New York NY to Philadelphia PA by train
Ticket costs and times from New York NY to Philadelphia PA
The journey from New York to Philadelphia takes about 1 h 22 min by train, costing roughly $ 29.92. There are 26 daily connections each day from New York. The first departure time is , while the last train of the day departs at .
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The route from New York NY to Philadelphia PA
Located some 80 miles southwest of New York, there are regular trains to the city of Philadelphia. It’s among the fastest and easiest ways to travel between both cities. There are essentially two separate services on this same Amtrak route; Regional and Acela. The latter is the fastest method, taking in fewer stops along the way. In fact, the Acela is the fastest rail route along the Northeast Corridor, connecting Washington, D.C. with Boston. As such, there are only several noted stations on this leg of the journey, including:
- New York, Penn Station
- Newark
- Trenton Transit Center
- Philadelphia, 30th Street Station
Your train departs from New York’s Penn Station, named after the original rail network, Pennsylvania Rail. This is New York’s major rail hub, servicing some 60,000 passengers each weekday. As such, it’s recommended you arrive with thirty minutes to spare to locate your train in good time. This will give you ample opportunity to admire the public art and architecture that make this station great. Look out, in particular, for the murals found in the Moynihan Train Hall.
Departing New York, the route stays underground due west, going under the Hudson River via the North River Tunnels. Passing Union City, you’ll now head southwest to your first major stop. Pulling into Newark Penn Station, this is another of the area’s busiest transport hubs. Newark itself is a unique melting pot, with some of the finest Portuguese and Spanish food in the country.
Making your way into the wetlands
From Newark, you head into the heartland of New Jersey, past Edison and New Brunswick. It’s at this stage that the scenery begins to open up, as you bypass the metropolis into farmland and suburbs. From wetlands through flower fields and industrial complexes, your train arrives in Trenton. Although you don’t stop in the city proper, you'll catch glimpses of the big neon signage above the Delaware River Bridge. These giant letters read “Trenton Makes, The World Takes”. The sign was actually meant to be installed in reverse, but it remains an iconic slogan of New Jersey’s grit.
Crossing state lines now into Pennsylvania over the Delaware Bridge, this area has played an important role in American history. It's where George Washington surprised an English-allied garrison in 1776, a symbol (and famous painting) of the American Revolutionary War. Pulling into Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, you’ll get an excellent view of the city’s skyline before disembarking.
Discover Philadelphia PA, a multifaceted city of culture
Steeped in culture and history, Philadelphia is home to many of the country’s foundational artefacts. From the Liberty Bell to Independence Hall, the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence were both formed here. The result is a captivating city with impressive architectural accomplishments and a sense of deep importance. Yet ‘Philly’ has a fun side too. Explore countless museums, galleries, and outdoor parks to get a sense of what makes the city so great.
A revolutionary heritage
Philadelphia is a hub for history buffs thanks to its central place in revolutionary history and strong heritage preservation. Aside from iconic landmarks like the Liberty Bell, you can visit excellent museums throughout the city. These include the Benjamin Franklin Museum and the Museum of the American Revolution. Many of these attractions are dotted around the immensely charming, Independence National Historical Park.
Simply walking this great city, particularly the Old City area, is a fine way to absorb its history. You'll find buildings dating back to the 17th century, alongside other architectural flourishes built over the next centuries. One particular treasure is the Masonic Temple, built in 1873. Freemasonry has an even longer history in the city and has its roots in the very foundation of the country. If you can, catch a tour of the City Hall too, an impressive structure directly across from the Temple.
Cultural and artistic diversity
Philadelphia is brimming with artistic attractions. Among the most prestigious is the Barnes Foundation, home to an engaging collection of impressionist masterworks. Just up the road, you’ll find the equally impressive Rodin Museum. The city's premier artistic attraction, however, is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Beloved not just for its collections, this is where Rocky famously ran up the steps – something most tourists love to recreate.
There are great works of public art too. The Mural Art Program, for instance, is a magnetic outdoor trail of street art and sculptures. Philadelphia's artistic heritage is so impressive that it has its very own Avenue of the Arts. Situated on Broad Street, this is where you'll find the city's most prestigious theaters, concert halls, and art spaces.
A culinary hotspot
Philadelphia's food scene is eclectic, trendy, and bustling. The city's most popular eating spots include outdoor markets at Reading Terminal and South 9th Street. You’ll find everything from hoagies and pretzels to unique Amish dishes here. However, if there is one must for first-time visitors, it's the Philly cheesesteak. Even vegans can now partake in this iconic dish alongside many other twists on the grilled cheese sandwich.
The brewing scene in Philadelphia is also huge. There are ample taprooms and beer gardens to be found around town, including 2nd Story Brewing Co. The city has an official Beer Trail taking in some 91 recommended drinking spots.
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