bus trip to washington dc

Travel Advisories:  View Trip Cancellations here .

Visit Washington, DC

Washington, DC is perfect for group trips, bus tours, school field trips and car-free bus trips. Trailways proudly provides bus transportation to DC and the surrounding region.

Known as a political hotspot, Washington is also a favorite for history, arts and food fanatics. Visitors can explore dozens of free museums and national monuments. Iconic landmarks include the White House, the Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Adjacent to the National Mall, The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum provides for study of Holocaust history. From Michelin-rated restaurants to neighborhood markets, Washington has a multicultural food scene to please every palate. Washington also offers great options for entertainment, like The Kennedy Center. The city’s seasonal climate is best enjoyed in the spring when the city’s world-famous cherry blossom trees bloom, but it’s beautiful year-round.

Local Bus Station

Union Station 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE Washington, DC

Sights & Attractions

• The Lincoln Memorial
• Library of Congress
• National Museum of African American History
• Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
• The Kennedy Center
• Washington National Cathedral
• Blues Alley Jazz
• George Washington’s Mount Vernon
• National Museum of Natural History
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

Food & Dining

• Filomena Ristorante
• The Oval Room
• Cafe Dupont
• Old Ebbitt Grill
• Ben’s Chili Bowl
• District Taco
• Eastern Market
• Founding Farmers

Need a hotel for your Group? Check out our hotel deals.

Find bus tickets from and to Washington, D.C.

Comfort on board, health and safety, satisfied customers, the green choice, on this page, popular bus trips.

• New York, NY
• Washington, D.C.
• Philadelphia, PA
• Atlanta, GA
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Richmond, VA
• Atlantic City, NJ
• Norfolk-Virginia Beach, VA
• Charlotte, NC
• Toronto, ON
• Annapolis, MD
• Raleigh, NC
• Chicago, IL
• Baltimore, MD
• Orlando, FL
• Las Vegas, NV
• New Brunswick, NJ
• Wilmington-Newark, DE
• Cleveland, OH
• Harrisburg, PA
• Virginia Beach, VA
• Houston, TX
• Greensboro, NC
• Detroit, MI
• Buffalo, NY
• Montreal, QC
• Niagara Falls, NY
• Los Angeles, CA
• Indianapolis, IN
• Columbia, SC
• Charlottesville, VA
• Norfolk, VA
• Nashville, TN
• Cincinnati, OH
• Fayetteville, NC
• Roanoke, VA
• Williamsburg, VA
• Wilmington, NC
• Knoxville, TN
• Myrtle Beach, SC
• Frederick, MD
• New Haven, CT
• Salisbury, MD
• Wilmington, DE
• North Charleston, SC
• Syracuse, NY
• New Orleans, LA
• Winston-Salem, NC
• Phoenix-Tempe, AZ
• Binghamton, NY
• Jacksonville, FL
• Greenville, SC
• Niagara Falls, ON
• San Antonio, TX
• Mount Laurel, NJ
• Allentown, PA
• Fredericksburg, VA
• Wilkes-Barre, PA
• Chicago 95th & Dan Ryan, IL
• Princess Anne, MD
• Stroudsburg, PA
• Springfield, MA
• Frostburg, MD
• Fort Wayne, IN
• Petersburg, VA
• Lynchburg, VA
• Hartford, CT
• Memphis, TN
• Greenville, NC
• Charleston, WV
• Youngstown, OH
• Greeneville, TN
• Ann Arbor, MI
• Asheville, NC
• Rochester, NY
• Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Savannah, GA
• Jacksonville, NC
• Tallahassee, FL
• Cumberland, MD
• Scranton, PA
• Hempstead, NY
• St Louis, MO
• Ontario / Montclair / Claremont, CA
• Louisville, KY
• Portland, ME
• Chillicothe, OH
• Hagerstown, MD
• Goldsboro, NC
• Henderson, NC
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Columbus, GA
• Tuscaloosa, AL
• Ridgewood, NJ
• Cedar Rapids, IA
• Lumberton, NC
• West Palm Beach, FL
• San Francisco, CA
• Milwaukee, WI
• Albuquerque, NM
• Philadelphia, NY
• Malvern, AR
• Mount Pocono, PA
• Huntsville, AL
• Hazleton, PA
• Birmingham, AL
• Greensburg, PA
• Pensacola, FL
• Montgomery, AL
• Bluefield, WV
• Santa Cruz, CA
• Salt Lake City, UT
• Kansas City, MO
• Lexington, KY
• Lafayette, LA
• Augusta, GA
• Shreveport, LA
• Manchester, NH
• Spartanburg, SC
• Valdosta, GA
• Florence, SC
• El Paso, TX
• Northampton, MA
• Colonial Heights, VA
• Marysville, OH
• Palm Coast, FL
• Edenton, NC
• New Castle, PA
• Woodbridge, VA
• Madisonville, KY
• Monterrey, MX
• Kansas City, KS
• Spring Hill, FL
• Saint Paul, MN
• Davenport, IA
• Philpsburg, PA
• Norristown, PA
• New Carrollton, MD
• Owensboro, KY
• New Britain, CT
• Manhattan, KS
• Conyers, GA
• Pittsfield, MA
• Texarkana, TX
• Bloomsburg, PA
• Meridian, MS
• San Diego, CA
• Washington, NC
• Cambridge, OH
• Sacramento, CA
• Jackson, MI
• Iowa City, IA
• Lake Charles, LA
• Silver Spring, MD
• Beckley, WV
• Abilene, TX
• Oceanside, CA
• Brownsville, TX
• Wildwood, GA
• Saratoga Springs, NY
• Vancouver, BC
• Bakersfield, CA
• Long Beach, CA
• New Bern, NC
• Orangeburg, SC
• Midland, TX
• Minneapolis, MN
• Daytona Beach, FL
• Gainesville, FL
• Sarasota, FL
• Seattle, WA
• Madison, WI
• Terre Haute, IN
• Kinston, NC
• Jackson, MS
• Corpus Christi, TX
• Hanover, NH
• Brattleboro, VT
• Greenfield, MA
• High Point, NC
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Murfreesboro, TN
• South Bend, IN
• Rocky Mount, NC
• New London, CT
• Mississauga, ON
• Smithfield, NC
• Clarksville, TN
• Sioux Falls, SD
• Natchez, MS
• Riverside, CA
• Springfield, VA
• Bozeman, MT
• Evansville, IN
• Lubbock, TX
• Newburgh, NY
• Springfield, MO
• Santa Barbara, CA
• Orange County-Anaheim-Santa Ana, CA
• Grantsville, MD
• Boca Raton, FL
• White Plains, NY
• Kissimmee, FL
• Brunswick, GA
• Fayetteville, AR
• Longueuil, QC
• Hamilton, ON
• Alexandria, LA
• Wytheville, VA
• Burlington, VT
• Amarillo, TX
• Wooster, OH
• San Fernando, CA
• Fort Worth, TX
• Lewiston, ME
• Indiana, PA
• Bridgeport, CT
• Bennington, VT
• Rutland, VT
• South Hill, VA
• Kingston, ON
• Marietta, OH
• Kitchener, ON
• Santa Rosa, CA
• Albemarle, NC
• Wheeling, WV
• Champaign, IL
• Bradford, PA
• Ahoskie, NC
• Coeur d'Alene, ID
• Tampico, Tamaulipas
• Effingham, IL
• Jackson, TN
• Oneonta, NY
• Green Bay, WI
• Grand Rapids, MI
• Montpelier, VT
• Lafayette, IN
• Sanford, NC
• Schenectady, NY
• Hinesville, GA
• Rochester, MN
• Paducah, KY
• Hancock, MD
• Hickory, NC
• Wichita, KS
• St. Petersburg, FL
• Tijuana, MX
• Las Cruces, NM
• Fort Myers, FL
• Columbia, MO
• Cleveland, MS
• Middlebury, VT
• Sioux City, IA
• Gastonia, NC
• Wilkes-Barre Township, PA
• Stamford, NY
• Flagstaff, AZ
• Kalamazoo, MI
• Panama City, FL
• Plattsburgh, NY
• Elizabeth City, NC
• Lakeland, FL
• Port St. Lucie, FL
• Norcross, GA
• Lancaster, OH
• Windsor, ON
• Oak Hall, VA
• Baton Rouge, LA
• Des Moines, IA
• San Jose, CA
• Harlingen, TX
• Eau Claire, WI
• St. Catharines, ON
• Lansing, MI
• Parkersburg, WV
• Sandusky, OH
• Holland, MI
• Van Buren, AR
• Chamblee, GA
• Gadsden, AL
• Tarboro, NC
• Spokane, WA
• Hackettstown, NJ
• Framingham, MA
• Oakland / Berkeley / East Bay, CA
• Kingston, NY
• San Ysidro, CA
• Johnstown, PA
• Jefferson City, MO
• Worcester, MA
• El Monte-Baldwin Park, CA
• Michigan City, IN
• Lexington, NC
• Modesto, CA
• Stockton, CA
• Portsmouth, NH
• Washington, PA
• Lewisville, TX
• Salisbury, NC
• Wisconsin Dells, WI
• Winter Haven, FL
• Sunnyside, WA
• Portland, OR
• Veracruz, Veracruz
• Batavia, NY
• Henderson, TX
• Latrobe, PA
• Elkhart, IN
• Southfield, MI
• Cookeville, TN
• Anniston, AL
• Cortland, NY
• Wichita Falls, TX
• Lincoln, NE
• Southern Pines, NC
• Nuevo Laredo, MX
• Key West, FL
• Lewisburg, PA
• Greenville, MS
• Springfield, OH
• Fairmont, WV
• Ebensburg, PA
• Summerville, SC
• Warner Robins, GA
• Carbondale, IL
• Rockingham, NC
• Clinton, AR
• Mcallen, TX
• Gainesville, GA
• Springfield, IL
• Rapid City, SD
• San Bernardino, CA
• Bloomington, IN
• Jim Thorpe, PA
• Mount Vernon, IL
• Rockford, IL
• Palm Springs / Indio / Coachella Valley, CA
• Oxnard-Ventura, CA
• Billings, MT
• Altoona, PA
• Missoula, MT
• Forest City, NC
• Ellensburg, WA
• Clinton, NC
• Sebastian, FL
• North Hollywood, CA
• Mckinney, TX
• Anderson, SC
• Lawrence, KS
• New Paltz, NY
• Ciudad Juarez, MX
• Laurinburg, NC
• Dickinson, ND
• Idaho Falls, ID
• Bethany, MO
• Ottumwa, IA
• Beaumont, TX
• Pocono Manor, PA
• Thomasville, GA
• Bismarck, ND
• Calexico, CA
• Ashland, KY
• Slidell, LA
• Manchester, TN
• Lake City, FL
• Glens Falls, NY
• Mansfield, OH
• Greeley, CO
• Asheboro, NC
• Holbrook, AZ
• Vero Beach, FL
• Fort Walton Beach, FL
• Fort Dodge, IA
• Huntsville, TX
• Salinas, CA
• St. George, UT
• Opelika, AL
• Visalia, CA
• Huntington, WV
• Brookings, SD
• Benton Harbor, MI
• Concord, NH
• Virginia, MN
• Victorville, CA
• Clearfield, PA
• New Baltimore, MI
• Waynesburg, PA
• Bridgeport, WV
• Galesburg, IL
• Greenwood, IN
• Danville, PA
• Jonesboro, AR
• Rochester (U of R), NY
• Edgewood, MD
• Augusta, ME
• Lincolnton, NC
• Medford-Ashland, OR
• Greenbrier, AR
• Corning, NY
• Gettysburg, SD
• Forrest City, AR
• Tannersville, PA
• Bellingham, WA
• Hawthorne, NV
• Avon Park, FL
• Providence, RI
• Columbus, OH
• Morgantown, WV

Bus stations and stops in Washington, D.C.

