- 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.
Cheapest price
$129
Average price
$180
Fastest journey
21 h 15 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 33 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
970 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Champaign, IL 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 Champaign, IL to Washington, DC will cost around $180 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $129.
Of the 2 buses that leave Champaign, IL for Washington, DC on Wed, Jun 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct buses cover the 970 km distance in an average of 1 d 1 h 33 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 21 h 15 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest buses will take 1 d 5 h 50 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 train as it is the most popular option from Champaign, IL to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $129. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 20h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $129, and a train costs an average of $178.
Distance: 602 miles (970 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$194 Average price Cheapest | $266 Average price | $139 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
28h 10m Average total duration 27h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 31m Average total duration Fastest 20h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Champaign, IL to Washington, DC:
A bus is $72 (€58) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Champaign, IL to Washington, DC costing on average $266 (€215).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 27h 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 12:35AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 29h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 29h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $237 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $248 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 26h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $173 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 21h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 35h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $147 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $230 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 27h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $135 |
The table below shows live departures for Champaign, IL to Washington, DC buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:30 PM Champaign, I. T. at Market St. | 35h10 | 1:40 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 1:30 PM Champaign, I. T. at Market St. | 21h05 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
![]() | 12:35 AM Champaign, IL | 29h50 | 6:25 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, June 15 | |||||
FlixBus+ · | 8:00 PM Champaign, I. T. at Market St. | 29h25 | 2:25 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and 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 Champaign, IL to Washington, DC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 27h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $129 (€105) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 602 miles (970 km) distance in 21h 15m.
Distance 602 miles (970 km) |
Average bus duration 27h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $129 (€105) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 21h 15m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 most visited museums in the city, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and major natural science collections.
Flagship museum for aviation and space exploration, featuring iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.
Powerful museum covering African American history, culture, and achievements through immersive exhibitions.
The city’s central ceremonial landscape, lined with major museums, memorials, and classic Washington views.
Historic neighborhood of cobbled streets, waterfront paths, and Federal-era architecture, ideal for walking and photos.
Scenic waterfront loop famous for cherry blossoms and close-up access to several major memorials.
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.
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.
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.
An established downtown institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic American seafood near the White House, with an elegant old-school atmosphere.
Busy, established French brasserie in Logan Circle known for polished service, a classic dining room, and consistently popular bistro dishes.
Historic casual landmark on U Street, famous for half-smokes, chili dogs, and classic Washington comfort food in a lively, nostalgic setting.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near central areas and major attractions.
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.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Union Station, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Champaign, IL 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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