<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0204</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>3</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2011-09-09</periodOfReport>

    <noSecuritiesOwned>1</noSecuritiesOwned>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0001328571</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>NTELOS HOLDINGS CORP</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>NTLS</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001356138</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>Chandor Stebbins B Jr</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>C/O NTELOS HOLDINGS CORP</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>1154 SHENANDOAH VILLAGE DRIVE</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>WAYNESBORO</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>VA</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>22980</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isOfficer>1</isOfficer>
            <officerTitle>Exec. Vice President</officerTitle>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <footnotes></footnotes>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>/s/ Stebbins B. Chandor, Jr.</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2011-09-09</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