Washington dc (union station).

View this address on Google Maps

Washington DC (Dupont Circle)

Arlington (rosslyn), discover all destinations.

Choose from over 80 travel destinations in 11 states and growing!

Frequently asked questions

Getting a bus ticket to Washington with FlixBus is very straightforward: you can book online on our website by choosing your departure and arrival cities and selecting your desired travel date. The quickest way to find discounted tickets though is by using the free FlixBus App and keep your ticket always at hand!

If you want to reserve a seat on your trip to Washington, you can do so during the booking process. Depending on availability, you can choose from a variety of seat categories, including panorama seats, table seats, and bed seats. Check out our seat reservation price list for more information.

Yes, it's easy to track your FlixBus with our Real-Time Bus Tracker . Just enter your Washington stop and check the status of your ride.

If you're looking for the bus stops in Washington, we've got you covered. Check out the map on this page to find their locations.

FlixBus makes it easy to use your ticket to go to Washington. If you book online, you'll receive a PDF with a QR code that serves as your ticket. If you book through the app, your ticket will be automatically stored there. In either case, there's no need to print your ticket - just show it to the driver digitally and you're ready to board.

Need to get to Washington on a budget? FlixBus offers affordable bus travel. Prices start at just $5.99, depending on your starting location.

Want to visit Washington? FlixBus offers convenient service from 65 cities. Plus, our overnight buses help you save on hotels. Book on our website or use our app to find the best prices.

FlixBus offers a range of payment methods for buying your ticket to Washington securely. These include card payment, Paypal, Google Pay, and more. In the payment section, you'll see all the available options and can choose the one that suits you best. If you have any issues with payment, check out our help page. If you buy your ticket onboard or at a sales point, you can also pay with cash.

You can book your FlixBus ticket for as little as $5.99. The easiest way to buy your ticket is on Global.flixbus.com or through the app. Book early to get the best deal.

FlixBus offers the option to bring your bike on board to Washington, subject to availability. You can find the prices for bike transport here .

There are several ways to get to Washington, but traveling by bus has many benefits. With FlixBus, you can save money with our budget-friendly bus tickets and help the environment at the same time, as bus travel is one of the most environmentally-conscious modes of transportation!

Discover Washington DC

Washington DC, the capital of the United States, invites visitors to walk in the footsteps of history. This vibrant city, teeming with iconic monuments, diverse neighborhoods, and cultural gems, offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern charm. With its multitude of museums, galleries, and theaters Washington DC is a hub of culture, awaiting exploration.

Why Visit Washington DC?

Steeped in history and political power Washington DC offers a unique journey through the American narrative. Discover the foundations of the nation, witness the operations of government, and reflect on the values of democracy. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, rich cultural tapestry, and plethora of green spaces make it a versatile destination catering to a variety of interests and tastes.

Top Washington DC Attractions

Washington DC boasts a myriad of attractions, including the National Mall , home to iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial , the Washington Monument , and the U.S. Capitol . Visitors can explore the Smithsonian museums , immerse in the arts at the Kennedy Center, and reflect at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial . Beyond the monumental core, neighborhoods like Georgetown offer historic charm, while the vibrant U Street Corridor pulses with nightlife.

Getting Around Washington DC

Navigating Washington DC is a breeze, with a variety of transportation options at your disposal. The Metro system is a convenient and affordable way to traverse the city and reach major attractions. Buses provide extensive coverage, connecting diverse neighborhoods. For those preferring an active approach, walking and biking are popular choices, given the city’s pedestrian-friendly design and numerous bike lanes.

When Visiting Washington DC

Each season in Washington DC offers distinct advantages. Spring brings cherry blossoms and mild temperatures, ideal for outdoor exploration. Summer offers a plethora of festivals and events, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage and cultural activities. Winter , with its festive lights and potential snowfall, adds a magical touch to the city’s monuments and museums.

Food and Drink in Washington DC

Washington DC’s culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors, reflecting its diverse population. Savor the iconic half-smoke, indulge in international cuisine, or explore food trucks offering a variety of delectable options. The city offers a unique gastronomic journey, promising satisfaction for every palate. Signature drinks, including locally brewed craft beers and regional wines, complement the diverse dining experiences.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Washington DC

Washington DC’s nightlife and entertainment scene is as diverse as its history. E njoy a world-class performance at the Kennedy Center, dance the night away in lively clubs, or unwind at a cozy jazz bar. The city offers a range of options for every mood and preference, ensuring memorable evenings immersed in culture and fun.

Plan Your Visit to Washington DC with FlixBus

Exploring Washington DC is easy and affordable with FlixBus. With comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, and convenient booking options, FlixBus ensures a hassle-free travel experience. Whether you’re discovering the historic charm or delving into the cultural richness of DC, FlixBus is your reliable travel companion. So, don’t wait – book your ticket with FlixBus now and enjoy your trip to Washington DC!

Buses to Washington

Find the most affordable buses to washington.

FlixBus has the lowest-fare tickets to Washington. There are 1382 destinations in United States, and you can travel to many other countries , so no matter where you're traveling from, we can get you to Washington. It couldn't be easier to book a bus ticket to Washington with FlixBus. Tickets to Washington start from only $5.99 , subject to availability. Always book in advance and travel off-peak if you can . Don't forget to download the FlixBus App to find the best deals, manage your bookings, and get up-to-date information about your trip. With the app, you don't need to print your ticket you can show your e-ticket to the driver.

Why travel to Washington with FlixBus

Getting to Washington with FlixBus couldn't be easier! With 65 routes to Washington, finding your way will be faster than saying Flix. You can book a trip to Washington at our shops or purchase your ticket on board. If you want to do it digitally, you can book your trip on our website or with the FlixBus App . You can pay for your tickets with credit card, PayPal, or Google Pay . When you choose FlixBus, you're choosing to travel to Washington in one of the most environmentally-friendly ways, helping reduce traffic-related emissions, and you can support our sustainability vision even further by offsetting your CO₂ emissions when booking your trip.

Onboard services

Ready to book your trip to Washington? Don't forget to reserve your seat in advance for the best travel experience! Subject to availability, you can choose from a classic, table, or panorama seat or book an additional seat beside yours if you like or need the extra space. You can also bring a hand luggage and check-in luggage , free of charge . Once aboard, all you have to do is sit back and relax with our free onboard Wi-Fi , the extra legroom, power outlets, and toilets.

Discover more destinations

• Los Angeles, CA - Las Vegas, NV
• Boston, MA - New York, NY
• New York, NY - Boston, MA
• New York, NY - Washington, D.C.
• Washington, D.C. - New York, NY
• New York, NY - Philadelphia, PA
• New York, NY - Atlantic City, NJ
• Philadelphia, PA - New York, NY
• Las Vegas, NV - Los Angeles, CA
• Atlantic City, NJ - New York, NY
• Toronto, ON - New York, NY
• Montreal, QC - New York, NY
• New York, NY - Toronto, ON
• Dallas, TX - Houston, TX
• Baltimore, MD - New York, NY
• New York, NY - Montreal, QC
• New York, NY - Baltimore, MD
• Houston, TX - Dallas, TX
• New York, NY - Albany, NY
• San Diego, CA - Los Angeles, CA

Onboard services are subject to availability

Bus to Washington, DC

All about buses to washington, dc, cheap bus tickets to washington, dc, cheap carpooling to washington, dc.

Your route is not there? In the search bar, we have already filled Washington, DC as your destination. You just have to enter your place of departure. However, if you want to take the bus from Washington, DC , just click on the arrows to change the direction.

Do you already know when you will return by bus from Washington, DC? Then check the return trip straight away and simply select the appropriate date. Are you travelling to Washington, DC with other people? Then indicate how many passengers are joining you and start your search. The search results can be sorted by price, departure and arrival time . They can also be filtered according to stops or companies. Customize everything according to your needs.

All bus stops in Washington, DC

Faqs about the bus route to washington, dc, is there a direct bus to washington, dc, what can i take with me on my bus ride to washington, dc, what equipment and amenities does the bus to washington, dc have, which bus stops are there in washington, dc, which bus companies go to washington, dc, how can i find the best bus-deals to washington, dc, how much could i save by comparing buses to washington, dc, discover other destinations by bus.

The most searched bus routes from Washington, DC

More bus connections from Washington, DC

• Washington, DC to Atlanta, GA
• Washington, DC to Atlantic City, NJ
• Washington, DC to Augusta, GA
• Washington, DC to Baltimore, MD
• Washington, DC to Blacksburg, VA
• Washington, DC to Boston, MA
• Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY
• Washington, DC to Charlotte
• Washington, DC to Chicago
• Washington, DC to Christiansburg, VA
• Washington, DC to Columbia, SC
• Washington, DC to Durham, NC
• Washington, DC to Greenville, SC
• Washington, DC to Hampton, VA
• Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA
• Washington, DC to Harrisonburg, VA
• Washington, DC to Montreal
• Washington, DC to Newport News, VA
• Washington, DC to Norfolk, VA
• Washington, DC to Orlando, FL
• Washington, DC to Pittsburgh
• Washington, DC to Raleigh, NC
• Washington, DC to Richmond, VA
• Washington, DC to State College, PA
• Washington, DC to Syracuse, NY
• Washington, DC to Tampa
• Washington, DC to Toronto, ON
• Washington, DC to Virginia Beach
• Washington, DC to Wilmington, NC
• Washington, DC to York, PA

Airport Transfers from Washington, DC

• Washington, DC to Baltimore/Washington Airport
• Washington, DC to John F. Kennedy Airport
• Washington, DC to Newark Airport
• Washington, DC to Niagara Falls Airport
• Washington, DC to Washington Dulles Airport

Cities near Washington, DC

The CheckMyBus App

Free Download

We value your privacy!

Bus to Washington, D.C.

Bus stations and stops in washington, d.c., washington dc (union station).

View this address on Google Maps

To view more info about this station, visit our page Washington DC (Union Station)

To view more info about this station, visit our page Bethesda

Washington DC (Dupont Circle)

To view more info about this station, visit our page Washington DC (Dupont Circle)

To view more info about this station, visit our page Rockville

Arlington (Rosslyn)

To view more info about this station, visit our page Arlington (Rosslyn)

More travel options

Enjoy free onboard entertainment, reserve a seat, need to make a change, on this page, popular bus trips.

