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Cheap bus tickets from Washington DC to Philadelphia

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Washington DC to Philadelphia Bus Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Washington to Philadelphia?

There are usually 35 daily train trips available from Washington to Philadelphia.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
€29.37
Avg. Price
€65.23
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
27
Daily Trips
35
Duration
Duration
3h 42m
Duration
1h 48m

Bus from Washington DC to Philadelphia: Journey Information

There are 25 intercity buses per day from Washington DC to Philadelphia. Traveling by bus from Washington DC to Philadelphia usually takes around 3 hours and 34 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Distance123 mi (198 km)
Shortest duration2h 40m
Cheapest price€26.64
Trips per day20
Most frequent servicePeter Pan Lines
Bus lines4

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Washington to Philadelphia

(Based on 224 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Richard

January 24, 2025- Visiting family

FlixBus US

Pros: Excellent! The driver was very professional and courteous. Pls give him my thanks!,. Cons: Install phone charging spots near the seats. Tips: Great value!! Bus was clean and left and arrived on time.

5.0

Zhanerke

December 26, 2024- Vacation

Peter Pan Lines

Pros: There was an outlet for phone chargers. So it is so helpful!!! Cons: Seat tilt. Tips: Take a pillow for travel.

5.0

Fred

November 24, 2024- Solo travel

Peter Pan Lines

Pros: The bus driver was excellent. We arrived at exactly the time indicated. Cons: No complaints.

5.0

Peter

November 23, 2024- Solo travel

Peter Pan Lines

Perfect Ride

5.0

Janice

November 1, 2024- Visiting friends

Peter Pan Lines

Pros: Got there traffic was very good flow smoothly. Cons: Every continue go smooth. Tips: Yes successful and safe.

Washington DC to Philadelphia Route Map

Washington Philadelphia

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

Over the last month, the average bus fare from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia was €27.77, an excellent value compared to other typical fares. Want to enjoy more savings? Book at least 20 days in advance. If you book at the last minute, you can expect to pay around €12.37 more, so it’s best to book early.

Average bus ticket prices from Washington DC to Philadelphia by travel date

€43€29€14FebFeb
The time of the year influences how bus ticket prices from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia fluctuate. To get the most budget-friendly tickets, consider booking in January when the average price drops to just €24. If you want to travel from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia in November, expect prices to hover around €31. Regardless, planning and booking in advance can score a cheaper deal.

Average bus ticket prices from Washington DC to Philadelphia by month

€48€38€29€19€10MAMJJASONDJF
Within the upcoming month, the cost of a one-way bus fare from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia averages about €27.77. The most economical bus ticket to Philadelphia from Washington in the next month is €29.

Prices as travel date approaches

€48€38€29€19€103020100
The most inexpensive way to save on bus tickets from Washington to Philadelphia on Wanderu is to book at least 20 days in advance. Act now for instant savings of €12.37.

What bus companies travel from Washington DC to Philadelphia?

There are 4 bus lines from Washington DC to Philadelphia available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 13 daily trips, Peter Pan Lines 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 US82h 56m€34.03
Greyhound54h 3m€32.20
OurBus14h 6m€33.32
Peter Pan Lines133h 59m€27.45
  • 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 Washington to Philadelphia, 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 5 bus trips from Washington to Philadelphia every day, with the average journey taking around 4 hours and 3 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Philadelphia usually start from €28.

  • 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 €33, OurBus is one of the best ways to travel by bus from Washington to Philadelphia if you are looking for comfort at a good price.

  • Book Peter Pan Lines from Washington to Philadelphia from €27. There are 13 trips per day offered by Peter Pan Lines from Washington DC to Philadelphia and you can expect on average to pay for a Peter Pan Lines ticket to Philadelphia. In Washington, Peter Pan Lines departs to Philadelphia from Union Station . In Philadelphia, Peter Pan Lines arrives at NE Corner of Schuylkill Ave & Walnut St and one other station.

    An average trip on Peter Pan Lines from Washington to Philadelphia takes 3 hours and 59 minutes , while the fastest available Peter Pan Lines trip will get you to Philadelphia in 2 hours and 40 minutes .

    On weekends, Peter Pan Lines offers 13 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Philadelphia.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Washington DC to Philadelphia

The ideal bus choice depends on individual preferences and priorities. On average, Greyhound offers the cheapest tickets, while Megabus operates the most frequent daily trips between DC and Philadelphia. If you’re looking for speed, the Peter Pan line offers the quickest trips, averaging three hours per trip. However, with fewer Peter Pan buses operating per day, the service has limited availability.

Yes, you can use Amtrak services connecting Philadelphia and Washington, such as the Acela and Northeast Regional lines. However, round-trip train tickets cost around $100, while average bus tickets cost €26.64. Thus, the bus would be a better alternative if you aren’t in a rush and want to save some money.

Covering the 123-mile journey between Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia typically takes 3 hours and 21 minutes by bus. However, the quickest bus completes this trip in just one hour and 55 minutes, offering plenty of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie! Please note that actual arrival times might differ due to fluctuating traffic conditions, potentially resulting in earlier or later arrivals than scheduled.

The peak travel day to travel by bus from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia is typically Monday and Friday, with the most frequent travelers at morning and evening rush hour. If you’re seeking affordable bus tickets or less crowded bus travel, departing on Tuesday has better odds. This day typically sees fewer passengers than other days of the week.

The earliest bus departs at around 1:40 am, while the last bus departs at 11:45 pm. Since schedules are subject to change, you can use the search bar for a comprehensive schedule of all Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia buses based on your travel dates.

There are 25 scheduled buses that travel from Washington DC to Philadelphia every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 20 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 Washington DC to Philadelphia, PA; ticket prices start at €10.47.

City Information

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, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.

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

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 bus leave from in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main departure station: Union Station

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.

All bus stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

  • Union Station bus lane - near the Main Entrance

Where does the bus arrive in Philadelphia?

Main arrival station: NE Corner of Schuylkill Ave & Walnut St

Buses arrive in Philadelphia at 5 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Philadelphia:

  • NE Corner of Schuylkill Ave & Walnut St

  • 199 Spring Garden St

  • 199 Spring Garden St

  • 520 North Christopher Columbus

  • One Lincoln Financial Field Way

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Philadelphia by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Philadelphia to Washington DC?

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