Allentown, PA to Philadelphia, PA bus with Greyhound

Bus from Allentown to Philadelphia

When taking a bus from Allentown to Philadelphia, you can expect departures around three to four times throughout the day. A typical journey will take between 1h 30min to 2h, though there are trips that can take closer to 3h 30min. With several options of carriers and arrival stations, your trip to the City of Brotherly Love will go by like a breeze.

Allentown to Philadelphia Bus Time: Daily Departures

Buses run four times a day, with the first bus leaving at 7:50 a.m. and the final bus departing at 7:40 p.m.. Several buses leave during the same time slot in the middle of the day, so the overall frequency of departures is low. There are no red-eye options available for this route. These trips are available consistently throughout the week, for a total of 28 trips offered on a weekly basis.

How long is the journey by bus from Allentown to Philadelphia?

A typical journey from Allentown to Philadelphia by bus will take between 2h to 3h 30min. While most tickets do not include a transfer, there is an option that includes a transfer in Philadelphia to reach the 30th Street Station from the Philadelphia Greyhound Bus Station. This is the longest option available, while the fastest option direct to 30th Street Station is only 1h 30min.

What are the departure and arrival stations for bus from Allentown to Philadelphia?

Departure Station:Allentown Bus Station on the corner of Hamilton St. and N Race Street. This location is within ten minutes walking of downtown Allentown. There is local public transportation available to the station from downtown, which will take about six minutes of travel time. It is primarily a bus stop, so amenities are limited and include only restrooms and seating for waiting. Booking tickets at this location is not available, nor is this a stop where unaccompanied minors can board.

Arrival bus station: Philadelphia 30th Street Station. This location is on the west side of the Schuylkill River, and only 20min walking from downtown Philadelphia. This is one of the largest intermodal transit stations in North America and connects to many other forms of transportation, including train, commuter rail, and bus. For this reason it is very easy to reach downtown Philadelphia by using public transportation, it will only take 15 to 20min. Amenities include a Metropolitan Lounge, restrooms and a lactation pod, as well as rental car counters. There is also Wi-Fi available at this station. You can also arrive at Philadelphia Bus Station on the corner of Filbert St. and N 10th Street. This station is located in downtown Philadelphia. The Greyhound bus station is three blocks from the city center. Amenities available at this station include vending machines for food and beverages, televisions and restrooms, along with seating area and full service ticket counters.

Allentown Park. Source: Shutterstock

Which bus companies travel from Allentown to Philadelphia?

Both Amtrack and Greyhound operate buses out of Allentown to Philadelphia. Amtrack is the fastest available option, but only offers one trip per day. Greyhound on the other hand, offers more frequent departures, though the trips are longer and sometimes may include transfers. For this reason, Greyhound tends to be the more affordable of the two options.

Amtrack buses from Allentown to Philadelphia

Amtrack provides Thruway Reserved Seat tickets out of Allentown. Their intercity buses depart once a day in the morning and run directly to the 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. As the fastest option leaving from Allentown to Philadelphia, these trips clock in at 1h 30 min of ride time with no breaks or transfers. Amenities onboard the bus include restrooms, reclining seats with leg rests and individual lighting.

Greyhound buses from Allentown to Philadelphia

Greyhound provides three different departures daily from Allentown to Philadelphia. On the fast end, these trips will last just under 2h. However, there are tickets that include a transfer in Philadelphia from the Philadelphia Greyhound Bus Station to the 30th Street Station. Including the transfer, this trip clocks in as the longest option available at 3.5h. Amenities on board the Greyhound buses include restrooms, free WiFi, personal power outlets, and reclining seats, on top of the bonus no middle seat and extra leg room.

Bus Allentown to Philadelphia: Services on Board

Both provider options include buses that are equipped to help customers with disabilities, including a lift to provide wheelchair access. It is also possible to stay in your wheelchair for the duration of the trip, or transfer into a bus seat, depending on what is more comfortable. Per Greyhound’s request, please inform them of this requirement during booking of your tickets to ensure that your needs are fully met.

Both providers do also allow service animals onboard, specifically those animals that are trained to provide a specific service. Emotional support animals and comfort animals are not included on this list. When it comes to luggage, the companies differ. Greyhound allows for one carry-on up to 25lbs, and one under-the-bus bag for free, with up to three total. Amtrack allows for two personal items and two under-the-bus bags.

How to find cheap bus tickets from Allentown to Philadelphia?

If you’re hoping to bus from Allentown to Philadelphia for cheap, there a several things to keep in mind. In order to save money, it is important to book well in advance, as prices often spike in the days before you plan to depart. Try to be flexible with travel dates, as Fridays and weekends often are more expensive options. If you can squeeze in the journey early in the morning or late at night, then this is an option that could save some money. If time is of no issue, consider taking a bus with connections or a longer journey, as these slower options also decrease the ticket price. Just using a few of these tips can save you quite a bit of money on your journey from Allentown to Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Street View. Source: Shutterstock

To Philadelphia by bus—travel tips

You can also stroll along the hip river waterfront or take a laid back stroll on Boathouse Row. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on on trying a Philly Cheesesteak. This is a classic, with thin sliced steak, your choice of cheese and onions on a hoagie roll. There is a tense rivalry for the best cheesesteak in town, so you’ll have to try both to decide.

And don’t forget to stop by Reading Terminal Market if you’re still hungry afterward, this place has it all in terms of food. Whether you’re reliving the signing of the Declaration of Independence, or stuffing your face with cheesy goodness, there will be no shortage of good times and good eats in the City of Brotherly Love.