- Must visit
Peabody Essex Museum
Major art and culture museum with global collections, maritime history, and rotating exhibitions; one of Salem’s top indoor attractions.
Cheapest price
$84
Average price
$142
Fastest journey
6 h 1 m
Average duration
6 h 8 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
457 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Salem, MA 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 Salem, MA will cost around $142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $84.
Of the 3 trains that leave Philadelphia, PA for Salem, MA on Sat, Jun 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 457 km distance in an average of 6 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 1 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 6 h 14 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Salem, MA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 40m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, and a flight costs an average of $68.
Distance: 283 miles (457 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$197 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $229 Average price | $100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 42m Average total duration 6h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 30m Average total duration 6h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Philadelphia, PA to Salem, MA:
A bus is $134 (€110) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Salem, MA costing on average $197 (€161).
A bus is $167 (€137) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Salem, MA costing on average $229 (€188).
Other travel options to Salem, MA take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 0m.
Train takes on average 6h 12m.
Tickets start at around $197 (€161) compared to roughly $100 (€82) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-96.27 (€-78.85). The journey takes 6h 12m versus 5h 25m 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 Salem, MA trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:25 AM Philadelphia, PA | 6h40 | 3:05 PM Salem, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:58 AM Philadelphia, PA | 6h08 | 4:06 PM Salem, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:15 AM Philadelphia, PA | 5h52 | 4:07 PM Salem, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:23 PM Philadelphia, PA | 6h13 | 1:36 AM Salem, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Salem, MA run on average 16 times per day, taking around 6h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 (€50) but you can travel from only $45 (€37) by bus.
There are 14 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:25, the last at 20:01. The fastest train covers the 283 miles (457 km) distance in 5h 52m.
Distance 283 miles (457 km) |
Average train duration 6h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€50) |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 14 |
Fastest train 5h 52m |
First train 3:25 AM |
Last train 8:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Salem — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Salem trip today.
Major art and culture museum with global collections, maritime history, and rotating exhibitions; one of Salem’s top indoor attractions.
Historic house museum tied to Nathaniel Hawthorne, featuring period rooms, seaside grounds, and guided interpretation of colonial Salem.
Popular museum presenting the 1692 witch trials through immersive displays and historical interpretation; a defining Salem experience.
The heart of tourist Salem, lined with shops, historic sites, street activity, and seasonal atmosphere.
Historic public green ideal for a walk and framed by notable architecture; especially lively during autumn.
Long waterfront wharf with harbor views and maritime history, perfect for an easy scenic walk.
Creamy New England-style soup with clams and potatoes, common across coastal Massachusetts and a classic regional comfort dish.
A buttered roll filled with chilled or warm lobster meat, strongly associated with New England seafood culture and widely enjoyed around Salem.
Ipswich-style whole-belly fried clams are a Massachusetts specialty, served crisp and salty at seafood spots near Salem.
Upscale restaurant in a historic bank building, serving refined American dishes and craft cocktails in an elegant space.
Casual, well-known local favorite for tacos, margaritas, and a fun, energetic dining room near downtown Salem.
Historic downtown seafood restaurant known for clam chowder, lobster, oysters, and a classic Salem setting.
Moderate for U.S. travel. Hotels can rise in peak season, but casual dining and coffee are fairly typical.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff or delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Salem, MA 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 Salem, MA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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