Cheap bus tickets from Washington to Philadelphia

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Washington to Philadelphia Bus Schedule

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

There are usually 48 daily train trips available from Washington to Philadelphia.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price$26.86CheaperAvg. Price$71.29
Daily Trips30Daily Trips48
Duration3h 27mDuration1h 49mFaster
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Bus from Washington to Philadelphia: Journey Information

There are 27 intercity buses per day from Washington DC to Philadelphia. Traveling by bus from Washington DC to Philadelphia usually takes around 3 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance
123 mi (198 km)
Shortest duration
2h 45m
Cheapest price
$11.99
Trips per day
24
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
5
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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Washington to Philadelphia (Based on 245 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Tanisha

February 22, 2026 - Solo travel

Peter Pan Lines
Pros: I felt safe enough to sleep the whole time! Cons: Driver could be a bit more friendly.

4.0

Rayner

February 21, 2026 - Business

Peter Pan Lines
Pros: It was a nice ride Cons: Fix the plugs for charging Tips: Bring a portable charger

4.0

Nidup

February 16, 2026 - Solo travel

Peter Pan Lines
Pros: The bus was on time and boarding was systematic Tips: Be sure to carry a bottle of water if you are traveling during holiday weeks as the bus is pretty packed.

5.0

Ivy

January 30, 2026 - Solo travel

Peter Pan Lines
Pros: Trip was nice and smooth and the bus was very clean and comfortable Cons: N/a Tips: Arrive early si you can pick good seats, always ask the drivers if you are confused about something and relax 😌

5.0

Tianyu

January 3, 2026 - Business

Peter Pan Lines
Pros: Super on time, bus driver was capable and fast, the clientele were also great (no one loud or annoying or stinky), the WiFi was fast and actually worked, and overall it was really comfortable. I was happily surprised Cons: The seats could recline a bit more Tips: Arrive on time or early if possible.

Washington to Philadelphia Route Map

Route map from Washington to Philadelphia
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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 $23.76, an excellent value compared to other typical fares. Want to enjoy more savings? Book at least 28 days in advance. If you book at the last minute, you can expect to pay around $15.96 more, so it’s best to book early.

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

$30$20$10AprMay

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 $29. If you want to travel from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia in December, expect prices to hover around $36. Regardless, planning and booking in advance can score a cheaper deal.

Average bus ticket prices from Washington DC to Philadelphia by month

$50$40$30$20$10MJJASONDJFMA

Within the upcoming month, the cost of a one-way bus fare from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia averages about $23.76. The most economical bus ticket to Philadelphia from Washington in the next month is $23.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

The most inexpensive way to save on bus tickets from Washington to Philadelphia on Wanderu is to book at least 28 days in advance. Act now for instant savings of $15.96.

What bus companies travel from Washington to Philadelphia?

There are multiple buses that travel from Washington to Philadelphia, including BBBus, FlixBus US, Greyhound, OurBus. Here is what you should know about the 5 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
BBBus23h 4m$27.17
FlixBus US113h 10m$35.41
Greyhound63h 58m$34.64
OurBus33h 28m$15.87
Peter Pan Lines73h 39m$23.18
  • Book BBBus from Washington to Philadelphia from $25. There are 2 trips per day offered by BBBus from Washington DC to Philadelphia and you can expect on average to pay $27.17 for a BBBus ticket to Philadelphia. In Washington, BBBus departs to Philadelphia from 2230 New York Ave NE . In Philadelphia, BBBus arrives at Spring Garden Market-Frankford Line Station .

    An average trip on BBBus from Washington to Philadelphia takes 3 hours and 4 minutes , while the fastest available BBBus trip will get you to Philadelphia in 2 hours and 45 minutes .

    On weekends, BBBus offers 3 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $25 for a weekend trip to Philadelphia.

  • 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 11 trips per day from Washington to Philadelphia, and the average ticket for this route costs only $35.41.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5
  • 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 Washington to Philadelphia every day, with the average journey taking around 3 hours and 58 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Philadelphia usually start from $20.98.

    Passengers boarding a Greyhound with their cheap bus tickets, ready for a comfortable and budget-friendly trip - WanderuA Greyhound bus parked, waiting for passengers with cheap bus tickets ready to travel - WanderuComfortable seating inside a Greyhound, perfect for those traveling with cheap bus tickets who want to make the most of their journey - WanderuA passenger using the power outlets available on Greyhound to access their affordable bus ticket digitally - WanderuA passenger uses Greyhound's onboard wifi to enjoy their intercity bus trip - WanderuA bus awaits passengers who have bought cheap Greyhound tickets - Wanderu
  • 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 $15, 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 $11.99. There are 7 trips per day offered by Peter Pan Lines from Washington DC to Philadelphia and you can expect on average to pay $23.18 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 39 minutes , while the fastest available Peter Pan Lines trip will get you to Philadelphia in 2 hours and 45 minutes .

    On weekends, Peter Pan Lines offers 11 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $11.99 for a weekend trip to Philadelphia.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Washington 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 $12. Thus, the bus would be a better alternative if you aren’t in a rush and want to save some money.

Over the last month, the average bus fare from Washington, D.C., to Philadelphia was $12, an excellent value compared to other typical fares. Want to enjoy more savings? Book at least 28 days in advance. If you book at the last minute, you can expect to pay around __savingsPrice__ more, so it’s best to book early.

There are 27 scheduled buses that travel from Washington DC to Philadelphia every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 24 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 $11.

TRIPS PER DAY

27

DIRECT TRIPS

24

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.

DISTANCE (MI)

123

DISTANCE (KM)

198

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.

EARLIEST BUS

12:00am

LATEST BUS

11:00pm

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.

City Information

Washington

DCA-0DCA-1DCA-2

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

PHL-0PHL-1PHL-2

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?

Main departure station: Union Station

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

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.

Union Station

All bus stations in Washington:

  • Union Station
  • 2230 New York Ave NE
  • Stadium-Armory Metro Station

Where does the bus arrive in Philadelphia?

Main arrival station: 199 Spring Garden St

Buses arrive in Philadelphia at 6 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Philadelphia:

  • 199 Spring Garden St
  • 199 Spring Garden St
  • NE Corner of Schuylkill Ave & Walnut St
  • Spring Garden Market-Frankford Line Station
  • 520 North Christopher Columbus
  • Schulykill Ave & Walnut St Bus Stop

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