Fastest way from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia: Flight, about 1h 10min (from €77). Cheapest: Bus, from €23 (about 2h 45min – 3h 15min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): FlixBus, Greyhound, United Airlines; main departure point: Washington Union Station.
There are 2 ways to get from Washington, D.C. 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 | Washington Union Station | €23 | 5 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Washington Union Station | €27 | 6 |
| United Airlines | Flight | Washington Dulles Airport | €176 | 3 |
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Practical tips
For this short East Coast hop, the bus is usually the sensible choice. You avoid airport transfers and security queues, so you won't lose a day travelling when a short flight wouldn't really save you anything.
Before leaving, open your e-ticket and read the departure address. Some buses pick up on a street curb, not in a terminal. Search the address on a map app so you don't end up at the wrong stop.
A flight makes sense mainly if you already have a ticket that connects through one of the airports or your timing is very tight. Otherwise, airport transfers and check-in usually erase the benefit.
Be at the pickup point well before departure, especially with luggage. Buses can load quickly and leave on time, and arriving early gives you a buffer if you need to find the right boarding spot.
Fares tend to rise as departure approaches, particularly on Fridays and Sundays. Book online early and keep your instant e-ticket on your phone, with a screenshot as backup in case of weak signal.
The journey experience
Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia is one of the easiest city pairs on the East Coast, and you can decide quickly: the bus is the budget pick for most independent travellers, while the plane only makes sense in rare cases. The comparison table on this page puts duration, price range and frequency side by side so you can choose in seconds.
By bus, you get a straight run up the I-95 corridor with comfortable reclining seats, onboard Wi-Fi on many coaches and room for a suitcase. Buses leave throughout the day, and several companies serve the route, so you can pick a departure that fits your plans. The flight is quicker in the air, but you still have to get to the airport, clear security and then travel from the airport into the city at the other end, which often cancels out the advantage over a city-centre-to-city-centre bus.
Your best move is to book the bus online ahead of time, check the exact departure stop on your e-ticket and keep it on your phone. In the US, bus stops can be on a street corner rather than inside a station, so always confirm the address before you head out. Choose a flight only if you have a tight schedule or a connecting international flight. Otherwise, relax: this is a simple, well-served route.
Frequently asked questions — Washington, D.C. → Philadelphia
For most travellers the bus is the better choice: it is cheaper, runs from city centre to city centre and avoids airport procedures. The flight is faster in the air, around 1 h 10, but check-in, security and transfers usually cancel out that advantage. Fly only if you have a connection or a very tight schedule.
The bus takes roughly 2 h 45 to 3 h 15 depending on traffic and the time of day. The flight itself lasts about 1 h 10 to 1 h 15, but that doesn't include getting to the airport, boarding and reaching the city centre on arrival, so the total door-to-door gap is much smaller.
Bus tickets start from €23 and typically go up to €28, which makes the bus the budget option. Flights start from €77 and typically reach up to €203, depending on date and how early you book. Booking early generally gets you the lower end of these ranges.
Departure and arrival points depend on the company you book with, and some stops are on a street rather than inside a station. Always read the pickup and drop-off addresses on your e-ticket before travelling, and look them up on a map so you head to the right place.
Many services on this route are direct, so you can usually stay on the same bus from start to finish. The booking page shows each departure, and any connection would be indicated before you pay. Check the details of your chosen trip to be sure.
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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