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Philadelphia to State College bus

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Philadelphia - State College Bus Schedule

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Bus Route Overview: Philadelphia to State College

There are usually 7 daily bus trips available from Philadelphia to State College. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to State College usually takes 5 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest OurBus bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance153 mi (247 km)
Shortest duration3h 15m
Cheapest price$33.98
Trips per day5
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines5

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Philadelphia to State College

(Based on 29 ratings and reviews)

4.7

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.

4.0

Steven

November 2, 2022- Visiting family

Greyhound

Pros: had plenty of room, driver was very nice and friendly. Cons: being more in time.

See more details

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Philadelphia and State College cost $42.78, on average. Booking your trip at least 23 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $25.17 more.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20DecDec

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way bus trip from Philadelphia to State College will range from $37 to $58. If you're planning to travel by bus to State College in the upcoming week, the cheapest bus ticket from Philadelphia you can find in the next 7 days is $37. Be sure to book your trip in advance as bus ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$75$60$45$30$15JFMAMJJASOND
Ticket prices for the train from Philadelphia to State College often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only $41. If you're thinking of traveling from Philadelphia to State College during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $53 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

By booking your bus trip from Philadelphia to State College on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $25.17 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to State College?

There are 5 bus lines from Philadelphia to State College available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 3 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 US23h 49m$59.69
Fullington Trailways13h 45m$60.00
Greyhound36h 22m$72.10
Megabus14h 45m$57.12
OurBus64h 44m$65.44

  • 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 .

  • 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 3 bus trips from Philadelphia to State College every day, with the average journey taking around 6 hours and 22 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to State College usually start from $34.

  • Book Megabus from Philadelphia to State College from $34. Typically there is one Megabus schedule per day from Philadelphia to State College and you can expect on average to pay for a Megabus ticket to State College. In Philadelphia, Megabus departs to State College from NE Corner of Schuylkill Ave & Walnut St . In State College, Megabus arrives at SW Corner of Walmart Parking - 1665 N Atherton St .

    An average trip on Megabus from Philadelphia to State College takes 4 hours and 45 minutes , while the fastest available Megabus trip will get you to State College in 3 hours and 15 minutes .

    On weekends, Megabus offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to State College.

  • 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

Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

The bus takes an average of 5 hours and 20 minutes to cover the 153 miles from Philadelphia to State College. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 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.

Buses departing from Philadelphia to State College tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap bus tickets or just want an emptier bus you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

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 State College, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 7 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to State College every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 5 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 $50.00.

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: 100 Spg Gdn 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:

  • 100 Spg Gdn St

  • Center City - Fashion District

  • NE Corner of Schuylkill Ave & Walnut St

  • Philadelphia International Airport

  • Drexel Overpass - 30th St. & JFK Blvd

  • Independence Travel Center

  • 3050 JFK Boulevard (NW Corner)

  • Philadelphia Mills - RED Lot

  • 100 Spg Gdn St

  • SEPTA Fort Washington Station

  • Logan Square

Where does the bus arrive in State College?

Main arrival station: 152 N Atherton St.

Buses arrive in State College at 6 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in State College:

  • 152 N Atherton St.

  • Bus Terminal - 152 N Atherton St

  • SW Corner of Walmart Parking - 1665 N Atherton St

  • State College Regional Airport Parking

  • State College (Airport - SCE)

  • University Park Airport Parking Lot

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

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from State College to Philadelphia?

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