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Boston to Philadelphia bus

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Boston - Philadelphia Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 51 intercity buses per day from Boston to Philadelphia. Traveling by bus from Boston to Philadelphia usually takes around 7 hours and 47 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 6 hours,

Distance271 mi (436 km)
Shortest duration6h 0m
Cheapest price$30.48
Trips per day5
Most frequent servicePeter Pan Lines
Bus lines3

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Boston to Philadelphia

(Based on 60 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Iarla

July 29, 2024- Visiting friends

FlixBus US

Pros: Good. Cons: Training the drivers.

5.0

Anthony

July 20, 2024- Business

Peter Pan Lines

Pros: Very professional the staff that have helpful and on time. Cons: Continue doing a good job. I’m in impress. I went with a friend and she’s very happy with the trip. Tips: I went with a friend and she’s very happy with the trip.

5.0

Edna

May 24, 2024- Visiting family

Peter Pan Lines

Pros: Everything. Cons: Nothing. Tips: No.

4.0

Luis

January 9, 2024- Visiting friends

Greyhound

Pros: I had a good and safe ride. Cons: Better communication about delays. Tips: Make sure to watch your things.

5.0

Michael

January 3, 2024- Visiting family

FlixBus US

Pros: Better than driving myself. Cons: Suspension of tires. Tips: Bring snacks.

Boston to Philadelphia Route Map

Boston Philadelphia
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How much is a bus ticket from Boston to Philadelphia?

Bus tickets for a trip from Boston to Philadelphia cost $45.29 on average. Tickets cheaper than $45.29 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20SepSep

If you're planning to travel by bus from Boston to Philadelphia in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $42 to $53. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 17, 2024.

If you’re looking to travel to Philadelphia this week, bus tickets are available starting at $42.

Monthly average prices

$100$80$60$40$20ONDJFMAMJJAS
Taking the bus from Boston to Philadelphia is usually cheapest in January, when the average ticket price is only $52. If you're planning to take the bus from Boston to Philadelphia during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $89. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $26.45 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Boston to Philadelphia?

There are 3 bus lines from Boston to Philadelphia available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 30 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 US137h 42m$59.44
Greyhound98h 4m$55.89
Peter Pan Lines307h 41m$53.54

  • 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 13 trips per day from Boston 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 Boston to Philadelphia every day, with the average journey taking around 8 hours and 4 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Philadelphia usually start from $29.

  • Book Peter Pan Lines from Boston to Philadelphia from $48. There are 30 trips per day offered by Peter Pan Lines from Boston to Philadelphia and you can expect on average to pay for a Peter Pan Lines ticket to Philadelphia. In Boston, Peter Pan Lines departs to Philadelphia from South Station and one other station. In Philadelphia, Peter Pan Lines arrives at 520 North Christopher Columbus and one other station.

    An average trip on Peter Pan Lines from Boston to Philadelphia takes 7 hours and 41 minutes , while the fastest available Peter Pan Lines trip will get you to Philadelphia in 6 hours and 0 minutes .

    On weekends, Peter Pan Lines offers 45 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Philadelphia.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, traveling from Boston to Philadelphia does not make for a good day-trip. A one-way bus ride takes at least 6 hours, and the train takes at least 4 hours 50 minutes. With that amount of travel time involved, you’d be better off staying in Philadelphia for a night or two.
A train ticket from Boston to Philadelphia usually costs around $152, since the Northeast Corridor is such a popular Amtrak route. By comparison, bus tickets are significantly cheaper, usually costing around $22.
The fastest way to get from Boston to Philadelphia to take a nonstop flight, which usually takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. If speed isn’t an issue, it may be worth taking the bus. A one-way, nonstop flight from Boston to Philadelphia typically costs between $60 and $120, whereas the same trip by bus costs $21.79 on average.

The bus takes an average of 7 hours and 47 minutes to cover the 271 miles from Boston to Philadelphia. However, the fastest bus only takes 6 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.

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus 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 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Boston to Philadelphia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 51 scheduled buses that travel from Boston to Philadelphia every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 5 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 Boston to Philadelphia; ticket prices start at $40.00.

City Information

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):

Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.

From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.

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 Boston?

Boston, MA - South Station - BOSSST-0

Image credit: Tony Hisgett

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: South Station

South Station is the largest and busiest train station in Boston, and a major transportation hub for the greater New England area. South Station's 13 tracks are used by Amtrak, Acela, the MBTA commuter rail, and the MBTA subway system (a.k.a. the "T") with connections to the Boston Logan International Airport. You can also access intercity bus service in the adjacent South Station Bus Terminal. South Station's historic train terminal opened in 1899 right in downtown Boston, and is close to many points of interest like the Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and the hip Seaport district. At the terminal, you'll find free WiFi, luggage storage, a 24-hour information booth, and 14 dining options, including that New England favorite, Dunkin'.

All bus stations in Boston:

  • South Station

  • Boston South Station - 700 Atlantic Avenue

  • Logan Airport Visitor Center

Where does the bus arrive in Philadelphia?

Main arrival station: 520 North Christopher Columbus

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

All bus stations in Philadelphia:

  • 520 North Christopher Columbus

  • 199 Spring Garden St

  • NE Corner of Schuylkill Ave & Walnut St

  • 199 Spring Garden St

  • Logan Square

Get around town with Moovit

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