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Philadelphia to State College bus

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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

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Journey Information

There are 6 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to State College. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to State College usually takes around 6 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Fullington Trailways bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance153 mi (247 km)
Shortest duration3h 45m
Cheapest price$21.48
Trips per day3
Most frequent serviceFullington Trailways
Bus lines4

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Philadelphia to State College

(Based on 30 ratings and reviews)

4.7

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 !

5.0

Yejun

January 23, 2023- Solo travel

Greyhound

Pros: good. Cons: no. Tips: no.

5.0

Noah

January 14, 2023- Regular commuter

OurBus

Pros: Nice no thrills trip. That is what I can ask for. Cons: 60" tv to watch sports. LOL. Tips: Be on time.

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

Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to State College cost $42.39 on average. Tickets cheaper than $42.39 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

$75$50$25OctOct

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 $36 to $66. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 22, 2024.

If you’re looking to travel to State College this week, bus tickets are available starting at $38.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15NDJFMAMJJASO
Taking the bus from Philadelphia to State College is usually cheapest in May, when the average ticket price is only $44. 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 $67. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

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 $20.03.

What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to State College?

There are 4 bus lines from Philadelphia to State College available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. Fullington Trailways offers the most choice in regards to departure times, with a couple of different times on its daily bus schedule.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US19h 4m$68.57
Fullington Trailways25h 19m$58.86
Greyhound26h 28m$46.71
OurBus34h 22m$52.32

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

  • Originally founded in 1908, Fullington Trailways is one of the oldest transportation companies in the United States. Today, it's one of the leading intercity bus carriers within the Trailways network and provides cheap, reliable bus service to several metropolitan destinations, including New York City and Philadelphia. All coaches are equipped with clean restrooms, and Fullington Trailways earned a 2022 Wanderu Passengers' Choice Award for their helpful crew.

  • 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 2 bus trips from Philadelphia to State College every day, with the average journey taking around 6 hours and 28 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to State College usually start from $21.

  • OurBus is an intercity bus company based in New York City. OurBus provides cheap bus tickets to some of the most popular cities in the United States. All OurBus coaches come equipped with a generous roster of amenities, including extra legroom, freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and complimentary bottled water. With cheap bus tickets starting from $40, OurBus is one of the best ways to travel by bus from Philadelphia to State College if you are looking for comfort at a good price.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 6 hours and 15 minutes to cover the 153 miles from Philadelphia to State College. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 45 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.

Because many passengers travel from Philadelphia to State College at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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 9:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to State College, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 6 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to State College 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 State College; ticket prices start at $61.00.

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?

Main departure station: Schulykill Ave & Walnut St Bus Stop

Buses to State College leave from 5 stations in Philadelphia.

All bus stations in Philadelphia:

  • Schulykill Ave & Walnut St Bus Stop

  • 199 Spring Garden St

  • 199 Spring Garden St

  • Schuylkill Ave between Chestnut & Walnut

  • Philadelphia Mills - RED Lot

Where does the bus arrive in State College?

Main arrival station: 152 N Atherton St.

Buses arrive in State College at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in State College:

  • 152 N Atherton St.

  • State College (Airport - SCE)

  • Bus Terminal - 152 N Atherton St

  • Pattee Library stop at State College

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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