Fastest way from Boston to Philadelphia: Flight, about 1h 33min (from €160). Cheapest: Bus, from €47 (about 6h 20min – 7h 45min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): FlixBus, Greyhound, JetBlue; main departure point: Boston South Station.
There are 2 ways to get from Boston to Philadelphia
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 6, 2026 for a departure on November 27, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | Bus | Boston South Station | €47 | 7 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Boston South Station | €52 | 13 |
| JetBlue | Flight | Boston Airport | €160 | 4 |
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Practical tips
Look at the comparison table before booking. If your day is flexible and your budget is tight, the bus works well. If you have a tight schedule or a connection afterwards, the flight avoids losing a whole day.
Some US buses board at a station, others at a street curb. Read your e-ticket carefully, check the address on a map the day before, and look for the operator's signage on arrival so you do not miss the departure.
Boston Logan and Philadelphia International are the main airports for this route. Confirm both airport codes on your booking, then plan the ride into town at the other end so you do not end up at the wrong terminal.
A flight looks quick on paper, but add the ride to the airport, security, boarding and the trip into the city. Compare that total with the bus, which leaves and arrives closer to downtown.
Choose a morning departure so you arrive in daylight and still have later options if something goes wrong. Booking early usually gives better fares, especially on weekends and holidays, and avoids stress over the last departure of the day.
The journey experience
Boston to Philadelphia is a long hop by US standards, and the real question is whether to spend most of a day on the road or take a short flight. This page sets bus and flight side by side so you can see at a glance which one suits your budget and your schedule.
The bus is the budget pick: it links city centre to city centre, you book an e-ticket online, and you can rest or catch up on work along the way. The flight is the fast option when time is tight, but remember to add airport transfers, security and baggage rules at both ends. Both are bookable online with instant confirmation.
Our advice: if savings matter and your day is flexible, take the bus, ideally an early departure so you arrive in daylight. If time matters more, fly. Always check whether your bus leaves from a station or a street stop, and which airport your flight uses. Book ahead for better fares and keep your ticket on your phone.
Frequently asked questions — Boston → Philadelphia
It depends on your priorities. The bus is the cheapest choice and takes you from city centre to city centre, which suits flexible budget travellers. The plane is the fastest option and makes sense if you are short on time. Compare both in the table on this page and pick what fits your day.
By bus, the journey takes about 6 h to 8 h depending on the departure, traffic and stops. By plane, the flight itself lasts roughly 1 h 35 to 1 h 40. For the plane, remember to add time for airport transfers, security and boarding on top of the flying time.
Bus tickets start from 47 € and typically go up to 55 €. Flights start from 160 € and typically go up to 161 €. The bus is clearly the cheaper option. Prices vary with the date and how early you book, so check live fares on the booking page before you decide.
In Boston, the main departure point is the South Station Bus Terminal in the city centre. In Philadelphia, the arrival stop depends on the operator and departure you choose. Your e-ticket shows the exact boarding and drop-off points, so check it and the address on a map before travelling.
It depends on the departure you pick. Search results on the booking page show whether each bus or flight is direct or includes a stop or change. If you want the simplest journey, filter for direct options and check the details before you pay.
Why visit Philadelphia?
- ✓ Walk through Independence Hall and see the Liberty Bell, birthplaces of American democracy
- ✓ Climb the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and browse its world-class collections
- ✓ Taste an authentic cheesesteak at Pat's or Geno's in South Philly, then graze the Reading Terminal Market
- ✓ Stroll the colorful Magic Gardens and the murals of the Mural Arts Philadelphia tours
- ✓ Wander cobblestone Elfreth's Alley and the Old City, then enjoy the Delaware River waterfront at Spruce Street Harbor Park
When to visit Philadelphia?
HUMID CONTINENTAL CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — mild, pleasant temperatures, less humidity than summer and colorful fall foliage
What to do in Philadelphia?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Philadelphia?
Plan 3 days to cover the essentials: Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Old City and the Museum of Art on day one and two, then Reading Terminal Market, Magic Gardens and a mural walk on day three. With only 2 days, stick to the historic district and one major museum. Book Independence Hall timed tickets ahead and stay in Center City so you can walk almost everywhere.
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