Traveling between Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia is quick and convenient with Amtrak’s frequent rail services. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option or a premium high-speed experience, Amtrak offers multiple routes to suit different travel needs. Here, we cover all detailed overview of the Amtrak Washington to Philadelphia routes, including train types, travel times, and key stops.
Amtrak Washington to Philadelphia Routes Overview
Amtrak offers several train routes from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA, primarily along the Northeast Corridor.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance | 135 miles (217 km) |
| Travel Time | 1h 50m – 2h 30m (varies by train type) |
| Train Services | Acela Express (Fastest, premium) Northeast Regional (Affordable, frequent) Keystone Service (Budget option) |
| Frequency | 30+ daily departures (Acela: 10x/day; Northeast Regional: 20x/day) |
| Ticket Prices | Acela: $50–$150+ (Business/First Class) Northeast Regional: $20–$80 (Coach) Keystone: $15–$50 (Coach) |
| Main Stations | DC: Union Station (WAS) Philly: 30th Street Station (PHL) |
| Amenities | Free WiFi Power outlets Quiet Car Café car (on most trains) Business Class upgrades (Acela/NER) |
| On-Time Performance | 80% (Acela is most reliable) |
| Best For | Speed: Acela Value: Northeast Regional Budget: Keystone |
Key Stops on the Amtrak Washington to Philadelphia Routes
Amtrak offers convenient train routes from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA, primarily through the Northeast Corridor. Here’s an overview of the options:
| Train Service | Travel Time | Frequency (Daily) | Key Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acela | 2h 5m | 10-12 departures | Baltimore (BWI), Wilmington (WIL) |
| Northeast Regional | 2h 15m – 2h 45m | 15-20 departures | BWI, Wilmington, Newark (DE) |
| Keystone Service | 2h 45m – 3h | 7-10 departures | Baltimore, Wilmington, Paoli |
| Vermonter | 3h 10m | 1 departure (daily) | BWI, Wilmington |
| Palmetto | 3h 15m | 1 departure (daily) | BWI, Wilmington |
| Cardinal | 3h 20m | 3x weekly | BWI, Wilmington |
Routes of Amtrak Washington to Philadelphia
Amtrak offers several routes from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, primarily along the Northeast Corridor. The two main services are:
| Train Name | Travel Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Acela | 2h 5m | 10-12x daily |
| Northeast Regional | 2h 15m–2h 45m | 15-20x daily |
| Keystone Service | 2h 45m–3h | 7-10x daily |
| Vermonter | 3h 10m | 1x daily (to VT) |
| Palmetto | 3h 15m | 1x daily (to GA) |
| Cardinal | 3h 20m | 3x weekly (to IL) |
Amtrak Washington to Philadelphia Prices & Tickets
Amtrak offers a range of ticket prices for Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA train routes, depending on the service type and booking time:
| Train Service | Saver/Economy | Value/Standard | Flexible | Business Class | First Class (Acela Only) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acela | – | $80–$120 | $100–$150 | – | $150–$250 |
| Northeast Regional | $20–$40 | $30–$60 | $50–$90 | $70–$120 | – |
| Keystone Service | $15–$30 | $25–$50 | $40–$70 | – | – |
| Vermonter | $25–$45 | $35–$65 | $50–$80 | $80–$130 | – |
| Palmetto | $25–$50 | $35–$70 | $55–$90 | – | – |
| Cardinal | $30–$55 | $40–$75 | $60–$100 | $90–$140 | – |
Amtrak Comfort: Washington to Philadelphia
Amtrak offers a comfortable travel experience from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA, with amenities designed for a smooth journey:
- Spacious Seating: Reclining seats with ample legroom.
- Wi-Fi & Power Outlets: Stay connected and charge your devices.
- Quiet Car Option: A peaceful environment for relaxation or work.
- Café Car: Snacks, drinks, and light meals available.
- Restrooms: Clean and accessible facilities onboard.
Amtrak Washington to Philadelphia vs. Other Travel Options
Traveling from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA? Here’s how Amtrak compares to other options:
| Option | Avg. Duration | Avg. Price (One-Way) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak (Acela) | 2h 5m | $80–$250 | Fastest rail option Comfortable, Wi-Fi, power outlets City-center to city-center | Expensive (dynamic pricing) Limited last-minute deals |
| Amtrak (Northeast Regional) | 2h 15m–2h 45m | $20–$120 | Affordable, frequent departures More legroom than buses/flights No TSA checks | Can sell out in peak times |
| Bus (Greyhound/FlixBus) | 3h 30m–4h | $10–$30 | Cheapest option Multiple daily departures | Traffic delays possible Less legroom, no Wi-Fi reliability |
| Megabus | 3h 15m–4h | $5–$25 (early booking) | Very cheap if booked early Some buses have Wi-Fi | Limited luggage space Drops off at outskirts (not downtown) |
| Driving (Car) | 2h 45m–3h 30m | $25–$40 (gas + tolls) | Flexibility in timing No ticket hassles | Traffic on I-95 (unpredictable) Parking costs in Philly (~$20–$30/day) |
| Flying | 1h flight + 1h airport time | $50–$150 | Fastest in theory | TSA delays, airport transfers DCA/PHL adds extra time & cost |
Amtrak Washington to Philadelphia Travel Tips
Here are some travel tips for taking Amtrak from Washington, DC to Philadelphia:
| Booking & Savings | Book Early: Prices are lower when booked in advance. Use Discounts: Seniors, students, military personnel, and groups may qualify for discounts. Amtrak Guest Rewards: Earn points for future trips. |
| Packing & Comfort | Pack Light: Amtrak allows two carry-on bags and one personal item. Bring Essentials: Snacks, headphones, and a travel pillow can enhance comfort. Wi-Fi & Power: Available on most trains, so bring your charger. |
| At the Station | Arrive Early: No need for airport-style security, but arriving 15–30 minutes before departure is ideal. Check Platform Info: Union Station in DC and 30th Street Station in Philly can be busy—know your platform. |
| Onboard Experience | Choose Your Seat Wisely: Window seats offer great views. Quiet Car Option: Ideal for working or relaxing. Café Car: Available for snacks and drinks. |
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In Conclusion,
Amtrak offers fast and convenient train service between Washington, DC, and Philadelphia, with options like Acela Express for speed and Northeast Regional for affordability. Trains run frequently, stopping at major cities along the route, and offering comfortable amenities for travelers. Tickets are easy to book online, and discounts are available for various groups. Whether you’re commuting, traveling for business, or exploring the East Coast, Amtrak provides a smooth and efficient journey.
FAQs on Amtrak Washington to Philadelphia
Acela takes 1h 30m, while Northeast Regional takes 1h 50m to 2h.
Prices vary:
$15–$30 (Keystone Saver)
$20–$120 (Northeast Regional)
$80–$250 (Acela First Class).
Trains depart from Washington Union Station (WAS).
The arrival station is Philadelphia 30th Street Station (PHL).
Common stops include Wilmington (DE), Baltimore (MD), BWI Airport (MD), and New Carrollton (MD).
Trains run about every hour during peak travel times.
Yes! Discounts are available for seniors, students, military personnel, and small groups.
Amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, a café car, and comfortable seating.
Yes, tickets can be booked via the Amtrak website, mobile app, or station ticket counters.
The train covers approximately 135 miles (217 kilometers).