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Journey Information
There are 22 intercity coaches per day from Chicago to Philadelphia. Traveling by coach from Chicago to Philadelphia usually takes around 24 hours and 46 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound coach can make the trip in 19 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 664 mi (1068 km) |
| Shortest duration | 19h 20m |
| Cheapest price | US$61.47 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Coach lines | 2 |
How much is a coach ticket from Chicago to Philadelphia?
US$83.72 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to Philadelphia. 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
Bus tickets from Chicago to Philadelphia are expected to cost between US$74 and US$112 over the next four weeks. If you're planning a trip to Philadelphia within the next week, you can find the cheapest bus tickets starting from US$79. Don't wait too long to book your ticket, as prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.
Monthly average prices
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 US$95 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Philadelphia in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to US$164 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
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 25 days in advance to save US$149.29 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What coach companies travel from Chicago to Philadelphia?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Philadelphia that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 20 scheduled trips per day.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 21h 12m | US$139.09 |
| Greyhound | 20 | 1d 0h 52m | US$116.20 |
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 Chicago to Philadelphia, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Greyhound is the largest nationwide coach 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 20 bus trips from Chicago to Philadelphia every day, with the average journey taking around 24 hours and 52 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Philadelphia usually start from US$61.
Frequently Asked Questions
The coach takes an average of 24 hours and 46 minutes to cover the 664 miles from Chicago to Philadelphia. However, the fastest coach only takes 19 hours and 20 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual coach 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 coaches as people head from Chicago to Philadelphia 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 coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go."
The first coach leaves at 02:00 and the last coach leaves at 23:00. To see the times for all coaches from Chicago to Philadelphia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 22 scheduled coaches that travel from Chicago to Philadelphia every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which coach you take, you will have to transfer coaches at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Philadelphia; ticket prices start at US$87.00.
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
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.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Coaches to Philadelphia leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All coach stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Where does the coach arrive in Philadelphia?
Image credit: Dough4872
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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.
Coach stations in Philadelphia:
Noble St/Spring Garden St.
199 Spg Gdn St
Logan Square
Drexel Overpass - 30th St. & JFK Blvd
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