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Cheap bus tickets from Philadelphia to State College

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Philadelphia to State College Bus Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Philadelphia to State College?

There are usually 1 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to State College.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$53.13
Avg. Price
$78.00
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
7
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
6h 54m
Duration
4h 25m

Bus from Philadelphia to State College: Journey Information

There are 8 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to State College. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to State College usually takes around 6 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance153 mi (247 km)
Shortest duration4h 15m
Cheapest price$31.97
Trips per day2
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines3

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Philadelphia to State College

(Based on 33 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Aderonke

December 21, 2024- Business

Fullington Trailways

The driving I felt very safe

5.0

Sunita

November 17, 2024- Business

Greyhound

Very friendly and nice driver

5.0

Lisa Ann

January 12, 2024

Megabus

Pros: Relaxing. Cons: I had no idea how to access wifi. No directions anywhere.

5.0

Lilly

October 20, 2023- Visiting friends

Greyhound

Pros: had two seats to myself. Cons: n/a.

5.0

Dale

March 26, 2023- Visiting friends

OurBus

Pros: I felt very comfortable and safe in the environment ! Tips: Sit back and enjoy the ride !

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia to State College?

Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to State College cost $48.29 on average. Tickets cheaper than $48.29 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 bus ticket prices from Philadelphia to State College by travel date

$75$50$25JulJul

If you're planning to travel by bus from Philadelphia to State College in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $42 to $69. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on July 31, 2025.

If you’re looking to travel to State College this week, bus tickets are available starting at $44.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15ASONDJFMAMJJ
Taking the bus from Philadelphia to State College is usually cheapest in May, when the average ticket price is only $49. If you're planning to take the bus from Philadelphia to State College during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $72. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$203020100

To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 28 days in advance to save up to $34.84.

What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to State College?

There are 3 bus lines from Philadelphia to State College available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 5 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US28h 15m$61.29
Fullington Trailways25h 26m$60.26
Greyhound56h 47m$63.27

  • 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 2 trips per day from Philadelphia to State College, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Book Fullington Trailways from Philadelphia to State College from $50. There are 2 trips per day offered by Fullington Trailways from Philadelphia to State College and you can expect on average to pay for a Fullington Trailways ticket to State College. In Philadelphia, Fullington Trailways departs to State College from NE Corner of Schuylkill Ave & Walnut St . In State College, Fullington Trailways arrives at State College (Airport - SCE) and one other station.

    An average trip on Fullington Trailways from Philadelphia to State College takes 5 hours and 26 minutes , while the fastest available Fullington Trailways trip will get you to State College in 4 hours and 15 minutes .

    On weekends, Fullington Trailways offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to State College.

  • 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 5 bus trips from Philadelphia to State College every day, with the average journey taking around 6 hours and 47 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to State College usually start from $33.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Philadelphia to State College

The bus takes an average of 6 hours and 42 minutes to cover the 153 miles from Philadelphia to State College. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 15 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.

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Philadelphia to State College 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, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.

The first bus leaves at 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to State College, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to State College every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 2 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 State College; ticket prices start at $71.00.

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.

State College

State College, PA - SCL-0

Image credit: emilee rader

Link to image attribution
State College, PA - SCL-1

Image credit: Unsplash

State College, PA - SCL-2

Image credit: Unsplash

State College is a college town, hence the name. It is home to Penn State University, one of the largest universities in the United States. As expected, most of the businesses in the area are there to serve the academic clientele, particularly the professors and students living in the area (if you’re one of them, you might want to check out our recommended destinations for college students).

One of the most popular events in State College is the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, which draws over a hundred thousand visitors each year. Aside from Penn State University, the city's major attractions are The Arboretum and the Beaver Stadium.

If you're into culture, history, and the arts, you should check out the Palmer Museum of Art, Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania, and Centre County Historical Society.

While at State College, be sure to try out the waffles at The Original Waffle Shop. Other good places to dine are the Berkey Creamery, Allen Street Grill, and Federal Taphouse. Finally, for some good drinks, stop by Otto's Pub and Brewery.

Getting around State College is a breeze. The local airport, University Park Airport, is a mere 5 miles away from campus. In addition, Greyhound, Fullington Trailways, and Amtrak Thruway run regularly scheduled bus services from State College to Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, New York City, and beyond.

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

  • NE Corner of Schuylkill Ave & Walnut St

  • Schulykill Ave & Walnut St Bus Stop

Where does the bus arrive in State College?

Main arrival station: 152 N Atherton St.

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in State College.

All bus stations in State College:

  • 152 N Atherton St.

  • State College (Airport - SCE)

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in State College by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

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