- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
Vast air and space museum displaying historic aircraft, spacecraft and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Cheapest price
£14
Average price
£55
Fastest journey
1 h 42 m
Average duration
1 h 45 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
199 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £14.
Of the 26 trains that leave Philadelphia, PA for Washington, DC every day 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 199 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 42 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 49 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.
55 Vermonter
151 Northeast Regional
193 Northeast Regional
67 Northeast Regional
171 Northeast Regional
55 Vermonter
141 Northeast Regional
93 Northeast Regional
183 Northeast Regional
193 Northeast RegionalOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 56m. 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 coach costs an average of £13, and a flight costs an average of £183.
Distance: 199 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£22 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest | £328 Average Price |
3h 17m Average total duration 2h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC trains for today, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
67 Northeast Regional | 4:45 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h09 | 6:54 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
151 Northeast Regional | 4:57 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h01 | 6:58 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
111 Northeast Regional | 6:24 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h07 | 8:31 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
181 Northeast Regional | 7:11 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h55 | 9:06 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2103 NextGen Acela | 7:21 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h48 | 9:09 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
89 Palmetto | 7:32 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h14 | 9:46 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
113 Northeast Regional | 8:01 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h00 | 10:01 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2107 Acela | 8:43 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h53 | 10:36 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
79 Carolinian | 8:56 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h06 | 11:02 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
183 Northeast Regional | 9:00 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h04 | 11:04 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2109 NextGen Acela | 9:31 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h56 | 11:27 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
141 Northeast Regional | 9:50 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h57 | 11:47 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2151 NextGen Acela | 10:10 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h49 | 11:59 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
185 Northeast Regional | 10:55 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h03 | 12:58 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2113 NextGen Acela | 11:10 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h50 | 13:00 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
95 Northeast Regional | 12:01 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h04 | 14:05 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2155 NextGen Acela | 12:19 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h43 | 14:02 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
119 Northeast Regional | 12:47 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h05 | 14:52 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2115 NextGen Acela | 13:05 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h55 | 15:00 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
125 Northeast Regional | 13:07 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h10 | 15:17 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
131 Northeast Regional | 13:47 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h01 | 15:48 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2159 NextGen Acela | 14:13 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h51 | 16:04 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
171 Northeast Regional | 14:18 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h10 | 16:28 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2119 NextGen Acela | 15:24 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h58 | 17:22 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
93 Northeast Regional | 15:29 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h04 | 17:33 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
19 Crescent | 15:38 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h10 | 17:48 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
97 Silver Meteor | 16:15 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h11 | 18:26 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2165 NextGen Acela | 16:27 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h59 | 18:26 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
85 Northeast Regional | 16:32 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h13 | 18:45 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2123 Acela | 17:27 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h44 | 19:11 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
173 Northeast Regional | 17:32 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h06 | 19:38 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
129 Northeast Regional | 18:00 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h01 | 20:01 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2167 Acela | 18:11 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h52 | 20:03 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2127 NextGen Acela | 19:17 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h50 | 21:07 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
193 Northeast Regional | 19:18 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h09 | 21:27 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
197 Northeast Regional | 19:36 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h56 | 21:32 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
137 Northeast Regional | 19:55 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 2h05 | 22:00 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
55 Vermonter | 20:11 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h56 | 22:07 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2171 Acela | 20:31 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h51 | 22:22 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
2131 NextGen Acela | 21:09 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h51 | 23:00 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
175 Northeast Regional | 21:23 30th Street Station, Philadelphia, PA | 1h56 | 23:19 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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 Washington, DC run on average 34 times per day, taking around 2h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
There are 34 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 199 km distance in 1h 51m.
Distance 199 km |
Average train duration 2h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 34 |
Direct trains 34 |
Fastest train 1h 51m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
Vast air and space museum displaying historic aircraft, spacecraft and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Museum exploring the history, culture and contributions of African Americans through powerful exhibitions.
Leading art museum with European and American masterpieces, sculpture garden and free permanent collection.
Grand landscaped park linking memorials, museums and monuments, ideal for walking and classic city views.
Historic waterfront district with cobbled streets, canal paths, shops and scenic walks by the Potomac.
Vibrant neighbourhood known for murals, music venues, independent shops and one of the city’s liveliest streets.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chilli and toppings. It is a long-standing Washington street food linked to the city’s carry-outs.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet, tangy, slightly spicy condiment popular with fried chicken and chips in Washington carry-outs. It is a distinctive local takeaway staple.
Jumbo slice is an oversized pizza slice sold late at night in Washington, especially around nightlife areas. It is a local post-night-out food ritual.
Polished American dining with a focus on seasonal produce and Chesapeake influences. Sophisticated setting suited to a celebratory meal.
Refined Mid-Atlantic seafood restaurant known for oyster dishes, crab, and seasonal ingredients. Elegant but approachable atmosphere in Penn Quarter.
Beloved bakery and café serving Ethiopian coffee, pastries, and light meals. Relaxed community feel in Adams Morgan.
Washington is pricier than many US cities for hotels and dining near central sights, though museums are often free and public transport is reasonably priced.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants if service is not included, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or up to 10% in cafés.
Official public transport app
Washington Union Station -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC trains use the 30th Street Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC 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.
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