- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
Vast air and space museum displaying historic aircraft, spacecraft and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Cheapest price on 06 Sept
£19
Average ticket price on 06 Sept
£30
Fastest journey on 06 Sept
2 h 40 m
Average journey duration on 06 Sept
2 h 47 m
Buses on 06 Sept
22
Distance
199 km
The best way to find a cheap coach ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap coach tickets today for only £19.
On Sun 06 Sept, we found 22 buses from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC, including 20 direct services.
These direct buses cover the 199 km distance in an average of 2 h 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 40 m .
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
Gunther Charters Inc #110308 MC-128577
Bethany Line Tours LLC 4468146 MC-1763100
PPB 8640P
PPB 8600P
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
Gunther Charters Inc #110308 MC-128577Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 17m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £19, while a flight costs an average of £321.
Distance: 199 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£21 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £321 Average Price | £25 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 17m Average total duration Fastest 2h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 38m Average total duration 1h 38m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 40m 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 Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC:
A train is £2 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC costing on average £21.
A train is £302 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC costing on average £321.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 47m.
Coach takes on average 2h 58m.
Tickets start at around £21 compared to roughly £25 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £4. The journey takes 2h 58m versus 2h 40m 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.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC coaches for today, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated coach journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 0:05 Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h15 | 3:20 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 changesdirect | |
Bethany Line Tours LLC 4468146 MC-1763100 | 0:20 Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h20 | 3:40 Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) | 0 changesdirect | |
PPB 8600P | 1:50 Philadelphia Bus Terminal (1001 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA), PA | 3h25 | 5:15 Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 3:05 Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h55 | 6:00 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 changesdirect | |
PPB 8602P | 4:50 Philadelphia Bus Terminal (1001 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA), PA | 3h25 | 8:15 Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 5:00 Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h20 | 8:20 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 7:30 Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h05 | 10:35 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 10:00 Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h50 | 12:50 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 changesdirect | |
Bethany Line Tours LLC 4468146 MC-1763100 | 11:40 Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h40 | 15:20 Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus+![]() | 11:55 Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h50 | 15:45 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 change | |
![]() | 12:45 Philadelphia Bus Station | 5h30 | 18:15 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 14:30 Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h15 | 17:45 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 changesdirect | |
· | 15:30 Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h25 | 18:55 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 change | |
FlixBus | 17:15 Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h50 | 20:05 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 changesdirect | |
PPB 8640P | 17:15 Philadelphia Bus Terminal (1001 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, PA), PA | 3h50 | 21:05 Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 17:50 Philadelphia Bus Station | 4h05 | 21:55 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 18:30 Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h45 | 21:15 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 19:20 Philadelphia Bus Station | 3h15 | 22:35 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 changesdirect | |
FlixBus | 22:00 Philadelphia Bus Station | 2h40 | 0:40 Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach 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 Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £9 by train.
There are 16 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest coach covers the 199 km distance in 2h 40m.
Distance 199 km |
Average bus duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Buses per day 18 |
Direct buses 16 |
Fastest bus 2h 40m |
First bus 0:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
Vast air and space museum displaying historic aircraft, spacecraft and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Museum exploring the history, culture and contributions of African Americans through powerful exhibitions.
Leading art museum with European and American masterpieces, sculpture garden and free permanent collection.
Grand landscaped park linking memorials, museums and monuments, ideal for walking and classic city views.
Historic waterfront district with cobbled streets, canal paths, shops and scenic walks by the Potomac.
Vibrant neighbourhood known for murals, music venues, independent shops and one of the city’s liveliest streets.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chilli and toppings. It is a long-standing Washington street food linked to the city’s carry-outs.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet, tangy, slightly spicy condiment popular with fried chicken and chips in Washington carry-outs. It is a distinctive local takeaway staple.
Jumbo slice is an oversized pizza slice sold late at night in Washington, especially around nightlife areas. It is a local post-night-out food ritual.
Polished American dining with a focus on seasonal produce and Chesapeake influences. Sophisticated setting suited to a celebratory meal.
Refined Mid-Atlantic seafood restaurant known for oyster dishes, crab, and seasonal ingredients. Elegant but approachable atmosphere in Penn Quarter.
Beloved bakery and café serving Ethiopian coffee, pastries, and light meals. Relaxed community feel in Adams Morgan.
Washington is pricier than many US cities for hotels and dining near central sights, though museums are often free and public transport is reasonably priced.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants if service is not included, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or up to 10% in cafés.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC by coach. 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 coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Philadelphia, PA to Washington, DC buses use the Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal. Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) is 2 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park). ATMs are available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park).
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park).
Available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park): The bus stop is accessible with ramps.
Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack bars and vending machines are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are an ATM is available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station: The station is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South) is 1 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South).
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South).
Available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South): Wheelchair accessible area.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Shake Shack (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and food court.
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station.
Available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food courts and restaurants available inside.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the station. ATMs are aTM machines are located in the station.
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal.
Available at Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal: Wheelchair accessible ramps and restrooms.
Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) is 5 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station). ATMs are available at Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station).
Ticket office support is available at Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station).
Available at Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station): Wheelchair accessible entry and exits.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need