Boston, New York and Philadelphia form one of the busiest corridors in the United States, and they are easily traveled without a car. There are options for almost any schedule and budget between buses and trains. This guide helps you combine them.
New York ↔ Philadelphia
This is the section with the most options. In our search query in BUZ, we found almost a hundred departures in just one day. Amtrak, FlixBus, Greyhound and OurBus, They last from just over 1 hour (train) to about 3 hours (bus, depending on traffic).
- By train (Amtrak): It leaves Moynihan Train Hall, next to Penn Station, and arrives at the William H. Gray III 30th Street station in Philadelphia, among others.
- By bus: It is usually the cheapest option; check the departure point, because it varies depending on the operator.
Boston ↔ New York
A journey of about 4 hours and 30 minutes by bus. Our inquiry showed that OurBus has departures from Boston to Manhattan. Operator availability changes depending on the day, so it’s advisable to check in advance.
Find your trip in the Northeast corridor
Compare bus and train in one search.
Bus or train?
| Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | It usually is lower | It usually is higher, especially with little advance notice |
| Time | It depends on the traffic | More predictable |
| Stations | Stopovers in different parts of the city | Central stations |
Tips
- Check if your departure time coincides with peak traffic hours when leaving or entering Manhattan.
- Keep your ticket on your phone and arrive on time at the stop; some bus departures are on the street, not in a closed terminal.
- If you are traveling from Mexico, remember that you need valid immigration documents to enter the United States.
Data on schedules, durations, and operators consulted in the BUZ search engine on September 23, 2026 for departures on October 7, 2026. Prices and schedules change: always confirm in the search engine before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the bus from Boston to New York take?
In our consultation, about 4 h 30 min. The actual time depends on the traffic.
Which is faster between New York and Philadelphia, a train or a bus?
The train is usually faster and more predictable; the bus is usually cheaper.
