Amtrak, America’s top passenger rail service, makes it easy and comfortable to travel between Philadelphia and Washington, DC. Amtrak has several daily departures, reasonable rates, and a comfortable journey whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure. Everything you need to know about Amtrak Philadelphia to Washington, DC, including schedules, ticket costs, stops, and more, will be covered in this guide.

Amtrak Philadelphia to Washington Route Details
Category | Details |
---|---|
Route Name | Northeast Corridor |
Starting Station | Philadelphia 30th Street Station (PHL) |
Ending Station | Washington Union Station (WAS) |
Main Amtrak Services | Northeast Regional, Acela |
Travel Time | 1 hour 40 minutes (Acela), 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours (Northeast Regional) |
Ticket Cost | $20–$40 (Northeast Regional), $70–$130 (Acela) |
Main Stops | Wilmington (DE), Baltimore (MD), BWI Airport (MD), New Carrollton (MD) |
Distance | Approximately 135 miles (217 kilometers) |
Train Frequency | About every hour during peak travel times |
Amenities Onboard | Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, café car, comfortable seating |
Ticket Types | Saver, Value, Flexible, Business Class, First Class (Acela only) |
Booking Methods | Amtrak Official Website, Amtrak mobile app, station ticket counters |
Amtrak Routes Between Philadelphia and Washington
This table lists all of the Amtrak stops between Philadelphia and Washington, DC:
Station Name | Station Code | Address | City/State | Public Transit Connections |
---|---|---|---|---|
30th Street Station | PHL | 2955 Market St | Philadelphia, PA | SEPTA, NJ Transit, PATCO, MFL |
Wilmington Station | WIL | 100 French St | Wilmington, DE | DART buses |
Newark Station | NRK | 10 Mopar Dr | Newark, DE | DART buses |
Perryville Station | PRV | 1 Broad St | Perryville, MD | MARC commuter rail |
Aberdeen Station | ABE | 18 E Bel Air Ave | Aberdeen, MD | Local buses |
Baltimore Penn Station | BAL | 1500 N Charles St | Baltimore, MD | MARC, Light Rail, buses |
BWI Airport Station | BWI | 7293 Elkridge Landing Rd | Linthicum, MD | Airport shuttle, MARC |
New Carrollton Station | NCR | 4300 Garden City Dr | New Carrollton, MD | Metro Orange Line |
Washington Union Station | WAS | 50 Massachusetts Ave NE | Washington, DC | Metro, buses, VRE |
Amtrak Schedule from Washington DC to Philadelphia PA
The following is an Amtrak schedule table showing the most popular alternatives for trains traveling from Washington, DC (WAS) to Philadelphia, PA (PHL):
Departure (WAS) | Arrival (PHL) | Duration | Train Name | Train | Stops |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4:30 AM | 6:40 AM | 2h 10m | Northeast Regional | 136 | BWI, Wilmington |
5:30 AM | 7:20 AM | 1h 50m | Acela (Express) | 2152 | BWI, Wilmington |
6:00 AM | 8:10 AM | 2h 10m | Northeast Regional | 142 | BWI, Baltimore, Wilmington |
7:00 AM | 8:50 AM | 1h 50m | Acela | 2154 | BWI, Wilmington |
8:00 AM | 10:10 AM | 2h 10m | Northeast Regional | 148 | BWI, Baltimore, Wilmington |
9:00 AM | 10:50 AM | 1h 50m | Acela | 2156 | BWI, Wilmington |
10:00 AM | 12:10 PM | 2h 10m | Northeast Regional | 150 | BWI, Baltimore, Wilmington |
11:00 AM | 12:50 PM | 1h 50m | Acela | 2158 | BWI, Wilmington |
12:00 PM | 2:10 PM | 2h 10m | Northeast Regional | 152 | BWI, Baltimore, Wilmington |
1:00 PM | 2:50 PM | 1h 50m | Acela | 2160 | BWI, Wilmington |
2:00 PM | 4:10 PM | 2h 10m | Northeast Regional | 154 | BWI, Baltimore, Wilmington |
Amtrak Tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC
This table lists the many Amtrak ticket options from Philadelphia to Washington, DC, along with information on service categories, journey durations, typical ticket costs, and facilities offered on board. Reputable travel sources and official Amtrak data served as the basis for this information.
