- Must visit
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Hands-on transportation museum focused on Roanoke's rail history, with locomotives, model trains, and exhibits inside a former freight station.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Roanoke, VA 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 Roanoke, VA will cost around zł 548 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only zł 332.
On Fri, Oct 30, we found 4 trains from Philadelphia, PA to Roanoke, VA, including 4 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 30 the direct trains cover the 511 km distance in an average of 7 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 43 m .
On Fri, Oct 30 the slowest trains will take 7 h 55 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.

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Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Roanoke, VA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at zł 171 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:57, the last at 16:23. The fastest train covers the 317 miles (511 km) distance in 7h 6m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Philadelphia, PA to Roanoke, VA.
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Roanoke, VA trains for tomorrow, Friday, October 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:57 AM Philadelphia, PA | 7h43 | 4:40 PM Roanoke, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:57 AM Philadelphia, PA | 7h43 | 5:40 PM Roanoke, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:18 PM Philadelphia, PA | 7h55 | 2:13 AM Roanoke, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:18 PM Philadelphia, PA | 7h55 | 3:13 AM Roanoke, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Roanoke, VA with Amtrak. Night trains available on this route with Amtrak. High-speed trains available on this route with Amtrak. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Roanoke, VA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Roanoke, VA trip today.
Hands-on transportation museum focused on Roanoke's rail history, with locomotives, model trains, and exhibits inside a former freight station.
Contemporary and historic art museum in a striking modern building downtown. Its galleries and sculpture spaces make it a leading cultural stop.
Regional history museum covering southwest Virginia through artifacts, photographs, and changing exhibits in downtown Roanoke.
Downtown open-air market district with historic buildings, local shops, and frequent events. It is the city's liveliest area for walking and people-watching.
Mountain park with scenic overlooks, trails, and access to the Roanoke Star. A top outdoor area for views, short hikes, and sunset visits.
Urban greenway following the Roanoke River through parks and downtown. It is ideal for walking, cycling, and seeing the city at a relaxed pace.
Slow-cured Virginia country ham is saltier and drier than typical ham, often served in biscuits. It reflects the curing traditions of Virginia smokehouses.
Brunswick stew is a regional Virginia staple made with slow-cooked chicken or pork, tomatoes, beans, and corn. It is a classic comfort food in western Virginia.
Fried apples are a Southern side of tart apples cooked with butter and spices until tender. They are common in Virginia home cooking and mountain restaurants.
Long-running neighborhood spot serving Texas-style barbecue, smoked meats, and classic Southern sides in a casual setting.
Popular downtown brewery and restaurant with house beers, hearty pub food, and a lively warehouse-style space near the market district.
Stylish farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Roanoke known for seasonal Southern dishes, craft cocktails, and an energetic modern atmosphere.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major cities, while car travel is common and public transit is limited for tourists.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is good.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Roanoke, VA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Roanoke, VA 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 Roanoke, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Philadelphia, PA to Roanoke, VA trains use the 30th Street Station to Roanoke Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Roanoke, VA 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.
Roanoke Station has practical services for this route, including Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Roanoke Station.
Ticket office support is available at Roanoke Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Available at Roanoke Station: Taxis.
Available at Roanoke Station: Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Roanoke Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke-Downtown, Cambria Hotel Downtown Roanoke.
Check train stations information for Philadelphia, PA and Roanoke, VA, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.