Booking Amtrak In Delaware..!!
Delaware, the “First State,” might be small, but it plays a crucial role in the busy Northeast Corridor. For travelers looking to navigate from or through this historic state without the hassle of traffic, Amtrak offers a convenient and comfortable solution.
While many might associate train travel with bustling metropolises, Delaware boasts two key Amtrak stations that serve as vital links for both local commuters and long-distance adventurers. This guide will walk you through each station, detailing its features, the routes it serves, and crucial distances to popular cities and major airports.
Important Note: It’s a common misconception that Amtrak serves Dover, Delaware’s capital. Currently, Amtrak does not have a station in Dover. All Amtrak service in Delaware is concentrated in Wilmington and Newark.
1. Wilmington (WIL): The Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Railroad Station
The Wilmington station is by far Delaware’s busiest and most comprehensive Amtrak hub. Named after the state’s most famous resident, this historic station is a beautiful gateway to the city and beyond.
- Location: 100 S. French St, Wilmington, DE 19801 (Just south of downtown, easily accessible)
- Station Code: WIL
- Key Services: As a major stop on the Northeast Corridor, Wilmington is served by a wide array of Amtrak routes, including:
- Acela: High-speed service stretching from Boston to Washington D.C.
- Northeast Regional: Frequent, conventional speed service with many stops between Boston and Virginia.
- Vermonter: Connects Washington D.C. to Vermont.
- Carolinian: Connects New York to Charlotte, NC.
- Palmetto: Connects New York to Savannah, GA.
- Silver Service (Silver Meteor & Silver Star): Connects New York to Florida.
- Amenities: Waiting area, restrooms, ticketing and Quik-Trak kiosks, a small convenience store/café, Wi-Fi, and an Amtrak Guest Rewards lounge.
- Connections: Direct access to DART First State local buses, SEPTA’s Wilmington/Newark Line (commuter rail to Philadelphia), taxis, and rideshare services. Parking is available.
Distances from Wilmington (WIL) to Key Destinations & Airports
This table provides estimated rail distances and travel times for some popular destinations from Wilmington. Please note that travel times are approximate and can vary based on train type, stops, and schedule. Airport connections often involve an additional shuttle or local transit leg.
| Destination | Amtrak Code | Est. Rail Distance (miles) | Est. Rail Time (approx.) | Notes / Airport Connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Cities | ||||
| Philadelphia, PA | PHL | 25 | 20-25 min | Quick hop, frequently served. SEPTA R2 also connects. |
| Baltimore, MD | BAL | 70 | 55-65 min | Convenient connection to the Inner Harbor. |
| Washington D.C. | WAS | 100 | 1 hr 30 min – 1 hr 45 min | Direct service to Union Station. |
| New York City, NY | NYP | 110 | 1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 15 min | Direct service to Penn Station. |
| Boston, MA | BOS | 330 | 6 hr – 6 hr 30 min | Direct service to South Station. |
| Major Airports | ||||
| Philadelphia Int’l Airport | PHL | ~20 (driving) | Varies | No direct Amtrak station. Connect via SEPTA from Wilmington to 30th St Station, then SEPTA Airport Line, or taxi/rideshare (approx. 20-30 min drive). |
| Baltimore/Washington Int’l (Thurgood Marshall) Airport | BWI | ~70 (rail to BWI station) | 50-60 min | Direct Amtrak station (BWI) connected via free shuttle bus to airport terminals. |
| Newark Liberty Int’l Airport | EWR | ~100 (rail to EWR station) | 1 hr 35 min – 2 hr | Direct Amtrak station (EWR) connected via AirTrain to airport terminals. |
| Dulles Int’l Airport | IAD | ~125 (driving from WAS) | Varies | No direct Amtrak station. Travel to Washington D.C. (WAS), then connect via Washington Flyer Silver Line Express Bus (from Wiehle-Reston East Metro) or taxi/rideshare (approx. 45-60 min drive from WAS, or ~20 min from Wiehle-Reston East Metro). A new Metro line also goes directly to the airport. |
2. Newark (NRK): On the University of Delaware Campus
The Newark, Delaware Amtrak station provides convenient access for University of Delaware students, faculty, and residents of western New Castle County. It’s a smaller, more local station compared to Wilmington.
- Location: 100 Mopar Dr, Newark, DE 19711 (Adjacent to the University of Delaware campus)
- Station Code: NRK
- Key Services: Primarily served by the Northeast Regional trains.
- Important: Acela Express trains do not stop at Newark, DE. If you’re looking for high-speed service, Wilmington is your station.
- Amenities: Small waiting area, restrooms, Quik-Trak kiosk (no full-service ticket agent).
- Connections: DART First State local buses, University of Delaware Shuttle, taxis, and rideshare services. Limited surface parking is available.
Distances from Newark (NRK) to Key Destinations & Airports
Like Wilmington, this table provides estimated rail distances and travel times. Remember that fewer trains stop at Newark, so check schedules carefully.
| Destination | Amtrak Code | Est. Rail Distance (miles) | Est. Rail Time (approx.) | Notes / Airport Connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Major Cities | ||||
| Philadelphia, PA | PHL | 40 | 40-50 min | Convenient connection. |
| Baltimore, MD | BAL | 60 | 45-55 min | Direct service. |
| Washington D.C. | WAS | 90 | 1 hr 20 min – 1 hr 35 min | Direct service to Union Station. |
| New York City, NY | NYP | 125 | 2 hr 10 min – 2 hr 40 min | Direct service to Penn Station. |
| Boston, MA | BOS | 345 | 6 hr 45 min – 7 hr 15 min | Requires Northeast Regional service, Acela does not stop here. |
| Major Airports | ||||
| Philadelphia Int’l Airport | PHL | ~35 (driving) | Varies | No direct Amtrak station. Taxi/rideshare is usually the most direct option (approx. 40-50 min drive). |
| Baltimore/Washington Int’l (Thurgood Marshall) Airport | BWI | ~60 (rail to BWI station) | 40-50 min | Direct Amtrak station (BWI) connected via free shuttle bus to airport terminals. |
| Newark Liberty Int’l Airport | EWR | ~115 (rail to EWR station) | 1 hr 50 min – 2 hr 20 min | Direct Amtrak station (EWR) connected via AirTrain to airport terminals. |
| Dulles Int’l Airport | IAD | ~115 (driving from WAS) | Varies | No direct Amtrak station. Travel to Washington D.C. (WAS), then connect via Washington Flyer Silver Line Express Bus (from Wiehle-Reston East Metro) or taxi/rideshare (approx. 45-60 min drive from WAS, or ~20 min from Wiehle-Reston East Metro). A new Metro line also goes directly to the airport. |
General Tips for Traveling with Amtrak in Delaware
- Book in Advance: Especially for popular routes or Acela service, booking ahead can secure better prices and preferred seating.
- Check Schedules: Always verify train schedules on Amtrak’s official website or app, as times and frequencies can change.
- Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at least 20-30 minutes before departure, especially at the busier Wilmington station, to allow time for parking, ticketing, and finding your platform.
- Mobile Ticketing: Use the Amtrak app for easy access to your tickets and train status updates.
- Luggage: Amtrak has generous luggage policies, but be mindful of what you can comfortably carry.
- Accessibility: Both stations are generally accessible, but it’s always wise to inform Amtrak in advance if you require special assistance.
Whether you’re commuting to Philadelphia, exploring the nation’s capital, or heading to New York for a weekend getaway, Delaware’s Amtrak stations are your convenient starting point. Happy travels!