- Must visit
Palmer Museum of Art
Penn State’s art museum with strong American art, contemporary works, and rotating exhibitions in a major new building on campus.
Cheapest price
$96
Average price
$96
Fastest journey
12 h 45 m
Average duration
12 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
445 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Columbus, OH to State College, PA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Columbus, OH to State College, PA will cost around $96 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $96.
Of the 1 buses that leave Columbus, OH for State College, PA on Mon, Jun 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct buses cover the 445 km distance in an average of 12 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 45 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest buses will take 12 h 45 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Columbus, OH to State College, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $54. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $54, and a flight costs an average of $395.
Distance: 276 miles (445 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$76 Average price Cheapest | $490 Average price | $65 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 3m Average total duration Fastest 6h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 38m Average total duration 6h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Columbus, OH to State College, PA:
A bus is $414 (€333) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Columbus, OH to State College, PA costing on average $490 (€395).
Other travel options to State College, PA take longer:
Flight takes on average 6h 38m.
You'll arrive about -2h -24m sooner (6h 33m by bus vs 5h 9m by car) and save roughly $-10.74 (€-8.65) compared to fuel and tolls ($76 (€61) vs $65 (€52)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 16h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $96 |
Compare bus and flight 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 Columbus, OH to State College, PA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 6h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $54 (€43) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 19:35. The fastest bus covers the 276 miles (445 km) distance in 6h 35m.
Distance 276 miles (445 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€43) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 35m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 7:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Discover the best of State College — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect State College trip today.
Penn State’s art museum with strong American art, contemporary works, and rotating exhibitions in a major new building on campus.
Museum inside Beaver Stadium covering Penn State athletics history, legendary teams, and memorabilia tied to the university’s sports culture.
Regional art museum in nearby Bellefonte with local history and changing exhibitions, popular for a short side trip from State College.
Beautiful botanical garden and walking area with seasonal plantings, sculptures, and the popular H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens.
Lively core of the town with shops, public art, events, and a walkable college-town atmosphere centered around campus edges.
Popular viewpoint area reached by hiking trails, offering one of the best panoramic perspectives over the State College region.
Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream is the town's signature treat, made from the university's long dairy tradition and famous for rich classic flavors.
A central Pennsylvania breakfast pastry made from sweet dough baked in caramel and cinnamon, often served warm with cream or ice cream.
A Pennsylvania Dutch favorite pairing crisp fried chicken with waffles, balancing savory and sweet in a dish widely loved in the region.
The iconic Penn State ice cream destination, best for classic scoops, milkshakes, and a true State College food experience.
A beloved local breakfast institution famous for hearty morning plates, waffles, and regional comfort food in a casual setting.
A well-known local pizzeria serving wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and sandwiches in a lively, reliable neighborhood atmosphere.
Prices are moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and events can cost more on busy university weekends.
Tip 15-20% in restaurants before tax; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or add 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff if helped.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Columbus, OH to State College, 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 State College, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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