Bloomington to Philly: How to Get There in Style

Are you planning a road trip from Bloomington, Indiana to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? It's an exciting journey, ranging across almost 700 miles of the Peanutt Belt and the Midwest Plains. But what's the best way to make this trip? Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a rookie, here's everything you need to know about shuttling between the two cities.

Going by Airplane

Need to get there quickly? Flying is the way to go! With several airlines offering direct and connecting flights to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) from Indianapolis International Airport (IND), getting to the City of Brotherly Love is going to be a breeze! After all, who doesn't like to travel in comfort and style? It'll take you approximately two and a half hours to get there.

Going by Car

Perhaps you have more time and want to explore everything along the way. Driving can be an adventure! If that's the case, get set for an extended road trip! It can take up to 11 hours to reach Philly by car, so get ready to pack your essentials to make the most out of your journey.

Route 1: The Most Direct Route

Get on I-70 E in Washington Township from IN-446 N and follow I-70 E to N Delaware Ave in Philadelphia, PA. To reach your final destination, continue on N Delaware Ave by crossing Ben Franklin Bridge. This is a journey of approximately 670 miles, and will take around 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Route 2: The Scenic Route

Not in a hurry to reach Philadelphia? Take a longer but scenic route, and make a few stops along the way. Take US-231 S from Bloomington and follow signs for Bowling Green/Kentucky. Drive to KY-55 S, and then follow I-65 S to Pottsville Rd in Kentucky. Go on to Bowling Green, KY where you can visit Lost River Cave, Mammoth Cave, or the National Corvette Museum. Then take I-65 S and I-40 E to Nashville. While you're in Nashville, remember to check out the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Parthenon. Next, take I-40 E to Knoxville, and then go to Asheville, NC and indulge in a little bit of hiking on the Blue Ridge Mountains. Finally, drive to Philadelphia on I-81 N and I-78 E, and by the end of the trip, you’ll have completed a total of 935 miles. But it’s well worth it to collect some unforgettable memories!

Route 3: The Foodie Route

Love good food? Plan your road trip along the culinary route from Bloomington to Philly. A few stops worth making:

Indianapolis, IN - Slip into the Bluebeard Restaurant for brunch.

Columbus, OH - Try the schnitzel at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant.

Wheeling, WV - Grab fresh donuts and coffee from Coleman’s Fish Market.

Lancaster, PA - Indulge in a traditional Amish-style lunch at Good ‘N Plenty Restaurant.

Downingtown, PA - Try craft beer on tap at Victory Brewing Company.

This route takes about 11 hours and 30 minutes along 700 miles of scenic highways.

Going by Bus

Want both reasonable comfort and cost-efficiency? Greyhound is here to save your day. With several buses running from Bloomington to Philadelphia each day, it offers affordable and easy transportation between the two cities. Keep in mind that the travel time usually takes about 14 hours, but you'll have a chance to see much of middle America and the East Coast by bus.

Final Thoughts

Whichever transportation option you choose, remember that there are fun stops along the way that are worth a visit. Whether you prefer history, nature, culinary delights or artistic pleasures, many places offer exciting opportunities to explore. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey from Bloomington to Philadelphia!