See Bruno Mars, Zac Brown Band with a $10 Amtrak trip to Philadelphia
Get a cheaper ticket to see Bruno Mars in Philadelphia than at his New York show. Credit: Getty Images for iHeartRadio/Rich Fury
For Long Islanders priced out of seeing their favorite artists at UBS Arena, MetLife Stadium or Barclays Center this fall, Amtrak fares from New York City to Philadelphia start as low as $10, offering a way to catch some of September's biggest concerts while turning it into a quick getaway.
Several major acts playing in Philadelphia — including Bruno Mars, Weezer and AC/DC — have tickets starting below what fans would pay for their shows on Long Island or in the boroughs. Plus, with Amtrak trains making the trip from New York in about an hour and a half, Philadelphia can be an easy concert weeknight or overnight weekend escape from Long Island.
Destination: Philadelphia
Travel time: 4 hours by train from Melville, 3 hours by car
Best for: Concert getaways, weekend escapes
Travel by: Train or car
Why go now: Catch September concerts including Zac Brown Band, Weezer and AC/DC for cheaper than New York-area venues.
More adventures: newsday.com/letsgo
Getting there
Long Islanders can take the Long Island Rail Road from their nearest station to Penn Station's Moynihan Train Hall, then board an Amtrak train to Philadelphia's William H. Gray III 30th Street Station.
Board an Amtrak train at Penn Station to head to Philadelphia. Credit: AP/Matt Rourke
Sample Amtrak fares on Tuesdays:
Amtrak fares vary by departure, date and availability, and the lowest fares can sell out. Look to book at least two to four weeks in advance.
- Early riser: Departs NYC at 6:32 a.m. and arrives in Philadelphia at 7:59 a.m. (1 hour and 27 minutes travel time) — Coach from $10
- Afternoon commuter: Departs NYC at 12:54 p.m. and arrives in Philadelphia at 2:19 p.m. (1 hour and 25 minutes travel time) — Coach from $21
- Evening commuter: Departs NYC at 5:10 p.m. and arrives in Philadelphia at 6:29 p.m. (1 hour and 19 minutes travel time) — Coach from $35
Concerts in Philadelphia end of August and September
Starting ticket prices according to Ticketmaster.
Weekend concert: Zac Brown Band
Zac Brown Band is set to take the stage in Philadelphia on Aug. 29. Credit: Bruce Gilbert
- When: Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.
- Where: TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts (5201 Parkside Ave.; highmarkmann.org)
- Tickets: Starting at $165; No concerts in NYC
Weekday concert: Bruno Mars
- When: Sept. 1 and Sept. 2 at 7 p.m.
- Where: Lincoln Financial Field (One Lincoln Financial Field Way; lincolnfinancialfield.com)
- Tickets: Starting at $110; Compare to MetLife tickets starting at $188
Weekday concert: Weezer
Rivers Cuomo of Weezer performs during The Hella Mega Tour at Citi Field. Credit: Getty Images/Jamie McCarthy
- When: Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.
- Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena (3601 S Broad St.; xfinitymobilearena.com)
- Tickets: Starting at $27; Compare to Barclays tickets starting at $52
Weekday concert: AC/DC
- When: Sept. 29 at 7 p.m.
- Where: Lincoln Financial Field
- Tickets: Starting at $55; Compare to MetLife tickets starting at $73
Where to stay
Budget-friendly: The Windsor Suites
1700 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., thewindsorsuites.com, 215-981-5678
- An all-suite hotel on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and City Hall. Every room comes with a full kitchen, and the rooftop Skydeck has a seasonal infinity pool and skyline views.
- Rates: Starting at $129 per night
Happy medium: Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard
1001 Intrepid Ave., marriott.com
- The only hotel inside the Navy Yard, within walking distance of Lincoln Financial Field and Xfinity Mobile Arena. Rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, with an on-site bistro, a 24/7 fitness center and a bar for after the show.
- Rates: Starting at $475 per night
Splurge stay: Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center
1 N. 19th St.; fourseasons.com, 215-419-5000
- Occupying the top floors of the Comcast Technology Center, this is the tallest hotel in North America, with a 57th-floor infinity pool overlooking the city, a spa and dining from Michelin-recognized chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. It's a splurge, but it comes with the best view in the city.
- Rates: Starting at $1,100 per night
Things to do nearby
Run up the famous "Rocky" steps at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Credit: Philadelphia Museum of Art
Between concerts, Center City rewards wandering. Reading Terminal Market (1136 Arch St., readingterminalmarket.org, 215-922-2317) is a few blocks from most Center City hotels and covers breakfast, lunch and dessert under one roof. Rittenhouse Square (1800 Walnut St., friendsofrittenhouse.org, 267-586-5675) is a green, walkable anchor lined with restaurants and shops. History buffs can hit Independence Hall (520 Chestnut St., nps.gov, 215-965-2305) and the Liberty Bell (526 Market St., nps.gov, 215-965-2305) in Old City, while the Philadelphia Museum of Art (2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy., philamuseum.org, 215-763-8100), and its famous "Rocky" steps, sits right along the parkway.
