Train from Boston to Philadelphia time

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Train Trip Information: Boston to Philadelphia

There are 16 daily trains from Boston to Philadelphia. Traveling by train from Boston to Philadelphia usually takes around 5 hours and 39 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 4 hours and 49 minutes.

Distance	271 mi (436 km)
Fastest train	4h 49m
Lowest price	$33.00
Trains per day	31
Most frequent service	Amtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines	3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Boston to Philadelphia

(Based on 25 ratings and reviews)

4.6

Pros: Power at the seat, WiFi, although that was sporadic. Cons: WiFi kept bumping me out. It would have been better if train was on time.

Pros: No delays! Cons: The quiet car was a little stuffy, and sometimes people were talking too loudly--other passengers had to tell them it was the quiet car and they needed to be quiet.

Pros: The comfort of the train. Relaxing! Cons: Wifi could be improved. But, mostly, the last year, I have noticed an increase of noise in the quiet car, and less and less enforcement. Its bothersome. The announcement doesn't carry the weight of serious enforcement...

Pros: Overall very good. Everything as expected and happy train was on time. Cons: As a first time traveler it would have been helpful for clearer communication regarding boarding the train. It was an escalator down to the tracks in Philadelphia and customers started to get stopped and piled up at the door to the tracks at the bottom of the escalator as we tried to get out on the tracks. Luckily people began to move and no one fell or stumbled. Anything to make boarding stress free and safe would be a great improvement. Sometimes the various train stations weren’t announced when train was stopping and sometimes the announcements were very hard to understand. Customer service answered my questions about where to wait but I would have liked more information about what the tracks would be like and where to access the tracks. I also feel that there is sort of a “mad rush” by customers to get to the train and board. If there was a way to create a boarding experience where people don’t feel rushed that would be helpful. I think if the track area could be made safer with maybe some type of barriers like what is used when getting on rides in Disney world or other large parks could be used to “stage” riders 5 minutes ahead of time and have riders in place on the track area to easily board without the “rush” . Tips: Pack lightly if you can. Audio book for longer rides.

In the last month, $168.16 was the average price of a train ticket from Boston to Philadelphia. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $73.09 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Boston to Philadelphia will vary between $122 and $359. Planning a train trip to Philadelphia within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Boston over the next 7 days is $149. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$175$140$105$70 $35DJFMAMJJ ASON

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Boston to Philadelphia by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $110 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Boston to Philadelphia in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $175 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$250$200$150$100$503020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Philadelphia from Boston will be about $73.09 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Boston to Philadelphia?

There are 3 train lines with service from Boston to Philadelphia. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 8 trains each day.

Amtrak
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Boston to Philadelphia every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $125.
Amtrak Acela
The Acela is Amtrak’s flagship high-speed rail service. Connecting 15 cities along the Northeast Corridor of the United States, the Acela is Amtrak’s fastest running passenger train, developing a speed of up to 82.2 mph. Acela trains are equipped with free high-speed internet, power outlets and extra comfortable seats. In addition, all Acela passengers have access to the line’s signature Corridor Café where they can unwind and enjoy a freshly prepared meal with a glass of wine. There are 7 Acela trips from Boston to Philadelphia every day, including the weekend. As it is Amtrak’s most premium service, the average Acela train ticket may cost more than other train lines.
Amtrak Northeast Regional
The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes traveling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 8 daily train trips from Boston to Philadelphia, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Is it safe to travel by train from Boston to Philadelphia during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the train journey from Boston to Philadelphia?

The distance between Boston and Philadelphia is approximately 271 miles, or 436 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 39 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 49 minutes.

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Boston to Philadelphia are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Boston at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Boston to Philadelphia?

There are 16 scheduled trains on most days. 31 of these are direct connections to Philadelphia. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Philadelphia to Boston.

City Information

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):

Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.

From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.

Philadelphia

We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?

Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market or join a history and food tour of the Italian Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.

Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Boston?

Main departure station: South Station

South Station is the largest and busiest train station in Boston, and a major transportation hub for the greater New England area. South Station's 13 tracks are used by Amtrak, Acela, the MBTA commuter rail, and the MBTA subway system (a.k.a. the "T") with connections to the Boston Logan International Airport. You can also access intercity bus service in the adjacent South Station Bus Terminal. South Station's historic train terminal opened in 1899 right in downtown Boston, and is close to many points of interest like the Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and the hip Seaport district. At the terminal, you'll find free WiFi, luggage storage, a 24-hour information booth, and 14 dining options, including that New England favorite, Dunkin'.

All train stations in Boston:

South Station
Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

Where is the train station in Philadelphia?

Main arrival station: 30th St Station - 2955 Market St

Philadelphia has one train station.

All train stations in Philadelphia:

30th St Station - 2955 Market St

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From the Wanderu blog

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Train Tickets
United States
Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Boston to Philadelphia

How long is Amtrak from Boston to Philadelphia?

Train Trip Information: Boston to Philadelphia Traveling by train from Boston to Philadelphia usually takes around 5 hours and 39 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 4 hours and 49 minutes.

How much does it cost to take a train from Boston to Philadelphia?

Overview: Train from Boston to Philadelphia You can get the cheapest train tickets for this journey for as low as $37 (€33), but the average price of train tickets is $124 (€113).