- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Cheapest price
$89
Average price
$139
Fastest journey
11 h 55 m
Average duration
11 h 55 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Altoona, PA to Washington, DC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Altoona, PA to Washington, DC will cost around $139 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.
Of the 2 buses that leave Altoona, PA for Washington, DC on Sat, Aug 01, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct buses cover the 215 km distance in an average of 11 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 55 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest buses will take 11 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Altoona, PA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $89. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $89, and a train costs an average of $101.
Distance: 133 miles (215 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$147 Average price Cheapest | $169 Average price | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 25m Average total duration 11h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 26m Average total duration Fastest 6h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Altoona, PA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $22 (€18) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Altoona, PA to Washington, DC costing on average $169 (€138).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 55m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 26h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $126 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $89 |
The table below shows live departures for Altoona, PA to Washington, DC buses for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:30 PM Altoona, PA | 11h55 | 6:25 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 PM Altoona, PA | 11h55 | 7:25 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Altoona, PA to Washington, DC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 11h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $89 (€72) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 133 miles (215 km) distance in 11h 55m.
Distance 133 miles (215 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 (€72) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 11h 55m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.
A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.
The National Mall is Washington's grand civic promenade, lined with museums, memorials, and classic views ideal for first-time visitors.
Georgetown charms with historic streets, rowhouses, waterfront paths, and independent shops that make it one of the city's best walking areas.
The Tidal Basin loop offers famous cherry blossoms, water views, and easy access to several of Washington's most iconic memorials.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is DC's signature street food, strongly tied to Ben's Chili Bowl.
Jumbo slice is an oversized late-night pizza slice popular in Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable DC nightlife food known for its huge foldable portions.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet tangy red sauce commonly served with fried chicken and wings at DC carryouts. It is a beloved local condiment with roots in Black DC food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and refined tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary dining room.
Polished seafood institution at the municipal fish market, best known for regional oysters, crab cakes, and classic Chesapeake flavors.
Historic casual landmark famous for half-smokes, chili, and a classic diner feel. A must for trying DC's best-known street food tradition.
DC is pricier than many US cities. Hotels and dining run high in central areas, but Metro and many free museums help balance daily travel costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Altoona, PA to Washington, DC by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Altoona, PA to Washington, DC buses use the Altoona, 11th Ave (Greyhound Bus Station) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW). Use this guide to compare Altoona, PA and Washington, DC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Shake Shack (in the station)
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and food court.
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station.
Available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need