Cheap bus tickets from Philadelphia to Indianapolis

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

Bus from Philadelphia to Indianapolis: Journey Information

There are 7 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Indianapolis. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Indianapolis usually takes around 17 hours and 34 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 14 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance
583 mi (938 km)
Shortest duration
14h 45m
Cheapest price
$76.98
Trips per day
3
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
2

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Philadelphia to Indianapolis Bus Schedule

Wanderu mascot

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Indianapolis?

Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to Indianapolis cost $101.97 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Indianapolis. 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 Indianapolis by travel date

$165$110$55AugSep

If you're planning to travel by bus from Philadelphia to Indianapolis in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $76 to $157. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 21, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Indianapolis this week, bus tickets are available starting at $105.

Average bus ticket prices from Philadelphia to Indianapolis by month

$175$140$105$70$35JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Philadelphia to Indianapolis is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $119. If you're planning to take the bus from Philadelphia to Indianapolis during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $170. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$200$160$120$80$40020

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 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $83.90 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Indianapolis?

There are multiple buses that travel from Philadelphia to Indianapolis, including FlixBus US, Greyhound. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US420h 10m$185.83
Greyhound316h 4m$136.60
  • 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 Philadelphia to Indianapolis, and the average ticket for this route costs only $185.83.

    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 3 bus trips from Philadelphia to Indianapolis every day, with the average journey taking around 16 hours and 4 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Indianapolis usually start from $70.98.

    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

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Indianapolis

There are 7 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to Indianapolis every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 3 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 to Indianapolis; ticket prices start at $102.

TRIPS PER DAY

7

DIRECT TRIPS

3

The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 34 minutes to cover the 583 miles from Philadelphia to Indianapolis. However, the fastest bus only takes 14 hours and 45 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)

583

DISTANCE (KM)

938

The first bus leaves at 3:20am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Indianapolis, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

3:20am

LATEST BUS

10:00pm

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Indianapolis 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.

MOST CROWDED

Sunday

LEAST CROWDED

Tuesday

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.

Indianapolis

IND-0IND-1IND-2

Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.

Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.

Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Philadelphia?

Main departure station: Philadelphia Bus Terminal

Most buses depart from the main station in Philadelphia.

All bus stations in Philadelphia:

  • Philadelphia Bus Terminal

Where does the bus arrive in Indianapolis?

Main arrival station: 350 S Illinois St

Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Union Station (350 S Illinois St) - INDAMT-0

Union Station at 350 S Illinois St in Indianapolis is a major train and bus station which serves the Amtrak Cardinal, and bus carriers including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Miller Transportation, and Burlington Trailways. The modern station is located directly south of the historic 1888 Union Station, which now houses a hotel, several restaurants, and a wedding venue. Union Station is in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance to eateries and hotels. There is even an underground, climate-controlled walkway from the station to the nearby Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts.

All bus stations in Indianapolis:

  • 350 S Illinois St
  • Indianapolis (W Vermont St)
  • E Washington St

Need a return trip from Indianapolis to Philadelphia?

Search Bus Tickets

Plan your next adventure

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.