- Must visit
Strawbery Banke Museum
Outdoor history museum with preserved homes, gardens, and exhibits that interpret centuries of life in Portsmouth.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Portsmouth, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $55, and a flight costs an average of $396.
Distance: 223 miles (360 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$55 Average price Cheapest | $142 Average price | $396 Average price | $55 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 0m Average total duration Fastest 5h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 36m Average total duration 7h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 20m Average total duration 10h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 0m 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 Portsmouth, VA:
A bus is $87 (€71) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Portsmouth, VA costing on average $142 (€116).
A bus is $341 (€278) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Portsmouth, VA costing on average $396 (€323).
Other travel options to Portsmouth, VA take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 6m.
Flight takes on average 10h 20m.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $55 |
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 Portsmouth, VA run on average 16 times per day, taking around 5h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 (€45) if you book in advance.
There are 6 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 223 miles (360 km) distance in 5h 30m.
Distance 223 miles (360 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€45) |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 5h 30m |
First bus 12:50 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
Outdoor history museum with preserved homes, gardens, and exhibits that interpret centuries of life in Portsmouth.
Historic performing arts venue offering tours that highlight architecture, restoration, and cultural history in downtown Portsmouth.
Historic house museum linked to Portsmouth's colonial era, with period furnishings and local historical interpretation.
Waterfront park with gardens, river views, and seasonal events, popular for walking and relaxing near downtown.
Lively historic square at the heart of Portsmouth, ideal for exploring nearby streets, shops, and architecture.
Self-guided walking route connecting many of the city's key historic sites, plaques, and scenic waterfront spots.
A New England classic of chilled lobster meat in a buttered, toasted split-top roll, especially popular on the New Hampshire Seacoast.
Creamy chowder with clams, potatoes, and onions, a staple across coastal New England and commonly served in Portsmouth.
Ipswich-style whole-belly clams, lightly breaded and fried, are a beloved regional seafood dish found at Seacoast seafood spots.
Popular bistro and bar known for creative small plates, excellent cocktails, and a lively but polished atmosphere.
Long-running Portsmouth favorite specializing in fresh seafood, raw bar offerings, and a bustling classic neighborhood feel.
Well-regarded seafood restaurant and oyster bar known for fresh shellfish, lobster rolls, and an upscale but relaxed setting.
Moderate for U.S. travelers. Casual dining and coffee are reasonable, but hotels and seafood spots can cost more in peak season.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 15-20% in bars. USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff, round up taxis, and tip delivery drivers 15-20%.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Portsmouth, VA 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 Portsmouth, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need