- Must visit
Delaware Art Museum
Major art museum known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection, American illustration, and sculpture garden.
Cheapest price
$146
Average price
$151
Fastest journey
13 h 30 m
Average duration
15 h 28 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
683 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC 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 Wilmington, NC will cost around $151 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $146.
It's difficult to get from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus+
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FlixBus+
· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $333.
Distance: 424 miles (683 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$143 Average price Cheapest | $213 Average price | $490 Average price | $106 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 15m Average total duration 12h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 35m Average total duration 11h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 5m 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 Wilmington, NC:
A bus is $70 (€58) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC costing on average $213 (€175).
A bus is $347 (€286) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC costing on average $490 (€403).
Other travel options to Wilmington, NC take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 5m.
Bus takes on average 12h 45m.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 12:50AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 14h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $112 |
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC buses for today, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · | 7:20 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 13h30 | 8:50 AM Wilmington, Forden Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 10:30 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 19h20 | 5:50 PM Wilmington, Forden Station | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, July 13 | |||||
· | 12:50 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 13h35 | 2:25 PM Wilmington, Forden Station | 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 Wilmington, NC run on average 8 times per day, taking around 12h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $68 (€56) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 23:20. The fastest bus covers the 424 miles (683 km) distance in 12h 35m.
Distance 424 miles (683 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€56) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 12h 35m |
First bus 12:50 AM |
Last bus 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Wilmington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wilmington trip today.
Major art museum known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection, American illustration, and sculpture garden.
Renowned museum of American decorative arts set on a grand estate with extensive gardens.
Historic industrial museum on the Brandywine showcasing the DuPont powder yards, mills, and estate grounds.
Popular waterfront district with a scenic promenade, entertainment venues, and frequent social-media appeal.
Large urban park with river views, walking paths, and access to the Brandywine Zoo area.
Hilltop park known for open lawns, skyline views, and the iconic Rockford Tower.
Slow-smoked pork shoulder, usually chopped or pulled and dressed with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. It reflects the strong North Carolina barbecue influence found around Wilmington.
Whole-hog style barbecue seasoned with peppery vinegar sauce. It is a classic regional tradition widely associated with coastal and eastern North Carolina.
Lightly battered and fried shrimp, fish, or oysters served in generous platters. This coastal style is a southeastern North Carolina staple and very popular around Wilmington.
Well-known downtown restaurant focused on North Carolina ingredients, local seafood, and refined Southern cooking in an intimate setting.
Respected restaurant in a historic pharmacy building, known for seasonal Southern fare, craft cocktails, and a polished but approachable atmosphere.
Established riverfront seafood restaurant known for oysters, fresh catch, and a lively casual atmosphere in historic downtown Wilmington.
Prices are moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels vary by season, while casual dining and coffee are reasonably priced.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants for table service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, NC 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 Wilmington, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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