- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC
Showing times and prices for Jun 05
Cheapest price
$161
Average price
$175
Fastest journey
15 h 45 m
Average duration
18 h 6 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
646 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cincinnati, OH 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 Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC will cost around $175 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $161.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
2:10 PM16h35Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station), OH6:45 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1611One-way1 transfer- FlixBus+3:00 PM15h45Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati), OH6:45 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1611One-way1 transfer
- · · 5:30 PM18h05Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH11:35 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1621One-way2 transfers
- · 4:25 AM22h00Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH2:25 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$2151One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus+3:00 PM15h45Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati), OH6:45 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1611One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus+2:10 PM16h35Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station), OH6:45 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1611One-way1 transfer
- · · 5:30 PM18h05Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH11:35 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1621One-way2 transfers
- · 4:25 AM22h00Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH2:25 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$2151One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $86. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 37m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $86, and a flight costs an average of $106.
Distance: 401 miles (646 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$160 Average price Cheapest | $194 Average price | $317 Average price | $113 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 46m Average total duration 13h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 37m Average total duration 15h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC is a bus with an average price of $160 (€129).
This is compared to other travel options from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC:
A bus is $34 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC costing on average $194 (€156).
A bus is $157 (€127) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC costing on average $317 (€256).
The fastest way to travel from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 37m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 16m.
Train takes on average 15h 7m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cincinnati, OH and Washington, DC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:25AM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 22h00 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 22h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 28h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 28h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $222 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 18h05 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 18h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Live departures
Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC buses for today, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:30 PM Cincinnati, OH | 18h00 | 3:30 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 5 | |||||
| · | 4:25 AM Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH | 22h00 | 2:25 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus+ | 2:10 PM Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station), OH | 16h35 | 6:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus+ | 3:00 PM Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati), OH | 15h45 | 6:45 AM 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 prices and tickets Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
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Jun 11
Why should you book Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Buses from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC run on average 5 times per day, taking around 13h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $86 (€70) but you can travel from only $86 (€69) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 401 miles (646 km) distance in 15h 45m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $86 (€69)
Distance 401 miles (646 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $86 (€70) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 15h 45m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $86 (€69)
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DCYou can travel by bus between Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $86 (€69). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
15h 45m
Cheapest Price
$121 (€98)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
18h 0m
Cheapest Price
$86 (€70)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Complete guide to Washington
Things to do in Washington
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
- Must visit
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Flagship Smithsonian museum exploring African American history, culture, and community through powerful permanent exhibitions and major national narratives.
- Must visit
National Gallery of Art
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to the modern era, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions in two landmark buildings.
- Must visit
National Mall
Washington’s essential civic promenade lined with museums and monuments, ideal for first-time visitors and the city’s top walking experience.
- Must visit
Georgetown
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for charming streets, rowhouses, shopping, and canal-side walks; a classic area for exploring on foot.
- Must visit
Tidal Basin
Scenic reservoir loop famous for memorials and cherry blossoms, especially photogenic at sunrise, sunset, and spring bloom season.
Half-Smoke
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.
Mumbo Sauce With Fried Chicken And Wings
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.
- Gluten-free
Chesapeake Blue Crab
Sweet blue crab from the Chesapeake region, commonly served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington.
Old Ebbitt Grill
A celebrated historic restaurant near the White House, known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic Washington political dining ambiance.
Rasika
Widely acclaimed Indian restaurant with a polished atmosphere, famous for refined cooking and one of Washington’s best-known dining rooms.
Le Diplomate
Well-known French brasserie in Logan Circle, valued for its classic menu, energetic scene, and stylish long-established popularity.
United States Dollar
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 80+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular café coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
DC Metro and Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- USD 2.25
- Day pass
- USD 13.00
To the city center
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Tap a contactless card or mobile wallet at Metrorail faregates and on Metrobus; SmarTrip also works across the system.
- Metrorail fares vary by time and distance, while Metrobus has a flat fare; use the official WMATA app for live arrivals and service alerts.
FAQs: Bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cincinnati, OH 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC can start from as little as $86 (€70) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC is $160 (€129) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC is 15h 45m to travel the 401 miles (646 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC leaves at 12:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC which require at least one change with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Washington, DC. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cincinnati, OH and Washington, DC and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Washington, DC from Cincinnati, OH is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 15h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cincinnati, OH and Washington, DC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Washington, DC are:
- The National Mall, a historic and iconic open-area national park featuring monuments and museums
- The White House, the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States
- The United States Capitol, the home of the United States Congress and a symbol of the American people and government
- The Smithsonian Institution, a group of museums and research institutions offering diverse exhibits and educational programs
- The Lincoln Memorial, a monument honoring the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
The best things to do in Washington, DC include:
- Discover the National Gallery of Art, featuring an extensive collection of European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present
- Stroll through Georgetown, a historic neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, upscale shops, and vibrant dining scene
- Visit the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, offering a vast collection of books, recordings, and exhibits
- Explore the vibrant Eastern Market, a historic public market offering fresh food, local arts, and crafts
- Enjoy a performance at the Kennedy Center, a premier venue for the performing arts, featuring theater, dance, and music.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither Cincinnati, OH nor Washington, DC are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Washington, DC, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the National Mall and Metro stations. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides and unofficial tour operators. It's advisable to use licensed transportation services and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night or in less busy neighborhoods.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC
Cincinnati
Washington
The major bus station for departures in Cincinnati is Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station for your trip from Cincinnati to Washington.
Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station
information
Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati)
information
Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Washington is Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station for your trip to Washington from Cincinnati.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:00-23:00
Distance to city center
2 km
Car connection
Massachusetts Ave NEWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- McDonald's (in the station)
- Shake Shack (in the station)
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station
- Bus: 96, 97, D6 Metro: Red Train: Amtrak, MARC, VRE
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW)
information
Most popular bus connections from Cincinnati, OH
More options for your journey from Cincinnati, OH to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Washington, DC and Cincinnati, OH
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