Station guide · PA, USA
Philadelphia William H. Gray III 30th Street Station
William H. Gray III 30th Street Station is a major passenger rail hub in Pennsylvania, offering frequent connections along the Northeast Corridor and long distance routes across the United States.
- Station
- Philadelphia William H. Gray III 30th Street Station
- City
- Philadelphia, PA
- Code
- PHL
- Routes
- 11
At a glance
- William H. Gray III 30th Street Station, opened in 1933, with a huge Art Deco main hall
- SEPTA Regional Rail and the Market-Frankford Line connect
- Served by Acela, Northeast Regional, Keystone, Pennsylvanian and long distance trains
Opened in 1933, the station is known for its huge Art Deco main hall. It serves as a vital link for travelers moving through Pennsylvania and along the East Coast. The grand interior features high ceilings and classic architectural details that reflect the era of its construction. Passengers pass through this central space to reach their platforms. The station handles heavy daily commuter traffic alongside regional and long distance travelers. It remains one of the busiest railway hubs in the United States. Visitors will find a busy atmosphere with regular departures heading north, south, and west.
Trains from Philadelphia
| Train | Between | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Star | New York to Miami | Suspended as a separate train since November 2024 |
| Cardinal | New York to Chicago | Three times a week in each direction |
| Crescent | New York to New Orleans | Daily in each direction |
| Silver Meteor | New York to Miami | Daily in each direction |
| Palmetto | New York to Savannah | Daily in each direction, daytime |
| Carolinian | New York to Charlotte | Daily in each direction |
| Pennsylvanian | New York to Pittsburgh | Daily in each direction |
| Keystone Service | New York to Harrisburg | Many trains a day |
| Acela | Boston to Washington, DC | Frequent trains every day |
| Northeast Regional | Boston to Richmond and Norfolk and Newport News and Roanoke | Many trains a day |
| Vermonter | St. Albans to Washington, DC | Daily in each direction |
Philadelphia sees frequent daily service from the Acela and Northeast Regional trains traveling between Boston and Washington, DC. Passengers heading west can take the Pennsylvanian to Pittsburgh or the Keystone Service to Harrisburg. Long distance overnight trains also call here. The Crescent runs daily to New Orleans, while the Silver Meteor travels to Miami. The Cardinal departs three times a week for Chicago. Daytime options heading south include the Palmetto to Savannah and the Carolinian to Charlotte. The Vermonter provides daily service north to St. Albans. Note that the Silver Star was suspended as a separate train in November 2024, with its route south of Washington covered by the Floridian as of 2026.
Getting to and from the station
The station is well integrated into the local transit network. Passengers can easily transfer to SEPTA Regional Rail trains, which serve the wider metropolitan area. The Market-Frankford Line also connects directly to the station, providing quick subway access to downtown Philadelphia and surrounding neighborhoods. Because it is a major transit hub, travelers should allow extra time to navigate the concourses and find the correct platforms. Always check local transit websites for the latest schedules and service updates before your journey. Allow time to walk between the Amtrak platforms and the local transit connections.
Around the station
The station sits just across the Schuylkill River from Center City Philadelphia. Visitors are a short distance from downtown business districts, hotels, and historic sites. The nearby University City area is home to major college campuses. Travelers can easily reach the Philadelphia Museum of Art or the Liberty Bell using connecting local transit. The station's central location makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the city.
Station tips
- Book your tickets well in advance for the best fares on the Northeast Corridor.
- Read our first time on Amtrak guide to understand boarding procedures.
- Check the Amtrak luggage rules before packing for your trip.
- Keep your ticket handy as conductors will check it on board.
Popular trips from Philadelphia
Questions travellers ask
How long does the train take from New York to Philadelphia?
The journey from New York to Philadelphia takes about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day on the Northeast Corridor.
Can I take a direct train from Chicago to Philadelphia?
Yes, you can take a direct train from Chicago to Philadelphia. The journey takes about 22 to 27 hours on the Cardinal, which runs three times a week.
How long is the train ride to Washington, DC?
Traveling from Washington, DC to Philadelphia takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. Frequent Acela and Northeast Regional trains connect the two cities every day.