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Find bus tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC

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Cheapest Bus Tickets by Day

  1. FriAug 7
    $0
  2. SatAug 8
    $19
  3. SunAug 9
    $19
  4. MonAug 10
    $32
  5. TueAug 11
    $32
  6. WedAug 12
    $36
  7. ThuAug 13
    $36
  8. FriAug 14
    $28
  9. SatAug 15
    $19
  10. SunAug 16
    $19
  11. MonAug 17
    $19
  12. TueAug 18
    $19
  13. WedAug 19
    $19
  14. ThuAug 20
    $19

Journey Information

Philadelphia to Washington DC bus - cost & duration

Cheapest price$11.97
Fastest time2h 50m
Trips per day6
Bus lines2
Lowest PricesWe work directly with hundreds of carriers to find the best available fares.
No Wanderu FeesWe never add any extra fees. We just make it easy to book your travels.
Best Travel OptionsWe help you find & compare the best buses, trains and flights in one place.

Philadelphia-Washington DC Bus Schedule

Bus
$37.24
7:30 AM
Bus Terminal - 1001 Filbert St
11:10 AM
Union Station
GLI
3.4stars
0 transfers
Bus
$35.91
7:30 AM
Bus Terminal - 1001 Filbert St
3:30 PM
4931 Calvert Rd
GLI
3.4stars
1 transfer
Bus
$39.90
7:30 AM
Bus Terminal - 1001 Filbert St
10:40 AM
Bus Terminal
GLI
3.4stars
0 transfers
Bus
$18.62
9:30 AM
Bus Terminal - 1001 Filbert St
8:30 PM
Dupont Cir CT Ave
GLI
3.4stars
1 transfer
Bus
$18.62
9:50 AM
Walter Rand Trans Center
8:30 PM
Dupont Cir CT Ave
GLI
3.4stars
2 transfers

Price trends for buses from Philadelphia to Washington DC

Average prices by travel date

$40$27$13AugAug

Monthly average prices

$33$27$20$13$7SONDJFMAMJJA

Prices as travel date approaches

$33$27$20$13$73020100

bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC
4.5
Based on 68 reviews

Based on 4 reviews
Overview
Users that traveled with BoltBus report that they were happy with the WiFi on board 50 percent of the time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
4.0
Staff
5.0
Value
4.3
Condition
4.5
Lennier
5.0
December 29, 2019Business
Pros
The Megabus driver was exceptionally friendly and made us, the passengers, feel like we were on the organized bus trip not just on the bus with random people. He was funny and described every move he made, from the weather conditions to the wait time at each stop to poi...More
Ogechukwu
4.0
September 28, 2019Visiting friends
Pros
It was a cheap price to get from Philadelphia to Washington, DC. Definitely a bargain!
Cons
The outlets in the bus did not work which was quite inconvenient. So working outfits would be appreciated!
Tips
Make sure to try to get to the bus stop with 5 to 10 min to spare so you get on the right bus.
Ruby
4.0
August 2, 2019Business
Pros
The price of the trip is what I really like about the trip. The directions to get to the bus station does not correlate with Union Station. More clarity is needed on the website directions because a person a may think the bus station is at the TRAIN station but it is ...More
Cons
New buses that are more comfortable.
Tips
Drivers are professional. The price was very reasonable compared to their stronger competitors.
Ed
3.0
June 23, 2019
Cons
Although my laptop connected to the wifi easily enough, the connection was so poor that I was unable to open any of the websites I wanted to use.

Based on 11 reviews
Overview
Users that traveled with Greyhound report that they were happy with the WiFi on board 73 percent of the time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
3.8
Staff
3.7
Value
4.1
Condition
4.1
Saidah
5.0
December 31, 2019Visiting family
Pros
Everything was good, the bus was freezing because the driver never turned in the heat
Keko
5.0
December 17, 2019Solo travel
Pros
Simple n Ez
Tips
Arrive in enough time to print out ticket with confirmation #
Kerstin
4.0
December 14, 2019Solo travel
Cons
The bathroom was really smelly.
Juliette
4.0
November 16, 2019Visiting friends
Cons
Time
Kristin
4.0
October 5, 2019Visiting friends
Cons
Departure time was delayed 40 mins
Tips
Bring a blankets, buses are usually cold.

Based on 19 reviews
Overview
Users that traveled with Megabus report that they were happy with the WiFi on board 59 percent of the time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
3.7
Staff
3.7
Value
3.8
Condition
4.0
Kathleen
5.0
March 9, 2020Solo travel
Pros
Bus driver was very friendly, was exactly on time
Cons
Seats and area around air vents and windows were very dirty with stains
Peter
4.0
March 5, 2020Visiting family
Pros
It was on time and not full.
Cons
Wifi never works on Mega Bus!!
Tips
Bring your own entertainment, mega bus entertainment does not work..
Jack
5.0
January 24, 2020Visiting friends
Pros
Quick and efficient. On time, relaxing transportation.
Cons
nothing much
Tips
nope
Danielle
4.0
January 13, 2020Business
Cons
The bus wifi was not working
Anna
4.0
January 3, 2020Visiting friends
Pros
-
Cons
more information at the stop before departure
Tips
-

