- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Art
Major art museum with collections spanning ancient to contemporary works, plus a large outdoor park with public art and trails.
Cheapest price
$128
Average price
$230
Fastest journey
9 h 17 m
Average duration
9 h 42 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
556 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC will cost around $230 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $128.
Of the 4 trains that leave Philadelphia, PA for Raleigh, NC on Mon, Jun 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct trains cover the 556 km distance in an average of 9 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 17 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 10 h 9 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.
79 Carolinian
141 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian
141 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian
41 Floridian+
2151 NextGen Acela
141 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian
41 Floridian+
2151 NextGen Acela
141 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian
79 CarolinianOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 33m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $55, and a flight costs an average of $158.
Distance: 345 miles (556 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$126 Average price | $87 Average price Cheapest | $421 Average price | $89 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 19m Average total duration 8h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 19m Average total duration 9h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.7 - 3.3kg 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 Raleigh, NC:
A bus is $39 (€31) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $126 (€102).
A bus is $334 (€269) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $421 (€339).
Other travel options to Raleigh, NC take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 49m.
Bus takes on average 9h 49m.
Tickets start at around $126 (€102) compared to roughly $89 (€71) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-37.66 (€-30.32). The journey takes 8h 49m versus 7h 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 Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
79 Carolinian | 8:58 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 10h09 | 7:07 PM Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 0 transfersDirect | |
153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian | 9:33 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 9h34 | 7:07 PM Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 1 transfer | |
2205 NextGen Acela+ 41 Floridian | 10:13 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 9h28 | 7:41 PM Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 1 transfer | |
103 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian | 10:20 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 9h21 | 7:41 PM Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 1 transfer | |
155 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian | 10:38 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 9h03 | 7:41 PM Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 1 transfer |
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 Raleigh, NC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $66 (€53) but you can travel from only $55 (€44) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 12:13. The fastest train covers the 345 miles (556 km) distance in 8h 46m.
Distance 345 miles (556 km) |
Average train duration 8h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 (€53) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 8h 46m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 12:13 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Raleigh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Raleigh trip today.
Major art museum with collections spanning ancient to contemporary works, plus a large outdoor park with public art and trails.
One of the Southeast's leading natural history museums, known for dinosaur exhibits, live animals, and a research-focused science center.
State history museum covering North Carolina's past through artifacts, military history, sports, and changing temporary exhibitions.
One of the oldest public parks in the United States, loved for its carousel, lake, trains, and broad family-friendly green space.
Expansive urban park with skyline views, open lawns, seasonal sunflowers, and major popularity for walks, picnics, and photos.
Large forested park on the edge of Raleigh offering lakes, hiking, cycling, and one of the area's best nature escapes.
Slow-smoked whole hog chopped fine and dressed with a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce. It is one of North Carolina's most iconic regional foods and widely celebrated around Raleigh.
Chopped smoked pork served on a bun, often topped with slaw. This is a classic way locals eat North Carolina barbecue, especially at longtime casual spots.
Deep-fried cornmeal dumplings commonly served with North Carolina barbecue. They are a beloved side across the Raleigh area and Southern piedmont.
Respected neighborhood restaurant offering refined Southern-influenced American cuisine, thoughtful cocktails, and a warm upscale atmosphere.
Longtime Raleigh institution best known for hearty Southern breakfasts, biscuits, country ham, and a classic old-school local feel.
Established Raleigh favorite known for elevated comfort food, seasonal Southern cooking, and a stylish diner atmosphere. Famous for macaroni au gratin and creative plates.
Moderate for U.S. travel. Dining and coffee are reasonable, while hotels can rise during events and peak weekends.
Tip 18-20% at full-service restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Traveling between Philadelphia, PA and Raleigh, NC is a convenient journey thanks to Amtrak's reliable train service. The trip offers scenic views of the East Coast as you traverse through charming towns and lush landscapes. With comfortable seating and onboard amenities, passengers can relax while enjoying the ride. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, this connection makes it easy to explore both cities' rich culture and attractions.
Traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC takes approximately 8 hours and 17 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available each day between these two cities. Passengers will depart from 30th Street Station, PA and arrive at Raleigh Union Station, NC.
The first daily train journey departs from Philadelphia at 08:20 AM and arrives in Raleigh at 05:40 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient option for exploring the vibrant culture of both cities throughout the day.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Philadelphia and Raleigh is $64 (57.6€). The average ticket price tends to be around $126 (113.4€), making it a more economical option if you book in advance or look out for special deals.
The North Carolina State Capitol, completed in 1840, stands as a testament to the state's rich political history and architectural elegance. This historic building not only served as the seat of government until 1963 but also symbolizes North Carolina's commitment to democracy and civic engagement. Its unique Greek Revival style features stunning marble interiors and an iconic dome that captures the essence of our state’s heritage.
William B. Umstead State Park is a sprawling natural oasis nestled between Raleigh and Durham, offering visitors a glimpse into North Carolina's diverse ecosystems since its establishment in 1934. The park is significant for its extensive network of trails that cater to hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts alike while providing habitats for various wildlife species. What sets it apart are its serene lakes perfect for fishing or canoeing amidst lush forests where you can truly escape from urban life.
Raleigh City Market has been a vibrant hub since the late 1800s, showcasing local culture through artisanal shops and eateries that reflect our city's evolving identity over time. This landmark holds significance as one of Raleigh’s oldest commercial districts where community spirit thrives among locals and tourists alike seeking authentic experiences. Unique features include charming brick walkways lined with colorful storefronts that invite exploration while hosting seasonal events celebrating art, music, and food throughout the year.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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