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Indianapolis to Philadelphia train

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Indianapolis - Philadelphia Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Indianapolis to Philadelphia. Traveling by train from Indianapolis to Philadelphia usually takes 27 hours and 46 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 20 hours and 36 minutes.

Distance583 mi (938 km)
Fastest train20h 36m
Lowest price$80.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Indianapolis to Philadelphia

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Olugbenga

July 5, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Cardinal

Pros: It was an opportunity to see the country side. The seats are very comfortable and very friendly on train staff. Cons: Provision of blankets would be nice because of the air conditioner which was too cold for me. Tips: Try and see.

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Indianapolis to Philadelphia was $186.79. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $96.21 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$300$200$100MarApr

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Indianapolis to Philadelphia will range from $168 to $289. If you're planning to travel by train to Philadelphia in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Indianapolis you can find in the next 7 days is $193. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$225$180$135$90$45AMJJASONDJFM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during January. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Indianapolis to Philadelphia, with the average price at just $177. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in October, when the average price goes up to $222. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$275$220$165$110$553020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Indianapolis to Philadelphia, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $96.21 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Indianapolis to Philadelphia?

2 train services operate from Indianapolis to Philadelphia. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak21d 5h 21m$242.60
Amtrak Cardinal120h 36m$149.02
  • 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 Indianapolis to Philadelphia every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $168.

  • 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 Indianapolis to Philadelphia per day, with an average trip length of 20 hours and 36 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Indianapolis to Philadelphia. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Indianapolis and Philadelphia is approximately 583 miles, or 938 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 27 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 36 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.

Trains departing from Indianapolis to Philadelphia tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Indianapolis at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00am. 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 Indianapolis twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Philadelphia faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Philadelphia to Indianapolis.

City Information

Indianapolis

Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.

Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.

Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.

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 Indianapolis?

Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Union Station (350 S Illinois St) - INDAMT-0

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Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 350 S Illinois St

Union Station at 350 S Illinois St in Indianapolis is a major train and bus station which serves the Amtrak Cardinal, and bus carriers including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Miller Transportation, and Burlington Trailways. The modern station is located directly south of the historic 1888 Union Station, which now houses a hotel, several restaurants, and a wedding venue. Union Station is in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance to eateries and hotels. There is even an underground, climate-controlled walkway from the station to the nearby Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts.

All train stations in Indianapolis:

  • 350 S Illinois St

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

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