Philadelphia to Washington, DC Distance: Driving, By Plane, Train or Bus Itinerary

The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) overlooks the Delaware River and is just off of I-95. Best roads to use to get to the airport are I-476, I-676 or I-76 depending on what part of Philadelphia one is coming from. The airport features plenty of parking at varying levels: hourly, short term, long term, covered garage, etc. Parking fees range from $4 to $40 depending on where and how long one intends to park.

As one walks through the airport to their gate, take note of the various shops and restaurants that are offered to travelers for their convenience and enjoyment. Upscale shops and boutiques plus an abundance of restaurants and bistros welcome daily travelers from around the world.

There are two airports in Washington; Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington Airport (DCA). Both airports have flights to and from Philadelphia on American and United Airlines. Roundtrip fares to Dulles start at about $335 while trips to Reagan start at $385 for nonstop flights.

Amtrak coach fares for roundtrip passage begin at $54, can be a great alternative. There are a variety of trains that travel each day and a good range of departure times. A one-way trip takes about 2 hours. Most of these routes offer a quiet car so one can finish that last minute presentation on the way to their meeting. Or quietly rest on the way home from a stressful day. Quietness is a luxury that Amtrak offers. The quiet car is a first come, first served basis – no reservations needed for a seat on the quiet car. The Amtrak website gives all the details including prices, schedules, and amenities.

Greyhound Bus offers roundtrip fares starting at $20. Business travelers can go out early in the morning, conduct business and return later the same day. The trip takes a solid 3½ hours, so there is plenty of time to read the newspaper and finish up that contract before arriving.

Greyhound now offers fantastic amenities and services: personal, adjustable air vents; bath room on board; wheelchair lift and seating space; one’s choice of seat; priority boarding for certain classes of fares; and overhead storage – all included for the traveler’s comfort and convenience. Other perks include free Wi-Fi, extra leg room, reclining seats, and 3-point safety belts. Greyhound also delivers packages. If one enjoys traveling by bus, Greyhound offers a generous reward program as well.

The Greyhound website details all things bus trip. Check it out and make reservations today.

By Private Transfer Service

JJ Affordable Luxury Transportation has roundtrip service between Philadelphia and Washington. They offer all types of cars from luxury sedans to SUVs to limousines, and everything in between. They have a broad coverage area that works well when crossing stateliness.

Driving on I-95 is probably the most direct route by car. It is just a short 140 miles. However, I-95 is also a toll road. For the first few miles out of Philly one will follow along the Delaware River. Crossing the Delaware state line, one can exit onto I-495 and stay along the river. A nice place to stop on this route is the Fox Point State Park featuring paved trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and river views. I-495 will converge with I-95 again on the other side of Wilmington.

If one stays on I-95 Bellevue State Park is a great place to stretch your legs. Set on the grounds of an historic estate, this park features tennis courts, walking trails, picnic grounds and even fishing.

Crossing into Maryland one will continue on I-95, also known as the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway, winding through some beautiful countryside. The highway will cross over the Susquehanna River. The nearby Susquehanna State Park offers spectacular hiking trails, fishing, boating, camping and other outdoor activities.

Entering into Baltimore one has the opportunity to stay on I-95 and travel through the city center or take I-695 south and go around the main portion of the city. The route through the city will bring one near several attractions that may be worth taking in on one’s road trip to DC. Places such as Fort McHenry, the National Aquarium, Top of the World Observation Deck, and many other historic and adventuresome attractions. I-695 will meet up again with I-95 at Exit 11B.

I-95 will come to a T at I-495 which circles Washington, DC. Hwy. 29 through Silver Spring or Hwy. 1 through College Park are both good roads to take into the city.

Washington boasts just about any kind of restaurants one could think of. There are family friendly options, late night venues, brunches, bistros, gluten free menus, steakhouses, and seafood, just to name a few. One will be surprised by the range of restaurants from budget conscious to high-end, luxury restaurants.

The capital city offers lodging with a wide range of amenities. From budget hotels and hostels to upscale luxury hotels and quaint bed and breakfast establishments, one can find just the right lodging to meet their needs.

A one-day bike ride from Philly to DC is doable if one is in great shape. The 144 mile trip will take about 13-14 hours. It would be a long day of riding about ten miles an hour

For a detailed line by line, road by road, instruction sheet, check the website. This route is 234 miles, but I am sure it is on more traffic-friendly routes and most likely much more scenic.

Both cities have walking tours of various attractions or historic districts.

Surrounded by the beauty of iconic national monuments and other breathtaking sights, one should not pass up on a trip from Philadelphia to Washington. It will be a trip of unforgettable memories.

Whether by plane, train, or car, a visit to this part of the country will evoke the historian in you as you experience American history unfold before your eyes. Pack your bags and get ready for fun. From Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC, one will not be disappointed with the opportunities for adventures for all the senses.