Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC train with Amtrak

Fri, Nov 21
+ Add return
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC

Showing times and prices for Nov 22

Cheapest price

$213

Average price

$232

Fastest journey

11 h 55 m

Average duration

12 h 14 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

905 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC will cost around $232 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $213.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Philadelphia, PA for Charleston, SC on Sat, Nov 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Nov 22 the direct trains cover the 905 km distance in an average of 12 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 55 m .

On Sat, Nov 22 the slowest trains will take 12 h 33 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.

Amtrak
11:35AM11h55
Philadelphia, PA
11:30PMCharleston, SC
$2131One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
08:15PM12h33
Philadelphia, PA
08:48AMCharleston, SC
$2521One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC 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 2h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €55, and a flight costs an average of €74.

Distance: 562 miles (905 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€179

Average price

€278

Average price

€111

Average price

Cheapest

12h 28m

Average total duration

11h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 42m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

23h 16m

Average total duration

22h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC train times

The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC trains for today, Friday, November 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 3:21 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak89 Palmetto12:30 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
12h00
12:30 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC0 transfersDirect
amtrak97 Silver Meteor9:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA
12h33
9:48 AM Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC0 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 Charleston, SC 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.

Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25
Wed
Nov 26
Thu
Nov 27
Fri
Nov 28

Journey information

Overview: Train from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC

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Icon of train

Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 11h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $116 (€94) but you can travel from only $67 (€55) by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:30, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 562 miles (905 km) distance in 11h 55m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $67 (€55)
Distance
562 miles (905 km)
Average train duration
11h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
$116 (€94)
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
11h 55m
First train
07:30
Last train
21:34
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $67 (€55)

Train companies: Amtrak from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Philadelphia, PA and Charleston, SC from $67 (€55). 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 Duration
11h 55m
Cheapest Price
$137 (€111)
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

FAQs: Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
To fully explore Charleston, SC, and its attractions, 3 to 4 days is generally recommended. This allows time to visit historic sites, enjoy the local cuisine, and experience the city's unique culture and natural beauty.
A day trip from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC is not feasible as the journey takes 11h 55m and covers 562 miles (905 km). Additionally, there are only 2 train trips available per day.
The train from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC takes 11h 55m and runs 2 per day.
Train ticket prices from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $116 (€94), while the average price is around $219 (€179).
The train journey from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC offers scenic views, especially through the landscapes of Virginia and the Carolinas, featuring charming towns, lush forests, and glimpses of historical sites along the route.
The cheapest way to get from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC is by bus, with a cost of around $67 (€55).
The last train from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC leaves at 9:34 PM.
The distance by train from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC is 562 miles (905 km).
The first train from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC leaves at 7:30 AM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC.
The train station in Philadelphia, PA that goes to Charleston, SC is 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA, which connects to Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC.
There is no high speed train available from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC.
Yes, you can take the train from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC.
Yes, there is a direct train from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Philadelphia, PA to Charleston, SC

Philadelphia
Charleston
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:15 AM - 10:30 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
16
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7. Access via 30th Street and Market Street.
Dining
Dining
  • Bridgewater's Pub
  • The Porch at 30th Street Station
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Inn at Penn, a Hilton Hotel
  • Sheraton Philadelphia University City Hotel
  • The Study at University City
Lounge
Lounge
  • Located in the main hall
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Main Hall: entrance, ticketing, and waiting area
  • Upper Level: Amtrak platforms
  • Lower Level: SEPTA Regional Rail platforms
Public transit options for 30th Street Station
  • SEPTA: Market-Frankford Line
  • Trolley: Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36
  • Bus: Several lines available

Most popular trains to and from Charleston, SC and Philadelphia, PA

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