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Washington, DC, USA to Philadelphia, PA, USA from $5: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Washington, United States
to
Philadelphia, United States

How to Get from Washington to Philadelphia: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$5 by busBest price
200.37 kmDistance
1h 34m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Washington to Philadelphia with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Amtrak Acela
Train
Average Duration
1h  34m
Estimated price
$5-420
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
3h 
Estimated price
$5-55
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 200.37 km
Duration: 1h 34m

See more options

Company
Peter Pan Bus Lines
Bus
Average Duration
3h 
Estimated price
$5-50
Company
Megabus
Bus
Average Duration
3h 
Estimated price
$8-40
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
3h  40m
Estimated price
$15-50
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
2h  34m
Estimated price
$25-40
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  8m
Estimated price
$116-410
Company
various
Subway
Plane
Average Duration
3h  48m
Estimated price
$137-453
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Traveling From Washington to Philadelphia

Traveling from Washington to Philadelphia offers a fascinating contrast between the political pulse of the U.S. capital and the rich historical tapestry of the City of Brotherly Love.

Best Neighbourhoods in Philadelphia

Philadelphia offers diverse neighborhoods, each with a distinct vibe and attractions.

Old City
• Home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
• Charming cobblestone streets with vibrant art galleries.
South Philly
• Famous for its mouthwatering cheesesteaks and eateries.
• A lively community with rich Italian heritage and markets.
University City
• Bustling area filled with students and cultural institutions.
• Innovative restaurants and shops near prestigious universities.

Best Times To Visit Philadelphia's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience at Philadelphia's key attractions.

Liberty Bell
Early mornings or weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds.
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Visit on Wednesday evenings for quieter galleries and extended hours.
Reading Terminal Market
Weekdays before lunchtime offer a more relaxed atmosphere.

Philadelphia Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Philadelphia experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall provide mild weather, making these seasons ideal for exploring the city while avoiding extreme temperatures.

Dining in Philadelphia: A Culinary Distinction

The iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak stands out as a must-try dish, showcasing a hearty blend of sautéed beef and melted cheese served in a fresh hoagie roll. This comforting, flavorful experience contrasts sharply with Washington's more polished dining scene, reflecting Philadelphia's vibrant street food culture and dedication to local ingredients.

Washington - Philadelphia operators

Explore transport companies operating between Washington and Philadelphia, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/acela-train

Train from Washington Union Station to 30th Street Station

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$35-420
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/northeast-regional-train

Train from Washington Union Station to 30th Street Station

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$24-210
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Washington Union Station to 30th Street Station

Average Duration
2h 1m
Estimated price
$5-90
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1-877-462-6342
Website
https://us.megabus.com

Bus from Washington Union Station to Philadelphia, PA

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$8-40
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://flixbus.com

Bus from Washington Union Station to Philadelphia

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
$13-55
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Washington Union Station to Philadelphia

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
$15-50
Contact phone
1-800-343-9999
Website
https://peterpanbus.com

Bus from Union Station, Washington, DC to 520 N Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA

Average Duration
3h
Estimated price
$5-50
Plane Show flights
Website
http://aa.com

Plane from Reagan Washington (DCA) to Philadelphia (PHL)

Average Duration
1h 4m
Estimated price
$260-650
Website
http://united.com

Plane from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Philadelphia (PHL)

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
$130-440
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 202-637-7000
Website
https://www.wmata.com

