- Must visit
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Iconic art museum known for its vast collections and the 'Rocky Steps.'
Cheapest price
$91
Average price
$211
Fastest journey
1 h 35 m
Average duration
1 h 38 m
Trains per day
33
Distance
199 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA 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, PA will cost around $211 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
Of the 33 trains that leave Washington, DC for Philadelphia, PA on Sun, May 17, 33 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 17 the direct trains cover the 199 km distance in an average of 1 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 35 m .
On Sun, May 17 the slowest trains will take 1 h 39 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.
154 Northeast Regional
118 Northeast Regional
120 Northeast Regional
88 Northeast Regional
96 Northeast Regional
2226 NextGen Acela
2228 Acela
2274 NextGen Acela
2256 Acela
2222 NextGen AcelaOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $334.
Distance: 123 miles (199 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$45 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $523 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 7m Average total duration 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA:
A bus is $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $45 (€36).
A bus is $495 (€400) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $523 (€423).
Other travel options to Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 37m.
Bus takes on average 3h 8m.
Tickets start at around $45 (€36) compared to roughly $38 (€31) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-6.59 (€-5.32). The journey takes 2h 37m versus 2h 32m 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 Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA trains for today, Saturday, May 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
158 Northeast Regional | 6:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h52 | 8:02 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
90 Palmetto | 7:53 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h58 | 9:51 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
124 Northeast Regional | 8:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h07 | 10:27 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
128 Northeast Regional | 9:21 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h54 | 11:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
66 Northeast Regional | 10:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h06 | 12:06 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
160 Northeast Regional | 5:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h51 | 7:11 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
162 Northeast Regional | 6:15 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h02 | 8:17 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
98 Silver Meteor | 7:09 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h59 | 9:08 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
54 Vermonter | 7:24 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h53 | 9:17 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2248 Acela | 7:46 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h44 | 9:30 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
120 Northeast Regional | 8:00 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h03 | 10:03 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2250 NextGen Acela | 8:34 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h46 | 10:20 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
164 Northeast Regional | 9:10 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h52 | 11:02 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2256 Acela | 9:34 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h39 | 11:13 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
118 Northeast Regional | 9:58 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h58 | 11:56 AM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
154 Northeast Regional | 10:14 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h01 | 12:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2252 NextGen Acela | 10:54 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h42 | 12:36 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
88 Northeast Regional | 11:25 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h54 | 1:19 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
140 Northeast Regional | 12:17 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h58 | 2:15 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
96 Northeast Regional | 1:11 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h03 | 3:14 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
156 Northeast Regional | 2:31 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h01 | 4:32 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
132 Northeast Regional | 3:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h59 | 5:01 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
122 Northeast Regional | 3:37 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h51 | 5:28 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2258 NextGen Acela | 3:59 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h43 | 5:42 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
146 Northeast Regional | 4:17 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h59 | 6:16 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2222 NextGen Acela | 4:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h39 | 6:36 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
80 Carolinian | 5:11 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h49 | 7:00 PM 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
166 Northeast Regional | 5:16 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h00 | 7:16 PM 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, PA run on average 32 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 32 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 123 miles (199 km) distance in 1h 43m.
Distance 123 miles (199 km) |
Average train duration 2h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 32 |
Direct trains 32 |
Fastest train 1h 43m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Philadelphia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Philadelphia trip today.
Iconic art museum known for its vast collections and the 'Rocky Steps.'
Features an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings.
Interactive science museum with notable exhibits on space, technology, and human systems.
Historic market with a wide variety of local foods and products.
Upmarket area known for its green spaces and vibrant city life.
A long roll filled with thin-sliced ribeye beef and melted cheese, usually American or Provolone. It originated in Philadelphia and is an iconic local dish.
A sandwich made on a long Italian roll filled with meats, cheeses, vegetables, and dressings. Known as a hoagie in Philadelphia, it's a beloved local staple.
A savory dish made of pork scraps and cornmeal, formed into a loaf and then sliced and fried. It is a regional favorite, often eaten for breakfast.
An iconic indoor market with diverse food offerings from local vendors, including traditional Philly fare.
A renowned Israeli restaurant offering modern takes on Middle Eastern dishes in a chic setting.
A stylish brasserie overlooking Rittenhouse Square, known for French cuisine with a lively atmosphere.
The cost of living is moderate; dining and accommodation are pricier in tourist areas but affordable options exist.
15-20% in restaurants; round up for taxis; tips appreciated in cafes but not required.
The train connection between Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA is a convenient and efficient way to travel between these two cities. Amtrak provides regular service on this route, allowing passengers to enjoy comfortable seating and scenic views along the journey. With multiple departures throughout the day, travelers can easily plan their trips while experiencing the ease of rail transportation in the Northeast Corridor.
The train connection between Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. There are about 25 connections per day available for travelers. This route is direct with no transfers required. Passengers will depart from Union Station in DC and arrive at 30th Street Station in PA.
The first daily train journey departs from Washington, DC at 9:00 AM and the last one leaves at 11:10 PM. This schedule provides travelers with ample options for both early morning departures and late-night returns between these two cities.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA is $11 (10€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $58 (52.2€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities along the East Coast.
The Liberty Bell, an iconic symbol of American independence, was originally cast in 1752 and has since become a powerful emblem of freedom. Its famous crack serves as a reminder that while the pursuit of liberty is often fraught with challenges, it remains an enduring aspiration for all. As you stand before this historic bell, take a moment to reflect on its significance during the American Revolution and how it continues to inspire movements for justice today.
Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted in 1776 and 1787 respectively, making it one of America's most important historical sites. This stunning example of Georgian architecture not only houses pivotal moments from our nation's founding but also invites visitors to imagine what life was like when these groundbreaking ideas took shape within its walls. As we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site together, you'll gain insight into the visionaries who shaped democracy as we know it.
The Philadelphia Museum of Art stands out not just for its impressive collection spanning over 2,000 years but also for its striking neoclassical façade adorned with grand steps made famous by Rocky Balboa's triumphant run up them. Inside lies an extraordinary array of artworks from renowned masters such as Van Gogh and Duchamp that will captivate your imagination at every turn. Join me on this journey through creativity; each gallery tells stories that connect us across time—stories waiting to be discovered by curious minds like yours!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA 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, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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