- 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
$133
Average price
$287
Fastest journey
5 h 7 m
Average duration
5 h 12 m
Trains per day
36
Distance
435 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA will cost around $287 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $133.
Of the 36 trains that leave Boston, MA for Philadelphia, PA on Sat, Aug 15, 30 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 15 the direct trains cover the 435 km distance in an average of 5 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 7 m .
On Sat, Aug 15 the slowest trains will take 5 h 16 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.
167 Northeast Regional
169 Northeast Regional
169 Northeast Regional
167 Northeast Regional
65 Northeast Regional · 51 Cardinal
2267 Acela
2259 NextGen Acela
2267 Acela
2255 NextGen Acela
2265 NextGen AcelaOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $78.
Distance: 270 miles (435 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$181 Average price | $67 Average price Cheapest | $233 Average price | $91 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 34m Average total duration 6h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 31m Average total duration Fastest 3h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA:
A bus is $114 (€92) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $181 (€147).
A bus is $166 (€135) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $233 (€189).
Other travel options to Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 39m.
Train takes on average 6h 4m.
Tickets start at around $181 (€147) compared to roughly $91 (€74) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-89.52 (€-72.85). The journey takes 6h 4m versus 5h 11m 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 Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA trains for today, Friday, August 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2151 NextGen Acela | 5:00 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 5h08 | 10:08 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2151 NextGen Acela | 5:05 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h03 | 10:08 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
95 Northeast Regional | 6:10 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 5h46 | 11:56 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
95 Northeast Regional | 6:15 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h41 | 11:56 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2155 NextGen Acela | 7:00 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 5h17 | 12:17 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2155 NextGen Acela | 7:05 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h12 | 12:17 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
171 Northeast Regional | 8:12 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 6h03 | 2:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
171 Northeast Regional · 97 Silver Meteor | 8:12 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 7h53 | 4:05 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
171 Northeast Regional | 8:18 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h57 | 2:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
171 Northeast Regional · 97 Silver Meteor | 8:18 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h47 | 4:05 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
2159 NextGen Acela+ 19 Crescent | 9:00 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 6h31 | 3:31 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
2159 NextGen Acela+ 97 Silver Meteor | 9:00 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 7h05 | 4:05 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
2159 NextGen Acela | 9:00 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 5h11 | 2:11 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2159 NextGen Acela | 9:05 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h06 | 2:11 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2159 NextGen Acela+ 19 Crescent | 9:05 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 6h26 | 3:31 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
2159 NextGen Acela+ 97 Silver Meteor | 9:05 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h00 | 4:05 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
93 Northeast Regional | 9:20 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 6h04 | 3:24 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
93 Northeast Regional | 9:26 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h58 | 3:24 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
85 Northeast Regional | 10:20 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 6h08 | 4:28 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
85 Northeast Regional | 10:26 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 6h02 | 4:28 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2165 Acela | 11:15 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 5h10 | 4:25 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2165 Acela | 11:20 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h05 | 4:25 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
173 Northeast Regional | 11:40 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 5h49 | 5:29 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
173 Northeast Regional | 11:46 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h43 | 5:29 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
449 Lake Shore Limited · 475 Amtrak Hartford Line · 65 Northeast Regional | 12:50 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 12h01 | 12:51 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2 transfers | |
449 Lake Shore Limited · 475 Amtrak Hartford Line · 65 Northeast Regional | 12:57 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 11h54 | 12:51 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2 transfers | |
2167 Acela | 1:00 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 5h09 | 6:09 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2167 Acela | 1:06 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h03 | 6:09 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
137 Northeast Regional | 1:37 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 6h15 | 7:52 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
137 Northeast Regional | 1:43 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 6h09 | 7:52 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2171 Acela | 3:10 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 5h19 | 8:29 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
175 Northeast Regional | 3:15 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 6h04 | 9:19 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2171 Acela | 3:16 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h13 | 8:29 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
175 Northeast Regional | 3:21 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h58 | 9:19 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
177 Northeast Regional | 5:30 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 6h15 | 11:45 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
177 Northeast Regional | 5:35 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 6h10 | 11:45 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
65 Northeast Regional | 6:45 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 6h06 | 12:51 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
65 Northeast Regional | 6:51 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 6h00 | 12:51 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
179 Northeast Regional | 7:47 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 5h52 | 1:39 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
179 Northeast Regional | 7:52 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 5h47 | 1:39 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 Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA run on average 37 times per day, taking around 6h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€39) but you can travel from only $40 (€33) by bus.
There are 31 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:33, the last at 20:42. The fastest train covers the 270 miles (435 km) distance in 5h 10m.
Distance 270 miles (435 km) |
Average train duration 6h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€39) |
Trains per day 37 |
Direct trains 31 |
Fastest train 5h 10m |
First train 12:33 AM |
Last train 8:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 days |
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.
The train connection between Boston, MA and Philadelphia, PA is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the East Coast. Amtrak provides reliable service on this route, allowing passengers to enjoy comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. With multiple departures daily, it's easy to find a schedule that fits your travel plans. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, taking the train offers an efficient alternative to driving or flying.
Traveling from Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA takes approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes. There are up to 12 direct connections available each day. Passengers can board the train at Back Bay Station or South Station in Boston and arrive at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.
The first daily train from Boston, MA departs at 10:10 AM, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the vibrant city of Philadelphia. The last journey of the day leaves at 10:35 PM, allowing late-night arrivals for those wishing to maximize their time in this historic destination.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Boston to Philadelphia is $36 (32.4€). The average ticket price tends to be around $146 (131.4€), making it a more economical option if you book in advance or look out for special deals.
The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, was originally cast in 1752 and has since become a powerful emblem of freedom. Its famous crack serves as a reminder that even the most cherished ideals can be imperfect yet resilient. As you stand before this historic artifact, you'll feel the weight of its significance in inspiring generations to strive for liberty.
Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted, making it one of America's most important historical sites. This stunning Georgian-style building not only showcases remarkable architecture but also embodies the spirit of democracy that shaped our nation’s future. Walking through its hallowed halls will transport you back to pivotal moments when brave leaders forged a new path toward self-governance.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is renowned for its vast collection spanning over 2,000 years and includes masterpieces from artists like Van Gogh and Duchamp; it's more than just an art museum—it's a cultural treasure trove. The grand steps leading up to this architectural marvel have been immortalized by Rocky Balboa's triumphant run in film history, adding another layer to its allure. Inside these walls lies inspiration waiting at every turn; prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through creativity!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA to Philadelphia, PA trains use the South Station to 30th Street Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Boston, MA and Philadelphia, PA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
South Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Legal Sea Foods, Tavern in the Square
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at South Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at South Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at South Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at South Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at South Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include InterContinental Boston, The Langham, Boston, Boston Harbor Hotel.
Back Bay Station is 1 km from Boston city centre. Public transport options include:
Back Bay Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Sorellina, Atlantic Fish Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Back Bay Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Back Bay Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Back Bay Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Back Bay Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Back Bay Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Copley Square Hotel, The Westin Copley Place, Fairmont Copley Plaza.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need