Cheap bus tickets from Philadelphia to Ithaca

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Bus from Philadelphia to Ithaca: Journey Information

There are 8 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Ithaca. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Ithaca usually takes around 7 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest OurBus bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance: 186 mi (299 km)
Shortest duration: 4h 45m
Cheapest price: CHF 35.46
Trips per day: 8
Most frequent service: OurBus
Bus lines: 3

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Philadelphia to Ithaca Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from Philadelphia to Ithaca:

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Ithaca?

Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to Ithaca cost about CHF 63 when you book at the cheapest time, 8 days ahead. Consider it a bargain when you can snag tickets for less than CHF 63. 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 Ithaca by travel date

If you're planning to travel by bus from Philadelphia to Ithaca in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from CHF 68 to CHF 103. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 4, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Ithaca this week, bus tickets are available starting at CHF 69.

Average bus ticket prices from Philadelphia to Ithaca by month

Taking the bus from Philadelphia to Ithaca is usually cheapest in January, when the average ticket price is only CHF 59. If you're planning to take the bus from Philadelphia to Ithaca during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 72. 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 8 days in advance. This way, you can save up to CHF 26.44 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Ithaca?

There are 3 bus lines from Philadelphia to Ithaca available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 3 daily trips, OurBus usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

Bus	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
FlixBus US	3	7h 55m	CHF 74.94
Greyhound	3	8h 57m	CHF 67.80
OurBus	3	7h 39m	CHF 75.72

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 3 trips per day from Philadelphia to Ithaca, and the average ticket for this route costs only CHF 74.94.
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 Ithaca every day, with the average journey taking around 8 hours and 57 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Ithaca usually start from CHF 35.46.
OurBus is an intercity bus company based in New York City. OurBus provides cheap bus tickets to some of the most popular cities in the United States. All OurBus coaches come equipped with a generous roster of amenities, including extra legroom, freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and complimentary bottled water. With cheap bus tickets starting from CHF 75.16, OurBus is one of the best ways to travel by bus from Philadelphia to Ithaca if you are looking for comfort at a good price.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Ithaca

There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to Ithaca 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.

Trips per day

Direct trips

The bus takes an average of 7 hours and 58 minutes to cover the 186 miles from Philadelphia to Ithaca. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 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)

186

Distance (km)

299

The first bus leaves at 2:10 AM and the last bus leaves at 10:30 PM. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Ithaca, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

2:10am

Latest bus

10:30pm

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Ithaca 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, 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.

Most crowded

Sunday

Least crowded

Wednesday

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.

Ithaca

Blessed with over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles, Ithaca is every outdoors fan’s petit haven. The most notable, and the tallest of the bunch, is the Taughannock Falls. There are hiking trails located close to the falls that will provide an amazing overlook of the falls itself, but do stay away from the water in the gorges. If hiking is not your cup of tea, perhaps a boat cruise on Lake Cayuga, which is the longest of the Finger Lakes, will offer the tranquility and peace of mind you need. For culturally-inclined tourists, don’t hesitate to take a short detour to the State Theatre of Ithaca, which offers top-tier shows and concerts that charm locals and visitors alike.

Ithaca boasts even more restaurants per capita than New York City, and its amazing food scene seems to have a little bit of everything for everyone. For the best burger in town, check out Ithaca Ale House. If Italian food is your thing, the door at Franco’s is wide open for you.

Several bus carriers conduct trips in and out of Ithaca, including Greyhound, OurBus, FlixBus and New York Trailways. Unfortunately, there are currently no Amtrak trains that go to Ithaca. The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport serves as the town’s main airport. It is located three miles northeast of the city center.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Philadelphia?

Main departure station: Philadelphia (Bus Terminal)

Buses to Ithaca leave from 3 stations in Philadelphia.

All bus stations in Philadelphia:

Philadelphia (Bus Terminal)
Philadelphia Bus Terminal
Philadelphia Mills - RED Lot

Where does the bus arrive in Ithaca?

Main arrival station: 131 East Green Street

Buses arrive in Ithaca at 6 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Ithaca:

131 East Green Street
130 E Seneca St
The Hotel Ithaca
Cornell University
Cornell University

Need a return trip from Ithaca to Philadelphia?

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