- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
Flagship Smithsonian museum on aviation and spaceflight, featuring iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits. Timed-entry passes are often required during busy periods.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Ronald Reagan National Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a flight costs an average of $215.
Distance: 126 miles (203 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$38 Average price | $440 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $29 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 28m Average total duration 1h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration 3h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Philadelphia, PA to Ronald Reagan National Airport:
A bus is $8 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Ronald Reagan National Airport costing on average $38 (€31).
A bus is $410 (€335) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Ronald Reagan National Airport costing on average $440 (€360).
Other travel options to Ronald Reagan National Airport take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 58m.
Bus takes on average 3h 42m.
You'll arrive about 45m sooner (1h 58m by train vs 2h 43m by car). Tickets start at around $38 (€31) compared to roughly $29 (€24) 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.
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.
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.
Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Ronald Reagan National Airport run on average 55 times per day, taking around 1h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 51 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:37, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 126 miles (203 km) distance in 1h 45m.
Distance 126 miles (203 km) |
Average train duration 1h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 55 |
Direct trains 51 |
Fastest train 1h 45m |
First train 12:37 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of Ronald Reagan National Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ronald Reagan National Airport trip today.
Flagship Smithsonian museum on aviation and spaceflight, featuring iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits. Timed-entry passes are often required during busy periods.
Major Smithsonian museum exploring African American history, culture, and community through powerful exhibitions. Timed-entry passes may be required on selected dates.
Premier art museum with works from the Middle Ages to the present, spread across West and East Buildings plus the Sculpture Garden. A top choice for art lovers near central Washington.
The city's central ceremonial landscape, lined with Smithsonian museums, memorials, and broad walking paths. Essential for first-time visitors.
Historic waterfront neighborhood with cobblestone streets, Federal architecture, shopping, and scenic walks along the canal and river.
Scenic walking area famous for cherry blossoms and waterside views of major memorials. A classic spring highlight near the airport corridor.
A smoked, coarse-textured sausage associated with Washington, D.C., usually served on a bun with chili, onions, and mustard.
An oversized pizza slice popular in Washington, D.C. nightlife districts, known for its sheer size and grab-and-go appeal.
A Mid-Atlantic specialty made with blue crab meat, lightly bound and pan-fried or broiled, valued for sweet local seafood flavor.
Historic Washington seafood and oyster house near the White House, known for classic Mid-Atlantic dishes and an old-school atmosphere.
Iconic D.C. institution famous for half-smokes, chili dogs, and longstanding local cultural significance in a casual setting.
Large, well-known downtown restaurant with an expansive American menu, polished service, and lively all-day dining atmosphere.
Airport dining and convenience purchases cost more than city averages. Cards are widely accepted, but quick meals and coffee are still pricey.
Tip 15-20% at sit-down restaurants before tax. Round up taxis and tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink. Not expected at fast food, but optional for takeaway jars.
Official public transport app
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport -> Metro Center, Washington, D.C.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Ronald Reagan National Airport 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 Ronald Reagan National Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Philadelphia, PA to Ronald Reagan National Airport trains use the 30th Street Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Ronald Reagan National Airport 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.
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Shake Shack, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Chopt Creative Salad Co., Chipotle Mexican Grill, Thunder Grill, Johnny Rockets, Jamba Juice, Ladurée Union Station, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
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