🗽 How to Get to Queens From Philadelphia [2025–2026 Guide]
Queens, New York is about 100–110 miles northeast of Philadelphia. Driving takes 2–2.5 hours ($20–$35 gas + tolls). Trains via Amtrak or NJ Transit/Long Island Rail Road take 2.5–3.5 hours ($25–$70). Buses take 2.5–4 hours ($15–$40). Rideshares cost $180–$250 one way. This 2025–2026 guide covers all routes, times, and costs.
Queens, one of New York City’s five boroughs, is home to Flushing Meadows, Citi Field, and some of the best food in the world. Whether you’re heading there for sports, culture, or a quick weekend trip, traveling from Philadelphia is straightforward with multiple options.
🚗 Driving From Philadelphia to Queens
Driving is one of the fastest and most flexible ways to reach Queens.
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The distance is 100–110 miles, and the drive typically takes 2–2.5 hours, depending on traffic around New York City.
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Gas costs about $15–$20, plus $10–$15 in tolls. Parking in Queens is easier than Manhattan but may still require extra fees. Driving is ideal if you’re traveling with family or need flexibility.
Total Time: 2–2.5 hours
Total Cost: $25–$35 (gas + tolls)
🚆 Train From Philadelphia to Queens
Trains are a comfortable and reliable way to travel between the two cities.
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Option 1: Take Amtrak from Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station to Penn Station NYC (1 hour 15 minutes, $40–$70). From Penn, transfer to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or NYC Subway to Queens (20–40 minutes, $5–$8).
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Option 2: Take NJ Transit from Philadelphia (via Trenton) to Penn Station NYC, then transfer as above. This option takes about 2.5–3 hours total and costs $25–$40.
Total Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
Total Cost: $25–$70
🚌 Bus From Philadelphia to Queens
Buses are the most budget-friendly option, but travel time varies.
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Megabus, Greyhound, and FlixBus run from Philadelphia to New York City’s Midtown or Port Authority. Trips take about 2–3 hours, with tickets priced $15–$30 if booked early.
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From there, transfer to the subway or LIRR to reach Queens, adding 20–40 minutes and $3–$8. The total journey is 2.5–4 hours.
Total Time: 2.5–4 hours
Total Cost: $18–$38
🚖 Rideshare or Taxi
Door-to-door rides are possible but costly for the distance.
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An Uber or Lyft from Philadelphia to Queens takes about 2–2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
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Fares generally range from $180–$250 one way, making this option practical only if shared among several people or for business trips.
Total Time: 2–2.5 hours
Total Cost: $180–$250
✈️ Flying From Philadelphia to Queens
Flying is not practical given the short distance.
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While you could fly from Philadelphia International (PHL) to LaGuardia (LGA) or JFK Airport in Queens, flight time is under an hour, but check-in, security, and transfers bring the total to 3–4 hours.
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Round-trip fares often cost $120–$250, making it slower and more expensive than other options.
Total Time: 3–4 hours
Total Cost: $120–$250
📝 Travel Summary
| Method | Duration | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Drive | 2–2.5 hrs | $25–$35 | Flexible; watch for NYC traffic and tolls. |
| 🚆 Train | 2.5–3.5 hrs | $25–$70 | Comfortable; Amtrak is fastest, NJ Transit is cheaper. |
| 🚌 Bus | 2.5–4 hrs | $18–$38 | Cheapest; requires subway/LIRR transfer to Queens. |
| 🚖 Rideshare | 2–2.5 hrs | $180–$250 | Direct service, but very costly. |
| ✈️ Fly | 3–4 hrs | $120–$250 | Not recommended; slower and pricier than land travel. |
❓ FAQ
Q1: How far is Queens from Philadelphia?
It’s about 100–110 miles northeast, with a drive of 2–2.5 hours.
Q2: What’s the fastest way to get there?
Driving or Amtrak to Penn Station, then subway/LIRR to Queens, are the quickest.
Q3: What’s the cheapest option?
Buses are cheapest at $18–$38, though slightly slower than trains.
Q4: Do I need to transfer if I take the train?
Yes, you’ll arrive at Penn Station in Manhattan and need a subway or LIRR transfer to reach Queens.
Q5: Is flying a good option?
No, flights take longer and cost more than trains or buses for this short distance.
✅ Drive if you want flexibility, take Amtrak for comfort and speed, or ride the bus if you’re looking to save money.