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Journey Information
There are 12 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Indianapolis. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Indianapolis usually takes around 19 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 14 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 583 mi (938 km) |
| Shortest duration | 14h 50m |
| Cheapest price | $102.43 |
| Trips per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Indianapolis?
$114.35 is the average price of a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Indianapolis. While it’s on the pricier side for a bus ticket, taking the bus is still a cheaper alternative to flying. 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
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Philadelphia to Indianapolis is expected to range from $120 to $174. If you are looking to travel to Indianapolis within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $126. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $120 and can be found on May 16, 2024.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
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 27 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save C$201.99 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Indianapolis?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Philadelphia to Indianapolis that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 8 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 8 | 23h 59m | $236.88 |
| Greyhound | 6 | 18h 18m | $157.61 |
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 8 trips per day from Philadelphia to Indianapolis, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
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 6 bus trips from Philadelphia to Indianapolis every day, with the average journey taking around 18 hours and 18 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Indianapolis usually start from $99.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 19 hours and 17 minutes to cover the 938 kilometers from Philadelphia to Indianapolis. However, the fastest bus only takes 14 hours and 50 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. 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.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Philadelphia to Indianapolis for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Indianapolis, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 12 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis; ticket prices start at $112.04.
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. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line 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.
Indianapolis
Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.
Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.
Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Philadelphia?
Image credit: Dough4872
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Noble St/Spring Garden St.
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:
Noble St/Spring Garden St.
199 Spg Gdn St
Drexel Overpass - 30th St. & JFK Blvd
Logan Square
Where does the bus arrive in Indianapolis?
Image credit: Panoramio upload bot
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 350 S Illinois St
Union Station at 350 S Illinois St in Indianapolis is a major train and bus station which serves the Amtrak Cardinal, and bus carriers including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Miller Transportation, and Burlington Trailways. The modern station is located directly south of the historic 1888 Union Station, which now houses a hotel, several restaurants, and a wedding venue. Union Station is in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance to eateries and hotels. There is even an underground, climate-controlled walkway from the station to the nearby Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts.
Bus stations in Indianapolis:
350 S Illinois St
E Washington St
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