Philadelphia, PA, USA to Columbus, OH, USA from $37: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Philadelphia to Columbus: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$37 - Train, BusBest price
758 kmDistance
4h 40m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Philadelphia to Columbus with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Philadelphia - Columbus operators
Explore transport companies operating between Philadelphia and Columbus, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
aa.com
Plane from Philadelphia, PA (PHL) to Columbus, OH (CMH)
Average Duration
1h 40mEstimated price
$372-31010Website
flyfrontier.com
Plane from Philadelphia, PA (PHL) to Columbus, OH (CMH)
Average Duration
1h 39mEstimated price
$3102-3100Website
delta.com
Plane from Philadelphia, PA (PHL) to Columbus, OH (CMH) via Detroit
Average Duration
3h 51mEstimated price
$3108-3100Website
united.com
Plane from Philadelphia, PA (PHL) to Columbus, OH (CMH) via Washington Dulles
Average Duration
3h 36mEstimated price
$200-3104Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia to Pittsburgh Amtrak Station
Average Duration
7h 17mEstimated price
$1001-3108Train from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia to Newark Liberty International Airport
Average Duration
1h 2mEstimated price
$2006-2003Train from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia to BWI Thurgood Marshall
Average Duration
1h 18mEstimated price
$20060-37800Train from 30th Street Station, Philadelphia to New York Penn Station
Average Duration
1h 32mEstimated price
$2006-1006Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Philadelphia to Columbus Bus Station
Average Duration
10h 35mEstimated price
$3103-3102Bus from Pittsburgh Intermodal Station to Columbus Bus Station
Average Duration
3h 20mEstimated price
$2004-6573Other from Philadelphia to Columbus
Average Duration
7h 58mEstimated price
$936-937Philadelphia to Columbus: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Philadelphia and Columbus offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
Useful tips for train travellers
• Check out Amtrak's onboard catering services on the Cardinal and the Capitol Limited trains, which both serve the Philadelphia to Columbus route. You can enjoy a dining car experience featuring meals made from fresh ingredients. Meals are available for purchase, along with snack options and beverages, including local craft beers and wines.
• Amtrak offers various seating options for your trip to Columbus: First Class, Business Class, and Coach (Economy). First Class provides extra legroom and complimentary meals, while Business Class features more spacious seating and a quieter atmosphere. Coach Class is the most economical but still comfortable, with the possibility of upgrading at the station if seats are available.
• On your trip from Philadelphia to Columbus, you’ll be traveling with Amtrak, which you can check out at Amtrak's Official Website. Upon arrival at the Columbus station, note that the terminal offers limited luggage services and restrooms. To navigate to the city center quickly, catch the COTA bus #1, which runs directly from the station to downtown Columbus. You can also find schedules and routes on the COTA Website.
Traveling from Philadelphia to Columbus by bus offers several options with different routes and durations. Greyhound and Flixbus USA operate the bus services between the two cities, requiring a transfer in Dayton Trotwood Bus Station. The journey typically takes around 15 hours and 30 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 880 kilometers. Prices for the bus ticket may vary from $70 to $173.
For example, one route involves taking a Greyhound bus from Philadelphia to St. Louis, and then a Central Ohio Transit Authority bus from Mount Vernon to Downtown Columbus. Another option is to take a Greyhound bus from Philadelphia to St. Louis, followed by a Central Ohio Transit Authority bus from Mount Vernon to the Airport. The duration of these routes varies, with one taking about 12 hours and 53 minutes and another 12 hours and 37 minutes, depending on the specific route and transfers.
Travelers should plan for longer travel times and be prepared for transfers, but taking the bus can be a cost-effective and scenic way to travel from Philadelphia to Columbus.
Departure Point
Philadelphia station
Arrival Point
Columbus Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Be sure to check the Greyhound schedule for potential delays and transfer times, as the journey from Philadelphia to Columbus involves a transfer and can take nearly 12 hours, so arrive at the station at least 30 minutes early; you can find the schedule here: greyhound.com
• After arriving at the Columbus Bus Station, familiarize yourself with local transport options, particularly the GoBus service which connects to Columbus Airport; their bus (Cap 378) leaves frequently and takes about 30 minutes, you can check the GoBus schedule at ridegobus.com
• Along the way, consider packing snacks for the journey since the bus may not have frequent stops; you can expect a brief transfer in your trip, so plan to grab food or drinks during that small window to ensure you keep your energy up for the full 12-hour ride.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Philadelphia to Columbus.
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The cheapest way to travel from Philadelphia to Columbus is by taking a combination of train and bus via Pittsburgh. The journey takes approximately 12 hours and 7 minutes, and the cost can range from $21 to $200 depending on the specific time and type of ticket.
The fastest way to travel from Philadelphia to Columbus is by flying. There are several airlines that offer direct flights between the two cities, with a travel time of approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking, ranging from $75 to $310.
The distance between Philadelphia and Columbus is approximately 671 kilometers. If you prefer to travel by road, the distance is about 758 kilometers. Depending on traffic conditions and the route you take, it usually takes around 7-8 hours to drive from Philadelphia to Columbus.
The best way to travel from Philadelphia to Columbus without a car is to take a combination of train and bus. You can start by taking an Amtrak train from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, which takes about 7 hours. From Pittsburgh, you can then transfer to a Greyhound bus that will take you to Columbus, which takes around 2 hours. The total travel time can be around 9 hours and 33 minutes, depending on the connections. The cost for this journey can range from $90 to $480, depending on the specific train and bus choices you make.
The travel time from Philadelphia to Columbus can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. If you decide to fly, the flight duration is typically around 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you opt to take a direct bus, the journey typically takes around 7 to 8 hours. Another option is to take a train, which usually takes approximately 9 to 10 hours, including transfers.
There are plenty of accommodation options in Columbus ranging from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts. Some popular areas to stay in include Downtown, Short North, and German Village. Prices for hotels start at around $50 per night, with a range of amenities and services available.
Yes, you can drive from Philadelphia to Columbus. The distance between the two cities is approximately 758 km, and it takes roughly 7 hours and 58 minutes to drive, depending on traffic conditions.
No, there is no direct bus between Philadelphia and Columbus. However, you can take a bus from Philadelphia Bus Station to Dayton Trotwood Bus Station, and then transfer to another bus that goes to Columbus. The entire journey, including transfers, takes approximately 15 hours and 30 minutes.
To catch the bus from Philadelphia to Columbus you will need to go to the Philadelphia Bus Station. Greyhound USA operates bus services on this route, and their buses depart from this station. It is recommended to arrive at the bus station at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process.
The Philadelphia to Columbus bus services, operated by Flixbus USA, arrive at Columbus station.
Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines offer flights between Philadelphia and Columbus. These airlines provide regular services from Philadelphia Airport to Columbus Airport.
The fastest way to get from Philadelphia to Columbus is by taking a direct flight. The flight duration from Philadelphia Airport to Columbus Airport is approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes. Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines offer flights between the two cities.The prices of flights between Columbus and Philadelphia can range from $78 to $310. So, choosing a flight option would enable you to reach Columbus in about 4 hours and 37 minutes, reducing your travel time significantly.
The flight from Philadelphia to Columbus typically takes around 1 hour and 36 minutes on a direct flight.
The cost of a flight from Philadelphia to Columbus varies depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and travel dates. On average, prices range from $78 to $310 for a one-way ticket.
The cost of a bus ticket from Philadelphia to Columbus can range from $70 to $173.
The cost to drive from Philadelphia to Columbus can vary depending on factors such as gas prices, tolls, and the type of vehicle you drive. On average, the cost is estimated to be around $85 to $130 for a one-way trip.