Checked offer from New York City to Philadelphia: Bus, about 1h 40min – 2h 5min, from €18. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): FlixBus, Greyhound, Elife; main departure point: NY W 31st St Bus Stop.
One option to get from New York City 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | NY W 31st St Bus Stop | €18 | 22 |
| Greyhound | Bus | NY Port Authority Bus Station | €18 | 19 |
| Elife | Van / transfer | €428 | 1 |
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Practical tips
Between two nearby city centres, the bus usually beats a flight once you add airport transfers, security and the stopover. Choose a flight only if it fits an itinerary you already have, such as an onward connection.
In New York, buses do not all leave from the same place. Some use a terminal, others a street stop. Read the pickup address on your e-ticket and look it up on a map before you leave your hotel.
Fares tend to rise as departure approaches, especially on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. Booking a few days ahead usually secures the cheapest seats and gives you a ticket on your phone straight away.
Traffic leaving New York can be heavy, particularly at rush hour and on holiday weekends. Avoid the very last bus of the day for a time-sensitive plan, and keep a buffer before any onward connection or hotel check-in.
Philadelphia is served by more than one drop-off point, and the airport is separate from the city centre. Check the arrival address on your ticket so you can plan your onward ride to your hotel or the train network.
The journey experience
Wondering how to get from New York to Philadelphia without wasting a day? Good news: this is one of the easiest city pairs in the United States for an independent traveller. The two cities are close, so the real question is not whether you need a plane, but which option fits your budget and your arrival point. The table on this page compares bus and flight side by side on duration and price, so you can decide in seconds.
The bus is the straightforward choice for most visitors. Services run all day, the seats are comfortable enough for a short hop, and you usually get Wi-Fi and power outlets on board. You travel from city centre to city centre, with no airport security and no long transfers. A flight with a stopover exists too, but it only makes sense if it happens to line up with an itinerary you already have, for example a long-haul arrival or an onward connection.
My advice: check the departure stop on your e-ticket before you leave, because in New York some buses leave from a terminal and others from a street location. Book a few days ahead for the lowest fares, arrive a little early, and keep your ticket on your phone. Once you have done it, you will see how simple this trip really is, and you can enjoy Philadelphia from the moment you arrive.
Frequently asked questions — New York City → Philadelphia
For most travellers, the bus is the best option. It runs city centre to city centre, avoids airport procedures and is the cheapest choice. A flight with a stopover exists, but it is slower overall and only useful if it connects to an itinerary you already have.
By bus, the journey takes about 1 h 40 to 2 h 05 depending on traffic and the departure point. A flight with a stopover takes around 2 h 40 in total, and that is before you add the transfers to and from the airports.
Bus tickets start from €18, and typical fares go up to about €21. Booking a few days ahead helps you get the lowest fare.
It depends on the operator. Some buses leave from a terminal in Manhattan, while others pick up at a street stop. Your e-ticket states the exact departure address, so check it and locate it on a map before you head out.
The bus is a single journey from New York to Philadelphia, so you do not need to plan a connection yourself. The flight option involves a stopover, which adds a change of plane and extra time at the airport.
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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