- Must visit
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Major Smithsonian aviation and space museum near Fairfax with the Space Shuttle Discovery and hundreds of aircraft.
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$48
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
5 h 25 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
364 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cary, NC to Fairfax, VA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cary, NC to Fairfax, VA will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Of the 1 buses that leave Cary, NC for Fairfax, VA on Fri, Jun 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 05 the direct buses cover the 364 km distance in an average of 5 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest buses will take 5 h 25 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Cary, NC to Fairfax, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $132.
Distance: 226 miles (364 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$48 Average price Cheapest | $132 Average price | $66 Average price | $54 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 25m Average total duration Fastest 5h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 30m Average total duration 9h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cary, NC to Fairfax, VA:
A bus is $18 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cary, NC to Fairfax, VA costing on average $66 (€53).
A bus is $85 (€68) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cary, NC to Fairfax, VA costing on average $132 (€107).
Other travel options to Fairfax, VA take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 25m.
Train takes on average 9h 0m.
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 07:50AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
The table below shows live departures for Cary, NC to Fairfax, VA buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:50 AM Cary, NC | 5h25 | 1:15 PM Fairfax, VA | 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 Cary, NC to Fairfax, VA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $48 (€38) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 22:10. The fastest bus covers the 226 miles (364 km) distance in 5h 25m.
Distance 226 miles (364 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€38) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 25m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Fairfax — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Fairfax trip today.
Major Smithsonian aviation and space museum near Fairfax with the Space Shuttle Discovery and hundreds of aircraft.
Modern museum nearby presenting U.S. Army history through immersive exhibits, artifacts, and large-scale displays.
Local history museum in a restored 1873 schoolhouse with exhibits on Fairfax, Civil War history, and community heritage.
Walkable historic core with civic landmarks, local shops, and frequent community events; the city’s main area to explore on foot.
Central street through Old Town lined with historic buildings and the best starting point for a casual city walk.
Large campus area with landscaped grounds, public art, and venues that make it a lively part of Fairfax.
Small biscuits filled with salty cured Virginia ham, a classic snack tied to Virginia food traditions and Southern gatherings.
Crab cakes made with Chesapeake blue crab, lightly bound and pan-fried, reflecting Northern Virginia's connection to Mid-Atlantic seafood.
A thick regional stew of meat, tomatoes, corn, and lima beans, long associated with Virginia home cooking and community meals.
Well-regarded contemporary American restaurant with an open kitchen, refined plates, and a more upscale dining experience.
Long-running local favorite offering Italian classics, wine, and a cozy setting suited to date nights and special dinners.
Popular established restaurant in Fairfax known for polished American dining, ribs, crab cakes, and a lively, upscale-casual atmosphere.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is reasonable, but hotels and fine dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cary, NC to Fairfax, VA 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 Fairfax, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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