Are you organizing a journey from Amtrak Boston and Philadelphia, or the other way around? Between these two historic cities, Amtrak provides train services that are efficient, comfortable, and convenient. No matter if your trip is for work or pleasure, Amtrak offers various choices, such as the fast Acela Express and the budget-friendly Northeast Regional service.
Amtrak Boston to Philadelphia Route Details
Below is an Amtrak Boston (BOS) to Philadelphia (PHL) Route Details table that highlights only the essential aspects and specifications:
| Category | Northeast Regional | Acela Express | Vermonter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Route Name | Northeast Regional | Acela Express | Vermonter |
| Operational Days | Daily | Daily | Daily (seasonal adjustments) |
| Departures (Daily) | 10+ | 5–8 | 1 |
| Travel Time | 6h 10m – 7h 30m | 5h – 5h 30m | 7h 30m+ |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 150 mph | 110 mph |
| Service Class | Coach, Business | Business, First Class | Coach, Business |
| Seat Types | Reclining seats, tray tables, power outlets | Extra legroom, leather seats, adjustable lighting | Standard reclining seats, power outlets |
| WiFi | Free (basic streaming) | Free (enhanced bandwidth) | Free (basic) |
| Pet Policy | Small pets allowed ($29–39, 20-lb limit, 7-hour max) | Same as Regional | Same as Regional |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms | Same as Regional + priority boarding | Same as Regional |
| Ticket Flexibility | Refundable options (+fee) | Refundable options included in First Class | Refundable options (+fee) |
| Onboard Experience | Casual, family-friendly | Quiet Car available, premium ambiance | Relaxed, fewer crowds |
| Best For | Budget travelers, flexible schedules | Business travelers, time-sensitive trips | Leisurely travel, scenic routes |
Routes of Amtrak Boston to Philadelphia
Here is a table of station facilities for all Amtrak routes guide between Boston (BOS) and Philadelphia (PHL):
| Station Code | Location | City/Area Served | Key Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOS | 700 Atlantic Ave | Boston, MA (Downtown) | • Wheelchair access • Lounge • Baggage storage • Food court • MBTA subway connection |
| RTE | 1330 University Ave | Westwood, MA (Suburbs) | • Free parking (1,000+ spots) • Bike racks • Vending machines • Kiss & Ride area |
| PVD | 100 Gaspee St | Providence, RI (Downtown) | • Historic building • Amtrak lounge • Taxi stand • RIPTA bus connections |
| NHV | 50 Union Ave | New Haven, CT (Downtown) | • Yale University shuttle • Metro-North connection • Charging stations • Café |
| NYP | 8th Ave & 31st St | New York, NY (Midtown) | • Moynihan Food Hall • NJ Transit/LIRR • Subway • Taxis • Wheelchair rental |
| NWK | 1 Raymond Plaza West | Newark, NJ (Downtown) | • PATH train to NYC • Prudential Center access • Parking garage • ATM |
| TRE | 72 S Clinton Ave | Trenton, NJ (Capitol Dist) | • State House access • NJ Transit buses • Free WiFi • Covered waiting area |
| PHL | 2955 Market St | Philadelphia, PA (Center) | • SEPTA regional rail • 30th St shops • Taxi rank • Luggage carts • EV charging |
Amtrak Boston to Philadelphia Stops
Below is a table listing all Amtrak stops from Boston (BOS) to Philadelphia (PHL), arranged by route:
| Stop | Northeast Regional | Acela | Vermonter | State | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston (South Station) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | MA | BOS |
| Route 128 (Westwood) | ✓ | ✓ | – | MA | RTE |
| Providence | ✓ | – | – | RI | PVD |
| New Haven | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | CT | NHV |
| New York (Moynihan) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | NY | NYP |
| Newark (Penn) | ✓ | ✓ | – | NJ | NWK |
| Trenton | ✓ | ✓ | – | NJ | TRE |
| Philadelphia (30th St) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | PA | PHL |
Amtrak Boston to Philadelphia Schedule
Below is a table of Amtrak schedules for trains from Boston (BOS) to Philadelphia (PHL) on an average weekday:
| Feature | Acela Express | Northeast Regional | Vermonter |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Departure | 6:00 AM | 5:30 AM | 9:25 AM |
| Last Departure | 3:00 PM | 8:30 PM | 9:25 AM (only) |
| Typical Duration | 5h 5m | 6h 45m | 7h 30m |
| Frequency | 5-6x daily | 10-12x daily | 1x daily |
| Fastest Trip | 5h (nonstop options*) | 6h 10m | 7h 30m |
| Slowest Trip | 5h 30m (with stops) | 7h 30m (local stops) | N/A |
| Peak Travel Times | 6 AM, 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM | Every 2-3 hours | Morning only |
Amtrak Boston to Philadelphia Ticket Cost
Below is a table listing different ticket options and prices for Amtrak travel from Boston to Philadelphia:
| Ticket Type | Acela Express (Fastest) | Northeast Regional (Standard) | Features & Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coach Class | $130 – $160 | $50 – $90 | Comfortable seating, basic amenities |
| Business Class | $170 – $200 | $80 – $120 | Extra legroom, priority boarding |
| First Class | $200 – $250 | Not Available | Premium service, meal included |
| Round Trip (Coach) | $250 – $320 | $90 – $170 | Savings on return ticket |
| Round Trip (Business) | $330 – $400 | $160 – $240 | Enhanced comfort for both trips |
| Student Discount | Available via Amtrak Deals | Available via Amtrak Deals | Special pricing for students |
| Senior Discount | 10% Off | 10% Off | Discount for seniors 65+ |
| Child Fare (Ages 2-12) | 50% Off | 50% Off | Discounted tickets for children |
| Group Discount | Special rates for groups | Special rates for groups | Lower fares for group travelers |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting Too Long to Book – Prices increase as departure nears
- Not Checking Multiple Dates – Shifting by one day can save $50+
- Overpacking – Limited storage space means pack light
- Missing the Train – Boarding ends 5 minutes before departure
- Assuming All Trains Are Equal – Equipment varies (newer Acela trains have better amenities)
Why Choose Amtrak from Boston to Philadelphia?