• New York, NY
• Washington, D.C.
• Philadelphia, PA
• Atlanta, GA
• Pittsburgh, PA
• Richmond, VA
• Atlantic City, NJ
• Norfolk-Virginia Beach, VA
• Charlotte, NC
• Toronto, ON
• Annapolis, MD
• Raleigh, NC
• Chicago, IL
• Baltimore, MD
• Orlando, FL
• Las Vegas, NV
• Cleveland, OH
• Wilmington-Newark, DE
• New Brunswick, NJ
• Harrisburg, PA
• Houston, TX
• Buffalo, NY
• Greensboro, NC
• Norfolk, VA
• Detroit, MI
• Montreal, QC
• Niagara Falls, NY
• Hampton, VA
• Los Angeles, CA
• Charlottesville, VA
• Columbia, SC
• Indianapolis, IN
• Virginia Beach, VA
• Cincinnati, OH
• Roanoke, VA
• Fayetteville, NC
• Nashville, TN
• Williamsburg, VA
• Wilmington, NC
• Salisbury, MD
• Knoxville, TN
• Frederick, MD
• New Haven, CT
• State College, PA
• Myrtle Beach, SC
• Binghamton, NY
• Wilmington, DE
• Greenville, SC
• New Orleans, LA
• Syracuse, NY
• Jacksonville, FL
• Phoenix-Tempe, AZ
• North Charleston, SC
• Winston-Salem, NC
• Chicago 95th & Dan Ryan, IL
• Mount Laurel, NJ
• San Antonio, TX
• Princess Anne, MD
• Stroudsburg, PA
• Stamford, CT
• Niagara Falls, ON
• Fredericksburg, VA
• Wilkes-Barre, PA
• Allentown, PA
• Lynchburg, VA
• Youngstown, OH
• Greenville, NC
• Greensboro, GA
• Memphis, TN
• Fort Wayne, IN
• Greeneville, TN
• Frostburg, MD
• Hartford, CT
• Petersburg, VA
• Charleston, WV
• Springfield, MA
• Jacksonville, NC
• Rochester, NY
• Cumberland, MD
• Tallahassee, FL
• Ann Arbor, MI
• Portland, ME
• Houston Southeast, TX
• Scranton, PA
• Chillicothe, OH
• St Louis, MO
• Beaufort, SC
• Louisville, KY
• Fort Lauderdale, FL
• Asheville, NC
• Ontario / Montclair / Claremont, CA
• Savannah, GA
• Perryville, MD
• Hempstead, NY
• Hazleton, PA
• Fort Walton Beach, FL
• Birmingham, AL
• Lafayette, LA
• Albuquerque, NM
• Columbus, GA
• Henderson, NC
• Montgomery, AL
• Santa Cruz, CA
• Hagerstown, MD
• Goldsboro, NC
• Lexington, KY
• Yazoo City, MS
• Lumberton, NC
• Zacatecas, Zacatecas
• West Palm Beach, FL
• Oklahoma City, OK
• Huntsville, AL
• Meadville, PA
• Greensburg, PA
• San Francisco, CA
• Mount Pocono, PA
• Malvern, AR
• Richfield, UT
• Bluefield, WV
• Cedar Rapids, IA
• Tuscaloosa, AL
• Salt Lake City, UT
• Milwaukee, WI
• Ridgewood, NJ
• Pensacola, FL
• Kansas City, MO
• Philadelphia, NY
• Thomson, GA
• Augusta, GA
• Colonial Heights, VA
• Sarasota, FL
• Glens Falls, NY
• Seattle, WA
• New Castle, PA
• Clewiston, FL
• College Station, TX
• Beckley, WV
• Kansas City, KS
• Norristown, PA
• Woodbridge, VA
• Albany-Rensselaer, NY
• Jackson, MI
• Pittsfield, MA
• Vancouver, BC
• Monterrey, MX
• Washington, NC
• Manchester, NH
• Spartanburg, SC
• Forest City, NC
• Roswell, NM
• Lake Charles, LA
• Edenton, NC
• New Britain, CT
• Sacramento, CA
• New Bern, NC
• New Paltz, NY
• Maryville, MO
• Marysville, OH
• Port Arthur, TX
• Abilene, TX
• Huntington, WV
• Hollister, MO
• Silver Spring, MD
• Iowa City, IA
• Florence, SC
• Kinston, NC
• San Diego, CA
• Saratoga Springs, NY
• Spring Hill, FL
• Manhattan, KS
• Cambridge, OH
• Bethany, MO
• Minneapolis, MN
• Palm Coast, FL
• Valdosta, GA
• Truckee, CA
• Texarkana, TX
• Cheyenne, WY
• Bakersfield, CA
• Gainesville, FL
• Chattanooga, TN
• Northampton, MA
• Rockaway, NJ
• Madisonville, KY
• Montpelier, VT
• Moses Lake, WA
• Plant City, FL
• Sulphur Springs, TX
• Amsterdam, NY
• La Crosse, WI
• Angleton, TX
• Nuevo Laredo, MX
• Glenwood Springs, CO
• Kankakee, IL
• Shreveport, LA
• Corpus Christi, TX
• Orleans, IN
• King City, CA
• Statesville, NC
• Hanover, NH
• Big Spring, TX
• Jackson, OH
• Philpsburg, PA
• Brownsville, TX
• Orangeburg, SC
• San Fernando, CA
• Longview, TX
• Jackson, MS
• Rockledge, FL
• Saint Paul, MN
• Terre Haute, IN
• Wildwood, GA
• Midland, TX
• Oceanside, CA
• Madison, WI
• El Paso, TX
• Las Cruces, NM
• Conyers, GA
• Latrobe, PA
• Brattleboro, VT
• Evergreen, AL
• Long Beach, CA
• Meridian, MS
• Davenport, IA
• White River Junction, VT
• Daytona Beach, FL
• New Carrollton, MD
• Bloomsburg, PA
• Lake City, FL
• Jamestown, ND
• Amarillo, TX
• Mississauga, ON
• Victorville, CA
• Greenville, MS
• Missoula, MT
• Matamoros, MX
• Lakeland, FL
• Wheeling, WV
• Hinesville, GA
• Merrillville, IN
• Effingham, IL
• Portsmouth, NH
• Sebring, FL
• Montoursville, PA
• Sioux City, IA
• Grand Island, NE
• Grinnell, IA
• Del Rio, TX
• St. Catharines, ON
• Hancock, MD
• Slidell, LA
• Redding, CA
• Wytheville, VA
• Elkhart, IN
• Schenectady, NY
• Granite Falls, MN
• Morelia, Michoacan
• Coffeyville, KS
• Sheridan, WY
• Grand Rapids, MI
• El Monte-Baldwin Park, CA
• Burlington, VT
• Panama City, FL
• Bridgeport, WV
• Islamorada, FL
• Flagstaff, AZ
• Albemarle, NC
• Anderson, SC
• Cookeville, TN
• Murfreesboro, TN
• Wichita Falls, TX
• Faribault, MN
• Tampico, Tamaulipas
• Altoona, PA
• Martinsburg, OH
• Aberdeen, SD
• Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
• Havre De Grace, MD
• Loudonville, OH
• Mesa-Apache Junction, AZ
• Concord, NH
• Owensboro, KY
• Clinton, NC
• Port St. Lucie, FL
• Worcester, MA
• Columbia, MO
• Richmond, IN
• Hannibal, MO
• Portland, OR
• Anniston, AL
• San Bernardino, CA
• New Baltimore, MI
• Rockingham, NC
• Natchez, MS
• Hurricane, WV
• Laramie, WY
• Boca Raton, FL
• Stamford, NY
• Sebastian, FL
• Olympia, WA
• Parkersburg, WV
• Springfield, OH
• Temecula, CA
• Batavia, NY
• Vergennes, VT
• Stockton, CA
• Watertown, NY
• St. George, UT
• Camp Verde, AZ
• Valparaiso, IN
• Ciudad Juarez, MX
• Deer Park, WA
• Danville, IL
• Grand Junction, CO
• St. Augustine, FL
• Ontario, OR
• Aberdeen, MD
• Abilene, KS
• Little Rock, AR
• Titusville, FL
• La Grange, GA
• Jackson, WY
• Cedar City, UT
• Lincolnton, NC
• Warrensburg, MO
• Barstow, CA
• Rolling Fork, MS
• Rapid City, SD
• Elizabeth City, NC
• Saint Joseph, MO
• Ashland, KY
• Norcross, GA
• Hollywood, FL
• Augusta, ME
• Green Forest, AR
• Waynesburg, PA
• Muskegon, MI
• Lawrence, KS
• Roseburg, OR
• South Hill, VA
• Key West, FL
• Fort Worth, TX
• Manchester, VT
• Champaign, IL
• Wallace, NC
• Windsor, ON
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Vallejo, CA
• Fresnillo, Zacatecas
• Eau Claire, WI
• Calexico, CA
• Beaumont, TX
• Anderson, IN
• New Philadelphia, OH
• Oak Hall, VA
• Zanesville, OH
• Washington, PA
• Kissimmee, FL
• Sandusky, OH
• Grantsville, MD
• Cleveland, MS
• Warner Robins, GA
• South Bend, IN
• Bennington, VT
• Chamblee, GA
• Palm Springs / Indio / Coachella Valley, CA
• Rock Springs, WY
• Laurinburg, NC
• Russellville, AL
• Fort Pierce, FL
• Asheboro, NC
• Punxsutawney, PA
• Indianola, MS
• San Luis Obispo, CA
• Mount Vernon, IL
• Fredericksburg, TX
• Bullhead City, AZ
• Oxnard-Ventura, CA
• Plymouth, IN
• Ottumwa, IA
• Burnsville, MN
• Bloomington, IL
• Jonesboro, LA
• Santa Rosa, CA
• Fort Myers, FL
• Zelienople, PA
• Opelika, AL
• Clinton, MO
• Fort Dodge, IA
• Holland, MI
• Marathon, FL
• Clearfield, PA
• Fort Collins, CO
• Mansfield, OH
• Vero Beach, FL
• Monroeville, PA
• New London, CT
• Evansville, IN
• Rocky Mount, NC
• Carlsbad, NM
• Mcalester, OK
• Sturbridge, MA
• Clinton, AR
• Bedford, IN
• Thomasville, GA
• Idaho Falls, ID
• Nacogdoches, TX
• Battle Creek, MI
• Mcallen, TX
• Springfield, IL
• Brookings, SD
• Brook Park, OH
• Bismarck, ND
• Williamsport, PA
• Hickory, NC
• Whiteville, NC
• Bellows Falls, VT
• Covington, KY
• West Burlington, IA
• Rock Island, IL
• Jacksonville, AL
• Markham, IL
• San Jose, CA
• Sterling City, TX
• Woodstock, NY
• Park City, UT
• Lakeland, MN
• Santa Maria, CA
• Mckinney, TX
• Palatka, FL
• Newport, AR
• Jackson, TN
• Forrest City, AR
• Riverside, CA
• Chiefland, FL
• Fayetteville, AR
• Lafayette, IN
• Eagle Pass, TX
• Orange County-Anaheim-Santa Ana, CA
• Indiana, PA
• Naperville, IL
• Van Buren, AR
• Newburgh, NY
• Grambling, LA
• Billings, MT
• Oneonta, NY
• Edinboro, PA
• Corvallis, OR
• Wisconsin Dells, WI
• Sherman, TX
• Santa Barbara, CA
• East Lansing, MI
• Port Gibson, MS
• Carbondale, IL
• Marked Tree, AR
• Osceola, IA
• Wilkesboro, NC
• Salinas, CA
• Plattsburgh, NY
• Gadsden, AL
• Rutland, VT
• Lancaster, OH
• Johnsonburg, PA
• Corning, NY
• Hackettstown, NJ
• León, Guanajuato
• Cortland, NY
• St. Cloud, MN
• Watertown, SD
• Green Bay, WI
• Kitchener, ON
• Green River, UT
• Baton Rouge, LA
• Paducah, KY
• Southfield, MI
• Des Moines, IA
• Spokane, WA
• Ardmore, OK
• Little Falls, MN
• Jonesboro, AR
• Winter Haven, FL
• Manchester, TN
• Hamilton, ON
• Potsdam, NY
• Johnstown, PA
• Michigan City, IN
• Lansing, MI
• San Angelo, TX
• Baytown, TX
• Doylestown, PA
• Salisbury, NC
• Lexington, NC
• Ebensburg, PA
• Kingston, NY
• Sioux Falls, SD
• Washington, GA
• St. Petersburg, FL
• Sunbury, PA
• Oakland / Berkeley / East Bay, CA
• Harlingen, TX
• Marietta, GA
• Smithfield, NC
• Alexandria, LA
• Lock Haven, PA
• Lewiston, ME
• Huntsville, TX
• Lubbock, TX
• Saint Cloud, MN
• Lewisville, TX
• Woodville, MS
• Greenfield, MA
• Ahoskie, NC
• White Plains, NY
• Hermosillo, Sonora
• Greenville, TX
• Jim Thorpe, PA
• Redwood City, CA
• Galesburg, IL
• Kearney, NE
• Virginia, MN
• Kalamazoo, MI
• Oroville, CA
• Hidalgo, TX
• Lake Wales, FL
• Benton Harbor, MI
• Opelousas, LA
• West Columbia, TX
• Wenatchee, WA
• Lincoln, NE
• Tarboro, NC
• Everett, WA
• North Hollywood, CA
• Mount Vernon, OH

