- Must visit
Philadelphia Museum of Art
One of the United States' premier art museums, famous for its vast collections, landmark building, and the iconic Rocky Steps.
Cheapest price
$91
Average price
$194
Fastest journey
1 h 36 m
Average duration
1 h 37 m
Trains per day
45
Distance
188 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Philadelphia International Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Washington, DC to Philadelphia International Airport will cost around $194 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
Of the 45 trains that leave Washington, DC for Philadelphia International Airport on Thu, Jul 02, 39 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 02 the direct trains cover the 188 km distance in an average of 1 h 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 36 m .
On Thu, Jul 02 the slowest trains will take 1 h 38 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.
134 Northeast Regional
174 Northeast Regional
172 Northeast Regional
84 Northeast Regional
170 Northeast Regional
2112 Acela
2152 Acela
2108 NextGen Acela
2150 Acela
2124 NextGen AcelaOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Philadelphia International Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a flight costs an average of $212.
Distance: 116 miles (188 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$28 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $406 Average price | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration 1h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Philadelphia International Airport:
A bus is $0.79 (€0.65) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Philadelphia International Airport costing on average $28 (€23).
A bus is $379 (€312) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Philadelphia International Airport costing on average $406 (€335).
Other travel options to Philadelphia International Airport take longer:
Flight takes on average 1h 51m.
Bus takes on average 3h 29m.
The journey is about 36m faster (1h 44m by train vs 2h 20m by car) and roughly $9 (€7) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($28 (€23) vs $36 (€30)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Amtrak, Amtrak.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Philadelphia International Airport trains for tomorrow, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2150 Acela | 4:50 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h38 | 6:28 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
170 Northeast Regional | 5:05 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h50 | 6:55 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2102 NextGen Acela | 5:48 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h47 | 7:35 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
130 Northeast Regional | 6:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h57 | 8:27 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2152 Acela | 6:50 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h36 | 8:26 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
172 Northeast Regional | 7:06 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h59 | 9:05 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2104 NextGen Acela | 7:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h41 | 9:11 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
112 Northeast Regional | 7:45 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h52 | 9:37 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
56 Vermonter | 8:08 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h50 | 9:58 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2154 Acela | 8:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h42 | 10:12 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
86 Northeast Regional | 8:50 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h57 | 10:47 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Washington, DC to Philadelphia International Airport run on average 39 times per day, taking around 1h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 30 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:28, the last at 22:25. The fastest train covers the 116 miles (188 km) distance in 1h 50m.
Distance 116 miles (188 km) |
Average train duration 1h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 39 |
Direct trains 30 |
Fastest train 1h 50m |
First train 12:28 AM |
Last train 10:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Philadelphia International Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Philadelphia International Airport trip today.
One of the United States' premier art museums, famous for its vast collections, landmark building, and the iconic Rocky Steps.
Celebrated collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings displayed in an intimate, highly regarded setting.
Major archaeology and anthropology museum near University City, known for Ancient Egypt, the Middle East, and global cultural collections.
Elegant central square surrounded by upscale streets, cafes, and lively city life, ideal for strolling and people-watching.
Historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, galleries, and major Revolutionary landmarks, central to first-time visits.
Busy Center City district anchored by one of Philadelphia's most visited public spaces and surrounded by historic streets.
A Long roll filled with thinly sliced beef and melted cheese, often with fried onions. It is Philadelphia's signature sandwich and a must-try local classic.
A Philadelphia favorite made with slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe on a crusty roll. Many locals consider it as iconic as the cheesesteak.
A Dense, chewy Philadelphia-style pretzel, commonly eaten as a snack from bakeries, carts, and convenience counters throughout the city.
A Popular Philadelphia coffee brand serving espresso drinks and light bites. It is a reliable stop for a respected local coffee experience.
A Well-known Philadelphia sports-bar chain at the airport, famous for crab fries and casual local fare in a lively setting.
A Philadelphia restaurant brand known for comfort food and Mid-Atlantic flavors. The airport location offers a polished but approachable sit-down meal.
Airport prices are higher than in the city, but standard fast food and coffee remain manageable for most travelers.
Tip 15-20% at sit-down restaurants. No tip is expected for grab-and-go, but spare change is appreciated. Round up for taxis; tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink.
Official public transport app
Philadelphia International Airport -> Center City Philadelphia
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Philadelphia International 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 Philadelphia International Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Philadelphia International Airport trains use the Union Station to 30th Street Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Philadelphia International Airport train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need