How to get from Boston to Philadelphia
There are several ways to travel from Boston to Philadelphia. The best option depends on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. Choices include driving yourself, or taking a bus, train, or flight.
Self-Driving
The distance from Boston to Philadelphia is slightly under 500 km (around 310 miles). The drive usually takes between 5.5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic and pace. This option offers flexibility and the ability to make stops along the way. Fuel costs typically range from $30 to $45, not including tolls or car rental fees.
Bus
Multiple bus routes connect Boston and Philadelphia, most commonly with a transfer in New York City.
- The Boston to NYC leg takes about five hours and operates several days a week.
- From NYC, buses to Philadelphia run frequently—every three hours or so—and typically cost between $10 and $25.
- Buses departing from Boston's South Station often transfer at New York’s Port Authority Terminal before continuing to Philadelphia.
There’s also an alternative route involving a short bus ride to North Londonderry, NH, then a taxi to Manchester. From there, a short flight connects to Philadelphia. This may save time compared to taking the full journey by bus.
Train
Trains offer a more comfortable option than buses. Several daily schedules are available with different operators on the Boston–Philadelphia route.
One common route:
- Board a train at Boston South Station
- Travel to New York’s Moynihan Train Hall
- Transfer to a train continuing to Philadelphia
Another alternative includes:
- Traveling to Providence Station
- Transferring by bus to TF Green Airport
- Taking a flight to Philadelphia
- Then walking to Terminal A and catching a train to Suburban Station
Flight
Flying is the fastest option, though travel time will depend on airport transfers and layovers. Several flight-plus-train combinations are possible:
- Via Newark: Fly from Boston to Newark, then take a train (available every three hours) to Philadelphia.
- Via JFK Airport: Fly from Boston to JFK, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station, then board a train to New York Penn Station and transfer to a train bound for Philadelphia.
- Via LaGuardia Airport: Fly from Boston to LaGuardia, then take ground transport to Woodside and connect via train to New York Penn Station, then on to Philadelphia.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking for speed or a scenic journey, there are multiple travel options between Boston and Philadelphia. Compare your available time and budget to choose the most suitable method for your trip.