- Must visit
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Estate museum with decorative arts, Russian imperial objects, and formal gardens. Though outside Bethesda proper, it is a major cultural attraction often combined with a Bethesda stay.
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 30 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
198 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 3 buses that leave Philadelphia, PA for Bethesda, MD on Tue, Jun 23, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 23 the direct buses cover the 198 km distance in an average of 3 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
On Tue, Jun 23 the slowest buses will take 3 h 35 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 Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $12, and a flight costs an average of $98.
Distance: 123 miles (198 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$35 Average price | $23 Average price Cheapest | $399 Average price | $34 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 34m Average total duration 3h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration 2h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD:
A train is $12 (€10) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD costing on average $35 (€29).
A train is $376 (€308) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD costing on average $399 (€327).
Other travel options to Bethesda, MD take longer:
Flight takes on average 2h 30m.
Bus takes on average 3h 4m.
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 03:50AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 04:50AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $32 |
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD buses for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:55 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h40 | 3:35 PM Bethesda, Waverly Street / Montgomery Ave, MD | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 3:30 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h35 | 7:05 PM Bethesda, Waverly Street / Montgomery Ave, MD | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, June 22 | |||||
![]() | 12:30 AM Philadelphia, PA | 3h20 | 3:50 AM Bethesda, MD | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by train.
There are 8 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 123 miles (198 km) distance in 3h 20m.
Distance 123 miles (198 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 8 |
Fastest bus 3h 20m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Bethesda — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bethesda trip today.
Estate museum with decorative arts, Russian imperial objects, and formal gardens. Though outside Bethesda proper, it is a major cultural attraction often combined with a Bethesda stay.
Hands-on children's museum focused on maker activities, robotics, design, and creativity. A strong family-friendly stop in downtown Bethesda.
Military medical museum with exhibits on Civil War medicine, anatomy, and medical innovation. Located nearby and widely regarded as one of the area's most distinctive specialty museums.
The best-known mixed-use district in Bethesda, popular for strolling, shopping, public art, and people-watching. A central must-see area.
Scenic rail-trail running through Bethesda, ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. One of the area's most loved outdoor assets.
Walkable core of the city with public art, shops, seasonal events, and easy access to transit. Best for first-time visitors.
Pan-seared cakes made with sweet blue crab and minimal filler, a regional classic closely associated with nearby Chesapeake Bay seafood.
Fresh local oysters from the Chesapeake region, often served raw, roasted, or grilled and prized for their briny Mid-Atlantic flavor.
A smoky, coarse-ground sausage linked to the Washington area, commonly served on a bun with mustard, onions, and chili.
Polished American grill known for upscale comfort food, sushi, and a lively Bethesda atmosphere.
Well-known French bistro serving steak frites, onion soup, and brunch in a bustling, classic setting.
Established Spanish restaurant by José Andrés, popular for tapas, paella, and a vibrant dining room.
Bethesda is pricier than many U.S. suburbs, with higher hotel and dining costs due to its affluent, Washington-area location.
Restaurants: 18-20% standard, 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Counter service: optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD 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 Bethesda, MD, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Philadelphia, PA to Bethesda, MD buses use the Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Bethesda, MD 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