Cheap train tickets from Philadelphia to Charleston
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Philadelphia to Charleston. Traveling by train from Philadelphia to Charleston usually takes 12 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 12 hours and 49 minutes.
| Distance | 364 mi (585 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 49m |
| Lowest price | $136.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 1 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Philadelphia to Charleston Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Philadelphia to Charleston?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Philadelphia to Charleston.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$332.20 | Avg. Price$223.59Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration12h 52mFaster | Duration22h 26m |
There are several train options that can take you from Philadelphia to Charleston:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Charleston?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Charleston was $136.00. 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 11 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $472.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Charleston by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Philadelphia to Charleston will cost between $88 and $116. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Philadelphia to Charleston by month
Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to Charleston 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 $146. If you're thinking of traveling from Philadelphia to Charleston during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $373 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Philadelphia to Charleston on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time, you can save about $472.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Philadelphia to Charleston?
There are multiple trains that travel from Philadelphia to Charleston, including Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 12h 52m | $332.20 |
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 Charleston per day, with an average trip length of 12 hours and 52 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Philadelphia to Charleston
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Charleston 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 Charleston to Philadelphia. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Philadelphia to Charleston for $119.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Philadelphia and Charleston is approximately 364 miles, or 585 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 49 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)
364
DISTANCE (KM)
585
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Philadelphia at 8:15am and arrives in Charleston around 12 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
8:15am
LATEST TRAIN
8:20am
Trains from Philadelphia to Charleston are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Wednesday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
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 does the train leave from 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 does the train arrive in Charleston?
Main arrival station: 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Charleston has one train station.
All train stations in Charleston:
- 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Need a return trip from Charleston to Philadelphia?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Philadelphia
- Philadelphia to Fayetteville Train$113+
- Philadelphia to Cincinnati Train$99+
- Philadelphia to Baltimore Train$51+
- Philadelphia to Buffalo Train$122+
- Philadelphia to Boston Train$159+
- Philadelphia to Atlantic City Train
- Philadelphia to New York Train$54+
- Philadelphia to Phoenix Train$385+
- Philadelphia to Greenville Train$129+
- Philadelphia to Brattleboro Train$101+
- Philadelphia to Washington, DC Train$65+
- Philadelphia to Denver Train$392+
- Philadelphia to Tampa Train$192+
- Philadelphia to Worcester Train$87+
- Philadelphia to Stamford Train$79+
- Philadelphia to Alexandria Train$62+
- Philadelphia to New Rochelle Train$47+
- Philadelphia to Hudson Train$80+
Continue by train from Charleston
- Huntington to White Sulphur Springs Train$37+
- Harpers Ferry to Baltimore Train$43+
- Charleston to Nashville Train$143+
- Martinsburg to Chicago Train$130+
- Martinsburg to Orlando Train$215+
- Harpers Ferry to Washington, DC Train$23+
- Harpers Ferry to New York Train$106+
- Martinsburg to Baltimore Train$48+
- Martinsburg to Philadelphia Train$72+
- Charleston to New York Train$111+
- Martinsburg to Washington, DC Train$30+
- Charleston to Richmond Train$75+
- Harpers Ferry to Orlando Train$212+
- Charleston to White Sulphur Springs Train$32+
- Martinsburg to New York Train$105+
- Charleston to Phoenix Train
- Martinsburg, WV to Newark, NJ Train$108+
- Charleston to Chicago Train$104+
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.