- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.


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Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$44
Fastest journey
2h 40m
Average duration
3h 30m
Buses per day
12
Distance
197 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 47m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $319.
Distance: 123 miles (199 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $34 Average price | $485 Average price | $34 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 17m Average total duration Fastest 2h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 37m Average total duration 3h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC costing on average $34 (€28).
A bus is $456 (€375) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC costing on average $485 (€399).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 58m.
Flight takes on average 3h 37m.
Tickets start at around $30 (€24) compared to roughly $34 (€28) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $4 (€3). The journey takes 2h 58m versus 2h 40m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Greyhound, Infobus, Peter Pan Bus Lines.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator OurBus | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Peter Pan Bus Lines | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Peter Pan Bus Lines | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Peter Pan Bus Lines | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator OurBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Peter Pan Bus Lines | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator OurBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC buses for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 10:00 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h50 | 12:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Bethany Line Tours LLC 4468146 MC-1763100 | 11:40 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h40 | 3:20 PM Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+![]() | 11:55 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h50 | 3:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:45 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 5h30 | 6:15 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:30 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h15 | 5:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 3:30 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h25 | 6:55 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 5:15 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h50 | 8:05 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
PPB 8640P | 5:15 PM Philadelphia Bus Terminal (1001 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA), PA | 3h50 | 9:05 PM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:50 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 4h05 | 9:55 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:30 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h45 | 9:15 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:20 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h15 | 10:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:00 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h40 | 12:40 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, July 12 | |||||
![]() | 12:05 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h15 | 3:20 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Bethany Line Tours LLC 4468146 MC-1763100 | 12:20 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h20 | 3:40 AM Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
PPB 8600P | 1:50 AM Philadelphia Bus Terminal (1001 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA), PA | 3h25 | 5:15 AM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:05 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h55 | 6:00 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
PPB 8602P | 4:50 AM Philadelphia Bus Terminal (1001 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA), PA | 3h25 | 8:15 AM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:00 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h15 | 8:15 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
PPB 8604P | 8:00 AM Philadelphia Bus Terminal (1001 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA), PA | 3h50 | 11:50 AM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:30 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h05 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Washington, DC run on average 17 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€17) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by train.
There are 15 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 123 miles (199 km) distance in 2h 40m.
Distance 123 miles (199 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€17) |
Buses per day 17 |
Direct buses 15 |
Fastest bus 2h 40m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Flagship Smithsonian museum covering aviation and spaceflight, with iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and major interactive exhibits.
Premier art museum with strong collections from the Middle Ages to modern art, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s grand ceremonial park lined with Smithsonian museums, memorials, and iconic government buildings.
Historic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, waterfront walks, rowhouses, and some of Washington’s most photogenic corners.
Scenic waterside loop famous for cherry blossoms and views of major memorials, especially popular for sunrise and spring visits.
Washington’s signature sausage, usually smoky and spicy, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet-tangy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken wings and fries. It is a local comfort-food staple.
Steamed or picked blue crab from the nearby Chesapeake region is deeply tied to local food traditions. It is especially popular in warmer months.
Celebrated upscale restaurant with creative small plates and a warm, energetic atmosphere. It is one of Washington’s best-known modern dining destinations.
A classic, long-running Washington institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and traditional American fare in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Bustling brasserie known for polished French classics, strong brunch, and a stylish dining room that is popular with both locals and visitors.
Prices are high for hotels and dining, especially downtown. Free museums help balance daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC buses use the Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Shake Shack (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and food court.
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station.
Available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need