Traveling from Burlington, Vermont to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by train offers a scenic and comfortable journey through the heart of the Northeast. Whether you’re planning a business trip or a leisurely getaway, Amtrak provides a reliable and relaxing option. Here’s everything you need to know about the Amtrak Burlington to Philadelphia route.
Amtrak Burlington to Philadelphia Overview
The Amtrak Burlington to Philadelphia route offers a scenic and comfortable train journey from Vermont to Pennsylvania. Travelers typically board the Ethan Allen Express in Burlington and transfer in New York City to reach Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Route | Burlington, VT (BTV) → Philadelphia, PA (PHL) |
| Service Type | Connecting service (requires transfer) |
| Primary Train | Ethan Allen Express (BTV→NYP) + Northeast Regional/Keystone (NYP→PHL) |
| Travel Time | 7-9 hours (depending on connection) |
| Frequency | Daily (1 departure from Burlington) |
| Departure (BTV) | 10:10 AM (Ethan Allen Express) |
| Arrival (PHL) | Typically 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM (varies by connection) |
| Transfer Point | New York Penn Station (NYP) |
| Fare Range | $70-$200 (Coach) / $100-$300 (Business/Acela) |
| Main Stations | BTV → Rutland → Albany → NYC → Trenton → PHL |
| Onboard Amenities | Free WiFi (on some trains), cafe car, power outlets |
| Official Website | https://www.amtrak.com/home.html |
Routes of Amtrak Burlington to Philadelphia
While there is no direct Amtrak service from Burlington to Philadelphia, you can take the Ethan Allen Express from Burlington to New York City, and then transfer to the Northeast Regional or Keystone Service for the onward journey to Philadelphia.
| Route | Trains Used | Transfer Point | Travel Time | Frequency | Key Stops |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington → NYC → Philadelphia | Ethan Allen Express (BTV→NYP) Northeast Regional/Keystone/Acela (NYP→PHL) | New York (NYP) | 7-8 hours | Daily | BTV → Rutland → Albany → NYC → Trenton → PHL |
| Burlington → Albany → Philadelphia | Ethan Allen Express (BTV→ALB) Maple Leaf/Empire Service (ALB→NYP) Northeast Regional/Keystone (NYP→PHL) | Albany (ALB) + NYC (NYP) | 8-9 hours | Daily | BTV → Rutland → Albany → NYC → PHL |
Amtrak Burlington to Philadelphia Schedule
Amtrak offers daily departures from Burlington to Philadelphia. The average travel time is around 11 to 13 hours, depending on the connection and service selected. The fastest trains can complete the journey in about 10 hours.
| Departure (BTV) | Arrival (PHL) | Train Sequence | Transfer | Total Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:10 AM | 5:38 PM | Ethan Allen Express → Northeast Regional #138 | NYP (3:40 PM – 4:15 PM) | 7h 28m | Daily |
| 10:10 AM | 6:08 PM | Ethan Allen Express → Northeast Regional #168 | NYP (3:40 PM – 4:40 PM) | 7h 58m | Daily |
| 10:10 AM | 6:38 PM | Ethan Allen Express → Northeast Regional #140 | NYP (3:40 PM – 5:15 PM) | 8h 28m | Daily |
| 10:10 AM | 7:08 PM | Ethan Allen Express → Northeast Regional #170 | NYP (3:40 PM – 5:40 PM) | 8h 58m | Daily |
| 10:10 AM | 7:38 PM | Ethan Allen Express → Northeast Regional #142 | NYP (3:40 PM – 6:15 PM) | 9h 28m | Daily |
Amtrak Burlington to Philadelphia Prices & Tickets
Here’s a simple breakdown of Amtrak Burlington to Philadelphia ticket prices to help you plan your trip:
| Fare Type | Price Range | Booking Class | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saver Fare | $49-$79 | Coach | Non-refundable, limited availability | Budget travelers |
| Value Fare | $79-$119 | Coach | Some flexibility, partial refunds | Standard travelers |
| Flexible Fare | $129-$179 | Coach | Fully refundable, changes allowed | Business travelers |
| Business Class | $199-$299 | Business | Extra legroom, priority boarding | Comfort seekers |
| Acela (NYP-PHL only) | $99-$249 | First/Business | High-speed, premium service | Time-sensitive trips |
Amtrak Comfort: Burlington to Philadelphia
Traveling from Burlington, Vermont to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Amtrak is a long but scenic ride, and comfort really depends on the class you choose and your expectations for the journey.
The trip typically takes 10 to 13 hours, depending on the route and connections2. Most trains require at least one transfer, often in New York City or another major hub. Here’s what to expect in terms of comfort:
- Coach Class: Spacious seats with decent legroom, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and large windows. No assigned seating, so boarding early helps.
