- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
3 h 5 m
Average duration
3 h 5 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
158 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Charlottesville, VA 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 Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 2 buses that leave Charlottesville, VA for Washington, DC on Thu, Jul 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 23 the direct buses cover the 158 km distance in an average of 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Thu, Jul 23 the slowest buses will take 3 h 5 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.

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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $14, and a flight costs an average of $231.
Distance: 98 miles (158 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$32 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $385 Average price | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 32m Average total duration 3h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 51m Average total duration 2h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 0.9kg 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 Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC:
A train is $0.66 (€0.66) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC costing on average $32 (€32).
A train is $354 (€354) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC costing on average $385 (€385).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Flight takes on average 2h 51m.
Bus takes on average 3h 2m.
You'll arrive about -1h -43m sooner (3h 2m by bus vs 2h 19m by car) and save roughly $-12.70 (€-12.70) compared to fuel and tolls ($32 (€32) vs $19 (€19)). 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, Infobus.
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 07:15AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
The table below shows live departures for Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC buses for today, Wednesday, July 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:15 AM Charlottesville, Union Station, VA | 3h05 | 10:20 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 10:55 AM Charlottesville, VA | 3h05 | 2:00 PM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 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 Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€18) but you can travel from only $14 (€14) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:50, the last at 19:01. The fastest bus covers the 98 miles (158 km) distance in 2h 27m.
Distance 98 miles (158 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€18) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 27m |
First bus 5:50 AM |
Last bus 7:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.
A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.
The National Mall is Washington's grand civic promenade, lined with museums, memorials, and classic views ideal for first-time visitors.
Georgetown charms with historic streets, rowhouses, waterfront paths, and independent shops that make it one of the city's best walking areas.
The Tidal Basin loop offers famous cherry blossoms, water views, and easy access to several of Washington's most iconic memorials.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is DC's signature street food, strongly tied to Ben's Chili Bowl.
Jumbo slice is an oversized late-night pizza slice popular in Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable DC nightlife food known for its huge foldable portions.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet tangy red sauce commonly served with fried chicken and wings at DC carryouts. It is a beloved local condiment with roots in Black DC food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and refined tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary dining room.
Polished seafood institution at the municipal fish market, best known for regional oysters, crab cakes, and classic Chesapeake flavors.
Historic casual landmark famous for half-smokes, chili, and a classic diner feel. A must for trying DC's best-known street food tradition.
DC is pricier than many US cities. Hotels and dining run high in central areas, but Metro and many free museums help balance daily travel costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charlottesville, VA 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 Charlottesville, VA to Washington, DC buses use the Charlottesville, Union Station to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal. Use this guide to compare Charlottesville, VA 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