Philadelphia, PA to Providence, RI Train

Traveling from Philadelphia, DC, to Providence, RI, by train

The train from Philadelphia, DC, to Providence, RI, lasts on average 12 hr 52 min. Around 3 trains depart a day between Philadelphia and Providence, the average price is $218.95 and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $99.56.

Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the US, operates the train from Philadelphia to Providence. The good news is that most of the connections between Boston and Providence are direct. There are several options, but it comes down to whether you need to get there fast with the speed train Acela or take your time with a slightly slower but cheaper line like the Northeast Regional.

1. The Acela Express is a high-speed train between Boston, MA., and Washington, DC. It is the fastest train in the Northeast Corridor, reaching 150 miles per hour, stopping at Newark, New York, Stamford, and New Haven before arriving in Providence. Acela tickets are pricier due to their incredible speeds and comfort. Extra legroom, free Wi-Fi, and a power outlet under each seat are some of the perks you can expect on Amtrak Acela Express.
2. Northeast Regional is the most popular train due to its price and frequency. It runs around nine times a day. The Northeast Regional is slower, but it makes more stops along the way, making it a more convenient option for passengers who need to make connections. 

The ticket prices may vary depending on how early you book, so securing them at your earliest convenience is recommended. 

Children 2-12 travel at a lower fare on all Amtrak trains, but the Acela Express only offers discounts for children on weekends. But the good news is that children under two always travel free on Amtrak trains between Boston, MA, and Providence, RI.

In Philadelphia, you can board at two stations:

1. 30th Street Station, officially William H. Gray III, initially built in the 1930s, has since become a hub for transportation with access to Amtrak, SEPTA, and other forms of public transit. The beautiful station building is located in the University city, filled with restaurants and cafes, providing plenty of things to do and see. The famous Liberty bell is also easily reachable; if history is not your thing, you can always stroll down the Delaware river.
2. Another option is the North Philadelphia station. It is located on Broad Street and close to tourist attractions such as the African American Museum of Philadelphia and the Rodin Museum. However, the station also has a reputation for being unsafe. It may be better to exit on the 30th Street Station, which is constantly monitored and protected by the police and Amtrak security.

Providence's main Amtrak station is located at 100 Gaspee Street, in the city center, just across the street from Rhode Island State House, within walking distance from many restaurants and shops. Besides Acela Express and the Northeast Regional, the station is also part of the local MBTA network, which operates between Providence, Boston, and Boston's T. F. Green Airport.

Providence is located on the border between Massachusetts and Rhode Island. One of the oldest towns in the United States, it boasts many beautiful colonial buildings - so many that its East Side neighborhood has the largest contingent of registered historic buildings in the US. A stroll along colonial houses on Benefit street will delight all history enthusiasts. If you are more interested in the restaurant scene, be sure to taste some Oysters, the signature dish of the Providence area, or the excellent Italian specialties in Little Italy in the Federal Hill quarter.

So if you're planning to travel to Providence from Philadelphia by train, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of destinations across rail, bus, and flight to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between Philadelphia and Providence.