- Business Class: A step up with more legroom, quieter cars, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.
- Café Car: Available on most routes, offering snacks, drinks, and light meals.
- Restrooms: Clean and accessible, though they can get a bit worn on longer trips.
Amtrak Burlington to Philadelphia vs. Other Travel Options
Traveling from Burlington, VT to Philadelphia, PA gives you a few solid options—each with its own trade-offs in terms of time, cost, and comfort. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you compare:
| Feature | Amtrak | Driving | Flying | Bus (Greyhound/Megabus) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | 7–9 hours (with transfer) | 6–7 hours (no traffic) | 4 hours (with layover + security) | 8–10 hours (direct/transfers) |
| Cost (One-Way) | $70–$200 (Coach) / $200–$300 (Business) | $90–$120 (gas + tolls) | $150–$400 (economy) | $50–$100 |
| Comfort | Spacious seats, WiFi, power outlets, café car | Cramped, traffic stress | Cramped seats, TSA hassle | Tight seating, limited legroom |
| Scenery | Stunning (Green Mountains, Hudson Valley) | Highway views | Clouds/runways | Highway views |
| Luggage | Free (2 carry-ons + 2 checked bags) | Trunk space limited | Fees for checked bags | Limited storage (small fee) |
| Eco-Friendliness | Low emissions (most sustainable) | High CO₂ emissions | Highest CO₂ emissions | Moderate emissions |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedule, 1 daily departure | Leave anytime | Limited flights (BTV→PHL via NYC/DC) | Multiple daily departures |
| Best For | Relaxation, productivity, views | Road trips, flexibility | Speed (if no layovers) | Budget travelers |
Amtrak Burlington to Philadelphia Travel Tips
Here are some handy tips to make your Amtrak journey from Burlington, VT to Philadelphia, PA smoother and more enjoyable:
| Category | Tips | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | Book 3+ weeks early for lowest fares Check “Saver Fares” for discounts Use Amtrak app for alerts | Prices surge closer to departure; app provides real-time updates and mobile tickets |
| Packing | Bring layers (trains can be chilly) Pack headphones + entertainment Carry snacks/water | Café car options are limited; temperature varies by car |
| Connection | Aim for 60+ min layover in NYC (NYP) Confirm track numbers on arrival | Reduces stress if first train is delayed; NYP can be crowded |
| Seat Selection | Choose right-side seats (Hudson River views) Quiet Car for work/sleep | Best scenery VT→NY; Quiet Cars enforce silence |
| Arrival | Philly’s 30th St Station has taxis/transit Check SEPTA for local connections | Easy access to Center City; SEPTA is cheaper than rideshares |
| Discounts | Use AAA, student, or military discounts Kids (2-12) ride 50% off | Significant savings for eligible travelers |
| Luggage | 2 free carry-ons + 2 checked bags Label bags clearly | Avoid fees; Amtrak is more lenient than airlines |
| WiFi | Download movies/books in advance Use offline apps for work | WiFi can be spotty in rural areas |
Check Other Route: Amtrak Burlington to NYC
Conclusion
Traveling by Amtrak from Burlington to Philadelphia offers a stress-free, scenic, and comfortable alternative to driving or flying. While there’s no direct train, the Ethan Allen Express + Northeast Regional connection provides a relaxing journey through Vermont’s mountains and New York’s Hudson Valley, with spacious seating, WiFi, and café service.
FAQs on Amtrak Burlington to Philadelphia
7–9 hours, depending on connections. The fastest option (with a 35-minute NYC layover) takes 7h 28m.
No, most routes require a transfer in New York City, usually from the Ethan Allen Express to a Northeast Regional or Keystone Service train.
Saver Fares start at $49–$79 (one-way, Coach), but book 3+ weeks early for the best deals.
Only 1 daily departure from Burlington (BTV) at 10:10 AM (Ethan Allen Express).
Arrives in Philadelphia (PHL) between 5:38 PM–7:38 PM, depending on your NYC connection.
There is typically one train per day departing from Burlington Union Station
Expect Wi-Fi, power outlets, spacious seating, restrooms, and access to a café car on most trains.
Trains arrive at 30th Street Station (PHL), a major hub with connections to SEPTA, NJ Transit, and local attractions.
Yes, Amtrak allows two carry-on bags and two checked bags for free, with additional luggage options available.
Yes! Amtrak offers discounts for students, seniors, military, and small groups, plus seasonal promotions.
Right-side seats (facing east) for Hudson River scenery (BTV→NYP segment).
Left-side seats (facing west) for Philly skyline views (NYP→PHL segment).