Service Type | Train Name | Travel Time | Average Ticket Price |
---|---|---|---|
Intercity | Northeast Regional | 2 hours | $20–$40 |
High-Speed | Acela Express | 1 hour 45 mins | $70–$130 |
Long-Distance | Cardinal | 2 hours | $112.55 |
Long-Distance | Carolinian | 2 hours | $137.97 |
Long-Distance | Crescent | 2 hours 15 mins | $120.00 |
Long-Distance | Palmetto | 2 hours 2 mins | $131.92 |
Long-Distance | Silver Service | 2 hours 11 mins | $116.60 |
Long-Distance | Vermonter | 2 hours 1 min | $82.46 |
Amtrak Philadelphia to Washington DC Cost
This Amtrak fare table compares various service options and price ranges for trips from Philadelphia (PHL) to Washington, DC (WAS):
Service Type | Cheapest Fare | Average Fare | Premium Fare | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Acela (Express) | $80 | 120−120−180 | $200+ | Business travelers |
Northeast Regional | $30 | 50−50−90 | $120 | Budget-conscious travelers |
Keystone Service | $20 | 30−30−50 | $70 | Short trips, local travel |
Cardinal (Long-Distance) | $40 | 60−60−90 | $120 | Midwest connections |
Silver Meteor (Long-Distance) | $40 | 60−60−100 | $150+ | Florida vacations |
Amtrak Stops from Philadelphia to Washington DC
Below is a table listing all Amtrak stops between Philadelphia (30th Street Station – PHL) and Washington, DC (Union Station – WAS), along with station details and available services:
Stop Name | Station Code | Distance from PHL | Travel Time from PHL | Connections |
---|---|---|---|---|
30th Street Station | PHL | 0 miles | 0 min | SEPTA, NJ Transit, PATCO |
Wilmington | WIL | 28 miles | 30 min | DART buses |
Newark (DE) | NRK | 43 miles | 45 min | DART buses |
Aberdeen | ABE | 71 miles | 1h 10m | MARC, local buses |
Baltimore Penn Station | BAL | 84 miles | 1h 20m | MARC, Light Rail, buses |
BWI Airport | BWI | 93 miles | 1h 30m | MARC, airport transit |
New Carrollton | NCR | 108 miles | 1h 45m | Metro Orange Line |
Washington Union Station | WAS | 117 miles | 2h 05m | Metro, VRE, buses |
Why Choose Amtrak for Philadelphia to Washington DC Travel?
- Fast & Efficient – Acela Express gets you there in under 2 hours, making it the quickest rail option.
- Comfortable Seating – Spacious seats with ample legroom, no middle seats, and a relaxed travel experience.
- Free Wi-Fi & Power Outlets – Stay connected with Wi-Fi access and charging ports at every seat.
- Eco-Friendly – Trains are one of the most sustainable travel options, reducing your carbon footprint.
- Onboard Dining – Enjoy snacks, drinks, and meals with a café car available on select trains.
- Convenient Stops – Arrive at Washington Union Station, right in the heart of DC with easy transfers.
- Flexible Ticketing – Choose from affordable coach seats to premium Acela First Class, with easy cancellations.
- No Airport Hassle – Skip long security lines and baggage claims for a stress-free journey.
Final Tips for Booking Your Amtrak Trip
- Reserve your ticket early – Prices fluctuate, so booking in advance can help you secure a better deal.
- Select the right train – Acela is fast and premium, while Northeast Regional is affordable with extra stops.
- Look for special offers – Amtrak provides discounts for students, seniors, military members, and groups, so check before booking.
- Plan your schedule wisely – Browse Amtrak’s departure times to choose the one that best suits your travel needs.
- Consider flexible fares – If your plans might change, opt for a ticket that allows refunds or exchanges.
- Arrive ahead of time – Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station can be busy, so give yourself extra time before departure.
- Pack strategically – Amtrak allows both carry-on and larger luggage, but be mindful of size restrictions.
- Stay informed on updates – Check Amtrak’s website or app for any potential delays or schedule changes.
Final Words
The intelligent option for comfort, convenience, and speed is to travel by Amtrak from Philadelphia to Washington DC. Amtrak provides a convenient connection between these legendary cities, whether you are traveling south to visit the country’s memorials or heading north back to the site of America’s democratic origins.
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FAQs for Amtrak Philadelphia to Washington
The Amtrak ride from Philadelphia to Washington, DC takes around 1 hour and 44 minutes on Acela and about 2 hours on Northeast Regional.
Amtrak fares from Philadelphia to Washington, DC range from $11 to $200, depending on train type, travel class, and booking time.
The Amtrak Acela is the fastest train between Philadelphia and Washington, DC, completing the journey in approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes. 🚆
Tickets are available at Amtrak.com, via the Amtrak app, at station kiosks, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Saver fares are cheaper but non-refundable; Flexible fares allow changes.
Yes, pay the difference if seats are available.