- 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
$790
Average price
$796
Fastest journey
2 d 23 h 5 m
Average duration
3 d 6 h 53 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
3651 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad, CA to Washington, DC will cost around $796 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $790.
It's difficult to get from Carlsbad, CA to Washington, DC without transferring at least 4 times.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Carlsbad, CA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $790. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 75h 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $790, and a bus costs an average of $790.
Distance: 2268 miles (3651 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$792 Average price Cheapest | $528 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
76h 29m Average total duration Fastest 75h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 39h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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 North County Transit | Departure Time 07:37AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 71h08 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $790 |
Operator North County Transit | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 71h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $790 |
Operator North County Transit | Departure Time 07:07PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 79h18 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $790 |
Operator North County Transit | Departure Time 07:39PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 78h46 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $790 |
The table below shows live departures for Carlsbad, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:40 AM Carlsbad, CA | 71h05 | 6:45 AM Washington, DC | 4 transfers | |
![]() | 7:39 PM Carlsbad, CA | 86h41 | 10:20 AM Washington, DC | 4 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Carlsbad, CA to Washington, DC run on average 9 times per day, taking around 75h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $790 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 07:37, the last at 19:39. The fastest bus covers the 2268 miles (3651 km) distance in 71h 5m.
Distance 2268 miles (3651 km) |
Average bus duration 75h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $790 |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 71h 5m |
First bus 7:37 AM |
Last bus 7:39 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad, CA to Washington, DC buses use the Oceanside, Oceanside Transit Center (Topeka St.) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Bethesda, Waverly Street / Montgomery Ave. Use this guide to compare Carlsbad, 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.
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) is 1 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW). ATMs are available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW).
Ticket office support is available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW).
Available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW): Sidewalks and crosswalks are wheelchair accessible.
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