- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Art
Major art museum with a broad collection from ancient to contemporary works, plus a large outdoor Museum Park. One of Raleigh’s signature cultural stops.
Omio recommends booking the train 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 prices starting from $58. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $58, and a flight costs an average of $334.
Distance: 230 miles (371 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$62 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price | $353 Average price | $52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 27m Average total duration 5h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Arlington, VA to Raleigh, NC:
A bus is $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Arlington, VA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $78 (€64).
A bus is $291 (€238) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Arlington, VA to Raleigh, NC costing on average $353 (€289).
Other travel options to Raleigh, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 0m.
Train takes on average 5h 57m.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 06:55AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 8 times per day, taking around 5h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $58 (€48) but you can travel from only $54 (€44) by train.
There are 7 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 5h 0m.
Distance 230 miles (371 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 (€48) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Raleigh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Raleigh trip today.
Major art museum with a broad collection from ancient to contemporary works, plus a large outdoor Museum Park. One of Raleigh’s signature cultural stops.
The Southeast’s largest natural history museum, known for dinosaur exhibits, live animals, and strong family-friendly science displays in downtown Raleigh.
Popular interactive children’s museum with hands-on exhibits focused on play, learning, and imagination. Best for families with younger children.
Historic public park with walking paths, rides, a lake, and broad appeal for both families and casual visitors. One of Raleigh’s best-known green spaces.
Large urban park with skyline views, open fields, seasonal events, and highly photographed areas that have become very popular with locals and visitors.
Main downtown street lined with civic buildings, event spaces, and restaurants nearby, serving as a central axis for festivals and city life.
Whole-hog pork chopped and dressed with a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce. It is one of North Carolina’s most iconic regional foods and widely loved around Raleigh.
Slow-smoked pork shoulder or pork with a red slaw and a ketchup-vinegar dip. This Piedmont style is another classic North Carolina barbecue tradition often found in the Raleigh area.
A flaky Southern biscuit filled with salty cured ham, often served at breakfast. It reflects the strong Southern food heritage of Raleigh and the wider state.
A highly regarded venue combining dim sum, beer, and a distinctive floral dining room. It is one of Raleigh’s best-known upscale dining experiences.
An established downtown restaurant known for elevated Southern comfort food, seasonal cooking, and a stylish diner setting.
A popular casual spot recognized for fried chicken, biscuits, and modern Southern flavors in a lively central location.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than New York or San Francisco, but costs rise in downtown and during major events.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for excellent service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis/rideshares 10-15%, hotel staff a few USD, and round up for coffee only if desired.
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.

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