- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Art
Premier art museum with global collections, major exhibitions, and a large sculpture park that makes it a top cultural stop.
Cheapest price on Aug 30
$176
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$259
Fastest journey on Aug 30
9 h 3 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
10 h 35 m
Trains on Aug 30
5
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 $259 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $176.
On Sun, Aug 30, we found 5 trains from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Aug 30 the direct trains cover the 556 km distance in an average of 10 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 3 m .
On Sun, Aug 30 the slowest trains will take 14 h 47 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.
65 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian
79 Carolinian
155 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian
103 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian
153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian
155 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian
103 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian
153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian
79 Carolinian
65 Northeast Regional · 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 an average ticket price of $99 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 11m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.5kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $99, while a flight costs an average of $600.
Distance: 345 miles (556 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$200 Average price | $99 Average price Cheapest | $600 Average price | $88 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 47m Average total duration 8h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 59m Average total duration 9h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 11m Average total duration Fastest 4h 11m Onboard + 2h 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 $102 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $200.
A bus is $501 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $600.
Other travel options to Raleigh, NC take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 17m.
Bus takes on average 9h 29m.
Tickets start at around $200 compared to roughly $88 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-111.80. The journey takes 8h 17m 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 tomorrow, Sunday, August 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
65 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian | 4:20 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 14h47 | 7:07 PM Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 1 transfer | |
79 Carolinian | 8:56 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 10h11 | 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 | |
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 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $66 but you can travel from only $55 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 7h 30m.
Distance 345 miles (556 km) |
Average train duration 8h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $66 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 7h 30m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 12:13 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Raleigh, NC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Raleigh, NC trip today.
Premier art museum with global collections, major exhibitions, and a large sculpture park that makes it a top cultural stop.
One of the Southeast's best natural history museums, featuring dinosaurs, research labs, and family-friendly exhibits across two buildings.
Interactive museum covering North Carolina's military past with aircraft, artifacts, and stories spanning colonial times to today.
Lively warehouse district with murals, shops, event spaces, and nightlife. It is one of Raleigh's most popular modern walking areas.
Beloved city park with an antique carousel, train ride, and shaded paths. Ideal for families and a classic local outing.
Scenic art-and-nature trail linking museum grounds with outdoor sculptures, woods, and open fields for an easy cultural walk.
Eastern North Carolina chopped pork barbecue is smoked whole hog with a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce, a defining regional staple widely loved around Raleigh.
Barbecue hushpuppies are crisp fried cornmeal dumplings, a classic side with Carolina barbecue and seafood across the Raleigh area.
Fried green tomatoes are tart unripe tomato slices breaded and fried, a Southern favorite often served as an appetizer in Raleigh restaurants.
Long-running fine dining destination celebrated for upscale Southern cuisine, garden herbs, and a romantic historic setting.
Popular casual spot for biscuits, Southern breakfast plates, and local comfort food with a lively neighborhood feel.
Beloved local brewpub offering house beers and hearty pub food, reflecting Raleigh's strong craft beer culture.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are usually lower than NYC or DC, but car, rideshare, and limited transit can raise visitor costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is provided.
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.

Most Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC trains use the 30th Street Station to Raleigh Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Raleigh, NC 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.
Raleigh Union Station 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, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Pit Authentic BBQ, Humble Pie, Whiskey Kitchen
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Raleigh Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Raleigh Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Raleigh Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Raleigh Marriott City Center, Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need