Cheap bus tickets from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC: Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC usually takes around 14 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 13 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 424 mi (683 km) |
| Shortest duration | 13h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $79.97 |
| 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!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Philadelphia to Wilmington Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Philadelphia to Wilmington?
There are usually 1 daily train trips available from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$137.64Cheaper | Avg. Price$213.65 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration14h 50m | Duration13h 18mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from Philadelphia to Wilmington:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC?
Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC cost $83.96 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, PA to Wilmington, NC by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $64 to $128. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 18, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Wilmington, NC this week, bus tickets are available starting at $83.
Average bus ticket prices from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC by month
Taking the bus from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $91. If you're planning to take the bus from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $127. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
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 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $72.96 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Wilmington?
There are multiple buses that travel from Philadelphia to Wilmington, including Greyhound, FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 2 | 13h 33m | $129.11 |
| FlixBus US | 2 | 17h 23m | $154.61 |
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, PA to Wilmington, NC every day, with the average journey taking around 13 hours and 33 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Wilmington, NC usually start from $68.97.
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 2 trips per day from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC, and the average ticket for this route costs only $154.61.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Wilmington
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC 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, PA to Wilmington, NC; ticket prices start at $152.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 14 hours and 50 minutes to cover the 424 miles from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC. However, the fastest bus only takes 13 hours and 30 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)
424
DISTANCE (KM)
683
The first bus leaves at 12:05am and the last bus leaves at 10:30pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
12:05am
LATEST BUS
10:30pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Wilmington, NC 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, PA
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.
Wilmington, NC
A hidden jewel in the South, Wilmington has seen a steady increase in popularity in recent years, with some even going as far as calling it Hollywood East. To fully explore the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, take a stroll around the Historic District. Featuring not only quaint mansions but also interesting museums and superb eateries, the district offers a wealth of fascinating information about the city and its people. While walking around, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the Riverwalk. As one of the most romantic spots in the city, it offers plenty of chances to take the perfect Instagram shot. If military history is your thing, Battleship North Carolina, which has now been turned into a museum, will be a satisfying experience.
For eats, one of the most-loved establishments is Nippy’s Soul Food Restaurant, which offers a lovely mix of seafood and soul foods. Wine lovers should also not miss the chance to try a tasting session at the Noni Bacca Winery, a local favorite.
Wilmington transportation center is WAVE Forden Station Transit Center, which is located on Cando St. From the station, tourists can catch Greyhound buses. While there’s no rail service in and out of Wilmington, the city is part of the Amtrak network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Wilmington International Airport is the principal airport in the city.
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, PA.
All bus stations in Philadelphia:
- Philadelphia Bus Terminal
Where does the bus arrive in Wilmington?
Main arrival station: WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St
The Forden Station Transit Center is a hub for transportation services from Wilmington’s local Wave Transit buses as well as intercity bus service on Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway. The station was built in 1974 to improve public transportation in Wilmington and features aptly shaped wavy roofs atop sheltered sidewalks. Plenty of parking spots are available at the station, and if you’re up for a short walk, you can head to Costco around the corner for a $1.50 hot dog before your trip. The station is located a few miles north of downtown, about a 10-minute drive from Wilmington International Airport.
All bus stations in Wilmington:
- WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St
Need a return trip from Wilmington to Philadelphia?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
More buses from Philadelphia
- Philadelphia to Virginia Beach Bus$45+
- Philadelphia to New Haven Bus$40+
- Philadelphia to New York Bus$26+
- Philadelphia to Wilmington Bus$10+
- Philadelphia to Arlington Bus$27+
- Philadelphia to Brooklyn Bus
- Philadelphia to Montreal Bus$94+
- Philadelphia to Charlottesville Bus$46+
- Philadelphia to Silver Spring Bus$33+
- Philadelphia to Miami Bus$155+
- Philadelphia to Syracuse Bus$57+
- Philadelphia to Binghamton Bus$42+
- Philadelphia to Baltimore Bus$20+
- Philadelphia, PA to Portland, ME Bus$56+
- Philadelphia to Boston Bus$68+
- Philadelphia to Newark Bus$29+
- Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC Bus$28+
- Philadelphia to Los Angeles Bus$182+
Continue by bus from Wilmington
- Jacksonville, NC to Charlotte, NC Bus$41+
- Charlotte to New York Bus$95+
- Concord to Greensboro Bus$30+
- Winston-Salem, NC to Washington, DC Bus$83+
- Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC Bus$63+
- Greenville, NC to Charlotte, NC Bus$45+
- Salisbury, NC to Washington, DC Bus$100+
- Fayetteville to New York Bus$103+
- Wilmington, NC to New York, NY Bus$96+
Check out these popular routes
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.