Discover all the places you can go

Choose from almost 2,300 destinations with Greyhound, FlixBus and our connecting partners!

Frequently asked questions

The best way to buy bus tickets to Washington is through the Greyhound website or the free Greyhound app . With just a few clicks, you can easily book your bus trip and choose your preferred seating. You can pay for your bus to Washington using a variety of payment methods, including debit and credit cards. For more information on payment methods, please visit the payment methods page . Looking for a cheap ticket to Washington? Make sure to book in advance and consider traveling during weekdays and peak-off times to get the best deals!

Going to Washington by bus is easy with Greyhound, with 65 different rides to choose from. You can check the bus schedule once you select your departure city, destination city, and desired trip date.

Not sure about where to catch the bus in Washington? Don't worry, Greyhound has got you covered. We've listed all the stops in Washington on the map on this page.

Buses to Washington start at just $5.99, depending on your starting location. To secure the most budget-friendly options, ensure you book early and consider traveling on weekdays and during off-peak hours for the cheapest deals!

You can use your Greyhound bus ticket to Washington by either presenting the PDF with a QR code when booked online or by accessing it directly in the app if purchased within the app. Simply show your ticket to the bus driver at boarding and they will scan it to validate your travel.

Onboard services available on Greyhound buses to Washington include free Wi-Fi for all passengers, personal power outlets near every seat, reclining leather seats with footrests, extra legroom, overhead storage, an on-board restroom, and eco-friendly technology to reduce impact on the environment.

Greyhound buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts to assist passengers using wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Each bus has space for two passengers with these devices. It's recommended to book your bus ticket to Washington in advance to ensure a spot. If you'd like to transfer to a regular seat, our drivers will stow your device for you. Service animals are also welcome on board our buses. For further details on accessibility and service animal policies, please check this link .

When traveling by bus to Washington with Greyhound, you are allowed to bring one carry-on bag with you (maximum 25 lbs, 16x12x7 inches). The first bag that you store under the bus is free, and if you have a Flexible fare, the second bag stored under the bus is also free. For more information about our luggage policies and how to book extra baggage, please visit our dedicated baggage page .

Yes, you can track your bus to Washington using the Greyhound app or by visiting the bus tracker . This will give you real-time information on the location and status of your bus.

Yes, you can reserve your preferred seat on most of the buses to Washington. All customers will be assigned a seat, but you have the option to choose your preferred one. If available, you’ll see the option when you add the passenger name to your booking. If you’d like to choose your seat, a small fee will be charged and will vary based on the route you are taking. Please visit our guide on seat reservations for more information.

Discover Washington DC 

Ready to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Washington DC? Greyhound makes your journey to the nation's capital both comfortable and affordable . With numerous bus routes, you can easily find your way to this iconic city. Check out our guide for essential tips to make the most of your Washington DC adventure! 

Washington DC Greyhound Stops and Public Transportation 

As you arrive in Washington DC, the city's historical grandeur and cultural depth immediately captivate you. G reyhound stations in the area are thoughtfully placed to give you direct access to the city's comprehensive public transportation system . Navigate with ease using the Metro , connecting you from the political epicenter on Capitol Hill to the charming streets of Georgetown. Washington DC also offers diverse travel options to suit your exploration style. Whether it's a leisurely bike ride through the scenic pathways of Rock Creek Park, a cruise along the Potomac River, or a classic ride in one of the city's iconic taxis, you’ll find an array of choices to experience the unique districts and famous landmarks of the capital.  

Exploring Washington's Top Attractions 

Washington DC is not just the heart of American politics ; it's a city brimming with stories and culture at every corner. Start with the grandeur of the Capitol Building and the White House , symbols of the nation's governance, but don't stop there. Dive into the depths of American history and creativity at the Smithsonian museums , a cluster of treasures where admission is always free. Let the National Mall be your guide to an educational journey, leading you to the powerful presence of the Lincoln Memorial and the significant archives that tell America's story. 

Beyond these national icons, Washington DC unfolds in diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of historic Georgetown , where quaint boutiques and cozy cafes await, or head to the vibrant Penn Quarter for a taste of the city’s modern side with its trendy restaurants and bustling theaters. Each district in Washington tells a different story, making every visit a unique experience. 

Budget-Friendly Washington Adventures 

Discovering the wonders of Washington DC doesn't mean emptying your wallet. The city is known for its array of free attractions that are as engaging as they are educational. Admire masterpieces at the National Gallery of Art or explore the natural beauty of the U.S. Botanic Garden without spending a dime. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Rock Creek Park offers scenic trails perfect for a leisurely walk or a refreshing jog. 

If you're looking for a more urban vibe, Eastern Market is the place to be. It's not just a market; it's a hub of energy and local culture, ideal for spending a day without spending much money. Plus, getting around the city is a breeze with Washington’s efficient public transportation system . It's an affordable way to hop from one attraction to the next, ensuring you don't miss any of the city's hidden gems. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply someone who enjoys exploring new places, Washington DC has something to offer that won't break the bank. 

Accommodations and Dining on a Budget in Washington 

Washington offers a wealth of affordable accommodation options catering to all tastes and preferences. For those seeking a social and budget-friendly environment, the hostels in Adams Morgan are a perfect choice . This vibrant neighborhood is known for its lively nightlife and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, providing a culturally rich experience. Budget hotels near Union Station offer another economical option, providing easy access to the city’s public transportation, making it a convenient base for exploration. 

Additionally, consider the charming guesthouses and Airbnb rentals in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Shaw . These areas not only offer a more authentic Washington experience but also often come with kitchen access, allowing you to save on meals. 

When it comes to dining, Washington's food scene is delightfully diverse and surprisingly affordable. The food trucks near the National Mall are a great way to sample a variety of cuisines without straining your wallet. From classic American hot dogs and burgers to more exotic fare like Ethiopian injera or Salvadoran pupusas, these trucks offer a taste of the city’s multicultural makeup. 

The neighborhoods of Adams Morgan and Columbia Heights are hotspots for international cuisine , offering everything from spicy Thai dishes to authentic Mexican tacos at very reasonable prices. These areas are especially known for their small, family-run restaurants that offer delicious meals at lower prices than what you’d find in more tourist-centric areas. 

For a unique local experience, the H Street Corridor , an area that has undergone significant revitalization, offers an array of dining options. This up-and-coming neighborhood boasts trendy cafes, cozy bars, and innovative restaurants serving everything from artisanal coffees to gourmet burgers. Many of these establishments focus on locally sourced ingredients , offering a fresh and authentic taste of Washington’s local produce. 

Seasonal Guide to Washington: Experiencing the Capital Through the Seasons 

Washington's distinct seasons each bring a unique flavor to the city, offering varied experiences whether you visit during the bustling peak times or the more serene off-peak periods. 

Peak Seasons 

• Winter in Washington is a time of festive elegance . The city comes alive with holiday spirit, showcasing beautiful decorations and lights, especially around the National Mall and the Capitol Building. The season is marked by events like the National Christmas Tree Lighting and holiday markets, creating a charming, festive atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over. 
• Summer in Washington is vibrant and full of life . The warmer months are perfect for exploring the numerous outdoor monuments and memorials, enjoying paddle boating on the Tidal Basin, or attending the Fourth of July celebrations with spectacular fireworks. The city hosts various outdoor festivals and events, including concerts and movie nights, making it a lively destination for summer travelers. 

Low Seasons 

• Spring is perhaps the most famous and picturesque season in Washington , celebrated with the National Cherry Blossom Festival. The blooming cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin offer a stunning backdrop, and the milder weather is ideal for exploring the city’s parks and outdoor spaces. This season, while popular, is less crowded than summer, offering a peaceful yet vibrant experience. 
• Fall in Washington is a time of tranquil beauty and cultural events . The changing leaves create a beautiful tapestry of colors in places like Rock Creek Park, making it perfect for scenic walks and photography. The cooler temperatures and fewer tourists make it an excellent time for visiting museums and historical sites. Fall also hosts events like the Library of Congress National Book Festival, appealing to a diverse range of interests. 

Each season in Washington provides a different perspective of the city, from the winter holiday charm to the iconic cherry blossoms of spring. When planning your visit, consider what each season has to offer to ensure a trip that aligns with your interests and expectations. 

Organizing Your Greyhound Bus Journey to Washington?

Why travel to washington with greyhound.

Travel with Greyhound and you're ensured a comfy seat with power outlets and free access to our Wi-Fi throughout your trip. Keep yourself entertained and online while we take you to your destination! Choose your favorite seat while booking and travel with peace of mind rest easy knowing your ticket covers one carry-on and one checked bag.

How to book your bus ticket to Washington

Discover more destinations.

• Boston, MA - New York, NY
• New York, NY - Washington, D.C.
• New York, NY - Boston, MA
• Los Angeles, CA - Las Vegas, NV
• Washington, D.C. - New York, NY
• New York, NY - Atlantic City, NJ
• New York, NY - Philadelphia, PA
• Philadelphia, PA - New York, NY
• Atlantic City, NJ - New York, NY
• Las Vegas, NV - Los Angeles, CA
• Toronto, ON - New York, NY
• Montreal, QC - New York, NY
• New York, NY - Montreal, QC
• New York, NY - Toronto, ON
• Dallas, TX - Houston, TX
• New York, NY - Baltimore, MD
• Baltimore, MD - New York, NY
• Houston, TX - Dallas, TX
• New York, NY - Albany, NY
• San Diego, CA - Los Angeles, CA

Onboard services are subject to availability

Find cheap bus tickets to Washington (DC), US

Easily compare and book your next trip with Busbud

What are the most popular bus routes to Washington?

