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Cheap bus tickets from Philadelphia to Columbus

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Philadelphia to Columbus Bus Schedule

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Bus from Philadelphia to Columbus: Journey Information

There are 8 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Columbus. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Columbus usually takes around 13 hours and 47 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance415 mi (667 km)
Shortest duration10h 30m
Cheapest price$64.47
Trips per day3
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines2

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Philadelphia to Columbus

(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

4.6

4.0

Halima

August 22, 2023- Visiting family

Greyhound

Pros: I liked how the wait was very short. Cons: The people were so disheleved and we never knew when the bus would come and which bus was ours. Tips: Bring your own masks and please know what your seat number is before you sit.

5.0

Christiana

April 16, 2022- Visiting family

Greyhound

Pros: That I was able to sleep through out my trip which was good. Cons: The bathroom on the bus. Tips: It a long ride so stay tight.

5.0

Daniel

January 28, 2022- Business

Greyhound

Very comfortable and hassle free!

4.0

Muhammad

September 17, 2019- Visiting family

Greyhound

Pros: Internet signals is week. Cons: Before moving the trip, please check your services.

How much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Columbus?

Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to Columbus cost $112.73 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus by travel date

$195$130$65DecDec

Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Philadelphia to Columbus is expected to be between $94 and $195. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is December 9, 2024, when tickets are available for December 9, 2024. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just $94.

Monthly avg. prices

$125$100$75$50$25JFMAMJJASOND
Taking the bus from Philadelphia to Columbus is usually cheapest in June, when the average ticket price is only $91. If you're planning to take the bus from Philadelphia to Columbus during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $115. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$175$140$105$70$353020100

The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 27 days in advance to save $48.55 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Columbus?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Philadelphia to Columbus that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US418h 53m$162.22
Greyhound412h 57m$124.52
  • 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 4 trips per day from Philadelphia to Columbus, 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 4 bus trips from Philadelphia to Columbus every day, with the average journey taking around 12 hours and 57 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Columbus usually start from $64.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Columbus

The bus takes an average of 13 hours and 47 minutes to cover the 415 miles from Philadelphia to Columbus. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 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.

Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in Columbus. 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 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Columbus, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

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

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Philadelphia to Columbus; ticket prices start at $181.00.

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.

Columbus

Brimming with life and cultural events, Columbus is the affordable destination of your dreams! Featuring a budding art scene, Columbus attracts art lovers through the exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Arts where children and adults alike can indulge in thought-provoking artworks. Fans of sports should not miss out on a baseball game at Huntington Park, which offers reasonably-priced tickets; it is also rarely crowded. For those who simply want to stroll about, the German Village offers a quaint and scenic view rarely seen elsewhere.

As the sun goes down, dig deeper into the German heritage of Columbus by enjoying a traditional schnitzel dish at the Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus. When you are looking for a quick snack, Bodega serves some of the best sandwiches in town, and there are up to 47 varieties of craft beers for you to choose from.

Columbus’ busiest bus station is located on E Town St., and it offers intercity bus trips to Cleveland, Chicago, New York and many other cities. The Columbus Union Station was the first union station ever built, and it’s served by Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited train lines. The local airport, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, is located on the east side of the city, 6 miles east of Downtown. It provides access to 31 other airports.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia, PA - Greyhound Bus Terminal (1001 Filbert St) - PHLGLI-0

Image credit: Dough4872

Link to image attribution

Main 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 Columbus?

Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St  - CMHGLI2-0

Image credit: Antony-22

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Columbus, OH (Bus Station)

The Bus Terminal at 111 E Town St is Columbus’ hub for intercity bus service on a variety of carriers including Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, Miller Transportation, Barons Bus Lines, and Amtrak Thruway. Conveniently located in downtown Columbus, the station’s area features several parking lots, hotels, and fast food restaurants. The waiting area within the station building includes restrooms, vending machines, and even arcade-style games if you’re prone to boredom while waiting for the bus. From this station, you can travel to destinations including Cincinnati, Chicago, and New York.

All bus stations in Columbus:

  • Columbus, OH (Bus Station)

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