- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, famous for dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and major family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bel Air, MD to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $7, and a bus costs an average of $12.
Distance: 57 miles (93 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$16 Average price | $13 Average price Cheapest | $16 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 10m Average total duration 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Bel Air, MD to Washington, DC:
A train is $2 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bel Air, MD to Washington, DC costing on average $16 (€13).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 40m.
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 07:35PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
The table below shows live departures for Bel Air, MD to Washington, DC buses for today, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:35 PM Bel Air, MD | 2h40 | 10:15 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Bel Air, MD to Washington, DC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $12 (€9) but you can travel from only $7 (€5) by train.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:20, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 57 miles (93 km) distance in 2h 40m.
Distance 57 miles (93 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€9) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 2h 40m |
First bus 4:20 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, famous for dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and major family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to modern times, plus a celebrated sculpture garden and strong temporary exhibitions.
Iconic Smithsonian museum covering aviation and space exploration, with historic aircraft and spacecraft that make it a top draw in the city.
Washington’s signature civic landscape lined with museums and monuments, ideal for walking and the city’s top first-time visitor area.
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for cobblestone streets, rowhouses, shopping, and scenic walks along the canal and river.
Scenic walking area around the water framed by major memorials, especially famous during cherry blossom season.
Washington’s signature sausage, usually a coarse smoked pork-and-beef link served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet, tangy, slightly spicy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly served with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local condiment.
An oversized late-night pizza slice popular in nightlife areas of Washington, especially Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable local fast-food tradition.
An established, upscale-casual saloon near the White House known for oysters, crab cakes, and other classic Washington and Mid-Atlantic dishes.
Acclaimed Indian restaurant known for refined cooking and a polished dining room. A standout for one of Washington’s most celebrated restaurant experiences.
One of Washington’s best-known restaurants, offering classic French bistro fare in an elegant, energetic space that is popular with locals and visitors.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bel Air, MD 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.

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