Based on 23 reviews
Overview
Users that traveled with Peter Pan Lines report that they were happy with the WiFi on board 58 percent of the time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
3.9
Staff
4.2
Value
4.0
Condition
4.5
Pierre
5.0
February 8, 2020Visiting family
Cons
The electric outlets were not working on my return bus.
Michael
4.0
January 25, 2020Business
Pros
Price
Inemesit
5.0
November 27, 2019Visiting family
Cons
Additional staff to help clients pick up and drop off their bags in the compartment underneath the bus.
Jennifer
4.0
November 1, 2019Vacation
Cons
I didn’t understand there was a stop in Baltimore each way. Wasn’t a huge deal on e way down but horrible traffic on the way back caused huge delay. Would have paid more for direct dc-Philly trip. Also, plug in power didn’t work in return trip
Daniel
5.0
September 19, 2019Solo travel
Pros
On time
Cons
The seats didn’t have much leg room.
Tips
Be on time

Based on 11 reviews
Overview
Users that traveled with OurBus report that they were happy with the WiFi on board 70 percent of the time.
Ratings (Out of 5)
Comfort
4.4
Staff
4.5
Value
4.6
Condition
4.7
Robyn
5.0
December 15, 2019Visiting family
Pros
The bus driver was helpful as he is every time, I ride with Ourbus.
Cons
Having the same driver for Philly route he’s super professional and get us all there on time.
Janice
5.0
September 2, 2019Visiting family
Pros
Very good I used the Ourbus to go New YORK on Friday
Cons
A best location to catch the bus
Tips
No
Jasmine
5.0
August 30, 2019Couples trip
Pros
Quick purchase, super easy to use the platform. We received water in the AM of the departure. Both buses arrived on time which was definitely a plus!
Cons
N/A
Tips
Make sure you arrive at the station or pick up location early or on time; they will not wait for you.
James
5.0
August 18, 2019Solo travel
Pros
The driver was kind and offered us free water
Cons
Everything was fine.
Tips
Arrive early to get your own row!
Oneisha
5.0
May 25, 2019Visiting family
Pros
Quick and comfortable
Cons
No improvement that I can see
Tips
Be early because they leave on time !!

Frequently Asked Questions

What buses go to Philadelphia from DC?

The bus companies that offer service between Philly and DC are BoltBus, Greyhound, Megabus, Peter Pan Lines and OurBus. Of those, the cheapest is Greyhound with an average ticket price around $15, followed by OurBus with tickets averaging about $16.

How long is the drive from Washington, DC to Philadelphia?

The drive from Philadelphia to DC can take as little as 2 hours 40 minutes by bus or by car, although it may take longer if you’re entering or leaving DC during rush hour. Bus trips typically take between 3 hours and 3 hours 30 minutes to travel this distance, depending on factors like weather, traffic, and whether the bus is direct versus making additional stops.

How much is a train ride to Philly from Washington?

The train between Philly and Washington, DC typically costs around $79. If you don’t mind a longer commute, consider taking a bus instead. Buses take as little as 2 hours and 40 minutes to travel the same distance, and only cost an average of $13.

Is it safe to travel by bus from Philadelphia to Washington right now?

We stand behind CDC guidelines that caution passengers against non-essential travel during the coronavirus outbreak. That said, we recognize not everyone is in a position to completely abstain. Whether it’s for work, to take care of family or to get back home, some circumstances inevitably require travel. If you’re one of those individuals who still needs to book a trip, you can continue to do so on Wanderu.

Know that most bus companies are still running at this time, though some have limited service. Visit our COVID-19 travel guide for resources and daily updates on the coronavirus and COVID travel restrictions.

In order to keep vehicles as clean and sanitized as possible, bus companies are taking extra precautions for coronavirus. For details on what various companies are doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

How much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Washington DC?

Based on daily average prices in last 30 days, $32.26 was the low point for bus fares from Philadelphia to Washington. Buses from Washington DC to Philadelphia are similarly priced. Any tickets cheaper than $32.26 could be considered a great deal.

The best way to find cheap deals on bus tickets is by booking as early as possible, since most bus companies increase the price as the travel date approaches. You should book at least 6 days in advance. By doing so, you could save $4.97 on your ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

How long is the bus ride?

The bus usually takes around 6 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 123 miles (198 kilometers) from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC. However, the fastest bus only takes 2 hours and 50 minutes. The trip is definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable on the bus. It's a good idea to bring water and snacks.

What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Washington DC. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Washington DC, book your ticket for the last day of the week.

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Philadelphia?

The first bus leaves at 7:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Washington DC, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

How many buses are there each day?

There are 6 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to Washington DC every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 3 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Philadelphia to Washington DC; ticket prices start at $19.95.

What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Washington DC?

There are a couple of bus lines that have daily service from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Washington, District of Columbia. Of these two services, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 6 bus trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Greyhound67h 0m$35.40
Peter Pan Lines22h 50m$29.15

Where does the bus leave from in Philadelphia?

Most buses depart from the main station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:

  • Bus Terminal - 1001 Filbert St

Where does the bus arrive in Washington DC?

All buses from Philadelphia arrive at one main station in Washington, District of Columbia:

  • Union Station

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