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Philadelphia to Columbia bus

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Philadelphia to Columbia Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 2 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Columbia. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Columbia usually takes around 17 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 16 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance523 mi (842 km)
Shortest duration16h 50m
Cheapest price$61.12
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines2

How much is a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Columbia?

Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to Columbia cost $61.66 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.

Monthly avg. prices

$175$140$105$70$35NDJFMAMJJASO
Taking the bus from Philadelphia to Columbia is usually cheapest in August, when the average ticket price is only $88. If you're planning to take the bus from Philadelphia to Columbia during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $152. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$200$160$120$80$403020100

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 12 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $148.51 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Philadelphia to Columbia?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Philadelphia to Columbia that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US121h 30m$72.40
Greyhound217h 8m$89.30
  • 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 Columbia, 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 2 bus trips from Philadelphia to Columbia every day, with the average journey taking around 17 hours and 8 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Columbia usually start from $61.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 11 minutes to cover the 523 miles from Philadelphia to Columbia. However, the fastest bus only takes 16 hours and 50 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 Columbia 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, 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 12:00pm and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Columbia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are usually only 2 buses per day from Philadelphia to Columbia. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Philadelphia, PA to Columbia, SC; ticket prices start at $118.00.

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.

Columbia

Columbia, SC

Image credit: Brandon Dolley

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As the capital city of South Carolina, Columbia offers plenty of historic attractions and exciting activities that will keep tourists of all ages satisfied. Sitting at the heart of the city is the South Carolina State Museum, which boasts the most impressive collection of permanent and changing exhibits in the state, as well as in the Southeast. One of the top highlights of the museum is its amazing planetarium that has a height of 55 feet. If you are traveling with kids, EdVenture should certainly be on your list. The museum’s prime attraction is a giant 10-year-old with his own fake digestive tracts and vertebrae, allowing kids to explore anatomy with ease. Nature lovers should not miss out on the chance to enjoy an outdoor day at Lake Murray, which features a vast range of activities such as boating, fishing, paddling, etc.

Columbia features an exciting food scene that is brimming with new talents. For an amazing lunch, The Gourmet Shop and their famous chicken salad will be a great choice. If you wish to enjoy a dinner with wine, Lula Drake is the place to be.

Columbia’s principal bus station is located 710-A Buckner Rd on the outskirts of the city. The main Amtrak train station is located on Pulaski St in the heart of downtown near the University of South Carolina campus. Columbia is served by Amtrak’s Silver Service line. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the main airport and it is located five miles southwest of the city.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia, PA - Greyhound Bus Terminal (1001 Filbert St) - PHLGLI-0

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Main 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

Where does the bus arrive in Columbia?

Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 710-A Buckner Rd

The Bus Terminal on 710-A Buckner Road is the main intercity bus station in Columbia and is served by several bus companies, including Greyhound and Southeastern Stages. The terminal offers an indoor waiting area with benches, vending machines, and restrooms. Buses leave from this station daily to destinations like Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Orlando. Transport throughout Columbia is also convenient, as the Comet, a public transit bus service, connects the Columbia Bus Terminal with the Amtrak Station and Columbia's airport.

All bus stations in Columbia:

  • Bus Terminal - 710-A Buckner Rd

Get around town with Moovit

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