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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Erie. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Erie usually takes around 15 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 12 hours and 59 minutes.
| Distance | 297 mi (478 km) |
| Shortest duration | 12h 59m |
| Cheapest price | $51.14 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Erie?
Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to Erie cost $59.01 on average. Tickets cheaper than $59.01 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Philadelphia to Erie is expected to be between $54 and $76. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is May 9, 2024, when tickets are available for May 9, 2024. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just $57.
Monthly avg. prices
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 26 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $111.68 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Erie?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Philadelphia to Erie that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 3 | 19h 13m | $112.53 |
| Greyhound | 3 | 14h 31m | $79.27 |
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 Erie, 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 3 bus trips from Philadelphia to Erie every day, with the average journey taking around 14 hours and 31 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Erie usually start from $47.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 13 minutes to cover the 297 miles from Philadelphia to Erie. However, the fastest bus only takes 12 hours and 59 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Erie 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, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Erie, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to Erie 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 to Erie; ticket prices start at $111.00.
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.
Erie
Image credit: Unsplash
Named for the Great Lake it sits upon, Erie is one of Pennsylvania's most picturesque cities. Erie is about halfway between Buffalo and Cleveland and about two hours north of Pittsburgh.
One of the most popular spots to visit, Presque Isle State Park, is a curved peninsula that extends into Lake Erie and creates 11 miles of beaches. Swim on the beaches, birdwatch near some of its lagoons, or tour the Presque Isle Lighthouse for a full day of lakeside exploring. Then, head up to the Port Erie Bicentennial Tower on the bayfront for epic panoramic views of the park and lake beyond.
Discover the city's buzzing nightlife by visiting downtown Erie, where you'll find numerous restaurants, bars, and clubs. Go big with a concert at Erie Insurance Arena, or watch a horse race at the Presque Isle Downs & Casino.
Barons Bus Lines and Jefferson Lines provide affordable bus transportation from Erie to Cleveland, Columbus, Buffalo, and beyond. The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited runs from Chicago through Erie, onward to Boston and New York City. Erie International Airport has a handful of flights to Charlotte and Chicago, but if you're flying from Erie, you'll find more destinations available from Buffalo or Cleveland's airports.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Philadelphia?
Image credit: Dough4872
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Noble St/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:
Noble St/Spring Garden St.
199 Spg Gdn St
Logan Square
Where does the bus arrive in Erie?
Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 208 E Bayfront Pkwy
All buses from Philadelphia arrive at one main station in Erie.
All bus stations in Erie:
Bus Terminal - 208 E Bayfront Pkwy
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