- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Major natural sciences museum with dinosaur displays, live animals, research exhibits, and a nature exploration centre for all ages.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC will cost around £124 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £78.
On Tue 03 Nov, we found 5 trains from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 556 km distance in an average of 9 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h .
The slowest trains will take 10 h 11 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.
79 Carolinian
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1153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian
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1103 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian
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1155 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian
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2105 Acela [NextGen] · 41 Floridian
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1155 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian
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1103 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian
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2105 Acela [NextGen] · 41 Floridian
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1153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian
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79 Carolinian
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Trains from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £35 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 12:13. The fastest train covers the 556 km distance in 7h 30m.
Distance 556 km |
Average train duration 8h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 7h 30m |
First train 4:15 |
Last train 12:13 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC.
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 3 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
79 Carolinian | 8:56 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 10h11 | 19:07 Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 0 changesdirect | |
1153 Northeast Regional · 79 Carolinian | 9:33 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 9h34 | 19:07 Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 1 change | |
2105 Acela [NextGen] · 41 Floridian | 10:13 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 9h28 | 19:41 Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 1 change | |
1103 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian | 10:32 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 9h09 | 19:41 Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 1 change | |
1155 Northeast Regional · 41 Floridian | 10:41 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 9h00 | 19:41 Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 1 change |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Raleigh, NC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Raleigh, NC trip today.
Major natural sciences museum with dinosaur displays, live animals, research exhibits, and a nature exploration centre for all ages.
Art museum with American and European works, contemporary galleries, and a sculpture park linked by pleasant outdoor trails.
Hands-on history museum covering North Carolina’s past through changing exhibitions, artefacts, and family-friendly interpretation.
Central downtown promenade with public art, shops, and regular events, useful for exploring Raleigh on foot.
Lively warehouse district with galleries, murals, event spaces, and an easy walk to museums, markets, and nightlife.
Large urban park with walking paths, pedal boats, sports facilities, and skyline views around a scenic lake.
Eastern North Carolina chopped pork barbecue with a sharp vinegar and chilli sauce. It is a defining regional staple across the Raleigh area.
Slow-cooked pork shoulder, often smoked then pulled and dressed lightly with vinegar sauce. Common at local barbecue joints and community gatherings.
Crisp fried cornmeal-coated catfish, usually served with hush puppies and slaw. It reflects the region’s long freshwater fish and fry tradition.
Refined downtown dining room focused on North Carolina ingredients, seasonal tasting menus and polished modern Southern cooking.
Laid-back brewery and taproom pouring local beers with a broad range of styles. A good stop to sample Raleigh’s craft beer culture.
Popular casual restaurant serving biscuit sandwiches, Southern breakfast plates and comfort food in a busy, friendly atmosphere.
Raleigh is moderate for US city breaks, with mid-priced hotels, fairly affordable dining, and low local transport costs compared with larger East Coast cities.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually get 10-15%. For cafés, round up or add $1 per drink.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Raleigh, NC.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Philadelphia, PA to Raleigh, NC trains use the 30th Street Station to Raleigh Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at North Carolina State Fair Station. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Raleigh, NC 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.
Raleigh Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Pit Authentic BBQ, Humble Pie, Whiskey Kitchen
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Raleigh Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Raleigh Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Raleigh Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Raleigh Marriott City Center, Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown.
North Carolina State Fair Station is 6 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
North Carolina State Fair Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at North Carolina State Fair Station. ATMs are available during fair events.
Ticket office support is available at North Carolina State Fair Station.
Available at North Carolina State Fair Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at North Carolina State Fair Station: Accessible platforms during events.
Check train stations information for Philadelphia, PA and Raleigh, NC, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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