- 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
$97
Average price
$121
Fastest journey
15h 10m
Average duration
15h 40m
Buses per day
2
Distance
635 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $97.
Distance: 304 miles (490 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$89 Average price Cheapest | $139 Average price | $308 Average price | $134 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 39m Average total duration 11h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 45m Average total duration 11h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC:
A bus is $50 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC costing on average $139 (€115).
A bus is $219 (€180) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC costing on average $308 (€253).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 9m.
Train takes on average 11h 15m.
Tickets start at around $89 (€74) compared to roughly $134 (€110) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $45 (€37). The journey takes 11h 9m versus 5h 46m 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 16h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 15h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
The table below shows live departures for Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC buses for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:00 PM Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side) | 16h10 | 8:10 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 8:20 PM Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side) | 15h10 | 11:30 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 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 Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 11h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 304 miles (490 km) distance in 8h 55m.
Distance 304 miles (490 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 8h 55m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 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 Cleveland, 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.

Most Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC buses use the Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Bethesda, Waverly Street / Montgomery Ave. Use this guide to compare Cleveland, OH 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