- Must visit
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia’s flagship art museum, known for major global collections and the iconic east steps made famous in film. A top cultural stop with strong special exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$256
Average price
$316
Fastest journey
17 h 30 m
Average duration
19 h 22 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
711 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI to Philadelphia, PA will cost around $316 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $256.
It's difficult to get from Detroit, MI to Philadelphia, PA without transferring at least 2 times.
6048 AMTRAK · 41 Floridian · 42 Pennsylvanian
6048 AMTRAK · 41 Floridian · 178 Northeast Regional
6048 AMTRAK · 41 Floridian+
2172 NextGen Acela
6048 AMTRAK · 41 Floridian · 148 Northeast Regional
6048 AMTRAK · 41 Floridian · 42 Pennsylvanian
6048 AMTRAK · 41 Floridian · 148 Northeast Regional
6048 AMTRAK · 41 Floridian+
2172 NextGen Acela
6048 AMTRAK · 41 Floridian · 178 Northeast RegionalOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $78. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $78, and a flight costs an average of $89.
Distance: 441 miles (711 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$248 Average price | $386 Average price | $168 Average price Cheapest | $249 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 20m Average total duration 19h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 41m Average total duration 14h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Detroit, MI to Philadelphia, PA:
A bus is $80 (€64) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $248 (€200).
A bus is $218 (€176) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $386 (€312).
Other travel options to Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 11m.
Train takes on average 19h 50m.
Tickets start at around $248 (€200) compared to roughly $249 (€201) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $0.61 (€0.49). The journey takes 19h 50m versus 8h 50m 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 Detroit, MI to Philadelphia, PA trains for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6048 AMTRAK · 41 Floridian · 42 Pennsylvanian | 9:30 PM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 17h30 | 3:00 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2 transfers | |
6048 AMTRAK · 41 Floridian · 178 Northeast Regional | 9:30 PM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 20h26 | 5:56 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2 transfers | |
6048 AMTRAK · 41 Floridian · 148 Northeast Regional | 9:30 PM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 19h22 | 4:52 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2 transfers | |
6048 AMTRAK · 41 Floridian+ 2172 NextGen Acela | 9:30 PM Detroit Amtrak, Detroit, MI | 20h08 | 5:38 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2 transfers | |
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 Detroit, MI to Philadelphia, PA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 19h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $139 (€112) but you can travel from only $78 (€63) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:26, the last at 21:30. The fastest train covers the 441 miles (711 km) distance in 17h 29m.
Distance 441 miles (711 km) |
Average train duration 19h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $139 (€112) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 17h 29m |
First train 6:26 AM |
Last train 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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.
Philadelphia’s flagship art museum, known for major global collections and the iconic east steps made famous in film. A top cultural stop with strong special exhibitions.
Renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early modern art displayed in an intimate, distinctive installation. Highly regarded for both art quality and presentation.
Major science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and the famous giant heart. Especially popular with families and visitors seeking hands-on experiences.
Historic public market and one of the city’s busiest gathering places, valued for atmosphere, local culture, and classic Philadelphia energy.
Elegant central square surrounded by shops, residences, and leafy paths. One of the city’s best places to relax, people-watch, and enjoy urban scenery.
Historic neighborhood packed with colonial-era streetscapes, major heritage sites, galleries, and lively pedestrian areas. Ideal for walking and first visits.
Philadelphia’s signature sandwich of thin-sliced beef on a long roll, usually topped with fried onions and cheese such as provolone, American, or Cheese Whiz.
A classic South Philadelphia sandwich with slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe on an Italian roll; many locals consider it the city’s best sandwich.
A local street-food staple, Philadelphia soft pretzels are denser and chewier than other styles and are often eaten plain or with mustard.
Historic public market with many established Philadelphia food vendors. Ideal for trying local specialties like roast pork, cheesesteaks, pretzels, and baked goods in a lively setting.
Widely acclaimed modern Israeli restaurant known for polished service, creative mezze, and a destination-worthy dining experience.
Beloved no-frills institution celebrated for both roast pork sandwiches and excellent cheesesteaks; a classic choice for traditional local fare.
Moderate by major U.S. city standards. Hotels can be pricey in Center City, but casual food and transit are reasonable.
Tip 18-20% at 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 Detroit, MI 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.

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