We've found the top bus routes travelers take to get to Washington! Every day our bus partners (Greyhound, Amtrak, FlixBus) bring people from major cities to Washington. Enjoy the convenience of taking the bus to Washington!

What bus companies operate from Washington?

Easily book cheap bus tickets to Washington

We recommend booking as early as possible. You can also create a Busbud account and sign up for email updates on your favourite travel routes and bus companies!

When you book a bus trip from Salem to Washington with Busbud, you pay an average price of $398. There are 2 scheduled buses per day. The bus trip takes an average of 3d 13h. Departures are between 14:35:00 and 20:30:00.

Each day 161 buses connect New York to Washington. The average travel time for this route is 4h 45m. When you book with Busbud, you can expect an average price of $38. Daily departures are between 00:00:00 and 23:59:00.

You can take the bus from Midland to Washington for an average price of $191. There are 7 buses operating this route every day. The earliest bus leaves at 00:20:00 and the latest bus departs at 20:30:00. The average travel time for this route is 1d 23h.

Bus stations in Washington

One major bus stop in Washington, D.C., is the Union Station Bus Deck, located at 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE. Union Station is the most centrally located bus stop; if you need to get to the heart of D.C. on your trip, make sure your bus lets you out at Union Station.

The Dupont Circle bus station sits at the intersection of NW 20th St. and NW Massachusetts Ave. Several streets converge to create a traffic circle at Dupont Circle. A nearby metro stop makes traveling to this bus station quite convenient.

Washington city guide

Ready to see all that washington has to offer.

Enjoy the history, beautiful architecture, and fascinating city planning when you visit Washington, D.C. Though history and politics abound, lots of bars, shows, and restaurants add fun activities to the city that will help you unwind when you had your fill of history. Busbud connects you with the most convenient bus stops in the area via the bus companies you love most.

Things to do in Washington D.C

Union Station sits in the center of D.C. Nearby, you'll find plenty of historical activities. Just one block away is Constitution Avenue, which runs along the Washington Mall.

Take a simple walk here to see the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. You'll pass by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, a delightful spot where you can easily spend a day wandering the exhibits. Past the Smithsonian you'll find the famous WWII Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial.

Dupont Circle

Dupont Circle has a nearby metro station, which opens up all of D.C. and many of its suburbs to your exploration. Near Dupont Circle are popular restaurants, ranging from fast food to international cuisine. Several embassies sit within a few blocks of Dupont Circle, too. A few blocks down Connecticut Avenue, you'll find the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, a 19th-century building featuring beautiful architecture and informative tours.

A single day in the U.S. capital is an exciting, informative adventure. Book your trip on Busbud today!

Where are the popular bus stations and stops in Washington?

6 Union Station Dr NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA

1500 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA

663 11th St NW, Washington, D.C., DC 20004, USA

In front of McDonald's, 400 C St SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA

Charter bus loading zone in front of Madame Tussaud's, 610 10th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA

Why choose Busbud?

The best way to book bus and train tickets.

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.

Popular bus routes to and from Washington

Buses going to washington.

• Bus from Washington to Philadelphia
• Bus Washington - Boston
• Washington - Tacoma
• Bus from Washington to Chicago
• Bus Washington - Richmond
• Washington - Atlanta
• Bus from Washington to Ocean City
• Bus Washington - Baltimore
• Washington - Virginia Beach
• Bus from Washington to Atlantic City
• Bus Washington - Dewey Beach
• Washington - Norfolk
• Bus from Washington to Raleigh
• Bus Washington - Orlando
• Washington - Wilmington

Buses Leaving from Washington

• Bus from Salem to Washington
• Bus Salem - Washington
• Bellingham - Washington
• Bus from Midland to Washington
• Bus Seattle - Washington
• Tulsa - Washington
• Bus from Philadelphia to Washington
• Bus Boston - Washington
• Norfolk - Washington
• Bus from Raleigh to Washington
• Bus Pittsburgh - Washington
• Virginia Beach - Washington
• Bus from Baltimore to Washington
• Bus Charlotte - Washington
• Chicago - Washington
• Washington to Baltimore Airport
• Washington to Newark Liberty International Airport
• Washington to Port Authority
• Washington to Times Square
• Washington to Penn Station
• Washington to Easton Airport

Top traveled bus routes in United States

• Bus from Newark to Washington
• Bus Albany - New York
• Fort Lauderdale - Orlando
• Bus from New York to Atlantic City
• Bus Orlando - Fort Lauderdale
• New York - Buffalo
• Bus from New York to Niagara Falls
• Bus Las Vegas - Los Angeles
• Buffalo - New York
• Bus from Austin to Dallas
• Bus Washington - Newark
• Seattle - Leavenworth
• Bus from Boston to Newark
• Bus Hartford - New York
• Los Angeles - San Francisco

Plan your next bus trip

• Bus from Cape Town to Mthatha
• Bus Johannesburg - Mthatha
• Port Elizabeth - Johannesburg
• Bus from Bloemfontein to Johannesburg
• Bus Pretoria - Cape Town
• Mthatha - Johannesburg
• Bus from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town
• Bus Durban - Cape Town
• Cape Town - Port Elizabeth
• Bus from Pietermaritzburg to Johannesburg
• Bus Cape Town - Durban
• Bloemfontein - Durban
• Bus from East London to Johannesburg
• Bus Cape Town - King William’s Town
• Bloemfontein - Pretoria

Popular places around Washington

• Washington to Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown
• Washington to Madison Square Garden
• Washington to The Peabody Memphis

Interested in more? Receive travel deals, trip reminders and other updates by email!

Washington D.C. - Our Nation's Capitol

Experience washington, d.c. like never before with a trip loaded with national history and exclusive touring events. visit arlington cemetery, enjoy an exclusive guided tour of d.c., and witness the glory of an illumination tour of our famed national monuments. while you’re there, don’t miss out on a visit to george washington’s mount vernon and the ford theater where lincoln once stood, why you’ll enjoy trip:, day 1 - arrive washington, d.c., day 2 - washington, d.c., day 3 - george washington's mount vernon, day 4 - depart washington, d.c., tour details, holiday inn capitol, transportation, trip highlights, upcoming departures, if you like this tour, you may also like..., long island & the hamptons, west virginia railroad adventure, niagara falls - holiday festival of lights.

“Thank you, Marina, for your wonderful plan and organization for our visit this past Wednesday to the Harvard Museum of Natural History. I enjoyed the museum and our delicious lunch at O'Connors. I hope our group arranges another trip with Tours of Distinction.”

“The trip was the BEST, and so was our tour guide and tour driver.”

“Your tour escort Marina Haksteen was fabulous. I would absolutely recommend Tours of Distinction to all I know and will try out your future tours to come.”

Ready to Book?

A Guide to the Washington, DC Bus Routes, Schedules, and Fares

Public transportation in Washington, DC is an easy and reliable way to get around the city. It can provide more access to different neighborhoods and a faster, more straightforward route than Metro if you are trying to get across town. This guide will primarily focus on the Metrobus and DC Circulator bus systems within Washington, DC and does not include routes in Maryland and Virginia. 

Table of Contents

Metrobus and the dc circulator: two different types of busses in dc.

In Washington, DC, you’ll find two different types of busses: the Metrobus and the DC Circulator. Metrobus is operated by WMATA (same as Metrorail) and DC Circulator is operated by the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT). DDOT also runs the DC Streetcar from Union Station.

Metrobus will take you almost anywhere you want to go in the city.  Schedules are pretty reliable and you can follow the routes using the Smartrip app or calling the real-time arrival phone number posted at the bus stop. Metrobus schedules are also posted at most bus stops but can sometimes be outdated. I’d recommend taking a look at schedules before you leave or the night before your trip to avoid waiting at bus stops too long. Buses can run anywhere from every 5-15 minutes on popular routes to only every 30-60 minutes on less popular routes or on weekends.

Metrobus runs daily, with different schedules for weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 13 select routes run 24/7 across the city and can be found on the 24/7 DC Bus Service page.

DC Circulator

The DC Circulator serves the city’s most popular neighborhoods and attractions, including routes for:

• The National Mall
• Eastern Market
• Georgetown, Dupont, and Rosslyn
• Woodley Park
• Congress Heights

This is your best option if you are a tourist or exploring the major points of interest in the city. Use it the same way you use the Metrobus system – rides are $1 for most passengers and $0.50 for seniors. Children under 5 and eligible DC students are free.

The DC Circulator runs every ten minutes without a set schedule. In theory, this is meant to provide reliable transportation in DC’s most visited neighborhoods but sometimes the buses run a little behind. Instead of relying on the time, track the buses at DC Circulator’s Bus Time site or keep an eye out when you’re out and about to see how often the buses are actually running. 

The DC Circulator routes vary but generally run until midnight (3 am on Friday and Saturday) in Adams Morgan, Georgetown, and Dupont. The National Mall route runs until 8 pm, and other residential neighborhood routes run until 9 pm. There is no late-night or 24/7 service.

How to Ride and Pay

Download the smartrip app.

The SmarTrip app is the easiest way to pay for all your Metrorail and Metrobus trips. You can set it up to auto-load or add money manually anywhere directly on your phone without having to visit a Metro station first. Most routes will typically cost you $1 for DC Circulator and $2 for Metrobus (WMATA) for a single bus trip within DC (WMATA routes marked “Express” that travel outside of DC cost more). Children under the age of five ride for free. You can also pay for the bus with cash but bus drivers will not make change.

Free Transfer

If you use your SmarTrip app, you can transfer to any other bus or Metrorail line within 2 hours for free. This is perfect for short outings or hopping between different points of interest while you’re exploring. If you don’t have the app, the bus drivers can give you a time slip if you ask. This includes transfers to VA and MD busses too!

Catching The Bus

Busses will stop if you are standing in a bus station, but it is best to always signal the bus to make sure the driver sees you. You can put your hand up like you are hailing a taxi if it is busy. Bus drivers will also watch for you to shake your head no if you are the only one at the bus stop and you are not catching that route. Many bus stops serve multiple routes, so make sure you get on the bus with the correct number or letter.

Accessibility

All buses in D.C. are equipped with wheelchair ramps, kneeling buses, and designated seating areas for people with disabilities. Strollers and scooters or carts can also be brought aboard any bus, but priority is given to those with disabilities first. Bike racks are also available on the front of the bus. If you need help with boarding the bus or racking your bike, simply let the driver know.

Navigating the Metro Bus Routes and Schedules

You can find the bus routes and schedules on the WMATA website or by using the WMATA mobile app. Some popular stops will also have real-time arrival information on digital signage attached to the bus shelter. You may find a route timetable at a sign near the bus stop, however keep in mind that this information is not updated regularly.

Example Itineraries along the DC Bus Routes

Most of these routes are based on the DC Circulator maps since they are near some of the most popular attractions. 

