The Great Philly Cheesesteak Escape: How Long Does it Take to Train it Out to Boston?
Let's face it, Philly cheesesteaks are glorious, but sometimes you gotta break free and, well, head north to Beantown. But here's the thing: while cheesesteaks travel poorly (sorry, science!), you can get yourself from the City of Brotherly Love to Boston by train in a jiffy.
The Need for Speed: Acela to the Rescue!
If you're strapped for time and craving clam chowder faster than you can say "Marky Mark," then the Amtrak Acela Express is your best bet. This sleek choo-choo can whisk you away in as little as 4 hours and 47 minutes. That's quicker than you can polish off a whole bag of those Tastykake peanut butter Kandy Kakes (although, we wouldn't recommend trying).
The Scenic Route: Taking it Slow with Northeast Regional
Maybe you're not in a rush and fancy gazing out the window at the changing scenery. No problem! The Amtrak Northeast Regional offers a more leisurely ride, with some trains taking around 6 hours and 20 minutes. Think of it as a built-in mini-vacation – plenty of time to catch up on that novel or finally master the art of knitting that scarf.
So, How Long Does it Really Take?
The truth is, it depends on the train you choose and how many stops it makes. The Acela Express is the speed demon, while the Northeast Regional offers a more relaxed pace (and potentially more opportunities to snag bathroom breaks for those extra-large coffees).
Here's a handy breakdown:
- Acela Express: 4 hours and 47 minutes to 5 hours and 30 minutes (depending on the route)
- Northeast Regional: around 6 hours and 20 minutes (with variations depending on the number of stops)
Bonus Tip: Booking your tickets in advance can not only save you money, but also guarantee you a seat on your chosen train. Nobody likes surprise standing room only situations, especially after a cheesesteak.
Frequently Asked Train Travel Q&A
How to book train tickets from Philadelphia to Boston?
Amtrak is your one-stop shop! You can book online at
How much does it cost to take the train from Philadelphia to Boston?
Prices vary depending on the train, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $600 (yikes!).
How often do trains run from Philadelphia to Boston?
There are multiple trains departing daily, so you should have no trouble finding one that fits your schedule.
What should I pack for a train trip from Philadelphia to Boston?
Snacks (because, let's be honest, train food can be a gamble), a good book or some entertainment, and comfortable shoes for exploring Beantown once you arrive!
Do I need to print out my train tickets?
Nope! In most cases, you can simply show your e-ticket on your phone when you board.
So there you have it! Now you're armed with the knowledge to get yourself from cheesesteak heaven to baked bean bliss in no time (well, relatively speaking). Just remember to pack your appetite for adventure (and maybe some Tylenol for that potential post-cheesesteak nap).
