Cheap bus tickets from State College to Philadelphia

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Bus from State College to Philadelphia: Journey Information

There are 6 intercity buses per day from State College to Philadelphia. Traveling by bus from State College to Philadelphia usually takes around 5 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 25 minutes.

Distance
153 mi (247 km)
Shortest duration
4h 25m
Cheapest price
$35.97
Trips per day
3
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
4

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

State College to Philadelphia Bus Schedule

See Full Schedule

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

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

Bus
Train
Avg. Price$52.79CheaperAvg. Price$76.67
Daily Trips6Daily Trips1
Duration5h 59mDuration4h 34mFaster
Search BusesSearch Trains
Wanderu mascot

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from State College to Philadelphia (Based on 18 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Brian

May 15, 2025

Greyhound
Cons: Graduation ceremony Tips: Trip was good and safe and leisurely, but all of a sudden we were an hour behind schedule. Still it was a good trip using greyhound bus.

5.0

Sunita

November 18, 2024 - Business

Greyhound
Cons: NA

5.0

Faria

August 28, 2024 - Solo travel

Greyhound
Pros: On time arrival Cons: Consistent with on arrival/departure time by greyhound

5.0

Annalise

November 17, 2023 - Visiting family

Fullington Trailways
Pros: It was comfortable Cons: Traffic Tips: No

5.0

Marco

May 5, 2023 - Solo travel

OurBus
Pros: comfort and ease to get to airport Cons: none

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

Bus tickets for a trip from State College to Philadelphia cost $46.56 on average. Tickets cheaper than $46.56 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 State College to Philadelphia by travel date

$75$50$25JunJun

If you're planning to travel by bus from State College to Philadelphia in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $43 to $70. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on June 24, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Philadelphia this week, bus tickets are available starting at $48.

Monthly avg. prices

$100$80$60$40$20JASONDJFMAMJ

Taking the bus from State College to Philadelphia is usually cheapest in June, when the average ticket price is only $57. If you're planning to take the bus from State College to Philadelphia during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $84. 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

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 19 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $21.10 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from State College to Philadelphia?

There are multiple buses that travel from State College to Philadelphia, including FlixBus US, Fullington Trailways, Fullington Trailways, Greyhound. Here is what you should know about the 4 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US46h 15m$61.57
Fullington Trailways18h$70.35
Fullington Trailways26h 23m$61.10
Greyhound25h 21m$58.36
  • 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 4 trips per day from State College to Philadelphia, and the average ticket for this route costs only $61.57.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5
  • Book Fullington Trailways from State College to Philadelphia from $70.35. Typically there is one Fullington Trailways schedule per day from State College to Philadelphia and you can expect on average to pay $70.35 for a Fullington Trailways ticket to Philadelphia. In State College, Fullington Trailways departs to Philadelphia from State College (Airport - SCE) . In Philadelphia, Fullington Trailways arrives at 12 Schuylkill Ave .

    An average trip on Fullington Trailways from State College to Philadelphia takes 8 hours and 0 minutes , while the fastest available Fullington Trailways trip will get you to Philadelphia in 4 hours and 25 minutes .

  • 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 State College to Philadelphia every day, with the average journey taking around 5 hours and 21 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Philadelphia usually start from $41.98.

    Passengers boarding a Greyhound with their cheap bus tickets, ready for a comfortable and budget-friendly trip - WanderuA Greyhound bus parked, waiting for passengers with cheap bus tickets ready to travel - WanderuComfortable seating inside a Greyhound, perfect for those traveling with cheap bus tickets who want to make the most of their journey - WanderuA passenger using the power outlets available on Greyhound to access their affordable bus ticket digitally - WanderuA passenger uses Greyhound's onboard wifi to enjoy their intercity bus trip - WanderuA bus awaits passengers who have bought cheap Greyhound tickets - Wanderu

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

Bus tickets for a trip from State College to Philadelphia cost $36 on average. Tickets cheaper than $36 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.

There are 6 scheduled buses that travel from State College to Philadelphia 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 State College to Philadelphia; ticket prices start at $72.

TRIPS PER DAY

6

DIRECT TRIPS

3

The bus takes an average of 5 hours and 54 minutes to cover the 153 miles from State College to Philadelphia. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 25 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.

DISTANCE (MI)

153

DISTANCE (KM)

247

The first bus leaves at 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 3:00pm. To see the times for all buses from State College to Philadelphia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

1:00am

LATEST BUS

3:00pm

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Philadelphia. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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.

City Information

State College

State College, PA - SCL-0State College, PA - SCL-1State College, PA - SCL-2

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.

Philadelphia

PHL-0PHL-1PHL-2

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.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in State College?

Main departure station: State College (Airport - SCE)

State College has two bus stations with service to Philadelphia.

All bus stations in State College:

  • State College (Airport - SCE)
  • 152 N Atherton St.

Where does the bus arrive in Philadelphia?

Main arrival station: Philadelphia Bus Terminal

Buses arrive in Philadelphia at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Philadelphia:

  • Philadelphia Bus Terminal
  • Schulykill Ave & Walnut St Bus Stop
  • 12 Schuylkill Ave

Need a return trip from Philadelphia to State College?

Search Bus Tickets

Plan your next adventure

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.