1. Exploring the National Mall

Most people explore the National Mall on foot, but it can feel a little bigger than expected if it’s your first time or you have a big day planned (especially if you are trying to see all of the monuments in a day). The National Mall DC Circulator will take you from Union Station to the Capitol, followed by a loop around the National Mall and around the full length of the Tidal Basin. Hop on this bus whenever you need a break from walking and take in the sights for cheap!

2. Monuments and Museums Followed by a Night Out

If you’ve spent the day on the National Mall exploring the monuments and museums, you might want to explore a different neighborhood for food and drinks. The Woodley-Park/Adam Morgan/McPherson Square DC Circulator route will take you from McPherson Square (near the White House to 14 th Street, Columbia Heights, and Adam Morgan. 14 th Street and Adams Morgan have lots of bars and dining options to get a great taste of DC. Traveling between Adams Morgan and the 14 th and U Street areas is not easily metro accessible so this is a great opportunity to jump on the DC Circulator. A similar route between McPherson, U Street, Adams Morgan, and/or Woodley Park would require a transfer on Metrorail.

3. Brunch, Sports, and Water Views

The Eastern Market neighborhood has some of my favorite brunch options, including Ambar and Barrel plus a few cute shops to browse. This neighborhood is Metrorail accessible (orange, blue, silver) but a different color line than Navy Yard (green): home to the baseball and soccer stadiums. If you’re in town for a game and want to explore beyond Navy Yard, the Union Station to Congress Heights DC Circulator route can help you out. Jump on a bus from Eastern Market to Navy Yard and if you have extra time, enjoy the Anacostia River walk. The route runs to Congress Heights through Anacostia, so you can travel across the water by bus or foot.

General Things to Keep In Mind

As a general rule, bus routes in Washington, DC are identified by a combination of 2 numbers or a letter and a number. The letter or number at the beginning (or end) of the route number generally indicates the type of service provided:

• Routes starting with a number are the most common routes that generally travel across the city as opposed to staying within a single neighborhood.
• Routes starting with a letter are local or neighborhood routes, which serve local neighborhoods and provide access to schools, shopping centers, and other community destinations.
• Routes ending with a “9” are the MetroExtra routes, which operate with limited stops and provide a faster service to similar routes with the same starting letter/number.
• Express routes do not typically carry a unique number or letter combination, but can be identified by the word “Express” in their route name. These typically travel from outside of DC into the city and carry a higher fare.

When in Doubt, Use a Mobile App!

Mobile apps like Smartrip and Citymapper can help find busses and other public transportation in the city. Citymapper is pretty easy to read and will find the best bus for you based on your location. It’s especially helpful if you are still learning the routes or in a neighborhood you don’t know very well. It also provides suggested routes including metro, bus, and rideshare options.

Similar Posts

What Metro Line Should I Take From Washington DC’s 3 Airports?

Washington, DC is one of the most public transportation-friendly cities to visit. With the second-largest rapid transit system in the US, there are many ways to get to and from the DC airports via public transit without renting a car or taking a taxi. When traveling to Washington, DC, you can fly into 3 public…

Morning Monuments City Tour with Optional Air & Space or Monument

TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

Explore Washington DC’s top landmarks and monuments on a 3-hour Morning Monuments Guided Sightseeing Tour. Ride on a deluxe air-conditioned coach with full narration from an expert guide. Stop at the White House, Martin Luther King Jr Memorial, US Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, and more. See 30+ sites with time to walk around about 10 of them with your guide, who shares the history and little-known facts about the nation’s capitol. With so much to see and so little time, guests can take a memorable journey through DC that is quick, efficient and entertaining. You’ll see it all and still have time to do more in the afternoon. Stop at 10 Sites: • The Capitol Building • Martin Luther King Memorial • World War II Memorial • Lincoln Memorial • The White House • FDR Memorial • Vietnam War Memorial • Korean War Memorial • Air Force Memorial • Iwo Jima Memorial

Ticket Options

4 Options Available

Tour + Washington Monument: $79

Washington Monument Ticket: Please ask your guide or driver for your upgraded ticket when being checked in.

Tour + Air & Space Museum: $79

Air & Space Museum Ticket: Please ask your guide or driver for your upgraded ticket when being checked in.

Tour + African American Museum: $79

African American Museum Ticket: Please ask your guide or driver for your upgraded ticket when being checked in.

City Tour Only: $54

Duration: 3 hours

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Pass by sites including Washington Monument, National Archives, National Mall, Kennedy Center & more
• Professional Tour Guide that stays with you through out tour, and walks you through the sites
• See the essential DC monuments, memorials, and attractions
• 3-Hour Washington DC "Monuments By Morning" Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Upgrade: upgrade option at checkout to include ticket to Washington Monument for self-guided entry
• Complimentary Bottled Water
• Photo Stops at 10 Attractions including White House, WWII Memorial, US Capitol & Lincoln Memorial

What's not Included

• Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• If you purchase an additional tour or ticket: Please ask your tour guide or driver for your upgrade when being checked in.
• All purchases of packages are final. Tickets are not refundable or transferable. Cannot be exchanged for another ticket. Only refundable in the event the site is closed.
• Guests who do not feel comfortable walking at the stops may modify their tour or remain on the bus at their discretion.

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get ideas from the pros.

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

Washington DC Travel

Why charter a bus to washington dc.

Travel to Washington DC for your next major outing. Coach USA can help make your Washington DC trip extraordinary by helping you map out the best things to do in DC. Get fully immersed in DC’s greatest attractions such as the Lincoln Memorial or the National Mall. There is always something to do in this great city, let us help you get there.

From indulging in a diverse array of cuisines, historic sites, and lively museums, passengers are able to enjoy the best Washington DC has to offer. Book your charter bus to Washington DC today, you’re next adventure awaits.

Our Vehicles

Don’t sacrifice comfort when you make Washington DC travel plans. Choose to travel in luxury with your group on a charter bus to Washington DC in our deluxe motorcoaches. Seating approximately 56 people, our charter buses to Washington DC will take you directly to the best things to do in Washington DC with no hassle! Take a break and relax on our charter buses equipped with TVs, DVD players and comfortable reclining seats with arm rests. You will be comfortable on every charter trip with us in our climate controlled motorcoaches with restrooms on board.

Our Premier Staff

Our seasoned staff members are here to help you meet and exceed your Washington DC travel plan expectations. With their help, it’s guaranteed your plans will be filled with all of the best things to do in DC. Our charter bus service staff will also provide assistance, answering any concerns you may have about your upcoming trip.  We guarantee our staff are knowledgeable of the area and will be able to help you schedule an itinerary that’s perfectly suited to your tastes.

Booking a Charter Bus Rental to Washington DC

Finding things to do in Washington DC on your own can be difficult. That’s why Coach USA has made the booking process as simple as possible. If you are ready to request a price quote or book a charter bus trip to Chicago, call one of our trained support staff members. Our charter bus representatives are ready to assist you in finalizing your Washington DC travel plans. Book your charter bus to Washington DC today!

To serve you best, you will be redirected to another website.

800-692-7804

• Overnight Trips
• Tours by Destination
• Tours by Duration
• A Tour for Everyone
• Holiday Tours
• Broadway Tickets
• Special Event
• Trip Planning
• Request Quote
• Safety & Certification

Washington, DC

Our Nations Capital is just a short ride from Central PA. Immerse yourself in our nation's history.

Today's experience is up to you. Choose to visit the National Zoo which houses 2,100 individual animals of nearly 400 different species, from furry to feathery and sleek or slithery. The Smithsonian houses a wealth of historical facts, artifacts and interesting stories about famous people. Visit the Museum of Natural History, Museum of American History, National Air & Space Museum, the Holocaust Museum or any one of the other museums to explore and learn.

Today is the day to discover more about the United States Capitol and the White House with this tour to our Nation's Capital. Enjoy a guided tour of the United States Capitol Visitor Center, walk the halls of the United States Capitol Building with a guide, explore the White House Visitor Center with an interactive touchscreen tour, and walk-through Lafayette Park while hearing little-known stories about America's most historic locales.

Join Wolf's to honor all the brave men & women who have served in the U.S. military with this tour that includes a stop at the Marine Corp Memorial, Admission to the Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., and a dinner at a local restaurant.

Enlightening and engaging, there is no other way to describe this trip to Washington, DC to visit the Museum of the Bible featuring exhibits that provide perspective on the Bible's impact over time, and the Washington National Cathedral where visitors find peace and inspiration in addition to extraordinary art and architecture.

Authorized by congress in 1962, The National Portrait Gallery will tell you the story of America by portraying people who shape the nation's history. Founded as a gift to the nation, The National Gallery of Art, home to a collection of more than 150,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs and SO MUCH MORE! Travel with Wolf's to experience this history-filled day of fun!

Travel with Wolf's Bus Lines, for a day full of history-buff memories. Reel in the past with a guided Lincoln Cottage Tour, Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Museum, National Museum of Civil War Medicine, and dinner at the Farnsworth House.

See the city in a different light as we travel through the illuminated capital at night. Hear historical tales about the fascinating history of Washington, D.C. as you ride along the same streets the presidents have traveled. Along the way, we will make a stop at the National Christmas Tree including the "Pathway of Peace," decorated trees representing all 50 states and a stop at the D.C. Temple Festival of Lights display.

Keyword Search

Availability search.

• Tour Book Request
• Purchase Gift Cards
• Tour Policies
• Charter Policies
• Request Charter Quote
• Buses for Sale
• Special Assistance

200 Old US Rt. 15

York Springs, PA 17372

Office Hours

Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM

Select Saturdays 8AM-1PM

Closed Sundays and Holidays

• Call 800.437.2323
• View Our Brochure

4 Days / 3 Nights

CALL FOR PRICING

Call for available dates

Departure from your location may require en route lodging. Call for details.

Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington DC

A group bus tour.

Over 100 years of pageantry!   Travel to Washington DC with your group and see the National Cherry Blossom Parade from your premium grandstand seats. Spend time in the museums at the Smithsonian Institution, and ride the Tram at Arlington Cemetery.  Your guide will show you the highlights of the city by day, and the illuminated monuments at night.

This package includes:

• 3 Nights Lodging
• 3 Breakfasts
• Cherry Blossom Parade Premium Grandstand Tickets
• Guided City Tour
• Smithsonian Institution
• Arlington Cemetery with Tram
• Union Station or National Palace
• Illuminated Monuments Tour
• U.S. Capitol
• Steven Udvar-Hazy Center
• Gift for All
• Luggage Handling
• All Taxes and Meal Gratuities
• 2 Comps Per Bus of 40 or more

Call for available options 800.437.2323

Please contact me about this tour

Phone Comment please provide comment

• New account

Forgot your password?

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive mail with link to set new password.

Back to login

The best things in Washington, DC with kids

Apr 9, 2024 • 6 min read

From the national narrative to splashing about in fountains, Washington, DC is a great destination for families © Marc Dufresne / Getty Images

America's capital city is a fantastic destination to visit with children in tow. It's filled with kid-friendly museums, has an abundance of parks in which younger visitors can burn off excess energy, and a logical, pedestrian-friendly layout (let's not forget that DC was designed to showcase urban planning at its very best). 

Here are our top tips for exploring the city with children.

Is Washington, DC, good for kids?

