Fastest way from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.: Flight, about 1h 25min (from €84). Cheapest: Bus, from €24 (about 2h 40min – 3h 5min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): FlixBus, Greyhound; main departure point: Philadelphia.
There are 2 ways to get from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.
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 | Philadelphia | €24 | 5 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Philadelphia | €25 | 7 |
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Practical tips
This is a short city-to-city hop, so you won't lose a whole day on the bus. Compare the table on this page first: the plane rarely makes sense unless you are already connecting through an airport.
Many US buses leave from a street corner, not a station. Read the boarding address on your confirmation, look it up on a map the day before, and arrive early so you don't board at the wrong place.
Washington can have more than one drop-off location. Check where your bus arrives and how it connects to the Metro, so your hotel or onward ticket is easy to reach on arrival.
A flight looks fast, but add the ride to the airport, security, boarding and the transfer into town. Check which airport your ticket uses at both ends before you book, as names can be confusing.
Fares are usually best a few days ahead or more. Avoid taking the last departure of the day, and leave generous time before any connection, since traffic on the corridor can cause delays.
The journey experience
Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. is one of the easiest hops on the Northeast Corridor, and you can decide in seconds which option suits you. This page puts bus and flight side by side in one clear table, so you can compare duration and price range without opening ten tabs.
The bus is the budget-friendly pick for most independent travellers. It runs city centre to city centre, so you skip airport security, check-in queues and the transfer at each end. Seats are usually comfortable enough for a short ride, with power outlets and Wi-Fi on many services. The plane exists for those who want the shortest time in the air, but once you add the trip to the airport, security and the ride into town, the gap with the bus shrinks a lot. For most visitors travelling without a car, the bus is the practical default.
To avoid mistakes, always check the exact pick-up and drop-off point on your e-ticket before you leave: in the US, a bus stop can be a street corner rather than a station, and Washington has several possible arrival points. If you fly, double-check the airport name too. Book a few days ahead for the best fares, keep a buffer if you have an onward connection, and you will arrive relaxed and on time.
Frequently asked questions — Philadelphia → Washington, D.C.
For most travellers without a car, the bus is the best choice: it is the cheapest option and goes from city centre to city centre. The plane is faster in the air, but airport transfers and security reduce its advantage on such a short route. Use the comparison table to decide.
By bus, the journey takes about 2 h 40 to 3 h 05, depending on traffic and the service. By plane, the flight itself is about 1 h 25, but remember to add time for getting to the airport, security and the transfer into the city at the other end.
Bus tickets start from €24, and typically go up to €26. Flights start from €84. Prices vary by date and how early you book, so the bus is clearly the budget option here. Booking ahead usually gives you the best fare.
The exact stop depends on the operator and the service you choose, and in the US it can be a street corner rather than a station. Always check the boarding and arrival addresses on your e-ticket, and look them up on a map before the day of travel.
Many bus services on this route are direct, and the flight is a single leg too. Details depend on the departure you pick, so check the booking page for any stop or change before you pay, especially if you have a tight onward connection.
Why visit Washington, D.C.?
- ✓ Stroll the National Mall and see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Capitol at sunset
- ✓ Explore the free Smithsonian museums, from the Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- ✓ Admire the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in spring
- ✓ Wander the historic cobblestone streets of Georgetown and walk along the Potomac waterfront
- ✓ Visit Arlington National Cemetery and watch the solemn Changing of the Guard
When to visit Washington, D.C.?
HUMID SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE
Late March to May, and September to November — mild temperatures, cherry blossoms in spring, vivid foliage in autumn
What to do in Washington, D.C.?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Washington, D.C.?
Plan 3 to 4 days to cover Washington properly. In 2 days you can see the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol and one or two Smithsonian museums; with 4 days you add Georgetown, Arlington Cemetery and a day trip to Mount Vernon or Old Town Alexandria. Book Capitol and White House tours weeks ahead and use the Metro to save time.
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