- 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
$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, 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 Charlottesville, VA to 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, VA for 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
50 Cardinal
156 Northeast Regional
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, VA 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 4h 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $242.
Distance: 221 miles (357 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$84 Average price | $74 Average price Cheapest | $452 Average price | $60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 55m Average total duration 7h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 56m Average total duration Fastest 4h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - 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 Charlottesville, VA to Philadelphia, PA:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Charlottesville, VA to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $84 (€69).
A bus is $378 (€310) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charlottesville, VA to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $452 (€370).
Other travel options to Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 8m.
Bus takes on average 7h 25m.
Tickets start at around $84 (€69) compared to roughly $60 (€49) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-24.25 (€-19.85). The journey takes 5h 8m versus 4h 33m 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 Charlottesville, VA to 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, VA to Philadelphia, PA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:52, the last at 19:01. The fastest train covers the 221 miles (357 km) distance in 5h 5m.
Distance 221 miles (357 km) |
Average train duration 5h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 5h 5m |
First train 4:52 AM |
Last train 7:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 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 Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville, VA to Philadelphia, PA trains use the Charlottesville Amtrak to 30th Street Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Charlottesville, VA and 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need