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Journey Information
There are 12 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Detroit. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Detroit usually takes around 19 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 14 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 442 mi (711 km) |
| Shortest duration | 14h 35m |
| Cheapest price | US$67.04 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Detroit?
US$76.33 is the average price of a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Detroit. 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 price of bus tickets from Philadelphia to Detroit is expected to be between US$73 and US$102. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is May 8, 2024, when tickets are available for May 8, 2024. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just US$77.
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 29 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save CUS$103.25 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Detroit?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Philadelphia to Detroit that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 7 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 7 | 21h 2m | US$121.28 |
| Greyhound | 7 | 18h 56m | US$96.16 |
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 7 trips per day from Philadelphia to Detroit, 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 7 bus trips from Philadelphia to Detroit every day, with the average journey taking around 18 hours and 56 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Detroit usually start from US$66.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 19 hours and 16 minutes to cover the 711 kilometers from Philadelphia to Detroit. However, the fastest bus only takes 14 hours and 35 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.
"Because many passengers travel from Philadelphia to Detroit at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go."
The first bus leaves at 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Detroit, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 12 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to Detroit every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Philadelphia, PA to Detroit, MI; ticket prices start at US$125.00.
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.
Detroit
Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.
As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.
The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.
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 Detroit?
Image credit: Dane
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St
Located near hip Corktown, the Detroit Greyhound Bus Station is minutes away from local breweries, diverse restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Besides Greyhound, many other bus carriers serve this station, including Indian Trails, Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Jefferson Lines. For travelers’ convenience, the station offers massive parking lots, clean restrooms, and lockers to rent. The station is a short walk from several local bus stops, and about a 15 minute walk from the closest light rail station to connect to neighborhoods throughout Detroit.
Bus stations in Detroit:
Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St
11 W Baltimore Ave
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Continue by bus from Detroit
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- Detroit to Ann Arbor
US$12+
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