- Must visit
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Philadelphia’s flagship art museum, known for major global collections and the iconic east steps made famous in film. A top cultural stop with strong special exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$21
Average price
$34
Fastest journey
2 h 45 m
Average duration
2 h 48 m
Buses per day
29
Distance
199 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
Of the 29 buses that leave Washington, DC for Philadelphia, PA on Sun, May 24, 26 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 24 the direct buses cover the 199 km distance in an average of 2 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .
On Sun, May 24 the slowest buses will take 2 h 50 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.
Bethany Line Tours LLC 4468146 MC-1763100
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
Bethany Line Tours LLC 4468146 MC-1763100
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA 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 flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. 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 $333.
Distance: 123 miles (199 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$28 Average price Cheapest | $45 Average price | $522 Average price | $38 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 38m Average total duration 3h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 7m Average total duration 2h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 32m 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 |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA:
A bus is $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $45 (€36).
A bus is $494 (€400) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $522 (€423).
Other travel options to Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 37m.
Bus takes on average 3h 8m.
Tickets start at around $28 (€23) compared to roughly $38 (€31) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $10 (€8). The journey takes 3h 8m versus 2h 32m 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 Peter Pan Bus Lines | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 03:35AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator OurBus | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 10:55AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Peter Pan Bus Lines | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 3h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator OurBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Peter Pan Bus Lines | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator OurBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Peter Pan Bus Lines | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Peter Pan Bus Lines | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 02:20AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA buses for today, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:30 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3h15 | 6:45 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
Bethany Line Tours LLC 4468146 MC-1763100 | 4:40 AM Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) | 3h20 | 8:00 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:30 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 5h25 | 10:55 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:00 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2h45 | 8:45 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 7:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3h20 | 10:25 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 8:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3h10 | 11:45 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3h25 | 1:00 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3h10 | 1:45 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:55 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 4h10 | 3:05 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+![]() | 11:00 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 4h05 | 3:05 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 12:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3h10 | 3:45 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2h50 | 5:35 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
PPB 8741 | 3:00 PM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 4h00 | 7:00 PM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
PPB 8741 | 3:00 PM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 4h00 | 7:00 PM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
Bethany Line Tours LLC 4468146 MC-1763100 | 5:00 PM Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) | 3h40 | 8:40 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:20 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3h50 | 10:10 PM Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South), PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 6:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3h20 | 10:10 PM Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South), PA | 1 transfer | |
PPB 8765 | 9:00 PM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 3h25 | 12:25 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
PPB 8765 | 9:00 PM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 3h25 | 12:25 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2h50 | 12:25 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2h45 | 2:20 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, May 24 | |||||
PPB 8774 | 12:00 AM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 3h25 | 3:25 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
PPB 8774 | 12:00 AM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 3h25 | 3:25 AM Philadelphia, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2h50 | 3:35 AM Philadelphia Bus 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 Washington, DC to Philadelphia, PA run on average 17 times per day, taking around 3h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) 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 45m.
Distance 123 miles (199 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 17 |
Direct buses 15 |
Fastest bus 2h 45m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Philadelphia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Philadelphia trip today.
Philadelphia’s flagship art museum, known for major global collections and the iconic east steps made famous in film. A top cultural stop with strong special exhibitions.
Renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early modern art displayed in an intimate, distinctive installation. Highly regarded for both art quality and presentation.
Major science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and the famous giant heart. Especially popular with families and visitors seeking hands-on experiences.
Historic public market and one of the city’s busiest gathering places, valued for atmosphere, local culture, and classic Philadelphia energy.
Elegant central square surrounded by shops, residences, and leafy paths. One of the city’s best places to relax, people-watch, and enjoy urban scenery.
Historic neighborhood packed with colonial-era streetscapes, major heritage sites, galleries, and lively pedestrian areas. Ideal for walking and first visits.
Philadelphia’s signature sandwich of thin-sliced beef on a long roll, usually topped with fried onions and cheese such as provolone, American, or Cheese Whiz.
A classic South Philadelphia sandwich with slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe on an Italian roll; many locals consider it the city’s best sandwich.
A local street-food staple, Philadelphia soft pretzels are denser and chewier than other styles and are often eaten plain or with mustard.
Historic public market with many established Philadelphia food vendors. Ideal for trying local specialties like roast pork, cheesesteaks, pretzels, and baked goods in a lively setting.
Widely acclaimed modern Israeli restaurant known for polished service, creative mezze, and a destination-worthy dining experience.
Beloved no-frills institution celebrated for both roast pork sandwiches and excellent cheesesteaks; a classic choice for traditional local fare.
Moderate by major U.S. city standards. Hotels can be pricey in Center City, but casual food and transit are reasonable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Buses are the most convenient and comfortable mode of transport, especially if you are traveling by bus from DC to Philadelphia. DC is the country's capital, and many people travel to the city for many reasons, including business, leisure, and education. Several bus companies ferry people from DC to Philadelphia, and they offer multiple amenities in their buses to ensure their passengers are as comfortable as possible. The amenities include onboard entertainment, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, reclining seats for extra comfort, and reduced fares. There are at least ten buses available daily to ferry people from DC to Philadelphia. Some buses will charge transportation fees of as low as nine dollars for the trip.
