- Must visit
Delaware Art Museum
Major art museum known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection, American illustration, and sculpture garden.
Cheapest price
$179
Average price
$179
Fastest journey
13 h 18 m
Average duration
13 h 18 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
683 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC 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 Wilmington, NC will cost around $179 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $179.
It's difficult to get from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC without transferring at least once.
89 Palmetto · 6189 AMTRAK
89 Palmetto · 6189 AMTRAKOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $333.
Distance: 424 miles (683 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$213 Average price | $143 Average price Cheapest | $491 Average price | $106 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 35m Average total duration 11h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 15m Average total duration 12h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 5m 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 Wilmington, NC:
A bus is $70 (€58) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC costing on average $213 (€175).
A bus is $348 (€286) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC costing on average $491 (€403).
Other travel options to Wilmington, NC take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 5m.
Bus takes on average 12h 45m.
Tickets start at around $213 (€175) compared to roughly $106 (€87) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-106.70 (€-87.69). The journey takes 11h 5m versus 9h 5m 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 Wilmington, NC trains for tomorrow, Monday, July 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
89 Palmetto · 6189 AMTRAK | 7:32 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 13h18 | 8:50 PM Wilmington, NC | 1 transfer | |
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 Wilmington, NC run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $161 (€133) but you can travel from only $68 (€56) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:30, the last at 10:20. The fastest train covers the 424 miles (683 km) distance in 11h 7m.
Distance 424 miles (683 km) |
Average train duration 11h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $161 (€133) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 11h 7m |
First train 7:30 AM |
Last train 10:20 AM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Wilmington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wilmington trip today.
Major art museum known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection, American illustration, and sculpture garden.
Renowned museum of American decorative arts set on a grand estate with extensive gardens.
Historic industrial museum on the Brandywine showcasing the DuPont powder yards, mills, and estate grounds.
Popular waterfront district with a scenic promenade, entertainment venues, and frequent social-media appeal.
Large urban park with river views, walking paths, and access to the Brandywine Zoo area.
Hilltop park known for open lawns, skyline views, and the iconic Rockford Tower.
Slow-smoked pork shoulder, usually chopped or pulled and dressed with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. It reflects the strong North Carolina barbecue influence found around Wilmington.
Whole-hog style barbecue seasoned with peppery vinegar sauce. It is a classic regional tradition widely associated with coastal and eastern North Carolina.
Lightly battered and fried shrimp, fish, or oysters served in generous platters. This coastal style is a southeastern North Carolina staple and very popular around Wilmington.
Well-known downtown restaurant focused on North Carolina ingredients, local seafood, and refined Southern cooking in an intimate setting.
Respected restaurant in a historic pharmacy building, known for seasonal Southern fare, craft cocktails, and a polished but approachable atmosphere.
Established riverfront seafood restaurant known for oysters, fresh catch, and a lively casual atmosphere in historic downtown Wilmington.
Prices are moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels vary by season, while casual dining and coffee are reasonably priced.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants for table service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC 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 Wilmington, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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