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New York to Philadelphia bus

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Helpful info about taking the bus from New York to Philadelphia

Planning your journey from New York City to Philadelphia? Here's everything you need to know:

To kick off your trip, you can choose between 14 stations in New York City. Among the most popular options are the Port Authority Bus Station and New York W 34th St & 12th Ave, which are just a stone's throw from each other downtown. Both have plenty of daily trips to Philly, so you can find the best time between the two to suit your schedule.

As you leave the city behind, you'll zip through New Jersey, passing by a mix of urban landscapes and scenic countryside. Keep an eye out for glimpses of the iconic New York skyline as you roll through Newark, best viewed from the left side of the bus as you travel south. You'll leave most of the traffic behind in New Jersey, allowing you to enjoy the Pennsylvanian countryside without too many interruptions. For the best views, grab a seat on the right side for early trips and the left for evening rides to avoid any glare from the sun rising or setting.

While the journey typically takes about an hour and a half, be prepared for possible delays near major entry points to Philadelphia, such as the Schuylkill Expressway or Interstate 95. These areas often experience delays, especially during peak travel times and rush hours. There aren't as many bottlenecks as when entering NYC, but it's best to avoid peak rush hour to make the trip as enjoyable as possible.

Depending on your bus carrier of choice, you'll be dropped off at one of 13 bus stations in Philly. The majority of trips will end at either 520 North Christopher Columbus, NE Corner of Schuylkill Ave & Walnut St, or Noble St/Spring Garden St. Peter Pan Lines offers options for the most popular arrival stations, while OurBus has more options spread out across the city. Plus, some carriers have their own individual stops, like the Greyhound Terminal or Megabus stop, right in the heart of downtown.

New York to Philadelphia Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

Distance81 mi (130 km)
Shortest duration1h 30m
Cheapest price$0.16
Trips per day167
Most frequent serviceOurBus
Bus lines6

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

When journeying from New York City to Philadelphia, Peter Pan Lines and OurBus stand out as the go-to choices for travelers. Renowned for their punctuality, comfort, and value, both carriers consistently receive high ratings from passengers. Across the board, bus services along this route have garnered commendations for their service and customer satisfaction.

(Based on 764 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Can

September 8, 2024- Solo travel

FlixBus US

Pros: The bus was on time. Cons: The quality of the bus, and the attitude of the driver. Tips: Keep your expectations low.

5.0

Lucia

August 25, 2024- Visiting friends

OurBus

Pros: It was great! Cons: No thing tbh.

5.0

olufemi

August 22, 2024- Business

Peter Pan Lines

Pros: The driver was awesome Got us their on time Made announcements when needed. Cons: Respecting peoples time Like music levels and enforcing them. Tips: Bring your headphones You don't have to be loud to get your point across Respect other travelers.

4.0

Aaliyah

August 17, 2024- Business

Greyhound

Pros: Could bring all my stuff onboard without issues. Cons: The seats could have been wider/had more leg space because my legs were literally touching a stranger, bigger man's legs almost the whole trip, making me feel sweaty. Tips: Travel light if you can front seat space can be limited.

4.0

Lashelle

August 14, 2024- Visiting friends

OurBus

Pros: Peter Pan bus was not well maintained, there was no WIFI and seat were uncomfortable. Cons: Peter Pan buses need to be revamped.

New York to Philadelphia Route Map

New York Philadelphia

How much is a bus ticket from New York to Philadelphia?

Bus tickets for a trip from New York to Philadelphia cost $22.24 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. 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

$75$50$25SepOct

If you're planning to travel by bus from New York to Philadelphia in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $43 to $70. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 5, 2024.

If you’re looking to travel to Philadelphia this week, bus tickets are available starting at $43.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10NDJFMAMJJASO
Taking the bus from New York to Philadelphia is usually cheapest in April, when the average ticket price is only $17. If you're planning to take the bus from New York to Philadelphia during September, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $37. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

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 save money on bus tickets and ensure availability, it's always best to book in advance.

What bus companies travel from New York to Philadelphia?

There are 8 bus lines from New York to Philadelphia available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 36 daily trips, Megabus typically has the most buses running on any given day, while OurBus frequently has the lowest average fares. Meanwhile, Peter Pan Lines has the most popular station options in both Philadelphia and New York City.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US242h 13m$20.34
Greyhound232h 40m$21.54
OurBus864h 11m$94.42
PandaNY Bus62h 16m$22.00
Peter Pan Lines312h 16m$16.06
Wanda Coach52h 0m$20.00
  • 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 24 trips per day from New York 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 23 bus trips from New York to Philadelphia every day, with the average journey taking around 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Philadelphia usually start from $14.

  • 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 $9, OurBus is one of the best ways to travel by bus from New York to Philadelphia if you are looking for comfort at a good price.

  • Panda NY Bus is an American bus company known as a Chinatown bus line that conducts trips to and from some of the largest and most unique Chinatown districts on the eastern seaboard. Aboard Panda NY buses, you can enjoy free WiFi, power outlets, comfortable reclining seats, and a restroom. Panda NY offers some of the cheapest bus tickets from New York to Philadelphia, with prices starting from $22.

  • Book Peter Pan Lines from New York to Philadelphia from $0. There are 31 trips per day offered by Peter Pan Lines from New York to Philadelphia and you can expect on average to pay for a Peter Pan Lines ticket to Philadelphia. In New York, Peter Pan Lines departs to Philadelphia from Port Authority Bus Station . In Philadelphia, Peter Pan Lines arrives at 520 North Christopher Columbus and one other station.