The journey from Washington DC to Philadelphia by bus is approximately 123 miles (199 km), which takes 3h 30min by bus on average. Some bus companies allow their passengers to track the bus's exact location during the trip, and the passengers expect the bus to arrive in Philadelphia. However, there may be some changes in the scheduled arrival time because of terrible weather or traffic on the route. Book with Omio and have a chance of comparing different buses: prices and time of departure.
There are 13 buses from Dc to Philadelphia in a single day. Some of the buses take direct routes with no stopovers delaying journeys that might bring many changes along the way. The earliest bus leaves DC at midnight, while the last bus for the day leaves at 11.00 p.m.

Washington DC Panoramic. Source: Shutterstock
Departure bus station: Buses on the DC-Philadelphia route depart L'Enfant Plaza or Dupont Circle. L’Enfant Plaza is located on 600 Maryland Avenue SW Washington, DC 20024. It offers daily parking options and internet. Travelers can get to the station by walking if they are in Washington. Travelers from other areas can take a taxi or the bus to the station. Dupont Circle is located on 152 20th St. NW Washington, DC 20036. It is accessible by bus or trains depending on where travelers are coming from.
Arrival bus station: When the bus arrives in Philadelphia from DC, they go to the Greyhound Bus Terminal. Greyhound terminal offers passengers various amenities such as restrooms, parking garages, and vending machines for a quick bite. The bus station is popular and serves different intercity bus companies from DC, including the Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines. The Greyhound Bus station is in a strategic place, a walking distance from Reading Terminal Market or the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Four bus companies travel from Washington DC to Philadelphia, and they include The Greyhound, Our Bus, Peter Pan Line, and FlixBus US. The number of trips per company, the average time, and the price for each varies from company to company. The company that takes the most trips is the Greyhound, with an average of five bus trips per day and an average time of 3h 50min for each trip.
FlixBus US has the second number of journeys taking four trips per day and each taking an average of 2h 50min each trip. Peter Pan Line and OurBus take the least number of trips per day, taking two and one trips respectively and an average time of three hours per trip. Some bus companies will require a change from time to time during the journey to Philadelphia. Omio will help you book your ticket and secure your most preferred seat.
Philadelphia is a beautiful city in Pennsylvania. It is full of amazing things to do for sole traveler's couples and families. People traveling from DC by bus will only take an average time of 3h 30min. The bus is convenient because there is usually too much traffic, especially on the one-way streets. During the less busy seasons of the year, and during the fall and spring, the Hotel's rooms get charged fair prices and they are very clean and accommodating.
Despite the above, there is several other attraction in Philadelphia, for example, the eastern state penitentiary which is the oldest prison that offers tours and exhibition, the liberty bell a symbol for Americans freedom, The Philadelphia zoo home for many animals and also acts as an education center, the Franklin institute which is ideal for people who are into interactive science and parents traveling with their kids. It doesn't matter why you travel from DC to Philadelphia; you will enjoy your stay, however long or short.
It makes at least five trips from DC to Philadelphia. They provide free Wi-Fi to their travelers and drinks and snacks for a small fee. The seats have adequate leg room to stretch.

Washington DC Traffic. Source: Shutterstock
Greyhound is the most preferred bus company by frequent DC and Philadelphia routes. They offer the cheapest ride and also have the most trips per day. The company has at least five buses per day and can book a ticket for any time of the day, starting at 12.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. The trips only take 3h 45min on average to cover a distance of 123 miles (199 km) from Washington DC to Philadelphia.
They also offer the most affordable rides for each trip. Greyhound Company also has the best and polite drivers who drive carefully and ensure everyone on the bus is comfortable. The Greyhound fleet also ensures the safety of the passengers is their number one goal. For a decade, the Department of Transportation has named the company number one regarding protection after their regular Compliance checks.
They provide low-cost tickets and only offer one trip to DC to Philadelphia. Their buses are modern, equipped with Wi-Fi, restrooms, and comfortable recliner seats. You can also charge your phone on the bus and get free drinking water on the bus.
They provide two busses daily from DC to Philadelphia. Their busses have free Wi-Fi and recliner seats with a leg allowance. The bus stops at the Philadelphia bus terminal.
Buses that travel from DC to Philadelphia offer the best onboard services to their passengers. For instance, the Greyhound offers the best onboard entertainment, including TV shows, Over 30 movies from different games, and free high connectivity Wi-Fi. In addition, all the buses come with personal power outlets and comfortable reclining leather seats that offer good head and legroom to accommodate every passenger. You will get window seats or an aisle seat as there are no middle seats on the bus.
The buses also offer spacious overhead storage for your luggage. The buses provide onboard restrooms to avoid delays caused by restroom breaks throughout the journey. Some buses also provide access for the disabled and on wheelchairs. However, most bus companies do not allow any pets on board apart from service animals. Therefore, the disabled person should train and accompany the service animals to travel comfortably with no additional charges. Some buses allow bikes on board, but they are oversized luggage likely to be charged. The bikes are permitted on the bus if they get appropriately packaged in their boxes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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