- Recommended
Gallery B
A contemporary art museum at Glenstone's downtown Bethesda space, featuring rotating exhibitions and ambitious installations.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
€10
Average ticket price on Sep 20
€10
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 h 1 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
2 h 5 m
Trains on Sep 20
2
Distance
198 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD 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 Bethesda, MD will cost around €10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €10.
Fast trains
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 trains from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 198 km distance in an average of 2 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 1 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 2 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.
8:20 AM2h09Philadelphia, PA10:29 AMBethesda, MD€101One-way0 transfers- 8:57 AM2h01Philadelphia, PA10:58 AMBethesda, MD€101One-way0 transfers
- 8:57 AM2h01Philadelphia, PA10:58 AMBethesda, MD€101One-way0 transfers
- 8:20 AM2h09Philadelphia, PA10:29 AMBethesda, MD€101One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 45m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €29, while a flight costs an average of €546.
Distance: 123 miles (198 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€120 Average price | €546 Average price | €29 Average price Cheapest | €28 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 58m Average total duration 3h 58m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration 3h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 27m 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD is a bus with an average price of €29.
This is compared to other travel options from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD:
A bus is €91 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD costing on average €120.
A bus is €517 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD costing on average €546.
The fastest way to travel from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD is by train with an average journey time of 2h 15m.
Other travel options to Bethesda, MD take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 19m.
Flight takes on average 3h 58m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Philadelphia, PA and Bethesda, MD including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 12m sooner (2h 15m by train vs 2h 27m by car). Tickets start at around €120 compared to roughly €28 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Amtrak, Amtrak.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD train times
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 147 | 2:22 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h02 | 4:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2259 Acela | 2:33 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h51 | 4:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 99 | 2:45 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h56 | 4:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2219 Acela | 3:10 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h49 | 4:59 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 161 | 3:37 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h00 | 5:37 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 19 | 3:38 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h10 | 5:48 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2263 Acela | 3:47 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h53 | 5:40 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 97 | 4:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h11 | 6:26 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 87 | 4:36 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h54 | 6:30 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2265 Acela | 4:38 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h56 | 6:34 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 163 | 5:35 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h57 | 7:32 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 159 | 6:33 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h05 | 8:38 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 107 | 7:56 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h00 | 9:56 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2271 Acela · 40 | 9:10 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 19h11 | 4:21 PM Rockville Station, Rockville, MD | 1 transfer | |
| 2271 Acela | 9:10 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h48 | 10:58 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 165 | 9:38 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h03 | 11:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
| 8:20 AM Philadelphia, PA | 2h09 | 10:29 AM Bethesda, MD | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:57 AM Philadelphia, PA | 2h01 | 10:58 AM Bethesda, MD | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD trains with Omio?
Amtrak as well as Amtrak offer trains services from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Amtrak, but also compare tickets for the likes of Amtrak to find the best option for your trip from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD
USAUSA
Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD run on average 51 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €10 if you book in advance.
There are 43 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 123 miles (198 km) distance in 1h 39m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average train duration 2h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price €10 |
Trains per day 51 |
Direct trains 43 |
Fastest train 1h 39m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 11:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 63 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Amtrak from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Philadelphia, PA and Bethesda, MD from €10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Amtrak Duration
1h 47m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
€10
Amtrak frequency
42 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Bethesda, MD
Things to do in Bethesda, MD
Discover the best of Bethesda, MD — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bethesda, MD trip today.
- Recommended
The Yellow Barn Studio & Gallery
A regional visual arts center with galleries, studios, and classes, making it a practical stop for seeing local art in an active setting.
Waverly Street Gallery
A nonprofit gallery presenting regional contemporary art in changing exhibitions, ideal for a quick cultural stop in downtown Bethesda.
- Must visit
Downtown Bethesda
Bethesda's main urban core, packed with shops, public art, events, and easy Metro access for first-time visitors.
- Must visit
Capital Crescent Trail
A paved rail-trail linking Bethesda with Georgetown and Silver Spring, popular for walking, cycling, and creekside scenery.
- Recommended
Cabin John Regional Park
A broad park with lawns, sports courts, and picnic space, valued by locals for relaxed outdoor time near downtown.
FAQs: Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD 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 Bethesda, MD, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €10, while the average price is around €120.
The train from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD takes 1h 39m and runs 51 per day.
The first train from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD leaves at 4:15 AM.
The distance by train from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD is 123 miles (198 km).
The last train from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD leaves at 11:48 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD.
Yes, there is a direct train from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD. This service operates 43 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD.
The train station in Philadelphia, PA that goes to Bethesda, MD is 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA, which connects to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC.
The cheapest way to get from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD is by train, with a cost of around €10.
The train journey from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD offers a mix of urban and suburban scenery, passing through cities like Wilmington and Baltimore and featuring views of the Delaware River and lush greenery, especially during the spring and fall seasons.
A day trip from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD is feasible with a travel time of 1h 39m and a distance of 123 miles (198 km). Trains run 50 times per day.
In Bethesda, MD, visitors can enjoy live music and dining at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club, theatrical performances at Imagination Stage and Round House Theatre, and outdoor activities on the Capital Crescent Trail. Families can explore creativity at the KID Museum. Notable sights include Strathmore for concerts and art, Cabin John Regional Park for hiking and picnics, Bethesda Row for shopping and dining, Glen Echo Park for arts and culture, and McCrillis Gardens for a peaceful garden experience.
Spending 2 to 3 days in Bethesda, MD allows ample time to explore its vibrant downtown, enjoy local dining, visit nearby cultural attractions, and take a day trip to Washington, D.C.
Yes, you can take the train from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD.
Since neither Philadelphia, PA nor Bethesda, MD are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Bethesda, MD include Wilmington, DE.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Bethesda, MD, travelers should be mindful of petty theft such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transit. Common scams include overcharging by local taxi services and unauthorized vendors near popular spots. Staying aware of surroundings and using reputable transportation options helps reduce risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD
Most Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD trains use the 30th Street Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Bethesda, MD train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Philadelphia
Arrival train stations in Bethesda
Which Philadelphia, PA station do trains to Bethesda, MD leave from?
Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD leave from 30th Street Station. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Philadelphia, PA city centre at 2955 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
30th Street Station2955 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA+1 215-349-2135
City-centre transport
Getting to 30th Street Station from Philadelphia city centre
30th Street Station is 1 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainAir, War, Wil, Med, Wtr, Lan, Pao, Cyn, Nor, Tre, Chw, Fox · 4m · €3 · every ~21 min
Bus414, 417, 555 · 9m · €2
31, 44, 62, 124, 125 · 10m · €3 · every ~16 min
TramT1, T2, T3, T4, T5 · 6m · €3 · every ~57 min
30th Street Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Bridgewater's Pub, The Porch at 30th Street Station
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at 30th Street Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at 30th Street Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at 30th Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at 30th Street Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at 30th Street Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel, Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel, The Study at University City.
Most popular train connections from Philadelphia, PA
More options for your journey from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bethesda, MD and Philadelphia, PA
Most popular train connections to Bethesda, MD
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