    An average trip on Peter Pan Lines from New York to Philadelphia takes 2 hours and 16 minutes , while the fastest available Peter Pan Lines trip will get you to Philadelphia in 1 hours and 30 minutes .

    On weekends, Peter Pan Lines offers 39 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Philadelphia.

  • Wanda Coach is one of the leading Chinatown bus carriers in the U.S. The company offers 5 daily bus trips to and from more than 70 cities across the East Coast and the Midwest. With bus ticket prices starting from $20 and convenient pick-up and drop-off locations, Wanda Coach is one of the preferred bus carriers for passengers looking to travel between the Chinatown districts of New York and Philadelphia.

Frequently Asked Questions

When deciding between traveling by bus or train from NYC to Philadelphia, several factors come into play:

Time
Both bus and train journeys typically take about an hour and a half. However, trains offer more consistency as they aren't affected by traffic or rush hour delays. While a well-timed bus trip can be as quick as an hour, factors like rush hour, holidays, or construction may extend the journey to two hours or more. While non-stop flights only take around an hour, additional time is necessary for baggage check and security.

Price
Bus tickets are generally more budget-friendly, often priced at $20 or less for most trips. Train fares can be less than $10 with advance planning, but on average, they're closer to $40. Fortunately, platforms like Wanderu allow you to compare prices and schedules to find the best deal, whether you opt for the train or bus!

Amenities
Both buses and trains offer amenities to enhance your journey, including free WiFi and bathrooms. Trains often provide extra perks like power outlets and snacks for purchase. While both options offer ample legroom compared to flying, planes do tend to offer more in terms of free food. For a short flight, you'll likely get complimentary beverage service and a light snack.

Depart and Arrive Locations
For flexibility in departure and arrival points within the cities, buses offer more options. They stop at main stations like Port Authority but also serve smaller stations and curbside stops. With over 10 locations to choose from in each city, you have plenty of flexibility. Trains, on the other hand, have limited station options, with only two in Philly and one in NYC. For flights, you can opt to fly out of either JFK Airport, La Guardia, or Newark Airport, and land at Philadelphia Airport.

Eco-Friendly Travel
If sustainability is a priority, trains are the greener option, emitting fewer carbon emissions while accommodating more passengers. Buses are also environmentally friendly, especially when at full capacity. In contrast, planes have a higher carbon footprint, meaning that even driving yourself can be a more eco-friendly alternative for such a short journey.

The bus takes an average of 2 hours and 58 minutes to cover the 81 miles from New York to Philadelphia. However, the fastest bus only takes an hour and 30 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. 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, 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.

The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from New York to Philadelphia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 174 scheduled buses that travel from New York to Philadelphia every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 167 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 New York to Philadelphia; ticket prices start at $11.00.

City Information

New York

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New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world for a reason – it offers numerous opportunities for a great time to visitors of all ages and interests. For the culturally inclined travelers, the city boasts a unique collection of world-famous museums, as well as the chance to see the best plays and musicals that Broadway has to offer, or check out the latest production at the Metropolitan Opera. If sightseeing is your cardio, NYC is the place to be – just by walking around town, you can visit such iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. Or hop on a ferry to Ellis Island to meet the Statue of Liberty up-close and personal.

NYC’s five boroughs feature more than 1,700 parks, including the gorgeous Central Park, making it one of the best cities for outdoor activities in the country. As for the nightlife, there’s no argument that New York City is the biggest party hub in the U.S.

With three major bus and train stations in Manhattan alone – Port Authority, Grand Central & Penn Station – and three nearby airports, NYC is one of the predominant travel hubs in the world. If you are ever looking to get out of town, NYC is centrally connected throughout the state and region, you can easily hop on a train to Albany to go explore upstate New York.

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 New York?

Main departure station: Port Authority Bus Station

Buses to Philadelphia leave from 15 stations in New York.

All bus stations in New York:

  • Port Authority Bus Station

  • 300-310 W 31 St (SW Corner of 31st & 8th Ave)

  • Port Authority - 625 8th Ave

  • JFK Airport - Terminal 7 Arrivals (Van)

  • JFK Airport - Terminal 5 Arrivals (Van)

  • JFK Airport - Terminal 4 Arrivals (Van)

  • JFK Airport - Terminal 8 Arrivals (Van)

  • JFK Airport Terminals

  • 11th Ave (btw. 35th & 36th St.)

  • 127 East Broadway

  • 87 Division Street

  • GW Bridge Bus Station

  • Chinatown - 28 Allen St (eastside b/w Hester and Canal St)

  • New York Midtown West

  • 7-11 - Jd Foods

Where does the bus arrive in Philadelphia?

Main arrival station: Philadelphia International Airport - Terminal A (Van)

Buses arrive in Philadelphia at 13 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Philadelphia:

  • Philadelphia International Airport - Terminal A (Van)

  • Center City (Service is provided with a Van)

  • Philadelphia Mills Mall. (Service provided via van)

  • 199 Spring Garden St

  • 199 Spring Garden St

  • 520 North Christopher Columbus

  • NE Corner of Schuylkill Ave & Walnut St

  • Spring Garden Market-Frankford Line Station

  • Philadelphia Mills - RED Lot

  • 55-57 N 11th St

  • 2399 Cottman Ave

  • 722 Adams Ave

  • Logan Square

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 New York?

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