- Must visit
Palmer Museum of Art
Penn State’s art museum with American and European works, rotating exhibitions, and a prominent new building on campus. A top cultural stop in State College.
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$77
Fastest journey
4 h 15 m
Average duration
4 h 52 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
247 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA to State College, PA will cost around $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Of the 8 buses that leave Philadelphia, PA for State College, PA on Sat, Jun 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 247 km distance in an average of 4 h 52 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 15 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 6 h 20 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.
FlixBus
FAB 204
FAB 204 · FAB 605
· 
FAB 204
FlixBus
661 Keystone Service · 8693 AMTRAK
FAB 204 · FAB 605Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to State College, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, and a flight costs an average of $357.
Distance: 153 miles (247 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$63 Average price Cheapest | $77 Average price | $516 Average price |
5h 0m Average total duration 4h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 3h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 35m Average total duration 7h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Philadelphia, PA to State College, PA:
A bus is $14 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to State College, PA costing on average $77 (€63).
A bus is $453 (€371) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to State College, PA costing on average $516 (€423).
Other travel options to State College, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 30m.
Flight takes on average 7h 35m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 18h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 21h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Fullington Trailways | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:45PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $43 |
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to State College, PA buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 8:30 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 7h50 | 4:20 PM State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 9:00 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 4h15 | 1:15 PM State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station), PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 12:05 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 7h15 | 7:20 PM State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station), PA | 1 transfer | |
FAB 204 · FAB 605 | 2:00 PM Philadelphia, PA | 6h20 | 8:20 PM State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA | 1 transfer | |
FAB 204 | 2:00 PM Philadelphia, PA | 4h30 | 6:30 PM State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station), PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:15 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 4h35 | 6:50 PM State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:15 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 7h35 | 1:50 AM State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA | 1 transfer | |
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 State College, PA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $40 (€33) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:55, the last at 22:00. The fastest bus covers the 153 miles (247 km) distance in 3h 45m.
Distance 153 miles (247 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€33) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 45m |
First bus 1:55 AM |
Last bus 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 49 days |
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 American and European works, rotating exhibitions, and a prominent new building on campus. A top cultural stop in State College.
A museum inside Beaver Stadium covering Penn State athletics history, iconic teams, and major athletes. Especially worthwhile for sports fans and visitors touring campus.
A regional art museum in nearby Bellefonte featuring local history, community exhibitions, and rotating art shows. Worth the short trip for travelers exploring beyond campus.
A beautifully landscaped arboretum with themed gardens, walking paths, and seasonal color. One of the most photogenic and relaxing places in State College.
The main university campus is the defining area of State College, with memorable architecture, open greens, and lively student energy. Essential for first-time visitors.
The central district for walking, people-watching, shopping, and experiencing the college-town atmosphere. It is especially active on weekends and event days.
A central Pennsylvania breakfast pastry: sweet cinnamon rolls baked sticky with syrup, long associated with local diners and Penn State traditions.
A regional soup-like stew with square noodles, chicken, and vegetables. It is a classic comfort dish in nearby Pennsylvania Dutch country.
A traditional Pennsylvania Dutch molasses crumb pie with a rich, sweet filling. It is one of the best-known heritage desserts in the region.
A well-known local brewpub with house beers, pizza, and pub fare, valued for its relaxed atmosphere and loyal local following.
A popular restaurant offering Southern-inspired dishes and cocktails in a stylish but approachable setting near downtown.
A long-established downtown restaurant known for classic American meals, Penn State history, and a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. college towns. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and event weekends can cost much more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotel housekeeping: USD 2-5 per night. Not expected for counter service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA 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.

Most Philadelphia, PA to State College, PA buses use the Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) to State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair, with some services arriving at State College. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and State College, PA 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