Bus from New York, NY to Philadelphia, PA

Travel Guide: New York to Philadelphia by Bus 

Embark on a journey that takes you from the vibrant, fast-paced streets of New York City to the historic and culturally rich heart of Philadelphia. Travelling with Greyhound offers both comfort and convenience, as you journey between two of America’s most iconic cities. In just about an hour and a half, you’ll experience the shift from New York’s dynamic energy to Philadelphia’s captivating blend of heritage and character. 

In this guide, you’ll find useful tips to help make your trip from NYC to Philly as smooth and enjoyable as possible. 

Departing from New York City 

Greyhound offers several convenient departure points across New York City, including major locations such as the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Chinatown, and Midtown. To ensure a smooth start to your trip, plan to arrive at your stop at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Here’s how you can get to your Greyhound departure point in NYC: 

The Subway System 

New York City’s subway is the most efficient way to travel around the city, running 24 hours a day and covering all five boroughs. With its extensive network, the subway is often the fastest option for reaching your Greyhound stop, particularly during busy traffic periods. Remember to check for any planned service changes, especially late at night or on weekends. 

The Bus System 

The city’s bus network offers another reliable way to reach your Greyhound stop, ideal if you prefer staying above ground. Buses can be helpful for shorter trips or when travelling with luggage, though it’s worth factoring in possible traffic delays, especially in Manhattan. 

Taxis 

Taxis are easy to find throughout New York City. If you’re in a hurry or have heavy bags, hailing a cab may be the simplest choice. Just look for one with its rooftop light on to indicate availability. While they may not always be the quickest option during rush hours, taxis offer the convenience of direct, door-to-door service. 

Ride-Sharing Services 

Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are widely available in NYC and provide a flexible alternative to taxis. Booking through your phone makes them especially useful if you’re travelling with others or need to be picked up from a specific location. 

Arriving in Philadelphia and Getting Around the City 

When you arrive in Philadelphia with Greyhound, you’ll find several convenient drop-off points both near the city centre and in outlying areas. Once you step into the City of Brotherly Love, a wide range of transport options makes it easy to reach your final destination and start exploring everything this historic city has to offer. 

Public Transportation: SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) 

Philadelphia’s public transport, run by SEPTA, is one of the most extensive systems in the country. Covering the city and its suburbs, SEPTA operates buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail lines, even connecting to transit systems in Delaware and New Jersey. Wherever you’re headed, it’s easy to get around. 

Broad Street Line 

This subway line is the best way to travel south to Philadelphia’s Sports Complex, cultural venues on the Avenue of the Arts, and the restaurants of South Philly. It offers a direct and simple way to reach major attractions and events. 

Market-Frankford Line (The "El") 

Ideal for getting across the city, this east-west subway line connects popular neighbourhoods like Northern Liberties, Old City, University City, and Rittenhouse Square. It’s quick, convenient, and reaches many of Philadelphia’s must-see spots. 

Regional Rail 

SEPTA’s Regional Rail makes travelling beyond the city centre easy. With service to suburbs such as Manayunk, Chestnut Hill, and Ardmore, it’s perfect for exploring the wider Philadelphia area. 

Buses 

SEPTA’s extensive bus network covers over 120 routes, including Night Owl services running 24/7. Buses provide great coverage of the city and surrounding areas, offering another convenient way to get to your destination. 

Using SEPTA 

The SEPTA Key card makes travelling simple. This reloadable card works across all SEPTA services and also supports contactless payments, ensuring easy access to the entire network. 

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services 

For those seeking more direct transport, Philadelphia offers both taxis and ride-sharing options. 

Taxis 

Taxis are easy to find across the city, especially at transport hubs like 30th Street Station. Designated taxi stands and street icons mark frequent pick-up spots. For added peace of mind, using trusted companies such as Streamline Taxi Service, Phila Taxicab Service, and OnCabs Philadelphia is recommended. 

Ride-Sharing 

Services like Uber and Lyft are readily available, offering flexible travel at your fingertips. Booking through the app makes it easy to arrange pick-ups from specific locations and travel around the city on your own schedule. 

Walking Around Center City 

Philadelphia’s compact and walkable layout makes it one of the best cities in the U.S. to explore on foot. Center City spans just 25 blocks between the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers, with a straightforward grid pattern. Helpful "Walk! Philadelphia" signs and uniformed guides from the Center City District make navigating simple and safe. 

Biking in Philadelphia 

Cycling is another excellent way to discover the city. With over 400 miles of bike lanes and trails, Philadelphia is very bike-friendly. The Indego bike-share programme offers more than 1,300 bikes at over 140 stations citywide. Available 24/7, Indego bikes can be rented easily using a credit card or prepaid key, perfect for short trips or longer rides.