- 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
$148
Average price
$157
Fastest journey
10h 0m
Average duration
11h 27m
Buses per day
3
Distance
308 km
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Columbus, OH to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $70. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $70, and a flight costs an average of $53.
Distance: 326 miles (526 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$131 Average price Cheapest | $252 Average price | $90 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 49m Average total duration 11h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Columbus, OH to Washington, DC:
A bus is $121 (€99) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Columbus, OH to Washington, DC costing on average $252 (€207).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 19m.
Train takes on average 15h 52m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:50AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $85 |
The table below shows live departures for Columbus, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 1:55 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 10h50 | 12:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 5:20 PM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 13h30 | 6:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 8:50 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 10h00 | 6:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, July 10 | |||||
· | 12:40 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 10h55 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
· · | 12:50 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 18h35 | 7:25 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 3:45 AM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 12h00 | 3:45 PM 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 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 Columbus, OH to Washington, DC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 11h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $70 (€58) but you can travel from only $53 (€43) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 326 miles (526 km) distance in 9h 35m.
Distance 326 miles (526 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $70 (€58) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 9h 35m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 Columbus, 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 Columbus, OH to Washington, DC buses use the Columbus, E Town St (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 Columbus, 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