- Must visit
Delaware Art Museum
Major art museum known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection, American illustration, and sculpture garden. A top cultural stop in Wilmington.
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$29
Fastest journey
4 h 33 m
Average duration
7 h 4 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
158 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bethesda, MD to Wilmington, DE is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bethesda, MD to Wilmington, DE will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
It's difficult to get from Bethesda, MD to Wilmington, DE without transferring at least once.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bethesda, MD to Wilmington, DE among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $479.
Distance: 98 miles (158 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $32 Average price | $516 Average price | $22 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 59m Average total duration 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration Fastest 1h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 1h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bethesda, MD to Wilmington, DE:
A bus is $1 (€1) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bethesda, MD to Wilmington, DE costing on average $32 (€26).
A bus is $486 (€392) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bethesda, MD to Wilmington, DE costing on average $516 (€417).
Other travel options to Wilmington, DE take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 31m.
Bus takes on average 2h 29m.
You'll arrive about -1h -37m sooner (2h 29m by bus vs 1h 52m by car) and save roughly $-8.08 (€-6.53) compared to fuel and tolls ($31 (€25) vs $22 (€18)). 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 FlixBus.
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 04:05AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority | Departure Time 12:12PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 4h33 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority | Departure Time 12:14PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 4h31 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $28 |
The table below shows live departures for Bethesda, MD to Wilmington, DE buses for today, Saturday, May 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:00 PM Bethesda, MD | 3h00 | 6:00 PM Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Bethesda, MD to Wilmington, DE run on average 12 times per day, taking around 2h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 (€22) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by train.
There are 10 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:45, the last at 21:25. The fastest bus covers the 98 miles (158 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 98 miles (158 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€22) |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 10 |
Fastest bus 2h 0m |
First bus 2:45 AM |
Last bus 9:25 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Wilmington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wilmington trip today.
Major art museum known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection, American illustration, and sculpture garden. A top cultural stop in Wilmington.
Renowned museum of American decorative arts set on a vast historic estate with gardens. One of the region's most important heritage attractions.
Industrial history museum on the Brandywine, preserving the original DuPont gunpowder works, mills, and riverside grounds.
Revitalized waterfront district with a scenic path, public art, and event spaces. One of the city's most popular walking areas.
Hilltop park with open lawns and the iconic Rockford Tower, offering one of the best views over Wilmington.
Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park with river views, bridges, and trails. A classic Wilmington green space for walks and photos.
Slow-smoked pork shoulder, chopped or pulled and dressed with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. A staple of the Carolinas and a common regional favorite around Wilmington.
Whole-hog style barbecue seasoned simply and finished with vinegar and pepper. It is one of the most traditional foods tied to coastal and eastern North Carolina.
Local shrimp served over creamy grits, often with bacon, gravy, or a light sauce. This coastal Southern dish is widely associated with Wilmington and nearby Cape Fear seafood culture.
Long-running Wilmington favorite for Thai and Vietnamese-inspired dishes, known for its large menu and distinctive garden atmosphere.
Upscale downtown restaurant known for refined Southern cooking, North Carolina seafood, and local ingredients in a polished but relaxed setting.
Reliable local favorite for fresh seafood, shrimp and grits, and oyster dishes in a comfortable casual setting.
Prices are Moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and fine dining cost more in peak seasons.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants before tax. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5 for helpful service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bethesda, MD to Wilmington, DE 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 Wilmington, DE, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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