Cheap bus tickets from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Bus from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC: Journey Information

There are 25 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC usually takes around 3 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest BBBus bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance
123 mi (198 km)
Shortest duration
2h 20m
Cheapest price
RON 71.88
Trips per day
25
Most frequent service
Greyhound
Bus lines
5

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5k Reviews

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Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC Bus Schedule

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

There are usually 36 daily train trips available from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC.

Bus
Train
Avg. PriceRON 167.01CheaperAvg. PriceRON 615.56
Daily Trips25Daily Trips36
Duration3h 17mDuration2h 2mFaster
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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC (Based on 233 ratings and reviews)

4.7

1.0

Kayla

June 19, 2026 - Visiting family

BBBus
Pros: Very unprofessional my bag was stolen driver was no help didn’t speak English Cons: Get new staff Tips: Didn’t bring anything of value

5.0

Kenneth

May 20, 2026 - Visiting friends

Peter Pan Lines
Pros: When it came to your staff I was very pleased with the professionalism everyone showed. It has been a while since I traveled with the Greyhound bus system, but everything was 100% better than it was the last time. Thanks again to everyone who made my trip enjoyable!! I will do it again soon. Cons: Maybe some white wine, and finger sandwiches would be cool! LOLOLOL! Tips: Yes, please bring your own toilet paper!!

4.0

Francess

February 22, 2026 - Solo travel

FlixBus US
Pros: Bus wasn't terribly full Cons: Have more buses regularly going between md and pa Tips: No

5.0

Francesca

November 22, 2025 - Visiting family

Peter Pan Lines
Pros: Efficient and fast Cons: Cleaner bathroom Tips: Arrive early

5.0

Claude

October 23, 2025 - Visiting family

FlixBus US
Pros: It was very convenient and safe ride . Cons: Nothing Tips: I would recommend, very convenient

Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC Route Map

Route map from Philadelphia to Washington DC

How much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC?

Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC cost about RON 138 when you book at the cheapest time, 17 days ahead. 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 bus ticket prices from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC by travel date

RON 240RON 160RON 80NovNov

If you're planning to travel by bus from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from RON 115 to RON 235. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 7, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Washington DC this week, bus tickets are available starting at RON 125.

Average bus ticket prices from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC by month

RON 175RON 140RON 105RON 70RON 35JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only RON 129. If you're planning to take the bus from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC during June, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 168. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

RON 225RON 180RON 135RON 90RON 4501020

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 17 days in advance. This way, you can save up to RON 69.10 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC?

There are 5 bus lines from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 9 daily trips, Greyhound 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
BBBus22h 28mRON 155.62
FlixBus US72h 56mRON 185.43
Greyhound93h 48mRON 172.53
OurBus33h 39mRON 78.46
Peter Pan Lines53h 48mRON 156.27
  • Book BBBus from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC from RON 134.18. There are 2 trips per day offered by BBBus from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC and you can expect on average to pay RON 155.62 for a BBBus ticket to Washington DC. In Philadelphia, PA, BBBus departs to Washington DC from Philadelphia Bus Terminal - Door 2, Bay 5. In Washington DC, BBBus arrives at 2230 New York Ave NE.

    An average trip on BBBus from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC takes 2 hours and 28 minutes, while the fastest available BBBus trip will get you to Washington DC in 2 hours and 20 minutes.

    On weekends, BBBus offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs RON 134.18 for a weekend trip to Washington DC.

  • 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 7 trips per day from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC, and the average ticket for this route costs only RON 185.43.

    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 9 bus trips from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC every day, with the average journey taking around 3 hours and 48 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Washington DC usually start from RON 93.35.

    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 RON 71.88, OurBus is one of the best ways to travel by bus from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC if you are looking for comfort at a good price.

  • Peter Pan Bus Lines is one of the biggest bus carriers in the Northeast region of the United States. Headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, the company offers cheap bus tickets and comfortable bus trips to over a dozen destinations across nine states and the District of Columbia. Peter Pan is known for their reliable bus service and green certified modern coaches that offer amenities such as onboard restrooms, free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom between seats. Running an average of 5 bus trips every day during the week and 5 trips on weekends, Peter Pan is one of the main bus carriers between Philadelphia, PA and Washington DC, offering bus tickets as low as RON 153.25.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC

The bus companies that offer service between Philly and DC are BoltBus, Greyhound, Megabus, Peter Pan Lines and OurBus. Of those, the cheapest is Greyhound with an average ticket price around $15, followed by OurBus with tickets averaging about $16.

The drive from Philadelphia to DC can take as little as 2 hours 40 minutes by bus or by car, although it may take longer if you’re entering or leaving DC during rush hour. Bus trips typically take between 3 hours and 3 hours 30 minutes to travel this distance, depending on factors like weather, traffic, and whether the bus is direct versus making additional stops.

The train between Philly and Washington, DC typically costs around $79. If you don’t mind a longer commute, consider taking a bus instead. Buses take as little as 2 hours and 40 minutes to travel the same distance, and only cost an average of $13.

There are 25 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 22 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 Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC; ticket prices start at RON 53.

Trips per day

25

Direct trips

22

The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 17 minutes to cover the 123 miles from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC. However, the fastest bus only takes 2 hours and 20 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.

Distance (mi)

123

Distance (km)

198

The first bus leaves at 12:05 AM and the last bus leaves at 10:10 PM. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia, PA to Washington DC, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

12:05am

Latest bus

10:10pm

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Washington DC 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

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.

Washington DC

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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.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Philadelphia, PA?

Main departure station: Philadelphia (Bus Terminal)

Buses to Washington DC leave from 4 stations in Philadelphia, PA.

All bus stations in Philadelphia, PA:

  • Philadelphia (Bus Terminal)
  • Philadelphia Bus Terminal
  • Philadelphia Bus Terminal - Door 2, Bay 5
  • Philadelphia Mills - RED Lot

Where does the bus arrive in Washington DC?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Buses arrive in Washington DC at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Washington DC:

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

Need a return trip from Washington DC to Philadelphia, PA?

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