- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the most visited museums in the city, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and major natural science collections.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Cary, NC to Washington, DC
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$51
Fastest journey
5 h 10 m
Average duration
5 h 18 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
378 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cary, NC 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 Cary, NC to Washington, DC will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Cary, NC for Washington, DC on Sun, Jun 21, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 378 km distance in an average of 5 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 10 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 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.
6:50 AM5h25Cary, NC12:15 PMWashington, DC$441One-way0 transfers- 7:50 AM5h25Cary, NC1:15 PMWashington, DC$461One-way0 transfers
- 1:55 AM5h10Cary, NC7:05 AMWashington, DC$521One-way0 transfers
- 2:55 AM5h10Cary, NC8:05 AMWashington, DC$621One-way0 transfers
- 2:55 AM5h10Cary, NC8:05 AMWashington, DC$621One-way0 transfers
- 1:55 AM5h10Cary, NC7:05 AMWashington, DC$521One-way0 transfers
- 7:50 AM5h25Cary, NC1:15 PMWashington, DC$461One-way0 transfers
- 6:50 AM5h25Cary, NC12:15 PMWashington, DC$441One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cary, NC to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cary, NC to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 46m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a flight costs an average of $106.
Distance: 234 miles (378 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$55 Average price Cheapest | $85 Average price | $317 Average price | $54 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 59m Average total duration 5h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 8m Average total duration 6h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Cary, NC to Washington, DC is a bus with an average price of $55 (€45).
This is compared to other travel options from Cary, NC to Washington, DC:
A bus is $30 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cary, NC to Washington, DC costing on average $85 (€70).
A bus is $262 (€215) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cary, NC to Washington, DC costing on average $317 (€259).
The fastest way to travel from Cary, NC to Washington, DC is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 46m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 29m.
Train takes on average 6h 38m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cary, NC and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cary, NC to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -2h -2m sooner (5h 29m by bus vs 4h 27m by car) and save roughly $-0.28 (€-0.23) compared to fuel and tolls ($55 (€45) vs $54 (€44)). 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 Greyhound, 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.
Cary, NC to Washington, DC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 06:55AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55AM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20AM | Arrival Time 06:55AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:55AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $56 |
Live departures
Cary, NC to Washington, DC bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cary, NC to Washington, DC buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:15 PM Cary, NC | 5h35 | 12:50 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
| 1:55 AM Cary, NC | 5h10 | 7:05 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:55 AM Cary, NC | 5h10 | 8:05 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:50 AM Cary, NC | 5h25 | 12:15 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:50 AM Cary, NC | 5h25 | 1:15 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cary, NC to Washington, DC by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Jun 27
Why should you book Cary, NC to Washington, DC buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus or Go Triangle offer buses services from Cary, NC to Washington, DC.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cary, NC to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Go Triangle to find the best option for your trip from Cary, NC to Washington, DC.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cary, NC to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Go Triangle to find the best option for your trip from Cary, NC to Washington, DC.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cary, NC to Washington, DC.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Buses from Cary, NC to Washington, DC run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€34) if you book in advance.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 234 miles (378 km) distance in 4h 35m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 234 miles (378 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€34) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 4h 35m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus, Go Triangle from Cary, NC to Washington, DCYou can travel by bus between Cary, NC to Washington, DC with Greyhound, FlixBus, Go Triangle for as low as $41 (€34). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 10m
Cheapest Price
$41 (€34)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest Price
$51 (€42)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Go Triangle
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 55m
Cheapest Price
$49 (€40)
Go Triangle frequency
7 a day
Complete guide to Washington
Things to do in Washington
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
Flagship museum for aviation and space exploration, featuring iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.
- Must visit
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Powerful museum covering African American history, culture, and achievements through immersive exhibitions.
- Must visit
National Mall
The city’s central ceremonial landscape, lined with major museums, memorials, and classic Washington views.
- Must visit
Georgetown
Historic neighborhood of cobbled streets, waterfront paths, and Federal-era architecture, ideal for walking and photos.
- Must visit
Tidal Basin
Scenic waterfront loop famous for cherry blossoms and close-up access to several major memorials.
Half-Smoke
Washington’s signature sausage, usually smoky and spicy, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Mumbo Sauce
A sweet-tangy sauce strongly associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly paired with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local flavor locals recognize immediately.
- Gluten-free
Chesapeake Blue Crab
Regional blue crab from nearby Chesapeake waters, often served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington dining.
Old Ebbitt Grill
An established downtown institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic American seafood near the White House, with an elegant old-school atmosphere.
Le Diplomate
Busy, established French brasserie in Logan Circle known for polished service, a classic dining room, and consistently popular bistro dishes.
Ben's Chili Bowl
Historic casual landmark on U Street, famous for half-smokes, chili dogs, and classic Washington comfort food in a lively, nostalgic setting.
United States Dollar
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near central areas and major attractions.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast casual or food trucks.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 80+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a latte or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Taxis: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Tips are expected for table service.
DC Metro and Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- USD 2.25
- Day pass
- USD 13.00
To the city center
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Union Station, Washington, DC
- Distance
- 2.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- SmarTrip is the official fare system for Metrorail and Metrobus, and you can use a physical card or mobile wallet on supported phones.
- Metrobus accepts contactless card payment only on routes equipped with fareboxes that support SmarTrip, so paying with a bank card directly is generally not available.
FAQs: Bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cary, NC 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Cary, NC to Washington, DC can start from as little as $41 (€34) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cary, NC to Washington, DC is $55 (€45) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC is 4h 35m to travel the 234 miles (378 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC leaves at 12:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC leaves at 10:45 PM.
Yes, there are 9 direct buses a day from Cary, NC to Washington, DC with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus, Go Triangle for the best way to get you to Washington, DC. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cary, NC and Washington, DC and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Washington, DC from Cary, NC is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cary, NC and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Washington, DC are:
- The National Mall, a historic and iconic open-area national park featuring monuments and museums
- The White House, the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States
- The United States Capitol, the home of the United States Congress and a symbol of the American people and government
- The Smithsonian Institution, a group of museums and research institutions offering diverse exhibits and educational programs
- The Lincoln Memorial, a monument honoring the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
The best things to do in Washington, DC include:
- Discover the National Gallery of Art, featuring an extensive collection of European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present
- Stroll through Georgetown, a historic neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, upscale shops, and vibrant dining scene
- Visit the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, offering a vast collection of books, recordings, and exhibits
- Explore the vibrant Eastern Market, a historic public market offering fresh food, local arts, and crafts
- Enjoy a performance at the Kennedy Center, a premier venue for the performing arts, featuring theater, dance, and music.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cary, NC to Washington, DC depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cary, NC to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cary, NC to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cary, NC to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither Cary, NC nor Washington, DC are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cary, NC to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Washington, DC, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the National Mall and Metro stations. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides and unofficial tour operators. It's advisable to use licensed transportation services and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night or in less busy neighborhoods.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cary, NC to Washington, DC
Cary
Washington
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:00-23:00
Distance to city center
2 km
Car connection
Massachusetts Ave NEWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- McDonald's (in the station)
- Shake Shack (in the station)
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station
- Bus: 96, 97, D6 Metro: Red Train: Amtrak, MARC, VRE
Most popular bus connections from Cary, NC
More options for your journey from Cary, NC to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Washington, DC and Cary, NC
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
