- 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
$765
Average price
$791
Fastest journey
2 d 19 h 30 m
Average duration
3 d 2 h 20 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
3709 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bakersfield, CA 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 Bakersfield, CA to Washington, DC will cost around $791 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $765.
It's difficult to get from Bakersfield, CA to Washington, DC without transferring at least 3 times.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bakersfield, CA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $391. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $391, and a train costs an average of $516.
Distance: 2304 miles (3709 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$460 Average price Cheapest | $638 Average price | $583 Average price | $534 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
73h 6m Average total duration 72h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 73h 5m Average total duration 72h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 33m Average total duration Fastest 7h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 39h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bakersfield, CA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $124 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bakersfield, CA to Washington, DC costing on average $583.
A bus is $178 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bakersfield, CA to Washington, DC costing on average $638.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 72h 35m.
Bus takes on average 72h 36m.
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 | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 66h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $422 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 69h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $787 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 67h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $765 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 78h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $787 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 80h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $391 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 05:40AM | Duration 79h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $446 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 82h21 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $824 |
The table below shows live departures for Bakersfield, CA to Washington, DC buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:35 AM Bakersfield, CA | 69h10 | 6:45 AM Washington, DC | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Bakersfield, CA to Washington, DC run on average 7 times per day, taking around 72h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $391 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:55, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 2304 miles (3709 km) distance in 64h 0m.
Distance 2304 miles (3709 km) |
Average bus duration 72h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $391 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 64h 0m |
First bus 4:55 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Bakersfield, CA 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 Bakersfield, CA to Washington, DC buses use the Bakersfield, Amtrak Terminal 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 Bakersfield, CA 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