Cheap bus tickets from Raleigh to Philadelphia

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Bus from Raleigh to Philadelphia: Journey Information

There are 8 intercity buses per day from Raleigh to Philadelphia. Traveling by bus from Raleigh to Philadelphia usually takes around 9 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 8 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance: 345 mi (555 km)
Shortest duration: 8h 50m
Cheapest price: RON 249.23
Trips per day: 1
Most frequent service: Greyhound
Bus lines: 2

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Raleigh to Philadelphia Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from Raleigh to Philadelphia:

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How much is a bus ticket from Raleigh to Philadelphia?

Bus tickets for a trip from Raleigh to Philadelphia cost RON 336.03 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Average bus ticket prices from Raleigh to Philadelphia by travel date

If you're planning to travel by bus from Raleigh to Philadelphia in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from RON 291 to RON 425. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 20, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Philadelphia this week, bus tickets are available starting at RON 332.

Average bus ticket prices from Raleigh to Philadelphia by month

Taking the bus from Raleigh to Philadelphia is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only RON 346. If you're planning to take the bus from Raleigh to Philadelphia during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 503. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

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 27 days in advance. This way, you can save up to RON 206.62 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Raleigh to Philadelphia?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Raleigh to Philadelphia that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.

Bus	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
FlixBus US	4	9h 7m	RON 485.14
Greyhound	4	9h 21m	RON 426.26

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 4 trips per day from Raleigh to Philadelphia, and the average ticket for this route costs only RON 485.14.
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 4 bus trips from Raleigh to Philadelphia every day, with the average journey taking around 9 hours and 21 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Philadelphia usually start from RON 249.23.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Raleigh to Philadelphia

There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Philadelphia; ticket prices start at RON 332.

Trips per day

Direct trips

The bus takes an average of 9 hours and 16 minutes to cover the 345 miles from Raleigh to Philadelphia. However, the fastest bus only takes 8 hours and 50 minutes. 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.

Distance (mi)

345

Distance (km)

555

The first bus leaves at 1:40am and the last bus leaves at 11:25pm. To see the times for all buses from Raleigh to Philadelphia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

1:40am

Latest bus

11:25pm

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Philadelphia at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.

Most crowded

Sunday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Raleigh

As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travelers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.

Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.

Raleigh’s main bus station is located outside of the city center at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.

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 Raleigh?

Main departure station: Bus Terminal - 2210 Capital Blvd

Bus Terminal - 2210 Capital Blvd - RGHGLI-0

The Bus Terminal on Capital Blvd connects Raleigh to other major cities via bus routes on Greyhound and Southeastern Stages. Popular routes from this station head to Atlanta, New York City, and Washington, DC. Restrooms and a snack bar are available within the station, along with a comfortable seating area. Although the bus terminal is about 2 miles northeast of downtown, local public transit stops right outside the station provide easy access to the rest of Raleigh.

All bus stations in Raleigh:

Bus Terminal - 2210 Capital Blvd
3700 New Bern Ave

Where does the bus arrive in Philadelphia?

Main arrival station: Philadelphia Bus Terminal

All buses from Raleigh arrive at one main station in Philadelphia.

All bus stations in Philadelphia:

Philadelphia Bus Terminal

Need a return trip from Philadelphia to Raleigh?

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