Ah, the classic Philadelphia to New York trip. Whether you’re heading to the Big Apple for business, a Broadway show, or just because you need to experience Times Square at least once (or so you’ve heard), the first question you might ask is: What’s the best way to get from Philadelphia Airport (PHL) to New York City?
Let’s be real—traveling between two major East Coast cities is both convenient and confusing. With options ranging from planes to trains to buses, choosing the right mode of transportation can feel like a mini-project. You’ve got cost to think about, traffic (lots of it), and, of course, your sanity. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
This guide will take you through the fastest, most comfortable, and budget-friendly ways to get from Philadelphia International Airport to New York City, sprinkled with some light humor to make the process a little more fun.
Storytime: My Own PHL to NYC Journey
Let’s set the scene: I landed at Philadelphia Airport after a cross-country flight, and I was scheduled for a meeting in Manhattan the next day. I had no idea how to get there efficiently and was faced with a barrage of options. Should I take a train? A bus? A private car service? I was torn between speed, cost, and how much coffee I’d need to survive the trip.
Spoiler alert: I took the Amtrak, enjoyed the ride with a good podcast, and arrived in NYC faster than I expected. No traffic jams, no bus seatmate snoring next to me. It was smooth sailing—or should I say, smooth rail-ing?
Let’s break down your options, so you can make your own seamless journey.
Option 1: Amtrak – The Fastest and Most Comfortable
Amtrak is hands-down one of the best ways to travel between Philadelphia and New York City. It’s fast, comfortable, and conveniently located. If you’re flying into PHL, you can easily take the SEPTA Airport Line from the airport to 30th Street Station, where you can catch an Amtrak train.
- Cost: Prices for Amtrak vary depending on the type of ticket and how far in advance you book. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $150, depending on the train and class (Acela Express being the pricier, faster option).
- Travel Time: The ride takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes on a regular Amtrak train and about an hour on the Acela Express. No need to worry about traffic—it’s straight-up cruising on the rails.
- Where You’ll End Up: Amtrak trains drop you off at Penn Station in midtown Manhattan. From there, you’re a short subway or cab ride away from pretty much anywhere in the city.
Pro Tip: If you book in advance, you can score a cheaper ticket, especially if you opt for a regular train instead of the Acela.
Option 2: SEPTA + NJ Transit – The Budget-Friendly Option
If you’re looking to save some cash and don’t mind a slightly longer journey, the SEPTA + NJ Transit combo is the way to go. It’s a more budget-friendly way to get from Philadelphia to New York City, though it involves a few transfers.
Here’s how it works:
- Take the SEPTA Airport Line from Philadelphia Airport to 30th Street Station.
- Transfer at 30th Street Station to a NJ Transit train, which will take you to New York Penn Station.
- Cost: Around $25 to $30 for the entire journey. You’ll need to buy separate tickets for the SEPTA and NJ Transit portions.
- Travel Time: The total trip will take about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the timing of your connections.
- Where You’ll End Up: You’ll also end up at Penn Station, right in the heart of Manhattan.
Pro Tip: Plan ahead and check the schedules for both SEPTA and NJ Transit to minimize your wait times between transfers.
Option 3: Bus – The Cheap and Scenic Route
If you’re really watching your budget, taking a bus from Philadelphia to New York is the cheapest option, though not necessarily the quickest. Several bus companies operate between the two cities, and they typically leave from 30th Street Station.
- Cost: Buses can be incredibly affordable, with prices ranging from $10 to $25 depending on the company and how early you book. Some companies even offer deals like $1 fares if you book way in advance (hello, budget travel!).
- Travel Time: Expect a travel time of 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. And yes, traffic can be a real buzzkill, especially during rush hour.
- Bus Companies: Options include Greyhound, Megabus, and BoltBus. Each has its pros and cons, so check reviews and schedules before booking.
- Where You’ll End Up: Most buses will drop you off at Port Authority Bus Terminal, which is just a short walk from Times Square.
Pro Tip: If you’re not in a hurry and want to save some serious cash, the bus is a good option. Just make sure to bring headphones or a good book to pass the time.
Option 4: Private Car or Rideshare – The Most Luxurious Option
If you’re looking for a little more comfort and don’t mind spending a bit more, you can book a private car or use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft to take you from Philadelphia Airport to New York City. This option offers the most convenience since it’s door-to-door service, but it’s also the most expensive.
- Cost: Expect to pay around $150 to $250 for a private car or rideshare, depending on the time of day and traffic.
- Travel Time: The drive takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. But let’s be real—if you hit traffic on I-95 or the NJ Turnpike, that estimate can easily balloon to 3 hours.
- Where You’ll End Up: Door-to-door service, so you’ll be dropped off exactly where you need to be in New York City.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling with a group, splitting the cost of a private car can make this option more affordable. Plus, you can avoid the hassle of public transportation.
Option 5: Flying – The “Wait, What?” Option
Believe it or not, you can actually fly from Philadelphia Airport to New York. But before you start imagining the glamour of jet-setting between cities, let me warn you—it’s not the most efficient or cost-effective option.
- Cost: Flights can range from $100 to $300, depending on the airline and how far in advance you book.
- Travel Time: The flight itself is quick—about 45 minutes—but when you factor in the time it takes to get through security, board, and then deal with the journey from LaGuardia or JFK into Manhattan, it’s not exactly a time-saver.
- Where You’ll End Up: You’ll land at LaGuardia or JFK, which are both outside the city. From there, you’ll need to take a cab, bus, or subway to get into Manhattan, which can take another 30 to 60 minutes.
Pro Tip: Only consider flying if you’re already at the airport for another flight or if you’re really into collecting frequent flyer miles. Otherwise, stick with the train, bus, or car options.
FAQs About Getting from Philadelphia Airport to New York
Q: What is the fastest way to get from Philadelphia Airport to New York?
A: The Amtrak Acela Express is the fastest option, taking just about 1 hour from 30th Street Station in Philadelphia to Penn Station in Manhattan.
Q: What is the cheapest way to get from Philadelphia to New York City?
A: Taking the SEPTA Airport Line combined with NJ Transit is the most budget-friendly option, with total costs around $25 to $30.
Q: How long does it take to drive from Philadelphia to New York?
A: Driving takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, but traffic can extend this to 3 hours or more.
Q: Is it better to take the train or bus from Philadelphia to New York?
A: It depends on your priorities. If you want speed and comfort, the train is the way to go. If you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind a longer ride, the bus is more affordable.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Way to Get from PHL to NYC
Traveling from Philadelphia International Airport to New York City doesn’t have to be stressful—especially if you choose the right mode of transportation based on your needs. Whether you’re looking for speed, comfort, or budget-friendly options, there’s something for everyone.
So next time you’re planning that trip from PHL to the Big Apple, skip the stress and go with the transportation option that fits your schedule, budget, and sanity level. Safe travels and enjoy the journey!