from New York to New Orleans by way of Atlanta. As an overnight service, the Crescent offers a variety of amenities and accommodation options. There’s also a café car where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals and a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages. Like all Amtrak trains, the Crescent offers free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom. Train trips from Philadelphia to Charlottesville take about 4 hours and 52 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $84.

  • The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes traveling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 2 daily train trips from Philadelphia to Charlottesville, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Philadelphia and Charlottesville is approximately 222 miles, or 357 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 52 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Philadelphia to Charlottesville on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Tuesday. Tuesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Philadelphia at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Philadelphia to Charlottesville.

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

Charlottesville

Lovingly called Mr. Jefferson’s City by locals, Charlottesville is one of Virginia's best destinations with plenty of interesting attractions to draw in not only fans of history but also of arts and culture. The prime attraction of the city is the famous estate of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello. This 5000-acre mansion is an architectural masterpiece that combines Parisian and Italian elements, giving you a day’s worth of exploration. For those looking for a more idyllic landscape, try Carter Mountain Orchard, which offers apple-picking sessions as well. The University of Charlottesville is also a must-not-miss destination. As the only university in the U.S. to be designated a World Heritage Site, it offers interesting insights into the history of education of the country.

Charlottesville’s wines are famous around the country, and the Monticello Wine Trail is perfect for trying out the best wines that the region has to offer. For an amazing dinner experience, C & O Restaurant, which has been in business since 1976, will be a great choice.

The city’s busiest bus stop is the Greyhound bus stop located downtown at 310 W Main St. For trains, head over to the nearby Amtrak train station, also on W Main St. Charlottesville is served by Amtrak’s Cardinal, Crescent and Northeast Regional lines. The city’s main airport is the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, 8 miles from the city.

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 Charlottesville?

Train Station - 810 W Main St - CVSAMT-0

Image credit: Funky Tee

Link to image attribution
Train Station - 810 W Main St - CVSAMT-1

Image credit: Bill McChesney

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Main arrival station: Train Station - 810 W Main St

The Union Station in Charlottesville opened in 1885 and today remains the center of rail transportation in Charlottesville. Three Amtrak lines run through the Charlottesville station: the Cardinal route from Chicago to New York, the Crescent route from New Orleans to New York, and the Northeast Regional route from Roanoke to Boston. Inside the barn-red building, you can have a seat in the indoor waiting room, purchase a snack to go from vending machines, or learn more about Charlottesville from the tourism pamphlets available. The station is just steps away from the University of Virginia campus, and from the station, you can stroll to one of many excellent restaurants along Main Street.

All train stations in Charlottesville:

  • Train Station - 810 W Main St

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