- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
One of the largest art museums in the US, known for its global collections spanning ancient to contemporary works.
Cheapest price
$127
Average price
$390
Fastest journey
5 h 8 m
Average duration
5 h 16 m
Trains per day
36
Distance
435 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA will cost around $390 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $127.
Of the 36 trains that leave Philadelphia, PA for Boston, MA on Fri, Jul 03, 32 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 03 the direct trains cover the 435 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 8 m .
On Fri, Jul 03 the slowest trains will take 5 h 19 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.
194 Northeast Regional
194 Northeast Regional
2260 NextGen Acela
2260 NextGen Acela
168 Northeast Regional
2250 Acela
2250 Acela
2262 NextGen Acela
2252 Acela
2258 NextGen AcelaOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 27m. 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 $41, and a flight costs an average of $89.
Distance: 270 miles (435 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$185 Average price | $66 Average price Cheapest | $239 Average price | $100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 43m Average total duration 6h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 21m Average total duration 6h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 4m 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 Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA:
A bus is $119 (€98) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA costing on average $185 (€152).
A bus is $173 (€143) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA costing on average $239 (€197).
Other travel options to Boston, MA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 13m.
Bus takes on average 6h 51m.
Tickets start at around $185 (€152) compared to roughly $100 (€83) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-84.52 (€-69.76). The journey takes 6h 13m versus 5h 4m 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 Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA trains for today, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
66 Northeast Regional | 3:25 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h40 | 10:05 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
66 Northeast Regional | 3:25 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h33 | 9:58 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
190 Northeast Regional | 5:58 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h08 | 12:06 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
190 Northeast Regional | 5:58 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h01 | 11:59 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2150 Acela | 6:30 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 5h14 | 11:44 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2150 Acela | 6:30 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 5h03 | 11:33 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
170 Northeast Regional | 6:58 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h13 | 1:11 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
170 Northeast Regional | 6:58 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h06 | 1:04 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
86 Northeast Regional | 10:51 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h01 | 4:52 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
86 Northeast Regional | 10:51 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 5h54 | 4:45 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
174 Northeast Regional | 12:32 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h24 | 6:56 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
174 Northeast Regional | 12:32 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h32 | 7:04 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
134 Northeast Regional · 184 Northeast Regional | 1:58 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 7h38 | 9:36 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
134 Northeast Regional · 184 Northeast Regional | 1:58 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 7h31 | 9:29 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
650 Keystone Service · 184 Northeast Regional | 2:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 7h14 | 9:29 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
650 Keystone Service · 184 Northeast Regional | 2:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 7h21 | 9:36 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
2158 NextGen Acela | 2:36 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 5h28 | 8:04 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2158 NextGen Acela | 2:36 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 5h21 | 7:57 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
184 Northeast Regional | 3:23 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h13 | 9:36 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
184 Northeast Regional | 3:23 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h06 | 9:29 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2160 NextGen Acela | 4:31 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 5h27 | 9:58 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2160 NextGen Acela | 4:31 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 5h19 | 9:50 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
652 Keystone Service · 178 Northeast Regional | 5:18 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h52 | 12:10 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
652 Keystone Service · 178 Northeast Regional | 5:18 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h57 | 12:15 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
178 Northeast Regional | 5:54 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h16 | 12:10 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
178 Northeast Regional | 5:54 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 6h21 | 12:15 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2162 NextGen Acela | 6:02 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 5h28 | 11:30 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2162 NextGen Acela | 6:02 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 5h35 | 11:37 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA run on average 36 times per day, taking around 6h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $50 (€41) but you can travel from only $41 (€34) by bus.
There are 30 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:33, the last at 20:17. The fastest train covers the 270 miles (435 km) distance in 5h 28m.
Distance 270 miles (435 km) |
Average train duration 6h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€41) |
Trains per day 36 |
Direct trains 30 |
Fastest train 5h 28m |
First train 12:33 AM |
Last train 8:17 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Boston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Boston trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the US, known for its global collections spanning ancient to contemporary works.
A distinctive Venetian-style palace museum with art, gardens, and a memorable historic setting.
A major family-friendly science museum with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and a planetarium.
A famous walking route linking many of Boston's most important historic sites across the city center.
America's oldest public park and a central green space for walking, relaxing, and seasonal events.
Elegant landscaped garden known for its lagoon, bridges, flowers, and swan boats in season.
A creamy soup with clams, potatoes, and onions, strongly associated with Boston and classic New England cooking.
A split-top roll filled with chilled lobster meat, often lightly dressed with mayonnaise or served warm with butter. It is a regional coastal favorite.
Slow-cooked beans traditionally baked with molasses and pork, linked to the city’s historic nickname, Beantown.
Acclaimed Cambridge-area restaurant near Boston celebrated for refined Eastern Mediterranean cooking and a warm, polished atmosphere.
Popular small seafood spot in the North End known for excellent oysters, lobster rolls, and a lively, intimate atmosphere.
Iconic North End pastry shop best known for cannoli and other Italian sweets, ideal for a classic Boston dessert stop.
Boston is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but central areas and tourist districts cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis or add 10-15%, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Traveling between Philadelphia, PA and Boston, MA is a breeze thanks to the efficient train service provided by Amtrak. The journey covers approximately 300 miles and typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, offering passengers comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. With multiple departures throughout the day, you can easily find a schedule that fits your travel plans while enjoying amenities such as Wi-Fi and dining options on board. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, this connection makes it convenient to explore two of America's vibrant cities!
Traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA takes approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes. There are up to 10 direct connections available each day. Passengers will depart from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia and arrive at either Back Bay Station or South Station in Boston.
The first daily train journey departs from Philadelphia at 5:11 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to the vibrant city of Boston. The last departure is scheduled for 10:59 PM, allowing late-night arrivals into this historic destination.
The cheapest ticket price for a train journey from Philadelphia to Boston is $52 (47€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $132 (119€), making the lower-priced option an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Boston Common, established in 1634, is the oldest public park in America and has served as a gathering place for generations of Bostonians. Its significance lies not only in its historical role during pivotal moments like the American Revolution but also as a vibrant green space that continues to host events and activities today. Unique features include its beautiful landscapes, iconic swan boats on the pond, and proximity to other historic sites along the Freedom Trail.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile path that weaves through Boston's rich history by connecting 16 significant landmarks from America's revolutionary past. This trail serves as an educational journey where visitors can immerse themselves in stories of courage and sacrifice while exploring sites such as Paul Revere’s House and the Old North Church. What makes it truly unique is how it seamlessly blends history with modern-day Boston life, allowing you to walk through time right within this bustling city.
Fenway Park, opened in 1912, stands proudly as one of Major League Baseball's most cherished ballparks and home to the beloved Boston Red Sox. Its significance extends beyond sports; it's a cultural icon representing resilience—having survived numerous renovations while maintaining its original charm amidst changing times. The park boasts unique features like "The Green Monster," an imposing left-field wall that adds character to every game day experience—a must-see for any baseball fan visiting Boston!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Philadelphia, PA to Boston, MA trains use the 30th Street Station to South Station station pair, with some services arriving at Back Bay Station. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Boston, MA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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