Baltimore to Philadelphia: Distance, Driving, By Plane, Train or Bus

By VI Staff on April 9, 2020 - Updated

Courtesy of sinitar - Fotolia.com

The route between Baltimore, MD and Philadelphia, PA makes history come alive. This area of the United States boasts fantastic history, and includes some of America’s oldest communities. The road between Baltimore and Philadelphia is home to world-renown centers for education, world-class museums and institutes, historic sites and artifacts, spectacular East Coast scenery, wonderful cuisine, and countless opportunities to engage with nature and be active in the many parks and nature preserves. Come along as we explore all the ways to travel to Philadelphia from Baltimore.

1.Baltimore to Philadelphia by Plane

The Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is the busiest airport serving the Baltimore/Washington area. Spirit Airlines flies from Baltimore to Philadelphia with a stop in Atlanta. American Airlines offers a non-stop flight from Baltimore to Philadelphia. Other airlines offer fights with a stop, sometimes at lower rates.

There is ample parking and a variety of ground transportation options at the Baltimore/Washington International Airport. The airport also is home to a variety of shops, cafés, restaurants, newsstands and convenience stores. If there is something you need before you board your flight you can most likely find it at the airport.

The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is a major airport and is the largest in Pennsylvania. It is also a major international hub for American Airlines. As a major airline hub, the airport is also home to many shops, restaurants and stores.

2.Baltimore to Philadelphia by Train

Amtrak offers hourly service between Baltimore and Philadelphia on three different trains: the Northeast Regional, the Acela Express and the Palmetto. The trip takes about an hour and a half. Reserved coach seats on the Northeast Regional line start at $31 and business class seats start at $61. The Acela Express only offers business class which range from $71-$169 one way. The Palmetto offers reserved coach seats starting at $48 one way and business coach seats starting at $73 one way.

Trains depart approximately every 35-45 minutes starting at 3:52am. The last train leaves at 10:54pm and arrives at 12:05am the following morning. Train amenities include free Wi-Fi, checked baggage and a café car serving up light meals. Some train cars are specifically designated as quiet zones.

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3.Baltimore to Philadelphia by Bus

Greyhound offers nine daily direct bus routes between Baltimore and Philadelphia. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. Busses depart every 2-3 hours, the first leaving at 5:15am and the last at 9:55pm. Ticket prices start as low as $12 one way. Amenities on board include checked baggage, reclining seats with ample leg room, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a bathroom.

Greyhound is an economical way to travel. It also takes away the hassle of driving and allows you to enjoy the scenery.

The Megabus is another bus service between Baltimore and Philadelphia. It offers 12 daily direct busses and takes approximately 2 hours.

By Private Transfer Service

Dulles Coach offers private transfer service to and from a variety of cities, including Baltimore and Philadelphia. With a full fleet of vehicles to choose from, any number of guests from 1-14 can be accommodated. Rates depend on the type of vehicle chosen. Luxury sedans (seating up to 3 people) are the base model and prices start at $406 for the trip from Baltimore to Philadelphia. A 14-passenger executive shuttle costs $667 for the one way trip to Philadelphia and can accommodate small to medium-sized groups, including families with children.

4.Baltimore to Philadelphia by Car

Baltimore is about 100 miles southwest of Philadelphia. The fastest route by car is to take I-95 N north out of Baltimore. The route contains tolls but will take you directly into Philadelphia. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours if you avoid rush hour traffic.

An alternate route is to take US Hwy 1 from Baltimore to Philadelphia. The highway is a major north-south thoroughfare and is slightly further inland than I-95.

Before leaving Baltimore visit some of the city’s great attractions. It is the largest city in Maryland and continues to be an important sea port on the Patapsco River. Baltimore was established in 1729 as a small American settlement. It became an important part of American history when, in 1814, British forces were unable to conquer Fort Henry after 25 hours of constant bombardment. It was the American flag still flying over the Fort after the attack that inspired the song “The Star Spangled Banner.” Baltimore is still considered a cultural center on the US east coast.

For a wonderful day trip from Baltimore, explore Patapsco State Park. Take Hwy 895 out of Baltimore which will lead you directly to the park. The park offers a variety of walking trails with ruins, artifacts and waterfalls to see along the way.

For an interesting stop on your drive to Philadelphia, Winterthur is an exciting option. For in-car GPS and online mapping services, use: 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807. If you are using a GPS, please make sure your GPS directs you to Route 52/Kennett Pike and Winterthur Road, the front entrance of Winterthur, located on Route 52 (Kennett Pike), between I-95 and Route 1. Take Take I-95, Exit 7, in Delaware. Winterthur is a museum of American decorative art which was founded by Henry Francis du Pont. The 60-acre garden, research library and museum provide something for everyone to enjoy, whether you prefer beauty or history.

If you are interested in an outdoors diversion, be sure to stop at the Elk Neck State Forest. The park boasts over 3,000 acres of land that are open to the public for hiking, horseback riding, hunting and mountain biking. Shooting ranges are also available to the public and permits are accessible on an honor system. The park is home to diverse wildlife and flora and has many hiking trails to choose from. To get to Elk Neck State Forest, take the MD-272 exit from I-95 and head South to the park entrance.

Another outdoor option for nature lovers is the Ridley Creek State Park. The park is accessible from I-95 and US Hwy 1 and is just outside of Philadelphia. From I-95, take Hwy 452 which will lead you directly to the State Park. From Hwy 1 you can take Hwy 926 and then connect to Hwy 452, or carry on Hwy 1 until you reach the junction with Hwy 452 from the I-95.

Ridley Creek State Park is comprised of over 2,600 acres of gently rolling country and woodlands and meadows. It offers a variety of recreational opportunities including swimming, walking and biking. It provides a perfect opportunity to get out and stretch your legs before the final drive into Philadelphia.

By Bike or Walking

Google Maps highlights two different bike routes between Baltimore and Philadelphia. The first follows US Hwy 40 East. The second option is longer and veers further inland following PA-23E. Google does a very nice job of providing turn by turn directions, including altitude climbed.

The website Everytrail provides information about the best walking, biking and hiking trails in the Baltimore area. Everytrail also has a list of the best trails in the Philadelphia area.

Philadelphia has so much to offer. It was founded in 1682 by William Penn and is one of America’s oldest cities. Today, it is the fifth largest city in the United States. It is full of history and there are countless museums, interesting neighborhoods, markets, and historic buildings to explore. It is also a center for knowledge and many universities and colleges call Philadelphia home.

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