As America's first purpose-built city, Washington, DC, is, in many ways, a dream to explore with younger visitors. It's flat with very few hills, and roads and sidewalks are wide, smooth and well-maintained, perfect for parents pushing strollers. 

Almost all of DC's top attractions are refreshingly accessible – every Smithsonian Museum has ramps, for example, and most museums and major landmarks will have family-friendly restrooms. Generally, you'll almost always be able to enter with strollers, although the White House , which has some of the tightest restrictions, is one of the few places where strollers are on the banned list. 

The large number of gardens and parks means there are endless places for kids to burn off excess energy – the National Mall , for example, has over 20,000 trees and numerous dedicated picnic areas with benches and tables. Thirsty kids (and their parents) are also in luck – most businesses, including restaurants, museums and galleries, will happily top up water bottles, and you'll find public water fountains throughout the city, including 47 on the National Mall alone.

A tactical approach to timing can transform your holiday. If you're visiting during August and September (the hottest months of the year), you'll want to avoid spending too much time outside in the late morning and early afternoon. Take advantage of the extended opening times offered by many museums – crowds tend to thin out after 5pm, and the Library of Congress , the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art are just a few of the institutions that run so-called "late nights."

Catching public transport

Public transport in Washington, DC, is also incredibly accessible, and all train stations have ramps, elevators and extra-wide ticket gates designed with strollers and wheelchairs in mind. All Metro trains have priority seating, usually next to the train's doors. Almost all public buses have ramps, although if you're traveling with a stroller, check the size – most buses, including the DC Circulator buses, won't allow strollers more than 48" long and 24" wide. 

Getting around DC is easier than you think –  here's how

Best things to do in Washington, DC, with babies and toddlers

National museum of american history.

At the National Museum of American History , parents can take some time out at the Wegmans Wonderplace in the museum's west wing. This baby and toddler-friendly hangout has a playroom, family restroom and nursing area (complete with nursing pillows).

Rock Creek Park

The beautiful Rock Creek Park north of the city center has 1754 acres to explore and plenty of fantastic picnic spots (including several next to waterfalls). Toddlers will love the park's Discovery Room, filled with hands-on exhibits and children's books about wildlife, and many of the trails – including the Edge of the Woods Trail – have been designed with strollers and wheelchairs in mind.

Best things to do in Washington, DC with children

Us botanic garden.

The US Botanic Garden , which is free to visit, has a dedicated Children's Garden where younger visitors can help staff care for the various plants, along with a scavenger trail lined with rare plants – kids who spot certain species can get a passport book stamped.

A boat tour along the Potomac 

A riverboat tour is a great activity for kids, who can tick off the city's famous landmarks as they float along the Potomac. Capitol River Cruises offers a range of sailings, although their 45-minute scenic sightseeing cruise hits all the highlights. Tickets are priced around $25 for adults and $15 for children between three and 12. Kids under three are free.

Best things to do in Washington, DC with teenagers and tweenagers

Mount vernon.

Let's face it: teenagers and tweenagers are prone to occasional protestations of boredom, but we've got the perfect solution for anyone who starts to moan about being "museumed out." 

For a change of scenery, head across the water to the Mount Vernon estate, the former home of George and Martha Washington. You can explore the main house on guided tours, watch sparks fly in the blacksmith's shop and stop by the estate's working farm (activities here include sheep-shearing lessons and the chance to pet the ridiculously cute Hog Island Sheep). Not only will you learn about the Washington family – you'll also gain insights into the lives of people enslaved on the estate. The estate is 15 miles south of Washington, DC. To get there, take the metro's Yellow Line to Huntington Station before hopping on the Fairfax Connector bus to Mount Vernon.

The International Spy Museum

Wannabe James Bonds will love L'Enfant Plaza's International Spy Museum , which is filled with interactive exhibits, including ones that encourage them to take part in their very own undercover mission. Our only gripe is that this is one of the few museums that isn't admission-free. Entry fees vary according to the time of year, but children's tickets start at around $19, while adults' tickets start at around $29. Children aged under six visit for free.

Paddle across the Tidal Basin

This is a two-mile-long reservoir wedged between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. Teens and tweens can hire a paddle boat (from $38 per hour) and admire landmarks such as the Jefferson Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial from the water.

Planning tips

• Don't underestimate how accessible DC's transport network is – the city's bus and metro system is refreshingly easy to navigate.
• If you're visiting a museum or gallery, always ask what kid-friendly programs and events are taking place.
• DC has plenty of places to cool off, including lots of splash parks, such as The Yards Park in the Capitol Riverfront area. There's a large splash pool and brightly lit dancing fountains after dark. Another notable destination is Canal Park Fountains (also in the Capitol Riverfront area), which has numerous fountains and splash pools with stepping-stone crossings.
• Always ask what kid-friendly freebies are available. For example, staff at the US Capitol's visitor center have stashes of police badges to hand out to children.
• Whether it's a museum, gallery or landmark, always book in advance if tickets are required, even if tickets are free – you won't just get guaranteed entry but will also cut queuing times.

Keep planning your trip to Washington, DC:

These experiences  should be on your DC itinerary  And these incredible experiences  won't cost you a thing Get up close with nature and more history on  these day trips Get to know DC like a local in  these top neighborhoods 

Explore related stories

Family Travel

Oct 6, 2023 • 9 min read

From Disneyland to dinosaurs, here's how to visit the US with kids.

Mar 7, 2023 • 7 min read

Sep 2, 2022 • 5 min read

May 13, 2022 • 8 min read

Sep 14, 2020 • 2 min read

Mar 4, 2020 • 2 min read

Nov 22, 2019 • 1 min read

Oct 3, 2019 • 2 min read

Oct 1, 2019 • 5 min read

Sep 10, 2018 • 5 min read

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class

Posted: August 7, 2023 | Last updated: August 7, 2023

• I rode on a $180 luxury bus and a $46 standard coach bus from New York City to Washington, DC.
• The regular bus got me from point A to point B, but there weren't many amenities.
• I was super impressed by the comfortable seats and the attendants on board The Jet.

As somebody who frequently travels between New York City and Washington, DC , I'm thankful for the many transportation options available.

Traditionally, planes are time savers, trains are the most comfortable , and buses are the most cost-effective. But there's another luxury option: The Jet.

As a true travel nerd, I had to see just how different this $180 bus service was from a traditional $46 FlixBus coach offering. Eleven hours of travel later and a notebook full of pros and cons, here's how the buses stacked up.

The coach bus was almost exactly as I expected it to be.

On the FlixBus, there were two seats on either side of the aisle. But there were a lot more seats, leaving less room in between each row. 

There was really no comparison when it came to comfort and space.

The Jet had three seats in each row with an aisle in the middle, but overall, it had significantly fewer seats than the standard coach. 

Everything was spread out, giving every rider a lot more space.

I had just enough room for my things on the regular coach bus.

The seats on the standard coach bus were moderately sized.

They provided footrests and enough room to fit a backpack under the seat in front of you . 

I couldn't believe how great the seats were on The Jet.

The Jet provided a 45-degree seat recliner and pop-up leg rest. I had enough room to extend my legs without even being close to the chair in front of me, putting some first-class airline seats to shame.

On top of the comfortable cushioning and lumbar support, the seat was designed with technology to help mask any uneasiness on the road. Subtle up-and-down motions gave the illusion of an incredibly smooth ride.

I wish airplane seats would adopt this feature to reduce the movement of unwanted turbulence.

The coach bus didn't have many amenities.

The coach bus provided straightforward service, getting you from point A to point B.

Although there weren't many amenities on board, there were at least convenient trash bags hanging on the aisle seats.

When paying more than $100 for a bus ticket, you hope for a few added perks, and The Jet delivered.

My favorite perk was probably the attendants on board.

They passed out hot towels at the beginning of the ride, served drinks, and cleaned up after us. One attendant even offered Jet blankets to make my journey more comfortable.

The bathroom on the regular bus wasn't fancy, but it was functional.

I appreciated the small restroom on the FlixBus.

The Jet's amenities were exceptional for a bus.

The restroom had a sink, counter space, backlit mirror lights, a full-length mirror, and enough space to change into something cozy for the ride.

We made a rest stop on the regular bus to stretch our legs and refuel.

Although there wasn't food on the FlixBus, we got a 15-minute rest-stop break, where I picked up a bottle of water and a Dunkin' iced coffee to fuel me for the last three hours on the road.

I was offered free drinks and cheap snacks on The Jet.

Each Jet ticket came with two complimentary alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, or seltzer, and a list of food items on sale for as little as $1.

Although both services promised WiFi, only one worked for me.

As a remote worker who enjoys traveling, it's essential that my mode of transportation has internet access.

The buses were supposed to provide WiFi, but FlixBus' service was down during my ride. Thankfully, the power plugs on board worked, and I used my phone's hot spot instead.

I was able to comfortably get some work done on The Jet.

The Jet's WiFi worked, and the service speed was fast enough for my fiancé to stream movies while I uploaded and downloaded significant file-size assets to my computer. 

Trains and planes are still probably the better option for most, but I'll splurge on The Jet if I'm riding the bus.

When comparing the bus services , traffic is the great equalizer. Even though the buses departed on time, the 4 ½-hour trip took more than 5 ½ hours in each direction.

If time is your biggest concern, I'd stick with a train or plane. But if you're a remote worker traveling during the day like me, The Jet may be the best option.

I think it was definitely worth the price tag . The fantastic service, luxurious seats, and strong internet connection made it the clear travel winner.

Correction: August 7, 2023 — An earlier version of this story misstated the number of seats in each row on the Jet bus. There are three, not four. 

More for You

The most dangerous state to drive in in the US, according to data—plus, see where your state ranks

Use These 10 Phrases to Disarm a Narcissist

How Much Beer You'd Have To Drink To Equal A Single Shot Of Liquor

A 63-year-old peak boomer is 'incredibly scared' Social Security won't be enough to cover her expenses in retirement: 'I'll probably need to work until I die'

Netflix hit watched more than 21 million times in its first three days

Shaq hilariously taunted Charles Barkley with his cash after winning their bet on Heat and Celtics

Sheryl Sandberg unveils documentary on Hamas' ‘systematic’ sexual violence on Oct. 7

This is the salary it takes to be considered rich in every state

People Who Don’t Show Empathy Usually Have These 18 Traits

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Happy? 12 Signs of a Happy Dog

I'm abrosexual - it took me 30 years to realise

A woman said her tattoos got her rejected for a job, but experts say personality is far more important

Steelers make notable decision on QB Justin Fields

Baking Soda Makes a Great DIY Weed Killer—Here's How to Use It

Departing top Tesla exec cashes out almost his entire stake for $181 million as longtime bull Ron Baron calls bottom in the stock

What I Learned Working With White Men in Corporate America

‘Sleep disorder drove my son to suicide,’ New York mother says: ‘Broke my heart’

If you use any of these 4 phrases you have higher emotional intelligence than most

The 10 happiest places to live in the US

NYPD Chief Hits Back at AOC over Columbia Anti-Israel Protests: ‘Self-Entitlement’ Doesn’t ‘Supersede the Law’

I compared a $180 luxury bus to a $46 coach bus, and the expensive option was almost better than flying first-class

• I rode on a $180 luxury bus and a $46 standard coach bus from New York City to Washington, DC.
• The regular bus got me from point A to point B, but there weren't many amenities.
• I was super impressed by the comfortable seats and the attendants on board The Jet.

