Cheap bus tickets from Philadelphia to Columbus
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Bus from Philadelphia to Columbus: Journey Information
There are 6 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Columbus. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Columbus usually takes around 12 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 10 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 415 mi (667 km) |
| Shortest duration | 10h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $65.98 |
| Trips per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Philadelphia to Columbus Bus Schedule
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There are several bus options that can take you from Philadelphia to Columbus:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Columbus?
Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to Columbus cost $84.17 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 to Columbus by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Philadelphia to Columbus in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $66 to $112. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 16, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Columbus this week, bus tickets are available starting at $78.
Average bus ticket prices from Philadelphia to Columbus by month
Taking the bus from Philadelphia to Columbus is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $94. If you're planning to take the bus from Philadelphia to Columbus during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $129. 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 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $63.60 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Columbus?
There are multiple buses that travel from Philadelphia to Columbus, 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 | 3 | 11h 46m | $112.92 |
| FlixBus US | 3 | 14h 37m | $140.76 |
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 Columbus every day, with the average journey taking around 11 hours and 46 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Columbus usually start from $56.98.
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 Columbus, and the average ticket for this route costs only $140.76.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Columbus
There are 6 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.
TRIPS PER DAY
6
DIRECT TRIPS
3
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 42 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
415
DISTANCE (KM)
667
The first bus leaves at 3:20am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Columbus, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
3:20am
LATEST BUS
10:00pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Philadelphia to Columbus for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, 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
Friday
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.
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?
Main departure station: Philadelphia Bus Terminal
Most buses depart from the main station in Philadelphia.
All bus stations in Philadelphia:
- Philadelphia Bus Terminal
Where does the bus arrive in Columbus?
Main arrival station: Columbus (E Mound St)
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Columbus.
All bus stations in Columbus:
- Columbus (E Mound St)
- 100 E Rich St
Need a return trip from Columbus to Philadelphia?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
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- Philadelphia to Binghamton Bus$42+
- Philadelphia to Arlington Bus$27+
- Philadelphia to White Plains Bus$24+
- Philadelphia to Minneapolis Bus$129+
- Philadelphia to Newark Bus$29+
Continue by bus from Columbus
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