Day Trip to Philadelphia From NYC: The Complete Guide

Welcome to Philadelphia, the birthplace of the United States. Also known as the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia was founded by William Penn in 1682 as a place where people of different backgrounds and beliefs can live together in harmony. How fitting that it’s also the city where, less than 100 years later, the U.S. Constitution got signed. Nowadays, the city is a popular tourist attraction offering historic sites like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It also features more modern attractions, like the ‘Rocky Steps’ – famous for appearing in the movie Rocky (1976).

If you’re spending seven days or six days in New York, which is plenty of time to experience the Big Apple, why not consider a day trip to Philadelphia? Follow in the steps of Rocky Balboa, grab a cheesesteak sandwich at a food market, or check out Independence Hall – the place where the Declaration of Independence was signed by the Founding Fathers.

Philadelphia in a nutshell

Located 95 miles southwest of New York City lies Philadelphia, a vibrant metropolis characterized by history, culture, and innovation. It’s the city where – in 1787 – the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution were signed by the original thirteen states, making it the city where the United States was born.

It’s a city of many firsts for America: the first Continental Congress, the first capital of the United States (1790 to 1800), the first stock exchange, the first public library and the first university hospital, to name a few. Philadelphia also boasts a diverse culinary scene, famous for its food markets, with Reading Terminal Market probably being the best known.

Did you know: Philadelphia is famous for its ‘Philly cheesesteak’ sandwiches, made with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese on a hoagie roll.

How to get from NYC to Philadelphia

There are several ways to get to Philadelphia from New York for a day trip: by train, by bus or by car. I’ll discuss each option below, so you can decide for yourself which option is the one for you.

NYC to Philadelphia by train

Taking the train from NYC to Philadelphia is the fastest option, but also the most expensive. On average, the train ride takes 1,5 hours.

Amtrak offers several services from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station (Manhattan) to William H Gray III Station in Philadelphia:

• Northeast Regional: This service takes about 1,5 hours. Tickets cost around $20 round trip (coach).
• Acela (Premium): This service takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Tickets cost around $60 round trip (business only).
• Palmetto: This service takes about 1,5 hours. Round trip tickets cost around $80 (coach).
• Cardinal: This service takes about 1,5 hours. Tickets cost around $100 round trip (coach).
• Keystone Service: This service takes around 1,5 hours. Round trip tickets cost around $30 (coach).

Taking the train to Philadelphia is the fastest option.

NYC to Philadelphia by bus

The cheapest way to get to Philadelphia is by bus. Several bus companies offer services between the two cities, with different departure points in Manhattan.

FlixBus: We chose FlixBus for our day trip to Philadelphia and were pleasantly surprised. The bus was comfortable with plenty of leg space and free Wi-Fi, USB-charging ports and restrooms. Make sure to be at the departure point on time, as the driver typically won’t wait for long (if at all).

FlixBus leaves from 31st Street and 8th Avenue (across Madison Square Garden), 28 Allen Street (Chinatown) and New York Port Authority. The journey takes approximately 2 hours. Round-trip tickets cost around $12.

The FlixBus station at 8th Avenue, right across Madison Square Garden.

Greyhound (FlixBus): Greyhound buses depart from the New York Port Authority and George Washington Bridge bus stations. It takes around 2 hours to reach Philadelphia. A round-trip ticket costs around $15.

Peter Pan: Peter Pan runs buses between New York Port Authority and Philadelphia Spring Garden Station. The trip takes around 2 hours. Tickets cost $13 for a round-trip.

Megabus: By far the cheapest way to get to Philadelphia is via Megabus. This service costs only $5 for a round trip! Travel time is around 2 hours. Make sure to book your tickets early in advance, as these sell out quickly.

NYC to Philadelphia by car

Visiting Philadelphia by car is the most flexible option, allowing you to travel whenever you please. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Visiting Philadelphia by car offers the most flexibility in your schedule.

