Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Philadelphia
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Chicago to Philadelphia Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Philadelphia?
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to Philadelphia.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceNOK 1,141.13 | Avg. PriceNOK 2,357.93 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips13 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration21h 46m | Duration22h 24m |
Bus from Chicago to Philadelphia: Journey Information
There are 24 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Philadelphia. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Philadelphia usually takes around 21 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 18 hours,
| Distance | 664 mi (1068 km) |
| Shortest duration | 18h 0m |
| Cheapest price | NOK 748.60 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Philadelphia?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Philadelphia cost NOK 1,053.83 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Philadelphia. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Monthly avg. prices
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 26 days in advance to save NOK 999.65 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus 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, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 16 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 16 | 20h 48m | NOK 1,577.89 |
| Greyhound | 9 | 22h 18m | NOK 1,687.46 |
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 16 trips per day from Chicago 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 9 bus trips from Chicago to Philadelphia every day, with the average journey taking around 22 hours and 18 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Philadelphia usually start from NOK 886.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Philadelphia
The bus takes an average of 21 hours and 24 minutes to cover the 664 miles from Chicago to Philadelphia. However, the fastest bus only takes 18 hours. 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.
Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in Philadelphia. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Philadelphia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 24 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Philadelphia every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Philadelphia; ticket prices start at NOK 1,064.08.
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 bus leave from in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Philadelphia leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in Philadelphia?
Main arrival station: Philadelphia Bus Terminal
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Philadelphia.
All bus stations in Philadelphia:
Philadelphia Bus Terminal
Schulykill Ave & Walnut St Bus Stop
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