Cheap bus tickets from Philadelphia to Detroit

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

Bus from Philadelphia to Detroit: Journey Information

There are 3 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Detroit. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Detroit usually takes around 17 hours and 43 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 15 hours and 35 minutes.

Distance
442 mi (711 km)
Shortest duration
15h 35m
Cheapest price
$85.96
Trips per day
0
Most frequent service
Greyhound
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 Detroit 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 Detroit?

Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to Detroit cost $85.96 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 Philadelphia to Detroit by travel date

$135$90$45AugSep

If you're planning to travel by bus from Philadelphia to Detroit in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $75 to $133. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 16, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Detroit this week, bus tickets are available starting at $94.

Average bus ticket prices from Philadelphia to Detroit by month

$150$120$90$60$30JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Philadelphia to Detroit is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $107. If you're planning to take the bus from Philadelphia to Detroit during January, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $136. 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$40010

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 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $99.43 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Detroit?

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

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Greyhound217h 41m$146.14
FlixBus US117h 50m$150.70
  • 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 2 bus trips from Philadelphia to Detroit every day, with the average journey taking around 17 hours and 41 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Detroit usually start from $77.97.

    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
  • 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 1 trips per day from Philadelphia to Detroit, and the average ticket for this route costs only $150.70.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Detroit

There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to Detroit every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Philadelphia to Detroit; ticket prices start at $181.

TRIPS PER DAY

3

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 43 minutes to cover the 442 miles from Philadelphia to Detroit. However, the fastest bus only takes 15 hours and 35 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)

442

DISTANCE (KM)

711

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 Detroit, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

3:20am

LATEST BUS

10:00pm

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Philadelphia to Detroit for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.

MOST CROWDED

Friday

LEAST CROWDED

Thursday

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.

Detroit

DET-0DET-1DET-2

Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.

As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.

The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.

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 Detroit?

Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St

Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St - DETGLI-0

Located near hip Corktown, the Detroit Greyhound Bus Station is minutes away from local breweries, diverse restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Besides Greyhound, many other bus carriers serve this station, including Indian Trails, Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Jefferson Lines. For travelers’ convenience, the station offers massive parking lots, clean restrooms, and lockers to rent. The station is a short walk from several local bus stops, and about a 15 minute walk from the closest light rail station to connect to neighborhoods throughout Detroit.

All bus stations in Detroit:

  • Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St

Need a return trip from Detroit 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.