Other from Farragut West to Washington Dulles International Airport

Average Duration
49m
Estimated price
$2-6

Washington to Philadelphia: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Washington and Philadelphia offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Washington to Philadelphia covering a distance of 222.1 km. Enjoy a smooth 2-hour and 34-minute drive through charming landscapes and historic towns. 💰 With car rental costs ranging between $25 to $40, this journey offers an affordable way to explore the vibrant city of Philadelphia from the nation's capital. 🏙️ Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Philadelphia as you arrive, ready to explore iconic landmarks such as Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Average price
$25 - $40
🚆 The train journey from Washington to Philadelphia takes approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes. The convenient direct service operates daily, departing from Washington Union Station and arriving at Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. 🎫 Ticket prices for the train between Washington and Philadelphia range from $5 to $420, offering travelers a variety of options to suit their budget and preferences. With departures every 30 minutes, passengers can easily plan their trip and enjoy a comfortable ride onboard the Amtrak Acela service.
Departure Point
Washington Union Station
Arrival Point
30th Street Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Depending on which train operator you choose, onboard catering services may vary. Amtrak's Acela service offers a curated menu with meals, snacks, and beverages, including complimentary soft drinks and coffee in First Class, while its Northeast Regional service has a café car offering quick bites like sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Make sure to grab something before the train departs since the café in Northeast Regional is not always available until you're well on your way.
• On the Washington to Philadelphia route, Amtrak provides several seating options. In the Acela service, you have First Class and Business Class, which come with wider seats, more legroom, and amenities like power outlets. The Northeast Regional offers Standard (Economy) Class seating with decent comfort for budget travelers, while also providing a Business Class option for a bit more privacy and convenience. Choose based on your comfort needs and budget.
• For your trip, Amtrak is the primary operator, and you can find more information about your journey on their official website Amtrak.com. Additionally, for local transportation schedules and station information, visit SEPTA.org for connections in Philadelphia. Regarding the arrival station tip, Philadelphia's 30th Street Station offers luggage storage services through their Amtrak luggage facilities, and restrooms are available. However, there are no showers; consider using a nearby gym or hotel if you need those facilities. To get to the city center quickly, the SEPTA Regional Rail offers service to Center City, specifically the Airport Line, which connects directly to key locations. Alternatively, you can take the Market-Frankford Line, where the closest station is just a short walk from the 30th Street Station, providing easy access to popular destinations.
🛫 Flying from Washington to Philadelphia is convenient with the quickest direct flight taking just 1 hour and 2 minutes from Reagan Washington Airport to Philadelphia Airport. ✈️ American Airlines provides flights between the two cities, ensuring a seamless journey for travelers looking to reach Philadelphia from Washington in around 3 hours and 8 minutes. 🌆 With flight prices ranging from $116 to $410, a trip from Washington to Philadelphia by plane offers a swift and efficient travel option for those looking to explore the historic city of Philadelphia in a short amount of time.
Departure Point
Reagan Washington Airport
Arrival Point
Philadelphia Airport
🚌 Travel from Washington to Philadelphia by bus is convenient with direct services departing from Washington Union Station station and arriving in Philadelphia every day, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours. 💰 The cost of bus tickets between the two cities ranges from $5 to $55, making it an affordable and efficient option for travelers looking to explore these historic East Coast destinations.
Departure Point
Washington Union Station
Arrival Point
Philadelphia, PA station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Washington to Philadelphia.

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The distance between Washington and Philadelphia is approximately 201.2 km by road. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: by train, it takes 1 hour and 34 minutes; by plane, it takes 3 hours and 12 minutes; by car, it takes 2 hours and 34 minutes; and by bus, it takes 3 hours.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Washington to Philadelphia is by bus, with fares ranging from $5 to $55. This mode of transportation takes about 3 hours, making it a budget-friendly choice for travelers. For a quicker journey, the train is the most time-efficient option, taking 1 hour and 34 minutes and costing between $5 and $420.
The prices for traveling from Washington to Philadelphia vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. For train travel, prices range from $5 to $420, while bus fares range from $5 to $55.
To travel from Washington to Philadelphia without using public transportation, you can drive your own car. The driving distance is approximately 222.1 km, and it takes around 2 hours and 34 minutes to reach Philadelphia. The cost of the trip by car can vary between $25 and $40, depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Washington to Philadelphia without a car is by train. There are regular train services which take approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes, with prices ranging from $5 to $420. If you prefer, you can also take a bus which takes around 3 hours and costs $5 to $55. Another option is to fly, which takes approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes and costs between $110 and $430.
Yes, there is a direct link between Washington and Philadelphia. You can take a train from Washington Union Station to Philadelphia, which departs every 30 minutes and takes approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes. There is also a direct bus service from Washington DC to Philadelphia, with buses departing hourly and the journey taking around 3 hours.
The flight between Washington and Philadelphia typically takes about 1 hour and 3 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between $116 and $421, depending on factors such as airlines, booking time, and class of travel.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Philadelphia. With over 626 hotels to choose from, visitors are sure to find a suitable place to stay. Prices for hotels in Philadelphia start at $51 per night, offering a range of options to fit various budgets and preferences.