There are a few key factors to consider when choosing between the bus or train on the route from Philly to NYC.
Time
On average, both bus and train travel methods will take about an hour and a half to complete the journey. However, trains are significantly more consistent, as they don't have to worry about traffic jams or rush hour. If you plan carefully, your bus trip can be as fast as an hour, but it's more likely to take two hours or more around rush hour, near holidays, or with construction. Most non-stop flights take about an hour, but remember that this doesn't include the time to check a bag or make it through security.
Price
Bus tickets are almost always cheaper than train fares on this route, with the majority of bus trips costing $20 or less. Train tickets can be less than $10 if you plan well in advance, but on average they'll cost closer to $40. Luckily, with Wanderu, you can compare schedules and carriers to find the cheapest price. If you're set on taking the train, we'll help to make it as affordable as possible! Plane tickets, meanwhile, tend to average $100 or more for a direct flight.
Amenities
These days, buses and trains are both equipped with plenty of features to make the journey as smooth and comfortable as possible. Both will typically have free WiFi access and a bathroom, though trains tend to go the extra mile with additional outlets and sometimes have snacks available for purchase. Regardless, both offer far more legroom than a standard plane seat, though may not offer complimentary pretzels.
Depart and Arrive Locations
If you want to leave and arrive in specific areas in the city, bus travel is your best bet. Buses stop at the main stations in both cities, like Port Authority, but also go to smaller stations and curbside stops. You'll have 10+ locations to choose from in either city, depending on which carrier you choose. Trains are more limited, with only two station options in Philly and one in New York. You can choose to fly out of the Philadelphia Airport to either JFK Airport, La Guardia, or Newark Airport.
Eco-Friendly Travel
If you're looking for the greenest way to get from Philadelphia to New York, trains are the way to go. They can carry the greatest number of passengers while emitting far fewer carbon emissions. Buses are next in line, especially when full, as the more passengers that are on a vehicle the less energy is used per passenger. Unsurprisingly, planes come dead last in this category. You'd likely emit fewer emissions simply driving yourself rather than flying, especially for such a short journey.