- Must visit
Philadelphia Museum of Art
One of the largest art museums in the United States, known for major collections, special exhibitions, and the famous East Steps.
Cheapest price
$80
Average price
$97
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
5 h 25 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
281 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Altoona, PA to Philadelphia, PA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Altoona, PA to Philadelphia, PA will cost around $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
Of the 2 buses that leave Altoona, PA for Philadelphia, PA on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 281 km distance in an average of 5 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 5 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Altoona, PA to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $53. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $53, and a bus costs an average of $53.
Distance: 174 miles (281 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$80 Average price | $75 Average price Cheapest | $107 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 40m Average total duration 5h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration Fastest 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Altoona, PA to Philadelphia, PA:
A train is $4 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Altoona, PA to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $80 (€65).
Other travel options to Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 10m.
Tickets start at around $80 (€65) compared to roughly $107 (€87) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $27 (€22). The journey takes 5h 10m versus 3h 49m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 11:26PM | Duration 5h36 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
The table below shows live departures for Altoona, PA to Philadelphia, PA buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:50 PM Altoona, PA | 5h25 | 11:15 PM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Altoona, PA to Philadelphia, PA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $53 (€43) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:45, the last at 20:30. The fastest bus covers the 174 miles (281 km) distance in 5h 25m.
Distance 174 miles (281 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€43) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 25m |
First bus 6:45 AM |
Last bus 8:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Philadelphia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Philadelphia trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the United States, known for major collections, special exhibitions, and the famous East Steps.
Renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings displayed in an intimate, carefully arranged setting.
Major science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly displays that make it one of the city’s most popular museums.
Elegant central square surrounded by historic buildings, shopping, and cafés, popular for people-watching and relaxed city walks.
Broad cultural boulevard linking City Hall and the art museum district, lined with flags, fountains, and major institutions.
Historic neighborhood with cobbled streets, early American landmarks, galleries, and lively urban atmosphere near the waterfront.
The city’s signature sandwich of thinly sliced beef and melted cheese on a long roll, often ordered with fried onions. It is Philadelphia’s most famous comfort food.
A traditional Philadelphia sandwich with slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe on an Italian roll. Many locals consider it the city’s best sandwich.
Philadelphia-style soft pretzels are dense, chewy, and usually eaten with mustard. They are a classic street snack with deep local roots.
A historic indoor market with many established vendors serving classic Philadelphia foods, including roast pork, pretzels, and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties. Lively and casual atmosphere.
An acclaimed modern Israeli restaurant known for polished service, excellent mezze, and a destination dining experience. One of Philadelphia’s best-known upscale restaurants.
A famous market sandwich counter best known for its roast pork with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. One of the city’s most celebrated casual eats.
Moderate by major U.S. city standards. Hotels can be pricey, but food, transit, and attractions offer good mid-range options.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Altoona, PA to Philadelphia, PA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Philadelphia, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Altoona, PA to Philadelphia, PA buses use the Altoona, 11th Ave (Greyhound Bus Station) to Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) station pair, with some services arriving at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Altoona, PA and Philadelphia, PA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need