Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA Train

10/13/2024
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Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA by train

The journey from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA by train is 123.93 mi and takes 1 hr 47 min. There are 34 connections per day, with the first departure at 5:00 AM and the last at 10:00 PM. It is possible to travel from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA by train for as little as $10.37 or as much as $185.77. The best price for this journey is $10.37.

Lowest Price$10.37
Journey Duration1 hr 47 min
Connection per Day34
Lowest Price$10.37
Highest Price$185.77
First Departure5:00 AM
Last Departure10:00 PM
Distance123.93 mi
DepartureWashington, DC
ArrivalPhiladelphia, PA
CarriersAmtrak

Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA Train Times

Departure date
Sunday, Oct 13, 2024

Traveling from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia, PA by Train

The train journey between Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia is relatively quick, usually taking around 1 hr 47 min, while covering a distance of approximately 123.93 mi. There are, on average, 34 daily train connections available, providing passengers with several departure options. It is advisable to book tickets in advance to ensure the best fares and seat availability, especially during peak travel times. The journey begins at Washington Union Station and culminates at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station.

Amtrak offers the Acela Express, and the Northeast Regional. The two services offer distinct experiences for East Coast travelers. The Acela, reaching speeds up to 150 mph, is faster than the Northeast Regional, making it suitable for time-efficient travel. It features spacious seating with ample legroom and amenities like electrical outlets and tray tables in each seat. First Class on Acela includes priority boarding, complimentary meals, and access to station lounges

In contrast, the Northeast Regional serves a broader range of destinations, stopping in various cities across multiple states. It operates numerous times daily, offering greater flexibility for commuters and leisure travelers. The Northeast Regional provides amenities such as complimentary WiFi, a quiet car, and a café car. Business class on this train offers extra legroom, complimentary beverages, assigned seating, and conference tables. Each service caters to different needs: Acela for speed and luxury and Northeast Regional for accessibility and frequency.

Upon arriving at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia, passengers have many local transportation options. SEPTA regional rail, buses, and trolleys connect through this central hub. Additionally, taxis and ride-share services are easily accessible just outside the station.

Things to Do/See in Philadelphia:

  1. Liberty Bell & Independence Hall: Symbolic heart of American freedom.
  2. Philadelphia Museum of Art: Home to world-class art and the famous "Rocky Steps."
  3. Reading Terminal Market: This historic public market has many culinary delights.
  4. Eastern State Penitentiary: Gothic-style prison offering guided tours.
  5. Philadelphia Magic Gardens: A mosaicked wonderland created by artist Isaiah Zagar.
  6. Elfreth's Alley: The nation's oldest continuously inhabited residential street.
  7. The Barnes Foundation: An exceptional collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Early Modern paintings.
  8. Rodin Museum: Houses the largest collection of Rodin's works outside Paris.
  9. Franklin Institute: A science museum perfect for families and curious minds.
  10. Penn's Landing: A waterfront area with events, attractions, and scenic views of the Delaware River.

What to Eat in Philadelphia:

  1. Philly Cheesesteak: The iconic sandwich of thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese.
  2. Soft Pretzel: A snack deeply rooted in Philly's culinary tradition.
  3. Hoagies: Philadelphia's rendition of the submarine sandwich.
  4. Water Ice: A smooth, refreshing summertime treat.
  5. Scrapple: A breakfast meat of pork scraps and cornmeal.
  6. Tastykake: A beloved local brand of snack cakes.
  7. Roast Pork Sandwich: Typically topped with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone.
  8. Tomato Pie: A pizza-like dish served at room temperature.
  9. Philadelphia Butter Cake: A gooey, buttery dessert.
  10. Beer from Local Breweries: Philadelphia has a rich brewing heritage.

Day Trips from Philadelphia:

Valley Forge National Historical Park offers insights into the Revolutionary War. The Brandywine Valley is famed for its scenic beauty and historic mansions. New Hope and Lambertville, twin towns on either side of the Delaware, are perfect for antique shopping and riverside dining. The Amish Country in Lancaster County provides a glimpse into the life of the Amish community. Finally, Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square boasts breathtakingly beautiful botanical collections.

Travel Tips for Philadelphia:

The best time to visit is from March to May for moderate weather and fewer crowds. Philadelphia is a walkable city, but be aware of your surroundings as neighborhoods can vary. Public transportation is efficient; use SEPTA for city travel, and consider a family pass for savings. For dining, explore beyond the tourist areas and try local favorites like cheesesteaks and soft pretzels. Take advantage of free attractions like the Liberty Bell Center and Independence Hall. Safety is important, so stay vigilant, especially at night. If driving, be prepared for parking challenges. Lastly, Philadelphia's diverse and accepting atmosphere makes it a welcoming destination for all visitors. The Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop offers a convenient way to hit popular attractions. 

Are you considering a train journey from Washington to Philadelphia? Let us streamline the process for you. Our deep-rooted understanding of routes ensures you get the best offers for an unforgettable trip. Check our exhaustive calendar for the most enticing fares on the Washington-Philadelphia route.

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Compare prices and tickets from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA

Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $10.37 to $53.97 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 81% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA

The cheapest Washington, DC - Philadelphia, PA train tickets can be found for as low as $21.84 if you’re lucky, or $49.75 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $79.51.

Find the best day to travel to Philadelphia, PA by train

When travelling to Philadelphia, PA by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board Amtrak from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA
Compare services on board when travelling from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA by train.
Facilities Amtrak
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
13.96kg
Bus
14.96kg
Flight
39.89kg
Car
31.91kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA are 13.96kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA? By taking the train between Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA you will save 25.93kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 1kg compared to a bus and 17.95kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA?
A train ticket from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA is $62.97. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $10.37.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA is $10.37. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA by train?
Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA is 123.93 mi.
How long does the train between Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA take?
Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA is on average 1 hr 47 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 1 hr 30 min.
How many train connections per day go from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA?
Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA has 34 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA leave?
The earliest train from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA departs at 5:00 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA depart?
The latest train from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA departs at 10:00 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $10.37 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
How many direct connections depart from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA?
There are on average 34 direct connection(s) from Washington, DC to go to Philadelphia, PA.
What's the fastest journey time between Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA is 1 hr 30 min.
Is there a direct train from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA?
Yes, there is a direct train between Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA.
What are the CO2 emissions for Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA by train?
The train journey from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA creates 13.96kg of CO2 emissions.

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