- Must visit
Philadelphia Museum of Art
World-class art museum famous for major collections and the Rocky Steps. A top cultural stop with strong city views.
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
2 h 54 m
Average duration
2 h 58 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
206 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Alexandria, VA to Philadelphia, PA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Alexandria, VA to Philadelphia, PA will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 9 trains that leave Alexandria, VA for Philadelphia, PA on Mon, Jul 27, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 27 the direct trains cover the 206 km distance in an average of 2 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 54 m .
On Mon, Jul 27 the slowest trains will take 3 h 2 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
186 Northeast Regional
80 Carolinian
90 Palmetto
94 Northeast Regional
66 Northeast Regional
66 Northeast Regional
86 Northeast Regional
186 Northeast Regional
94 Northeast Regional
80 CarolinianOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Alexandria, VA to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $171.
Distance: 128 miles (206 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$44 Average price | $25 Average price Cheapest | $377 Average price | $31 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 24m Average total duration 2h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration 3h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Alexandria, VA to Philadelphia, PA:
A bus is $19 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Alexandria, VA to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $44 (€44).
A bus is $352 (€352) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Alexandria, VA to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $377 (€377).
Other travel options to Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 54m.
Bus takes on average 3h 33m.
Tickets start at around $44 (€44) compared to roughly $31 (€31) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-13.35 (€-13.35). The journey takes 2h 54m versus 2h 37m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Alexandria, VA to Philadelphia, PA trains for today, Sunday, July 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
164 Northeast Regional | 7:57 AM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 3h07 | 11:04 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
156 Northeast Regional | 1:26 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 3h06 | 4:32 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
156 Northeast Regional · 132 Northeast Regional | 1:26 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 3h35 | 5:01 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
40 Floridian · 158 Northeast Regional | 2:43 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 5h26 | 8:09 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
80 Carolinian | 4:03 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 3h02 | 7:05 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
158 Northeast Regional | 5:10 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 2h59 | 8:09 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
90 Palmetto | 6:34 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 3h20 | 9:54 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
124 Northeast Regional | 7:27 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 2h56 | 10:23 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
128 Northeast Regional | 8:22 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 2h55 | 11:17 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
66 Northeast Regional | 9:12 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 2h54 | 12:06 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Alexandria, VA to Philadelphia, PA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€22) but you can travel from only $16 (€16) by bus.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 22:48. The fastest train covers the 128 miles (206 km) distance in 2h 48m.
Distance 128 miles (206 km) |
Average train duration 2h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€22) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 2h 48m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 10:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Philadelphia, PA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Philadelphia, PA trip today.
World-class art museum famous for major collections and the Rocky Steps. A top cultural stop with strong city views.
Hands-on science museum for all ages, known for interactive exhibits and the giant walk-through heart near the Parkway.
Celebrated collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and modern works in an intimate gallery setting on the Parkway.
Historic district packed with foundational sites, cobblestone streets, and museums. The best base for first-time visitors.
Beloved park atop a hill with skyline views, trails, and the Rocky Steps approach. Great for walking and photography.
Walkable district of rowhouses, boutiques, and small parks. A classic local neighborhood for architecture and relaxed city strolling.
A long roll packed with thin-sliced beef and melted cheese, often with fried onions. It is Philadelphia's signature street and comfort food.
A soft pretzel with a distinct figure-eight twist and chewy texture. Sold by street vendors and bakeries, it is a classic Philadelphia snack.
A roast pork sandwich with garlicky pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe. Many locals consider it the city's best traditional sandwich.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant by Chef Marc Vetri, known for refined Italian tasting menus and one of Philadelphia's top culinary experiences.
Historic roast pork and cheesesteak shop in South Philadelphia, known for hearty sandwiches and a no-frills local atmosphere.
Beloved local chain specializing in water ice and frozen custard. It is a go-to stop for a classic Philadelphia summer dessert.
Moderate for a major US city. Hotels can be pricey in Center City, but dining and transit are often cheaper than New York or Washington.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or cafe order if service is provided.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Alexandria, VA to Philadelphia, PA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Philadelphia, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Alexandria, VA to Philadelphia, PA trains use the Alexandria Station to 30th Street Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Alexandria, VA and Philadelphia, PA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Alexandria Station is 1 km from Alexandria city centre. Public transport options include:
Alexandria Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Joe Theismann's Restaurant, Table Talk Restaurant
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Alexandria Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Alexandria Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Alexandria Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Alexandria Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Alexandria Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Alexandria Old Town, Embassy Suites by Hilton Alexandria Old Town, The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria.
30th Street Station is 1 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
30th Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Bridgewater's Pub, The Porch at 30th Street Station
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at 30th Street Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at 30th Street Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at 30th Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at 30th Street Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at 30th Street Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel, Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel, The Study at University City.
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