4.0
Pros: Boarding the bus, loading and unloading my bags were all done swiftly. Cons: The seatbelt clicker in the middle of the seat needs some serious adjustment. Not the most comfortable seat to try to sleep in.
Cheap bus tickets from Philadelphia to Raleigh
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Philadelphia to Raleigh?
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Raleigh.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$108.59 | Avg. Price$128.63 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips15 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration12h 28m | Duration9h 39m |
Bus from Philadelphia to Raleigh: Journey Information
There are 15 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Raleigh. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Raleigh usually takes around 12 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 8 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 345 mi (555 km) |
| Shortest duration | 8h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $34.47 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Philadelphia to Raleigh
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
How much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Raleigh?
Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to Raleigh cost $102.45 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 Raleigh. 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 Raleigh by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Philadelphia to Raleigh in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $59 to $155. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 11, 2024.
If you’re looking to travel to Raleigh this week, bus tickets are available starting at $59.
Average bus ticket prices from Philadelphia to Raleigh by month
Bus tickets from Philadelphia to Raleigh are at their cheapest average price in May. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around $74. On the other hand, traveling on this route during November might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for November trips cost $125, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.
Prices as travel date approaches
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 21 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $43.25 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Raleigh?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Philadelphia to Raleigh that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 9 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 9 | 13h 3m | $143.09 |
| Greyhound | 7 | 11h 42m | $111.60 |
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 9 trips per day from Philadelphia to Raleigh, 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 7 bus trips from Philadelphia to Raleigh every day, with the average journey taking around 11 hours and 42 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Raleigh usually start from $34.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Raleigh
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 9 minutes to cover the 345 miles from Philadelphia to Raleigh. However, the fastest bus only takes 8 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.
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Raleigh. 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 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Raleigh, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 15 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to Raleigh every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Philadelphia to Raleigh; ticket prices start at $68.00.
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.
Raleigh
As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travelers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.
Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.
Raleigh’s main bus station is located outside of the city center at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Philadelphia?
Image credit: Dough4872
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 199 Spring Garden St
Philadelphia's Greyhound Bus Terminal is a popular bus station served by several intercity bus companies, including Greyhound, Fullington Trailways, and Peter Pan Bus Lines. Conveniently located in downtown Philly, you can walk from the bus station to the nearby Pennsylvania Convention Center, Reading Terminal Market, and even Independence Hall (home of the Liberty Bell). The station is a comfortable place to begin your bus journey, with a snack bar, restrooms, and vending machines, as well as several nearby parking garages and quick bites. And if your destination is Philadelphia, the Greyhound Bus Terminal makes it easy to start your sightseeing or head to your hotel, thanks to the SEPTA subway stop half a block away.
All bus stations in Philadelphia:
199 Spring Garden St
199 Spring Garden St
Logan Square
Where does the bus arrive in Raleigh?
Image credit: Sam Opp
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bus Terminal - 2210 Capital Blvd
The Bus Terminal on Capital Blvd connects Raleigh to other major cities via bus routes on Greyhound and Southeastern Stages. Popular routes from this station head to Atlanta, New York City, and Washington, DC. Restrooms and a snack bar are available within the station, along with a comfortable seating area. Although the bus terminal is about 2 miles northeast of downtown, local public transit stops right outside the station provide easy access to the rest of Raleigh.
All bus stations in Raleigh:
Bus Terminal - 2210 Capital Blvd
3700 New Bern Ave
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