- 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 broad family-friendly exhibits.

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Cheapest price
$178
Average price
$210
Fastest journey
16h 35m
Average duration
22h 50m
Buses per day
5
Distance
152 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, and a flight costs an average of $77.
Distance: 594 miles (956 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$134 Average price Cheapest | $215 Average price | $362 Average price | $240 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 16m Average total duration 18h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 7m Average total duration 17h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 57m Average total duration Fastest 1h 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.7kg 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 Chicago, IL to Washington, DC:
A bus is $80 (€66) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC costing on average $215 (€176).
A bus is $228 (€187) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC costing on average $362 (€297).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 17h 37m.
Bus takes on average 18h 46m.
Tickets start at around $134 (€110) compared to roughly $240 (€197) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $106 (€87). The journey takes 18h 46m versus 10h 43m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $130 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $130 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 24h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 24h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 24h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Washington, DC buses for today, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 16h35 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+![]() | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 19h30 | 3:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 29h20 | 1:35 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 1 transfer | |
· · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 24h35 | 12:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
· · | 11:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 24h10 | 12:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 6:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 17h15 | 12:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
· · | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 19h55 | 6:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
· · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 19h35 | 6:50 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, 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 Chicago, IL to Washington, DC run on average 6 times per day, taking around 18h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $69 (€57) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 594 miles (956 km) distance in 16h 35m.
Distance 594 miles (956 km) |
Average bus duration 18h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $69 (€57) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 16h 35m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 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 broad family-friendly exhibits.
Flagship Smithsonian museum covering aviation and spaceflight, with iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and major interactive exhibits.
Premier art museum with strong collections from the Middle Ages to modern art, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s grand ceremonial park lined with Smithsonian museums, memorials, and iconic government buildings.
Historic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, waterfront walks, rowhouses, and some of Washington’s most photogenic corners.
Scenic waterside loop famous for cherry blossoms and views of major memorials, especially popular for sunrise and spring visits.
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 closely associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken wings and fries. It is a local comfort-food staple.
Steamed or picked blue crab from the nearby Chesapeake region is deeply tied to local food traditions. It is especially popular in warmer months.
Celebrated upscale restaurant with creative small plates and a warm, energetic atmosphere. It is one of Washington’s best-known modern dining destinations.
A classic, long-running Washington institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and traditional American fare in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Bustling brasserie known for polished French classics, strong brunch, and a stylish dining room that is popular with both locals and visitors.
Prices are high for hotels and dining, especially downtown. Free museums help balance daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, 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.

Most Chicago, IL to Washington, DC buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW). Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL 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