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Cheap train tickets from Reading to Philadelphia

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Reading to Philadelphia Train Schedule

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

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Reading to Philadelphia.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
€23.08
Avg. Price
€18.46
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
1
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
1h 45m
Duration
2h 4m

Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Reading and Philadelphia. The average train journey from Reading to Philadelphia takes 2 hours and 5 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 2 hours.

Distance48 mi (78 km)
Fastest train2h 0m
Lowest price€18.46
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Reading to Philadelphia

(Based on 31 ratings and reviews)

4.9

4.0

Zohair

March 3, 2025

Amtrak

Working Wifi service

5.0

Viviana

January 21, 2025- Visiting friends

Amtrak

Nice quiet bus calm ride no problems at all

5.0

Solange

September 8, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Driver was pleasant and driving safely. Cons: The ticket was simply indicating Reading...should provide the address for the pick up. No one in the terminal seemed to know where that bus pass...perhaps better advise it. Tips: I felt safe around the Barta center. Found a nice Dominican restaurant close by, terminal a nice waiting area.

5.0

Roshan

August 8, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Clean and spacious. Cons: Free wifi in the busy. Tips: Just enjoy.

5.0

Roshan

August 2, 2024- Regular commuter

Amtrak

Pros: It was sound and pleasant drive. Cons: Please put free wifi. Tips: Not any.

Price trends for trains from Reading to Philadelphia

Monthly avg. prices

€23€18€14€9€5AMJJASONDJFM

Prices as travel date approaches

€23€18€14€9€53020100

Which train should you take from Reading to Philadelphia?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak22h 6m€18.46

  • 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 Reading to Philadelphia every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €18.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Reading to Philadelphia

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 Reading to Philadelphia.
The distance between Reading and Philadelphia is approximately 48 miles, or 78 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours, Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Trains from Reading to Philadelphia are the most crowded on Friday. 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.

The earliest train departs Reading at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 Reading twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Reading.

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 Reading?

Main departure station: BARTA Transportation Center

There is one train station in Reading.

All train stations in Reading:

  • BARTA Transportation Center

Where is the train station in Philadelphia?

PHLTTH-0 - PHLTTH-0.jpg

Image credit: Ben Schumin

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Philadelphia has one train station.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

  • 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Get around town with Moovit

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