- Must visit
Erie Maritime Museum
State museum interpreting Erie’s naval and maritime history, including the War of 1812 and the U.S. Brig Niagara. One of the city’s signature cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$108
Average price
$110
Fastest journey
11 h 55 m
Average duration
12 h 43 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
478 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Erie, PA 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 Erie, PA will cost around $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $108.
It's difficult to get from Philadelphia, PA to Erie, PA without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
· ·
FlixBus+
· · Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Erie, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $80. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 11h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $80, and a train costs an average of $126.
Distance: 297 miles (478 km)
Most popular Bus | Train |
|---|---|
$141 Average price Cheapest | $305 Average price |
12h 49m Average total duration 12h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 25m Average total duration Fastest 11h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Philadelphia, PA to Erie, PA:
A bus is $164 (€134) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Erie, PA costing on average $305 (€250).
Other travel options to Erie, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 19m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:10AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 15h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $191 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
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 Philadelphia, PA to Erie, PA run on average 8 times per day, taking around 12h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $80 (€65) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 297 miles (478 km) distance in 13h 30m.
Distance 297 miles (478 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 (€65) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 13h 30m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Erie — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Erie trip today.
State museum interpreting Erie’s naval and maritime history, including the War of 1812 and the U.S. Brig Niagara. One of the city’s signature cultural attractions.
Hands-on children’s museum with interactive science, art, and play exhibits. Popular with families visiting downtown Erie.
Well-regarded regional art museum with permanent collections, rotating exhibitions, and a strong local cultural role in downtown Erie.
Erie’s signature natural attraction with beaches, trails, sunsets, and lake views. Essential for first-time visitors and highly popular with photographers.
Waterfront promenade area by the bay, home to major views, public art, and access to the Bicentennial Tower. A top place for walking and photos.
Scenic corridor along Erie’s waterfront connecting key attractions, viewpoints, and marina areas. Popular for driving, strolling, and sunset stops.
Lightly breaded or pan-fried yellow perch from Lake Erie, a classic regional fish dish prized for its mild flavor and local freshwater heritage.
A beloved local freshwater fish, often grilled, broiled, or fried. It is a staple around Erie because of the lake's long fishing tradition.
A long-running Erie favorite: natural-casing hot dogs with a distinctive snap, commonly served at local stands and cookouts.
A well-known fine dining restaurant focused on steaks, seafood, and contemporary American cuisine in an elegant historic setting.
A popular local restaurant serving Southern-inspired dishes, seafood, and creative specials in a lively, colorful atmosphere.
An established upscale spot in Erie known for polished American dining, seafood, steaks, and a refined but approachable atmosphere.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major coastal cities.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants; 20% for strong service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10%, and round up for cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Erie, 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 Erie, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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