Cheap train tickets from Charleston to Philadelphia
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Charleston to Philadelphia. Traveling by train from Charleston to Philadelphia usually takes 12 hours and 24 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 364 mi (585 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 24m |
| Lowest price | $116.00 |
| 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:
Charleston to Philadelphia Train Schedule

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Charleston to Philadelphia (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Charleston to Philadelphia:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Charleston to Philadelphia?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Charleston to Philadelphia was $116.00. 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 6 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $47.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Philadelphia by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charleston to Philadelphia will cost between $90 and $116. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Philadelphia by month
Ticket prices for the train from Charleston to Philadelphia 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 $126. If you're thinking of traveling from Charleston to Philadelphia during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $394 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 Charleston to Philadelphia on Wanderu at least 6 days ahead of time, you can save about $47.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Charleston to Philadelphia?
There are multiple trains that travel from Charleston to Philadelphia, 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 24m | $138.80 |
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 Charleston to Philadelphia per day, with an average trip length of 12 hours and 24 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Charleston to Philadelphia
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Charleston. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Charleston to Philadelphia for $103.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Charleston and Philadelphia is approximately 364 miles, or 585 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 24 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 Charleston at 8:31am and arrives in Philadelphia around 12 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
8:31am
LATEST TRAIN
8:31am
Trains from Charleston 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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 Charleston?
Main departure station: 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
There is one train station in Charleston.
All train stations in Charleston:
- 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Where does the train arrive in Philadelphia?
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
Need a return trip from Philadelphia to Charleston?
Search Train Tickets
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.




