- Must visit
Philadelphia Museum of Art
One of the largest art museums in the United States, known for major collections, special exhibitions, and the famous East Steps.
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$67
Fastest journey
1 h 50 m
Average duration
1 h 53 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
198 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bethesda, MD 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 Bethesda, MD to Philadelphia, PA will cost around $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 4 trains that leave Bethesda, MD for Philadelphia, PA on Sat, Jun 27, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 27 the direct trains cover the 198 km distance in an average of 1 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .
On Sat, Jun 27 the slowest trains will take 1 h 56 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bethesda, MD to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $12, and a flight costs an average of $213.
Distance: 123 miles (198 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $39 Average price | $401 Average price | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 3m Average total duration 2h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 4m Average total duration 5h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bethesda, MD to Philadelphia, PA:
A train is $5 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bethesda, MD to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $39 (€32).
A train is $367 (€303) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bethesda, MD to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $401 (€332).
Other travel options to Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 33m.
Flight takes on average 5h 4m.
The journey is about 16m faster (2h 8m by train vs 2h 24m by car) and roughly $2 (€2) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($34 (€29) vs $36 (€30)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Amtrak, Amtrak.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Bethesda, MD to Philadelphia, PA trains for today, Thursday, June 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2150 Acela | 4:50 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h38 | 6:28 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
170 Northeast Regional | 5:05 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h50 | 6:55 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2102 NextGen Acela | 5:48 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h47 | 7:35 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
130 Northeast Regional | 6:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h57 | 8:27 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2152 Acela | 6:50 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h36 | 8:26 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
172 Northeast Regional | 7:06 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h59 | 9:05 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2104 NextGen Acela | 7:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h41 | 9:11 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
112 Northeast Regional | 7:45 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h52 | 9:37 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
86 Northeast Regional | 7:52 AM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 2h55 | 10:47 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
56 Vermonter | 8:08 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h50 | 9:58 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2154 Acela | 8:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h42 | 10:12 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
86 Northeast Regional | 8:50 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h57 | 10:47 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
182 Northeast Regional | 9:31 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h00 | 11:31 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2108 NextGen Acela | 10:05 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h37 | 11:42 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
174 Northeast Regional | 10:35 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h52 | 12:27 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
84 Northeast Regional | 11:06 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h58 | 1:04 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2112 Acela | 11:55 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h36 | 1:31 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
134 Northeast Regional | 11:56 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h59 | 1:55 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
41 Floridian · 148 Northeast Regional | 12:21 PM Rockville Station, Rockville, MD | 4h31 | 4:52 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
41 Floridian · 178 Northeast Regional | 12:21 PM Rockville Station, Rockville, MD | 5h27 | 5:48 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
2158 NextGen Acela | 12:50 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h45 | 2:35 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
94 Northeast Regional | 12:57 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 2h59 | 3:56 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
184 Northeast Regional | 1:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h00 | 3:20 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2116 NextGen Acela | 1:55 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h42 | 3:37 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
94 Northeast Regional | 2:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h56 | 3:56 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
178 Northeast Regional | 2:32 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 3h16 | 5:48 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
20 Crescent | 2:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h07 | 4:42 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
40 Floridian · 196 Northeast Regional | 2:43 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 5h17 | 8:00 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
2160 NextGen Acela | 2:50 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h39 | 4:29 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
148 Northeast Regional | 2:55 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h57 | 4:52 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2118 NextGen Acela | 3:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h42 | 5:07 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
176 Northeast Regional | 3:30 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h53 | 5:23 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
178 Northeast Regional | 3:54 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h54 | 5:48 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
80 Carolinian | 4:03 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 2h57 | 7:00 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2162 NextGen Acela | 4:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h41 | 6:01 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
136 Northeast Regional | 5:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h53 | 6:53 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2120 NextGen Acela | 5:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h39 | 6:44 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
138 Northeast Regional | 5:14 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 3h17 | 8:31 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
196 Northeast Regional | 6:08 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h52 | 8:00 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2124 NextGen Acela | 6:13 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h38 | 7:51 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
90 Palmetto | 6:34 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 3h17 | 9:51 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
138 Northeast Regional | 6:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h56 | 8:31 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
192 Northeast Regional | 7:12 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h56 | 9:08 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
186 Northeast Regional | 7:33 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 2h52 | 10:25 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
90 Palmetto | 7:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h54 | 9:51 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2128 Acela | 8:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h42 | 9:44 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
186 Northeast Regional | 8:30 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h55 | 10:25 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 26 | |||||
![]() | 12:30 AM Bethesda, MD | 1h55 | 2:25 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, June 25 | |||||
66 Northeast Regional | 9:12 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 2h54 | 12:06 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
198 Northeast Regional | 9:15 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h56 | 11:11 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:15 AM Bethesda, MD | 1h56 | 3:11 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, June 25 | |||||
66 Northeast Regional | 10:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h06 | 12:06 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 26 | |||||
![]() | 2:15 AM Bethesda, MD | 1h50 | 4:05 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Bethesda, MD to Philadelphia, PA run on average 43 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 38 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 123 miles (198 km) distance in 1h 50m.
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average train duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 43 |
Direct trains 38 |
Fastest train 1h 50m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Philadelphia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Philadelphia trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the United States, known for major collections, special exhibitions, and the famous East Steps.
Renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings displayed in an intimate, carefully arranged setting.
Major science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly displays that make it one of the city’s most popular museums.
Elegant central square surrounded by historic buildings, shopping, and cafés, popular for people-watching and relaxed city walks.
Broad cultural boulevard linking City Hall and the art museum district, lined with flags, fountains, and major institutions.
Historic neighborhood with cobbled streets, early American landmarks, galleries, and lively urban atmosphere near the waterfront.
The city’s signature sandwich of thinly sliced beef and melted cheese on a long roll, often ordered with fried onions. It is Philadelphia’s most famous comfort food.
A traditional Philadelphia sandwich with slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe on an Italian roll. Many locals consider it the city’s best sandwich.
Philadelphia-style soft pretzels are dense, chewy, and usually eaten with mustard. They are a classic street snack with deep local roots.
A historic indoor market with many established vendors serving classic Philadelphia foods, including roast pork, pretzels, and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties. Lively and casual atmosphere.
An acclaimed modern Israeli restaurant known for polished service, excellent mezze, and a destination dining experience. One of Philadelphia’s best-known upscale restaurants.
A famous market sandwich counter best known for its roast pork with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. One of the city’s most celebrated casual eats.
Moderate by major U.S. city standards. Hotels can be pricey, but food, transit, and attractions offer good mid-range options.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bethesda, MD 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need