- Must visit
Philadelphia Museum of Art
World-class art museum famous for major collections and the Rocky Steps. A top cultural stop with strong city views.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Iowa City, IA to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $133 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 33h 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $133, while a bus costs an average of $133.
Distance: 862 miles (1388 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$133 Average price Cheapest | $201 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
33h 48m Average total duration Fastest 33h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
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 12:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 29h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $196 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 31h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $206 |
The table below shows live departures for Iowa City, IA to Philadelphia, PA buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:40 PM Iowa City, IA | 31h15 | 11:55 PM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Iowa City, IA to Philadelphia, PA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 33h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $133 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:25, the last at 18:30. The fastest bus covers the 862 miles (1388 km) distance in 29h 20m.
Distance 862 miles (1388 km) |
Average bus duration 33h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $133 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 29h 20m |
First bus 3:25 AM |
Last bus 6:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Philadelphia, PA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Philadelphia, PA trip today.
World-class art museum famous for major collections and the Rocky Steps. A top cultural stop with strong city views.
Hands-on science museum for all ages, known for interactive exhibits and the giant walk-through heart near the Parkway.
Celebrated collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and modern works in an intimate gallery setting on the Parkway.
Historic district packed with foundational sites, cobblestone streets, and museums. The best base for first-time visitors.
Beloved park atop a hill with skyline views, trails, and the Rocky Steps approach. Great for walking and photography.
Walkable district of rowhouses, boutiques, and small parks. A classic local neighborhood for architecture and relaxed city strolling.
A long roll packed with thin-sliced beef and melted cheese, often with fried onions. It is Philadelphia's signature street and comfort food.
A soft pretzel with a distinct figure-eight twist and chewy texture. Sold by street vendors and bakeries, it is a classic Philadelphia snack.
A roast pork sandwich with garlicky pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe. Many locals consider it the city's best traditional sandwich.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant by Chef Marc Vetri, known for refined Italian tasting menus and one of Philadelphia's top culinary experiences.
Historic roast pork and cheesesteak shop in South Philadelphia, known for hearty sandwiches and a no-frills local atmosphere.
Beloved local chain specializing in water ice and frozen custard. It is a go-to stop for a classic Philadelphia summer dessert.
Moderate for a major US city. Hotels can be pricey in Center City, but dining and transit are often cheaper than New York or Washington.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or cafe order if service is provided.
Official public transport app
Philadelphia Bus Terminal -> Philadelphia City Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Iowa City, IA 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 Iowa City, IA to Philadelphia, PA buses use the Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go) to Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) station pair, with some services arriving at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South). Use this guide to compare Iowa City, IA and Philadelphia, PA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go) is 1 km from Iowa City city centre. Public transport options include:
Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Convenience store available at the station.
Wi-Fi is available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go). ATMs are available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go).
Ticket office support is available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go).
Available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go): Station is accessible for people with disabilities.
Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station). ATMs are available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station): Bus station is wheelchair accessible.
Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) is 2 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park). ATMs are available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park).
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park).
Available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park): The bus stop is accessible with ramps.
Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South) is 1 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South).
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South).
Available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South): Wheelchair accessible area.
Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack bars and vending machines are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are an ATM is available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station: The station is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
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