One Day Philadelphia Itinerary (+/- 10 Hours)

Philadelphia has a lot to offer. That’s why I’ve listed the most important points of interest in a handy and time-efficient itinerary, allowing you to make the most of your time in the city.

• Rocky Steps
• Philadelphia Museum of Art
• Love Park
• Philadelphia City Hall
• Reading Terminal Market
• Elfreth’s Alley
• The Liberty Bell
• Independence Hall
• Historic District Museums

The route of this itinerary will take you along the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Independence Hall.

Rocky Steps

After arriving at William H Gray III Station (by train or by bus) or having parked your car in the vicinity, head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art for one of cinema’s most iconic filming locations: the Rocky Steps. These 72 stone steps at the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art have become a symbol of perseverance, as depicted in the memorable training montage of the movie Rocky (1976).

The location was chosen for its grandeur, with the city skyline as a backdrop. Ascending the steps mirrors Rocky Balboa’s journey from underdog to champion. These stairs attract visitors worldwide, to recreate the triumphant run immortalized by Sylvester Stallone.

Philadelphia Museum of Art

Explore one of the largest art museums in the country, housing a vast collection of artworks spanning from ancient times to the present day. Check out masterpieces by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Rembrandt, its many sculptures and textiles.

LOVE Park

Officially known as John F. Kennedy Plaza, this park is located in the heart of Philadelphia. Its centerpiece, the LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana, has become an enduring symbol of the city.

LOVE Park, an atmospheric area in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’.

Philadelphia City Hall

Philadelphia City Hall, built between 1871 and 1901, stands as a historic landmark in the city’s downtown area. Topped with a statue of William Penn, the building’s clock tower is a recognizable symbol of Philadelphia. Inside, the seat of government houses various municipal offices, including the mayor’s office and city council chambers.

The statue of William Penn, located on top of the City Hall’s clock tower, looking over the skyline.

Reading Terminal Market

Reading Terminal Market is one of America’s largest and oldest public markets, housed in a National Historic Landmark building since 1893. It attracts locals and tourists alike with its bustling atmosphere and wide selection of food options.

Locally cultivated fruits and vegetables, locally procured meats and poultry, as well as premium seafood, cheeses, pastries, and sweets. Here, you can discover all the essentials for crafting an unforgettable meal, including cookbooks, table linens, kitchenware, fresh-cut flowers, and more.

Elfreth’s Alley

Elfreth’s Alley stands as the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States. Dating back to the early 18th century, this historic cobblestone lane offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past.

Lined with well-preserved row houses showcasing architectural styles spanning over three centuries, it serves as a living museum of American urban life. Explore the alley’s charming brick homes, some of which are open for tours, and learn about the lives of the families who once resided here.

The Liberty Bell

Next, head to Independence Hall. But before heading in, pay a visit to the iconic Liberty Bell outside. The bell’s inscription reads: “Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof.” It is a symbol of American independence and freedom. Cast in 1752, this historic artifact originally served as a State House bell but gained fame for its role in the abolitionist and suffragist movements.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall holds profound historical significance as the birthplace of American democracy. It served as the principal meeting place for the Second Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. Within its walls, the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, and the United States Constitution was drafted in 1787.

Today, visitors can explore the hall on guided tours, witnessing where the foundations of the nation were laid and gaining insight into the principles of liberty and self-governance.

Independence Hall, the birthplace of the United States.

Historic District Museums

To top your visit to Philadelphia off with a final cultural experience, pay a visit to one of the museums in the Historic District. Here, you can find several interesting museums, including:

• Museum of the American Revolution
• Independence Visitor Center
• National Constitution Center
• Independence Seaport Museum
• Benjamin Franklin Museum

Organized tours to Philadelphia from New York

Of course, you could also join an organized tour from New York to Philadelphia. Many tour companies offer comprehensive packages that include transportation, guided sightseeing, and free time to explore independently. Just sit back and enjoy the tour!

FAQ – Day Trip to Philadelphia From NYC

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