COVID-19 Travel Guide
Learn more ›
Wanderu Logo
Canada flag
$
Log in

Buses from Philadelphia to Washington DC

Lowest Prices

We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

No Wanderu Fees

Without any extra fees, we make it easy to book your tickets.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Philadelphia - Washington DC Bus Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$38.99

Bus Trip Information: Philadelphia to Washington DC

There are 10 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Washington DC. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Washington DC usually takes around 3 hours and 22 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Distance123 mi (198 km)
Shortest duration2h 25m
Cheapest price$19.48
Trips per day10
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines4

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Philadelphia to Washington

(Based on 104 ratings and reviews)

4.6

4.0

Anna

April 21, 2022- Visiting family

Peter Pan Lines

charging outlets did not work

charging outlets did not work

5.0

Patricia

April 17, 2022- Visiting family

Peter Pan Lines

Pros: Driver was courteous, more than competent, and the bus was clean. Cons: Not sure... Tips: None.

Pros: Driver was courteous, more than competent, and the bus was clean. Cons: Not sure... Tips: None.

5.0

Cléa

April 15, 2022- Visiting friends

Greyhound

Pros: Enough space with the seat. Cons: We waited 30min stand up in the line, because the staff call us, but it was not necessary, because the bus was late. Tips: The travelers can take big luggage if they want because there is enough places.

Pros: Enough space with the seat. Cons: We waited 30min stand up in the line, because the staff call us, but it was not necessary, because the bus was late. Tips: The travelers can take big luggage if they want because there is enough places.

5.0

MARTHA LUCIA

April 15, 2022- Vacation

Peter Pan Lines

Pros: Fueron cumplidos, el autobus era cómodo y limpio. Cons: Seria bueno que uno con anterioridad escogiera los asientos, sobre todo si va con amigos y/o familiares. Tips: Comprar los tiquetes con anterioridad ( 2 meses si es posible ) se ahorran dinero.

Pros: Fueron cumplidos, el autobus era cómodo y limpio. Cons: Seria bueno que uno con anterioridad escogiera los asientos, sobre todo si va con amigos y/o familiares. Tips: Comprar los tiquetes con anterioridad ( 2 meses si es posible ) se ahorran dinero.

5.0

Arunima

April 9, 2022- Visiting friends

Peter Pan Lines

Real time updates about delays

Real time updates about delays

Philadelphia to Washington DC Route Map

Philadelphia Washington

Buses from Philadelphia to Washington DC

See more details

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

$26.83 is the average price of a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Washington DC. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

$58$39$19MayMay

Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Philadelphia to Washington DC is expected to range from C$29 to C$44. If you are looking to travel to Washington DC within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from C$29. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are C$29 and can be found on May 18, 2022.

Monthly average prices

$65$52$39$26$13JJASONDJFMAM

The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in August. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just C$32 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Philadelphia to Washington DC in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to C$40 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$65$52$39$26$133020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 28 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save C$16.14 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Washington DC?

There are 4 bus lines from Philadelphia to Washington DC available for you to search and book on Wanderu. With 5 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US22h 39m$27.03
Greyhound53h 54m$38.67
OurBus13h 0m$25.99
Peter Pan Lines33h 0m$40.78
  • FlixBus US

    FlixBus US

    FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 2 trips per day from Philadelphia to Washington, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Greyhound

    Greyhound

    Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 5 bus trips from Philadelphia to Washington every day, with the average journey taking around 3 hours and 54 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Washington usually start from $26.

    GLI-0GLI-1GLI-2GLI-3GLI-4
  • OurBus

    OurBus

    OurBus is an intercity bus company based in New York City. OurBus provides cheap bus tickets to some of the most popular cities in the United States. All OurBus coaches come equipped with a generous roster of amenities, including extra legroom, freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and complimentary bottled water. With cheap bus tickets starting from $26, OurBus is one of the best ways to travel by bus from Philadelphia to Washington if you are looking for comfort at a good price.

  • Peter Pan Lines

    Peter Pan Lines

    Peter Pan Bus Lines is one of the biggest bus carriers in the Northeast region of the United States. Headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, the company offers affordable bus tickets and comfortable bus trips to over a dozen destinations across nine states and the District of Columbia. Peter Pan is known for their reliable bus service and green certified modern coaches that offer amenities such as onboard restrooms, free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom between seats. Running an average of 3 bus trips every day during the week and 4 trips on weekends, Peter Pan is one of the main bus carriers between Philadelphia and Washington, offering bus tickets as low as $26.

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 during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all bus passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the bus.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the bus ride?

The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 22 minutes to cover the 198 kilometers from Philadelphia to Washington DC. However, the fastest bus only takes 2 hours and 25 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

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

Buses departing from Philadelphia to Washington DC tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap bus tickets or just want an emptier bus you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Philadelphia?

The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. 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 10 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to Washington DC every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Philadelphia to Washington DC without transferring.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Philadelphia to Washington DC; ticket prices start at $23.39.

City Information

Philadelphia

We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?

Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Fuel up at the Reading Terminal Market or Italian Market, both offering fresh food from local vendors, to prepare for a night hitting up the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line up South Street.

Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.

Washington DC

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.

D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, and follow that up with a drink (or two) at one of the many bars in the area.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia, PA - Greyhound Bus Terminal (1001 Filbert St) - PHLGLI-0

Image credit: Dough4872

Link to image attribution

Departure stations

Philadelphia's Greyhound Bus Terminal is a popular bus station served by several intercity bus companies, including Greyhound, Fullington Trailways, and Peter Pan Bus Lines. Conveniently located in downtown Philly, you can walk from the bus station to the nearby Pennsylvania Convention Center, Reading Terminal Market, and even Independence Hall (home of the Liberty Bell). The station is a comfortable place to begin your bus journey, with a snack bar, restrooms, and vending machines, as well as several nearby parking garages and quick bites. And if your destination is Philadelphia, the Greyhound Bus Terminal makes it easy to start your sightseeing or head to your hotel, thanks to the SEPTA subway stop half a block away.

All bus stations in Philadelphia:

  • Bus Terminal - 1001 Filbert St

  • Independence Hall Visitors Ctr - 601 Market St

  • NRG/AT&T Subway Station

Where does the bus arrive in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Arrival stations

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.

Bus stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

  • 550 New York Avenue NW

  • Stadium-Armory Metro Station

Related reading

Need a return trip from Washington DC to Philadelphia?

Search Bus Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More buses from Philadelphia

Continue by bus from Washington DC

Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android