As somebody who frequently travels between New York City and Washington, DC , I'm thankful for the many transportation options available. 

Traditionally, planes are time savers, trains are the most comfortable , and buses are the most cost-effective. But there's another luxury option: The Jet.

As a true travel nerd, I had to see just how different this $180 bus service was from a traditional $46 FlixBus coach offering. Eleven hours of travel later and a notebook full of pros and cons, here's how the buses stacked up.

The coach bus was almost exactly as I expected it to be.

On the FlixBus, there were two seats on either side of the aisle. But there were a lot more seats, leaving less room in between each row. 

There was really no comparison when it came to comfort and space.

The Jet had three seats in each row with an aisle in the middle, but overall, it had significantly fewer seats than the standard coach. 

Everything was spread out, giving every rider a lot more space.

I had just enough room for my things on the regular coach bus.

The seats on the standard coach bus were moderately sized.

They provided footrests and enough room to fit a backpack under the seat in front of you . 

I couldn't believe how great the seats were on The Jet.

The Jet provided a 45-degree seat recliner and pop-up leg rest. I had enough room to extend my legs without even being close to the chair in front of me, putting some first-class airline seats to shame.

On top of the comfortable cushioning and lumbar support, the seat was designed with technology to help mask any uneasiness on the road. Subtle up-and-down motions gave the illusion of an incredibly smooth ride.

I wish airplane seats would adopt this feature to reduce the movement of unwanted turbulence.

The coach bus didn't have many amenities.

The coach bus provided straightforward service, getting you from point A to point B.

Although there weren't many amenities on board, there were at least convenient trash bags hanging on the aisle seats.

When paying more than $100 for a bus ticket, you hope for a few added perks, and The Jet delivered.

My favorite perk was probably the attendants on board.

They passed out hot towels at the beginning of the ride, served drinks, and cleaned up after us. One attendant even offered Jet blankets to make my journey more comfortable.

The bathroom on the regular bus wasn't fancy, but it was functional.

I appreciated the small restroom on the FlixBus.

The Jet's amenities were exceptional for a bus.

The restroom had a sink, counter space, backlit mirror lights, a full-length mirror, and enough space to change into something cozy for the ride.

We made a rest stop on the regular bus to stretch our legs and refuel.

Although there wasn't food on the FlixBus, we got a 15-minute rest-stop break, where I picked up a bottle of water and a Dunkin' iced coffee to fuel me for the last three hours on the road.

I was offered free drinks and cheap snacks on The Jet.

Each Jet ticket came with two complimentary alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, or seltzer, and a list of food items on sale for as little as $1.

Although both services promised WiFi, only one worked for me.

As a remote worker who enjoys traveling, it's essential that my mode of transportation has internet access.

The buses were supposed to provide WiFi, but FlixBus' service was down during my ride. Thankfully, the power plugs on board worked, and I used my phone's hot spot instead.

I was able to comfortably get some work done on The Jet.

The Jet's WiFi worked, and the service speed was fast enough for my fiancé to stream movies while I uploaded and downloaded significant file-size assets to my computer. 

Trains and planes are still probably the better option for most, but I'll splurge on The Jet if I'm riding the bus.

When comparing the bus services , traffic is the great equalizer. Even though the buses departed on time, the 4 ½-hour trip took more than 5 ½ hours in each direction.

If time is your biggest concern, I'd stick with a train or plane. But if you're a remote worker traveling during the day like me, The Jet may be the best option.

I think it was definitely worth the price tag . The fantastic service, luxurious seats, and strong internet connection made it the clear travel winner.

Correction: August 7, 2023 — An earlier version of this story misstated the number of seats in each row on the Jet bus. There are three, not four. 

This story was originally published in August 2023 and most recently updated on April 18, 2024.

• Main content

A kid-friendly trip to Washington, D.C.

Lots of successes, a few mistakes in our jam-packed days in the nation’s capital.

Were we losing our minds? Some of our family and friends thought so. We were taking three young kids, ages 8, 6, and 3 to Washington, D.C., for vacation. They’re too young, they tsked. The age range is too broad, they suggested. So. Much. Work, they concurred. A better option, they suggested, only half-joking, might be an all-inclusive Caribbean resort with a swimming pool and a full-day children’s program.

Oh, pshaw!, we thought. We love D.C. and we were excited to take the kids to the nation’s capital. In fact, Washington, D.C., is one of the top family vacation destinations in the country. It’s filled with top-notch, hands-on museums — including the 17 free Smithsonian museums — expansive parks and pocket green spaces, grand-scale monuments and museums, and vibrant neighborhoods. There are giant dinosaurs, fossils and bones, meteorites and rare gems, big planes, secret spy gadgets, mega Lego buildings, live animals, creepy insects, and thousands of beautiful butterflies — to name a few highlights.

We planned to spend two nights and two days in D.C., and to see as much as we could. Our tentative itinerary was jam-packed. That was our first mistake.

Full speed ahead

The early-morning direct flight from Boston to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport was a quick, easy jaunt. We hired an XL ride share, battled with the portable booster seats we’d brought, and arrived at the Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill hotel before lunchtime. The recently opened hotel has spacious rooms (standard rooms starting under $200 a night, depending on the time of year), with contemporary furnishings. We stayed in a suite with a separate seating area and an adjoining room. The two rooms gave us plenty of space. We especially liked the hotel’s location, which was an easy walk to the US Capitol and the National Mall, a 2-mile or so green park lined with Smithsonian Institution museums.

Advertisement

First on our agenda was a visit to the International Spy Museum in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood along the Potomac River. Confession: This was the adults’ choice; we’d never been to the museum and wanted to check it out. Currently showing: “Bond in Motion,” a collection of 17 original James Bond vehicles. We were psyched to see it; the kids weren’t much interested.

There are a lot of displays here that go right over young kids’ heads, but the museum turned out to be the 8-year-old’s favorite spot. We picked up our secret identities and undercover mission cards upon arrival and looked for the spy mission hands-on activities throughout the museum, including cracking secret codes, practicing observation skills, creating gadgets, and testing our strength, hanging from a hand bar. The youngest played along, pushing this and peering through that, and clamoring through The Duct Crawl, several times. But we concluded that this museum is best for older children, say 8 or 9 years and older.

“Consider your kids’ ages,” Elliott L. Ferguson II, president and CEO of Destination DC , the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, advises. “Washington, D.C., boasts attractions for every age group. I recommend making sure you visit the ones tailored to spark the most interest and creativity.”

Afternoon meltdown

After the International Spy Museum, our plan was to visit the Jefferson Memorial. But it had already been a long travel day for the kids. We enjoyed Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cones at the nearby Wharf, a new, lively waterfront development, followed by a little downtime at the hotel.

Later, in the early evening, we jumped on the Big Bus Night Tour , a spur-of-the-moment decision that turned out to be the right one. Washington, D.C., is especially beguiling at night when the monuments are lit up. The hop-on, hop-off tour visits many of the major memorials, including the White House and the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. The kids could relax on the bus (they skipped the headphones for the prerecorded commentary) and still took in the iconic sights.

“There’s something special about seeing the monuments and memorials lit after dark,” Ferguson agrees. “Don’t miss seeing them aglow after dinner.”

Another note about the Big Bus hop-on, hop-off tours: well worth it! The daytime Red Loop tour makes 17 stops at major Smithsonian Museums and famous monuments and memorials. We used it for sightseeing, but also for transportation, hopping on when little legs (and weary adults) needed a rest. (Tip: Also bring a stroller; you’ll need it. And wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be walking a lot.) “You won’t need a car in Washington, D.C. In fact, one of the best ways to experience the city is on foot,” Ferguson says. And taking the bus or subway and hiring rideshares all are better options than driving.

Rise and shine

Let’s go kids; we have a full day of fun activities planned! On our second day, we walked to the US Capitol and along the National Mall. The kids enjoyed running and playing tag (lesson: leave time for unstructured play), as we made our way to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History . This massive museum is one of the largest of its kind in the world, filled with extraordinary exhibits and collections, with some 148 million specimens and artifacts. The kids were instantly drawn to the Hall of Mammals, with full-size giraffes, hippos, lions, cheetahs, and many, many more. The David H. Koch Hall of Fossils , with some 700 fossil specimens, was another kid (and grown-up) favorite, including a face-to-face greeting with a life-size skeleton of the Nation’s T. Rex and triceratops. In Sant Ocean Hall we walked under a model of a 45-foot-long North Atlantic Right Whale, and gazed into aquariums filled with sea creatures and coral. The hall features more than 600 specimens. We posed for photos looking through the jaws of a megalodon, a giant shark that went extinct some 3.6 million years ago.

The 6-year-old, who had just received a rock tumbler for his birthday, was excited about the Geo Gallery and got everyone else involved, looking at the massive, shiny gemstones, and the collection of meteorites. In all, the museum has some 350,000 mineral specimens and 10,000 gemstones, one of the largest of its kind in the world, including the world-famous Hope Diamond.

We thought we’d buzz through the O. Orkin Insect Zoo , the oldest continuously operating insect zoo in the US. But the kids were mesmerized by the collection of creepy crawlies. They nudged to the front of a live presentation on a bug we didn’t recognize “Who wants to touch it?,” the presenter asked, and a group of little hands flew up. Scrambling through a 14-foot-tall model of an African termite mound was another favorite.

The museum was a hit. Next on the agenda was a visit to the National Children’s Museum of Washington, D.C. However, we’d already missed our timed entry slot. Did we have time for another museum? A visit to the National Zoo? Not really.

“A common misconception is about the time you’ll spend exploring museums,” says Ferguson. “We often hear that families had no idea how cool it would be to see the dinosaurs, or spaceships, or presidential artifacts.”

We’d overloaded our itinerary, and we suspected the kids were now on sensory overload. We grabbed snacks and drinks from a sidewalk vendor and walked and skipped our way to the Washington Monument, roaming through some of the Smithsonian Gardens along the way.

So many choices

What to do on our final morning before our flights back to Boston? The choices were overwhelming. We decided on a visit to the lesser known National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. , which had just opened its “Building Stories” exhibition. The four-room, immersive exhibition examines the world of architecture, engineering, construction, and design found in children’s books, including 150 books representing 28 countries. We found it fascinating for both kids and adults. The kids particularly enjoyed receiving a sketchbook and souvenir pencil that served as a guide through the exhibition, with places for stamps to collect along the way. There are cozy reading nooks, a small theater in the round, illustrating favorite books like “The Snowy Day,” a wall of alphabet books, and an entire area designed and built by David Macaulay, illustrating his “Rome Antics,” a 1997 picture book depicting buildings of Rome as seen by a homing pigeon. The final room features large, soft building blocks for kids to build their own structures. The second floor “Lego Room” (as the kids called it) featured a collection of iconic world landmarks and places built out of Legos, and a play area where kids could build their own Lego constructions.

We ended in a mad dash to the airport, where we waited for our delayed flight home. For more information, visit www.washington.org . Note that some Smithsonian Museums require timed entry reservations.

Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at [email protected]