- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, famous for dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and major family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Cheapest price
$30
Average price
$35
Fastest journey
2 h 45 m
Average duration
2 h 50 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
199 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC will cost around $35 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
Of the 16 buses that leave Philadelphia, PA for Washington, DC on Wed, May 27, 14 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct buses cover the 199 km distance in an average of 2 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest buses will take 2 h 55 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
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio 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 $21. 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 $21, and a flight costs an average of $325.
Distance: 123 miles (199 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$30 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price | $494 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 $35 (€28).
A bus is $464 (€375) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC costing on average $494 (€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, Peter Pan Bus.
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 OurBus | Departure Time 12:20AM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Peter Pan Bus Lines | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00AM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
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 08:10AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
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, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator OurBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 06:15PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
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 $22 |
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 $22 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator OurBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC buses for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | |
![]() | 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 | |
![]() | 8:30 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h20 | 11:50 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 | |
| Wednesday, May 27 | |||||
FlixBus | 1:50 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h55 | 4:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
PPB 8600 | 1:50 AM Philadelphia, PA | 3h25 | 5:15 AM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:00 AM Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South), PA | 3h55 | 5:55 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:10 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h50 | 6:00 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
PPB 8602 | 4:50 AM Philadelphia, PA | 3h25 | 8:15 AM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:00 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h10 | 8:10 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
PPB 8604 | 8:00 AM Philadelphia, PA | 3h50 | 11:50 AM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:00 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h50 | 12:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+![]() | 11:45 AM Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South), PA | 4h00 | 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 | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 $21 (€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 $21 (€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, famous for dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and major family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to modern times, plus a celebrated sculpture garden and strong temporary exhibitions.
Iconic Smithsonian museum covering aviation and space exploration, with historic aircraft and spacecraft that make it a top draw in the city.
Washington’s signature civic landscape lined with museums and monuments, ideal for walking and the city’s top first-time visitor area.
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for cobblestone streets, rowhouses, shopping, and scenic walks along the canal and river.
Scenic walking area around the water framed by major memorials, especially famous during cherry blossom season.
Washington’s signature sausage, usually a coarse smoked pork-and-beef link served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet, tangy, slightly spicy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly served with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local condiment.
An oversized late-night pizza slice popular in nightlife areas of Washington, especially Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable local fast-food tradition.
An established, upscale-casual saloon near the White House known for oysters, crab cakes, and other classic Washington and Mid-Atlantic dishes.
Acclaimed Indian restaurant known for refined cooking and a polished dining room. A standout for one of Washington’s most celebrated restaurant experiences.
One of Washington’s best-known restaurants, offering classic French bistro fare in an elegant, energetic space that is popular with locals and visitors.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Washington Union Station, 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.

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