- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and strong family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Cheapest price
$75
Average price
$101
Fastest journey
7 h 50 m
Average duration
7 h 58 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
529 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Charlotte, 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 Charlotte, NC to Washington, DC will cost around $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.
Of the 12 buses that leave Charlotte, NC for Washington, DC on Tue, Jun 16, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct buses cover the 529 km distance in an average of 7 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 50 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest buses will take 8 h 10 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.
FlixBus


FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charlotte, NC to Washington, DC 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 1h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $147.
Distance: 328 miles (529 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$88 Average price Cheapest | $164 Average price | $380 Average price | $76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 10m Average total duration 8h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 50m Average total duration 9h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Charlotte, NC to Washington, DC:
A bus is $76 (€61) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Charlotte, NC to Washington, DC costing on average $164 (€132).
A bus is $292 (€236) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charlotte, NC to Washington, DC costing on average $380 (€307).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 40m.
Train takes on average 9h 20m.
You'll arrive about -3h -31m sooner (8h 40m by bus vs 6h 9m by car) and save roughly $-11.56 (€-9.36) compared to fuel and tolls ($88 (€71) vs $76 (€62)). 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 FlixBus, Greyhound.
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 01:10AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $79 |
The table below shows live departures for Charlotte, NC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:25 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 11h00 | 4:25 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:20 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 9h15 | 6:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:40 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 9h10 | 8:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:20 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 9h45 | 11:05 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:10 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 8h05 | 10:15 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:05 PM Charlotte, Freedom Drive (Planet Fitness), NC | 9h00 | 3:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:05 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 7h50 | 1:55 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:30 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 8h35 | 3:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 9:25 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 8h10 | 5:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 11:15 PM Charlotte, Freedom Drive (Planet Fitness), NC | 8h10 | 7:25 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:35 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 7h50 | 7:25 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
FlixBus | 1:10 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 8h00 | 9:10 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:35 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 8h00 | 10:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Charlotte, NC to Washington, DC run on average 12 times per day, taking around 8h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $48 (€39) if you book in advance.
There are 11 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 328 miles (529 km) distance in 7h 50m.
Distance 328 miles (529 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€39) |
Buses per day 12 |
Direct buses 11 |
Fastest bus 7h 50m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 84 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 world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and strong family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Flagship Smithsonian museum exploring African American history, culture, and community through powerful permanent exhibitions and major national narratives.
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to the modern era, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions in two landmark buildings.
Washington’s essential civic promenade lined with museums and monuments, ideal for first-time visitors and the city’s top walking experience.
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for charming streets, rowhouses, shopping, and canal-side walks; a classic area for exploring on foot.
Scenic reservoir loop famous for memorials and cherry blossoms, especially photogenic at sunrise, sunset, and spring bloom season.
Washington’s signature sausage, typically smoky and spicy, served on a bun with mustard, onions, and chili. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet-tangy sauce strongly associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken or wings. It is a distinctive local comfort-food staple.
Sweet blue crab from the Chesapeake region, commonly served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington.
A celebrated historic restaurant near the White House, known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic Washington political dining ambiance.
Widely acclaimed Indian restaurant with a polished atmosphere, famous for refined cooking and one of Washington’s best-known dining rooms.
Well-known French brasserie in Logan Circle, valued for its classic menu, energetic scene, and stylish long-established popularity.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants with table service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Union Station, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charlotte, 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need