- Must visit
The Franklin Institute
Major science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and the iconic giant heart. One of Philadelphia’s best-known family attractions.
Cheapest price
$147
Average price
$318
Fastest journey
5 h 5 m
Average duration
5 h 16 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
357 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA will cost around $318 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $147.
Of the 5 trains that leave Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA for 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA on Sun, Jun 21, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 357 km distance in an average of 5 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 5 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 5 h 43 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.
66 Northeast Regional
156 Northeast Regional
50 Cardinal
156 Northeast Regional · 132 Northeast Regional
20 Crescent
66 Northeast Regional
50 Cardinal
20 Crescent
156 Northeast Regional
156 Northeast Regional · 132 Northeast RegionalOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $254.
Distance: 221 miles (357 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$100 Average price | $400 Average price | $53 Average price Cheapest | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 36m Average total duration 5h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 33m Average total duration Fastest 4h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 9m Average total duration 13h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA:
A bus is $47 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA costing on average $100 (€82).
A bus is $346 (€284) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA costing on average $400 (€327).
Other travel options to 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 6m.
Bus takes on average 13h 39m.
You'll arrive about 1m sooner (5h 6m by train vs 5h 7m by car). Tickets start at around $100 (€82) compared to roughly $61 (€50) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
66 Northeast Regional | 7:01 PM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 5h05 | 12:06 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
20 Crescent | 10:59 AM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 5h09 | 4:08 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
156 Northeast Regional · 132 Northeast Regional | 11:18 AM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 5h43 | 5:01 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1 transfer | |
156 Northeast Regional | 11:18 AM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 5h14 | 4:32 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
50 Cardinal | 3:44 PM Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA | 5h07 | 8:51 PM 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 Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) but you can travel from only $30 (€24) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:01. The fastest train covers the 221 miles (357 km) distance in 5h 5m.
Distance 221 miles (357 km) |
Average train duration 5h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 5m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of 30th Street Station — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect 30th Street Station trip today.
Major science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and the iconic giant heart. One of Philadelphia’s best-known family attractions.
World-famous art museum known for its vast collections, landmark building, and the popular 'Rocky Steps' overlooking the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings displayed in an intimate, carefully arranged setting.
Philadelphia’s grand cultural boulevard lined with museums, flags, and major public spaces. A classic route for sightseeing and skyline views.
Popular riverside path for walking, running, and cycling with excellent skyline views and easy access from 30th Street Station.
Elegant central park and surrounding neighborhood known for people-watching, historic character, and one of the city’s most pleasant urban settings.
The city’s signature sandwich: thin-sliced beef on a long roll, typically with fried onions and melted cheese. It is Philadelphia’s most famous local comfort food.
A classic Philadelphia sandwich made 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, salty, and often sold as an everyday snack. They are a long-standing local street food tradition.
Historic public market with many long-running Philadelphia food vendors. Excellent for trying local specialties such as roast pork, cheesesteaks, pretzels, and Pennsylvania Dutch treats.
Celebrated modern Israeli restaurant known for refined small plates, house-baked laffa, and an acclaimed tasting experience. One of Philadelphia’s most established destination restaurants.
Famous market counter best known for its roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. Casual, iconic, and closely tied to Philadelphia food culture.
Costs are moderate for a major U.S. city. Budget eats are easy to find, while hotels and fine dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff a few dollars, and round up for cafes if desired.
Official public transport app
30th Street Station, Philadelphia -> Center City, Philadelphia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to 30th Street Station, 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 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA to 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA trains use the Charlottesville Amtrak to 30th Street Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Charlottesville Union Station, Charlottesville, VA and 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Charlottesville Amtrak is 1 km from Charlottesville city centre. Public transport options include:
Charlottesville Amtrak 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: The Local, Maya Restaurant, Public Fish & Oyster
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Charlottesville Amtrak. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Charlottesville Amtrak. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Charlottesville Amtrak: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Charlottesville Amtrak: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charlottesville Amtrak: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Graduate Charlottesville, Residence Inn by Marriott Charlottesville Downtown, Omni Charlottesville Hotel.
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.