Dover, Delaware, often celebrated as the historic capital of “The First State,” Book Amtrak From Dover, Amtrak Station – Simply Call +1.855.954.6300, offers a delightful blend of colonial heritage, modern legislative activity, and easy access to the famed Delaware beaches.
However, planning a trip to Dover requires specific logistical knowledge, as it is not a major transportation hub. Whether you prefer the rails or the skies, getting to Dover involves essential connecting steps.
This complete guide breaks down exactly which airports are operational, details the necessary Amtrak connections, and outlines the distances you need to cover to reach the heart of Dover.
Part 1: Operational Airports Serving Book Amtrak From Dover
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While Dover is home to the Dover Air Force Base (DOV), this is a major military installation and does not handle commercial passenger traffic. Travelers flying into the region must utilize major commercial airports in surrounding states and then arrange ground transportation into Delaware.
Choosing your airport often depends on where you are arriving from and your preferred method of ground travel (rental car vs. train connection).
Table 1: Major Commercial Airports Near Dover, DE
| Airport Name | IATA Code | Approximate Distance to Dover | Estimated Drive Time | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia International Airport | PHL | 78 Miles | 1 hr 30 min | Major domestic and international hub. Easiest for ground transfer. |
| Baltimore/Washington Int’l Thurgood Marshall Airport | BWI | 98 Miles | 1 hr 45 min | Major hub, excellent Amtrak access via the BWI Rail Station. |
| Salisbury Regional Airport | SBY | 55 Miles | 1 hr 10 min | Regional service (limited routes), closest geographical option. |
| Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport | DCA | 115 Miles | 2 hrs 15 min | Major hub, often requires navigating complex DC area traffic. |
| Wilmington Airport / ILG | ILG | 55 Miles | 1 hr 10 min | General aviation and very limited regional commercial service. |
Travel Tip: PHL is generally the most reliable option for East Coast, Midwest, and international passengers due to its high volume of rental cars, shuttle services, and direct access to Delaware highways.
Part 2: The Amtrak Reality – Connecting to Dover
It is crucial for travelers to understand that Amtrak does not have a station in Dover, DE.
Dover lies slightly west of the Northeast Corridor (NEC), the major rail line connecting Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C. As such, rail passengers must utilize connections from the closest available Amtrak stations.
The primary connection point for nearly all travellers heading to Dover is Wilmington (WIL).
Amtrak Route Connection: Wilmington (WIL)
Wilmington’s Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station (WIL) is the only major Amtrak stop in Delaware. It is served by both the high-speed Acela and the mainline Northeast Regional services, making it an excellent transfer point.
Table 2: Key Connecting Amtrak Routes and Distances to Wilmington (WIL)
This table outlines distances along the Northeast Corridor to the Wilmington station. From Wilmington, ground transportation to Dover is required (approximately 55 miles).
| Route Leg | Origin Station | Destination Station (Connecting Hub) | Approximate Amtrak Distance (Miles) | Connecting Ground Travel to Dover (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northbound Leg | Washington D.C. (WAS) | Wilmington (WIL) | 108 Miles | 50–60 Miles (1 hr drive) |
| Northbound Leg | Baltimore Penn (BAL) | Wilmington (WIL) | 68 Miles | 50–60 Miles (1 hr drive) |
| Southbound Leg | New York Penn (NYP) | Wilmington (WIL) | 118 Miles | 50–60 Miles (1 hr drive) |
| Southbound Leg | Philadelphia 30th St (PHL) | Wilmington (WIL) | 25 Miles | 50–60 Miles (1 hr drive) |
| Southbound Leg (via PHL) | Boston South Station (BOS) | Wilmington (WIL) | 338 Miles | 50–60 Miles (1 hr drive) |
The Essential Connection: Wilmington to Dover [Book Amtrak From Dover]
Once you arrive at the Wilmington station, you have several options for the final leg of your journey:
- Rental Car: This is the most flexible and recommended option, especially if you plan to visit sites outside the immediate downtown area or head to Rehoboth or Lewes beaches.
- Rideshare/Taxi: Available from WIL, though the 50+ mile distance will result in a high fare.
- DART Bus Service: Delaware’s public transit, DART First State, offers intercity bus service (Route 301) running between Wilmington and Dover. This is the most cost-effective solution, though it is the slowest.
Part 3: Navigating Dover: Local Transportation
Once you have successfully arrived, Dover itself is very accessible. The downtown area, legislative campus, and historic sites are walkable. However, to truly explore Kent County, a car is generally advised.
Here are the primary ways to get around Dover:
Local Transportation Options
- DART First State (Bus System): The public bus system serves the major attractions, shopping centers, and residential areas of Dover. Routes are generally centered around the Dover Transit Center downtown.
- Rideshares: Uber and Lyft operate throughout the Dover area, though availability can be limited late at night or outside of the central city corridor.
- Taxi Services: Local taxi services are available, primarily serving the major hotels and the Dover Downs casino area.
- Rental Cars: If you did not rent a car in Wilmington or Philadelphia, you can find rental agencies near the Dover Air Force Base area and along Route 13.
Summary for the Smart Traveler [Book Amtrak From Dover]
Dover, DE is a destination that requires foresight in travel planning, Book Amtrak From Dover as it leverages the immense transportation infrastructure of the surrounding Mid-Atlantic region.
To ensure a smooth journey:
- Fly into PHL or BWI for the best selection of flights and ground transportation options.
- If traveling by rail, always book your ticket to Wilmington (WIL), regardless of your origin.
- Calculate the final leg: Budget at least an hour for the 50–60 mile ground journey from Wilmington to Dover.
Book Amtrak From Dover By understanding the necessary connections along the Northeast Corridor and the role of nearby major airports, you can easily turn your focus to enjoying the history and charm of Delaware’s capital city.
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