The following table compares various factors and illustrates why travelers opt for Amtrak over other means of transport for journeys from Boston to Philadelphia:
| Feature | Amtrak Acela/Regional | Driving | Bus | Flying |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 5h (Acela) – 6.5h (Regional) | 5–6h (no traffic) | 7–8h (traffic-dependent) | 1.5h flight + 2h airport time |
| Cost (One-Way) | 50–50–350 (varies by class) | 60–60–90 (gas + tolls) | 20–20–60 | 100–100–300 (with baggage) |
| Comfort | Spacious seats, WiFi, power outlets | Cramped, traffic stress | Tight seating, limited legroom | Security lines, delays |
| Scenery | Coastal views, urban landscapes | Highway monotony | Highway views | Clouds (limited views) |
| City Center Access | Arrives at 30th St Station (downtown) | Requires parking | Drops at bus terminals | PHL Airport (25 min from downtown) |
| Eco-Friendliness | Low carbon footprint | High emissions | Moderate emissions | High emissions |
| Luggage Policy | 2 free carry-ons + 2 checked ($20) | Trunk space limited | Strict size limits | Baggage fees apply |
| Food Options | Café car or meal service (Acela) | Fast food stops | Limited snacks | Paid airport food |
| Work Productivity | Quiet cars, WiFi, tables | None | Limited | Limited (short flight) |
| Reliability | Minor delays (weather-rare) | Traffic jams, accidents | Traffic delays | Flight cancellations |
Your Complete Amtrak Packing Checklist
- Government-issued ID
- Phone charger + power bank
- Noise-canceling headphones
- Light blanket or scarf (trains can get chilly)
- Reusable water bottle (filling stations available)
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes
- Cash (for café car tips)
Best Booking Tricks for Amtrak from Boston to Philadelphia
- Book Early: Ticket prices tend to rise closer to departure. Booking in advance secures better deals.
- Consider Flexible Dates: Traveling on weekdays or off-peak times can be more affordable.
- Choose the Right Train: The Acela Express is faster but pricier, while the Northeast Regional offers a budget-friendly option.
- Check for Discounts: Seniors, students, military personnel, and groups can enjoy special fares.
- Use Amtrak’s App: Convenient for booking tickets, checking schedules, and receiving real-time travel updates.
- Monitor Promotions: Amtrak periodically offers deals and promo codes for additional savings.
- Arrive Early: Stations like Boston South Station and Philadelphia 30th Street Station can be busy, so arriving early ensures a smooth boarding process.
- Online Booking: Easily secure your tickets via Amtrak’s official website or mobile app.
Conclusion
No matter the purpose of your journey – work or leisure – Amtrak provides a pleasant and hassle-free ride from Boston to Philadelphia. With several daily departures, competitive rates, and comfortable amenities, it serves as an excellent alternative to flying or driving.
The Best Routes on Amtrak
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
- Amtrak Union Station to Los Angeles
- Amtrak Los Angeles to California
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Albuquerque
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Houston
- Amtrak Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada
- Amtrak Chicago to Phoenix
FAQs for Amtrak Boston to Philadelphia
The Amtrak Acela Express takes around 5 hours, while the Northeast Regional takes approximately 5.5 to 6 hours.
The Northeast Regional is the cheapest Amtrak option, with coach fares starting around $50 when booked in advance.
Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for the best fares; earlier bookings secure lower prices and preferred seating.
Amtrak Acela Express fares range from $130 to $250, depending on booking time, class selection, and availability.
Book online at Amtrak.com, via the Amtrak app, or at Boston South Station ticket counters for easy reservations.