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Philadelphia, PA, USA to State College, PA, USA from $11: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Philadelphia, United States
to
State College, United States

How to Get from Philadelphia to State College: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$11 by busBest price
248 kmDistance
2h 49m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Philadelphia to State College 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.

Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
4h  5m
Estimated price
$21-60
Recommended
Company
Philadelphia
Bus
Average Duration
4h  39m
Estimated price
$11-55
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 248 km
Duration: 2h 49m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
4h  47m
Estimated price
$13-128
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  33m
Estimated price
$35-55
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
3h  40m
Estimated price
$210-211
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
3h  38m
Estimated price
$212-213
Company
American Airlines
Plane
Average Duration
2h  49m
Estimated price
$277-582

Philadelphia - State College operators

Explore transport companies operating between Philadelphia and State College, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Philadelphia to State College Bus Station

Average Duration
4h 5m
Estimated price
$21-60

Bus from Harrisburg Bus Station to State College Bus Station

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$551-2195
Contact phone
+1-877-462-6342
Website
https://us.megabus.com

Bus from Philadelphia, PA to State College, PA

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$552-55
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from 30th Street Station to Harrisburg

Average Duration
1h 57m
Estimated price
$219-600
Plane Show flights
Website
http://aa.com

Plane from Philadelphia (PHL) to State College (SCE)

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$215-550
Website
http://contouraviation.com

Plane from Philadelphia (PHL) to Altoona (AOO)

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$216-217
Website
http://united.com

Plane from Newark to State College

Average Duration
1h 12m
Estimated price
$218-600

Philadelphia to State College: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Philadelphia and State College 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.

Average price
$35 - $55
Useful tips for train travellers
• Amtrak is the primary operator for the train service from Philadelphia to State College. Onboard, you can expect catering services provided via a café car offering a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. Although not as extensive as full dining services, it provides a variety of options for hungry travelers.
• The Amtrak Northeast Regional service offers seating options in Business Class and Coach Class. Business Class provides more spacious seating and extra legroom, while Coach Class is more economical but still comfortable for the journey. Consider upgrading to Business Class for added comfort, especially if you plan to work during your trip.
• Upon arriving at the State College Amtrak station, know that there are no luggage storage services available, so plan accordingly. Restrooms are available at the station, but there are no shower facilities. From the station, the fastest way to reach downtown State College is via the Centre Area Transportation Authority bus route; specifically, take the CATA Bus Route 1 or 2, which can quickly take you to various points in the city center. You can find the bus schedules at catabus.com
The quickest flight from Philadelphia Airport to State College Airport is a direct flight, with a travel time of 1 hour and 9 minutes. American Airlines provides flights on this route. The total travel time by plane from Philadelphia to State College is approximately 3 hours and 53 minutes. Prices for flights between the two cities can vary between $233 and $602. Overall, the journey from Philadelphia to State College by plane is both efficient and relatively affordable.
Departure Point
Philadelphia Airport
Arrival Point
State College Airport
The trip from Philadelphia, to State College, by bus is a convenient and affordable travel option. The daily direct bus service operated by Greyhound USA departs from Philadelphia Bus Station and arrives at State College Bus Station, with a journey time of approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes. The buses operate every day, providing flexibility for travelers. With ticket prices ranging from $7 to $60, the bus trip offers a budget-friendly way to reach State College from Philadelphia. Whether for business or leisure, this bus service offers a comfortable and reliable transportation option for the journey between these two Pennsylvania cities.
Departure Point
Philadelphia station
Arrival Point
State College Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• To optimize your trip, arrive at the Philadelphia Bus Station at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure; this helps to ensure a smooth boarding process for your Greyhound ride, which is the main operator for this route. You can check the schedule and book your ticket in advance at Greyhound.
• During your approximately 4-hour ride, be prepared for the bus's limited amenities; consider bringing snacks, a refillable water bottle, and a charging cable for your devices, as bus power outlets may vary by vehicle on this route.
• Upon arriving at the State College Bus Station, you’ll find it conveniently located near downtown. Check out the area by walking to nearby dining options like The Corner Room or a quick coffee at Dunkin' just a block away; also, familiarize yourself with local transportation options like the Centre Area Transportation Authority (CATA) buses which can be found at CATA.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Philadelphia to State College.

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The cheapest way to travel from Philadelphia to State College is by bus. There are several bus companies that operate this route, such as Megabus and Greyhound, with tickets ranging from $7-$60 one-way. The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes, depending on traffic and other factors.
The fastest way to travel from Philadelphia to State College is by driving. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 33 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of the trip will vary depending on factors like gas prices and tolls, but it typically ranges from $35 to $55 for a one-way trip.
The distance from Philadelphia to State College is approximately 248 kilometers. If you plan to drive, the road distance is around 310 kilometers. This journey typically takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route.
The bus journey from Philadelphia to State College takes approximately 4 hours and 5 minutes.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near State College. With 34+ hotels to choose from, you'll have a variety of choices depending on your preferences and budget. The prices for hotels in State College start at around $50 per night, making it affordable for different types of travelers.
Yes, you can drive from Philadelphia to State College. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 311 km. It usually takes around 3 hours and 33 minutes to drive from Philadelphia to State College, depending on traffic conditions.
Yes, there is a direct bus between Philadelphia and State College. The bus departs from Philadelphia Bus Station and arrives at State College Bus Station. The bus service operates once daily, seven days a week. The journey typically takes around 4 hours and 5 minutes.
To catch the bus from Philadelphia to State College you will need to go to the Philadelphia Bus Station. This is the departure point for Greyhound USA bus services heading to State College. 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 bus from Philadelphia to State College, operated by Greyhound USA, arrives at the State College Bus Station.
American Airlines is the only airline that offers direct flights between Philadelphia and State College. They operate regular flights from Philadelphia Airport to State College Airport. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from Philadelphia to State College is by plane. The quickest flight option is a direct flight from Philadelphia Airport to State College Airport, which takes approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes. American Airlines offers flights on this route, and the overall travel time by plane is around 3 hours and 53 minutes. The price range for flights between State College and Philadelphia varies from $233 to $602.
The flight from Philadelphia to State College takes approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes for a direct flight.
The cost of a flight from Philadelphia to State College typically ranges from $233 to $602.
The cost of a bus ticket from Philadelphia to State College varies depending on the bus company and the type of ticket purchased. On average, prices range from $7 to $60.
Driving from Philadelphia to State College would cost approximately $35 to $55 depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency.