- 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
$137
Average price
$137
Fastest journey
17 h
Average duration
17 h
Buses per day
1
Distance
404 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Charleston, WV 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 Charleston, WV to Washington, DC will cost around $137 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $137.
It's difficult to get from Charleston, WV to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
FlixBus+
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Charleston, WV to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $111. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $111, and a flight costs an average of $423.
Distance: 251 miles (404 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$166 Average price | $450 Average price | $125 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 32m Average total duration 17h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 43m Average total duration 10h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Charleston, WV to Washington, DC:
A train is $41 (€33) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Charleston, WV to Washington, DC costing on average $166 (€136).
A train is $324 (€265) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charleston, WV to Washington, DC costing on average $450 (€368).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 13m.
Bus takes on average 17h 2m.
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 05:15AM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 17h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $189 |
The table below shows live departures for Charleston, WV to Washington, DC buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus | 5:15 AM Charleston, Greyhound Bus Station, WV | 17h00 | 10:15 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Charleston, WV to Washington, DC run on average 1 times per day, taking around 17h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $125 (€102) but you can travel from only $111 (€91) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 04:20, the last at 15:45. The fastest bus covers the 251 miles (404 km) distance in 15h 55m.
Distance 251 miles (404 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $125 (€102) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 15h 55m |
First bus 4:20 AM |
Last bus 3:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 4 days |
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 Charleston, WV 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 Charleston, WV to Washington, DC buses use the Charleston, Greyhound Bus Station to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Charleston, WV 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need