- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Art
Premier art museum with global collections, major exhibitions, and a large sculpture park that makes it a top cultural stop.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Arlington, VA to Raleigh, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $74 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 29m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $74, while a flight costs an average of $567.
Distance: 230 miles (371 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$74 Average price Cheapest | $567 Average price | $113 Average price | $53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 15m Average total duration 5h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Arlington, VA to Raleigh, NC:
A bus is $38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Arlington, VA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $113.
A bus is $492 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Arlington, VA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $567.
Other travel options to Raleigh, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 45m.
Train takes on average 5h 50m.
Tickets start at around $74 compared to roughly $53 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-21.49. The journey takes 5h 45m versus 4h 12m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Compare 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 Arlington, VA to Raleigh, NC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $53 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 22:15. The fastest bus covers the 230 miles (371 km) distance in 4h 50m.
Distance 230 miles (371 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 4h 50m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Raleigh, NC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Raleigh, NC trip today.
Premier art museum with global collections, major exhibitions, and a large sculpture park that makes it a top cultural stop.
One of the Southeast's best natural history museums, featuring dinosaurs, research labs, and family-friendly exhibits across two buildings.
Interactive museum covering North Carolina's military past with aircraft, artifacts, and stories spanning colonial times to today.
Lively warehouse district with murals, shops, event spaces, and nightlife. It is one of Raleigh's most popular modern walking areas.
Beloved city park with an antique carousel, train ride, and shaded paths. Ideal for families and a classic local outing.
Scenic art-and-nature trail linking museum grounds with outdoor sculptures, woods, and open fields for an easy cultural walk.
Eastern North Carolina chopped pork barbecue is smoked whole hog with a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce, a defining regional staple widely loved around Raleigh.
Barbecue hushpuppies are crisp fried cornmeal dumplings, a classic side with Carolina barbecue and seafood across the Raleigh area.
Fried green tomatoes are tart unripe tomato slices breaded and fried, a Southern favorite often served as an appetizer in Raleigh restaurants.
Long-running fine dining destination celebrated for upscale Southern cuisine, garden herbs, and a romantic historic setting.
Popular casual spot for biscuits, Southern breakfast plates, and local comfort food with a lively neighborhood feel.
Beloved local brewpub offering house beers and hearty pub food, reflecting Raleigh's strong craft beer culture.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are usually lower than NYC or DC, but car, rideshare, and limited transit can raise visitor costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is provided.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Arlington, VA to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Arlington, VA to Raleigh, NC buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station to Raleigh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon). Use this guide to compare Arlington, VA and Raleigh, NC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn) is 3 km from Arlington city centre. Public transport options include:
Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Nearby cafes and restaurants available.
Wi-Fi is available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn). ATMs are available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn).
Ticket office support is available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn).
Available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn): Accessible for wheelchairs.
Raleigh, Bus Station is 4 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Station is accessible via ramps.
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) is 6 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon). ATMs are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Station is accessible for passengers with disabilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need