Traveling from Newark, NJ, to Philadelphia, DC
The train from Newark, NJ, to Philadelphia, PA, lasts on average . Around trains depart a day between Newark, NY, and Philadelphia, PA, the average price is and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around .
Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the U.S., operates the train from Newark to Philadelphia. The good news is that all connections between Newark and Philadelphia are direct. There are several options, but it comes down to whether you need to get there fast with the speed train Acela or take your time with slightly slower lines like the Northeast Regional.
- The Acela Express is a high-speed train between Boston, MA., and Washington, D.C. It is the fastest train in the Northeast Corridor, reaching 150 miles per hour, stopping at Metropark and Trenton before arriving in Philadelphia. Acela tickets are pricier due to their great speeds and comfort. Extra legroom, free Wi-Fi, and a power outlet under each seat are some of the perks you can expect on Amtrak Acela Express.
- Northeast Regional is the most popular train due to its price and frequency. It runs around 15 times daily, unlike other lines, Carolinian, Crescent, and Palmetto, which run only once daily. The Northeast Regional is slower, but it makes more stops along the way, making it a more convenient option for passengers who need to make connections.
- Keystone service is a regional line you should take into consideration. It connects Harrisburg, PA, with New York City, serving as the main corridor between Pennsylvania and New York. It is slower than the Acela but faster and cheaper than the Northeast Regional, which makes it an attractive option for your journey. It is also a great way to go beyond Philadelphia and discover what else there is to see in Pennsylvania, the state of great American heritage.
The ticket prices may vary depending on how early you book, so securing them at your earliest convenience is recommended.
Children 2-12 travel at a lower fare on all Amtrak trains, but the Acela Express only offers discounts for children on weekends. But, the good news is that children under two always travel free on Amtrak trains between Boston, MA, and Washington, DC.
Like other cities on the Northeast Corridor, Newark also prides itself on a station built in an Art Deco style. Newark Penn Station, the namesake of New York and Baltimore stations, will mark your journey's end. It stands as a gateway to both New York City and other areas of the Garden State. The station provides intercity rail service, commuter rail service via New Jersey Transit and Amtrak, light rail service, and bus service. Newark, being one of the busiest towns in the state, offers something for everyone, a visit to the Newark Museum for art buffs or a stroll down the Passaic River for nature lovers.
In Philadelphia, you can get off at two stations:
- 30th Street Station, officially William H. Gray III, initially built in the 1930s, has since become a hub for transportation with access to Amtrak, SEPTA, and other forms of public transit. The beautiful station building is located in the University city, filled with restaurants and cafés, providing plenty of things to do and see. The famous Liberty bell is also easily reachable; if history is not your thing, you can always stroll down the Delaware river.
- Another option is the North Philadelphia station. It is located on Broad Street and close to tourist attractions such as the African American Museum of Philadelphia and the Rodin Museum. However, the station also has a reputation for being unsafe, and it may be better to exit on the 30th Street Station, which is constantly monitored and protected by the police and Amtrak security.
So if you're planning to travel to Philadelphia from Newark by train, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of destinations across rail, bus, and flight to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between Newark and Philadelphia.