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Cheap bus tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

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4.8k Reviews

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Philadelphia to Washington DC Bus Schedule

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

There are usually 35 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Washington.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$30.52
Avg. Price
$67.82
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
26
Daily Trips
35
Duration
Duration
3h 34m
Duration
1h 58m

Bus from Philadelphia to Washington DC: Journey Information

There are 23 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Washington DC. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Washington DC usually takes around 3 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance123 mi (198 km)
Shortest duration2h 50m
Cheapest price$18.47
Trips per day22
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines3

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Philadelphia to Washington

(Based on 217 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Francys

May 3, 2025- Vacation

FlixBus US

Pros: All good, on time. Clean bus. Cons: It's a bit pricey considering that I traveled from Philadelphia to Washington,which is not a long trip. Seats I bought didn't match seats on the bus but still we had the space for the 3 tickets. Tips: I took the bus in 199 Spring Garden Philadelphia. There's no signs to indicate passengers which bus they should take and there are multiple buses at the same time. The person that was supposed to tell me which one was my bus, gave me the wrong instructions and we almost loose the bus. So the advice is, get there a few minutes earlier and make sure you check yourself with the driver of each bus.

5.0

Yosef

April 24, 2025- Visiting friends

Peter Pan Lines

Pros: Pleasant ride. Tips: None.

5.0

Chelsea

April 5, 2025- Solo travel

Peter Pan Lines

Pros: Nice coaches. First time riding w peterpan. Driver was extremely nice as well and she was on time. Cons: I mean....I wouldn't of minded them TVS being on lol.

5.0

Sudi

March 2, 2025- Business

Peter Pan Lines

Pros: On time and we got our destination on time/early. Cons: Temperature. The bus was really warm. Tips: Nope.

5.0

Austin

December 31, 2024- Couples trip

FlixBus US

Pros: The convenience and affordability between these two cities. Cons: Wifi an Charging Ports were all not working Huge no no for a traveler. Tips: Bring light Snacks nothing that leaves odors or disrupts other travelers.

Philadelphia to Washington DC Route Map

Philadelphia Washington
See more details

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

Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to Washington DC cost $32.87 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 bus ticket prices from Philadelphia to Washington DC by travel date

$45$30$15MayMay

If you're planning to travel by bus from Philadelphia to Washington DC in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $30 to $37. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on June 4, 2025.

If you’re looking to travel to Washington DC this week, bus tickets are available starting at $31.

Average bus ticket prices from Philadelphia to Washington DC by month

$50$40$30$20$10JJASONDJFMAM
Taking the bus from Philadelphia to Washington DC is usually cheapest in May, when the average ticket price is only $28. If you're planning to take the bus from Philadelphia to Washington DC during November, 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 find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 29 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $6.11 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Washington DC?

There are 3 bus lines from Philadelphia to Washington DC available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 9 daily trips, FlixBus US 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 US92h 56m$37.31
Greyhound64h 10m$35.28
Peter Pan Lines83h 46m$33.07

  • 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 9 trips per day from Philadelphia to Washington, 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 6 bus trips from Philadelphia to Washington every day, with the average journey taking around 4 hours and 10 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Washington usually start from $18.

  • Book Peter Pan Lines from Philadelphia to Washington from $22. There are 8 trips per day offered by Peter Pan Lines from Philadelphia to Washington DC and you can expect on average to pay for a Peter Pan Lines ticket to Washington. In Philadelphia, Peter Pan Lines departs to Washington from 520 North Christopher Columbus and one other station. In Washington, Peter Pan Lines arrives at Union Station .

    An average trip on Peter Pan Lines from Philadelphia to Washington takes 3 hours and 46 minutes , while the fastest available Peter Pan Lines trip will get you to Washington in 2 hours and 50 minutes .

    On weekends, Peter Pan Lines offers 8 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Washington.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Philadelphia 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.

The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 33 minutes to cover the 123 miles from Philadelphia to Washington DC. However, the fastest bus only takes 2 hours and 50 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 Washington DC. 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 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 8:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Washington DC, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 23 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia 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 $11.00.

City Information

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.

Washington DC

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?

Main departure station: 199 Spring Garden St

Buses to Washington DC leave from 4 stations in Philadelphia.

All bus stations in Philadelphia:

  • 199 Spring Garden St

  • 199 Spring Garden St

  • 520 North Christopher Columbus

  • NE Corner of Schuylkill Ave & Walnut St

Where does the bus arrive in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main arrival station: Union Station

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.

All bus stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

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