- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the most visited museums in the city, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and major natural science collections.
Cheapest price
$114
Average price
$120
Fastest journey
12 h 35 m
Average duration
15 h 52 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
635 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI to Washington, DC will cost around $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $114.
It's difficult to get from Detroit, MI to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus+
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FlixBus+
· Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Detroit, MI to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $79. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $79, and a flight costs an average of $113.
Distance: 394 miles (635 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$154 Average price Cheapest | $201 Average price | $350 Average price | $176 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 48m Average total duration 14h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 24m Average total duration 15h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 5m 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 Detroit, MI to Washington, DC:
A bus is $48 (€39) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Detroit, MI to Washington, DC costing on average $201 (€164).
A bus is $197 (€161) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Detroit, MI to Washington, DC costing on average $350 (€286).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 18m.
Train takes on average 15h 54m.
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 11:15AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $92 |
The table below shows live departures for Detroit, MI to Washington, DC buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 11:15 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 13h30 | 12:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus+![]() | 2:00 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 21h30 | 11:30 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
· | 11:00 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 12h35 | 11:35 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 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.
Buses from Detroit, MI to Washington, DC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 14h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $79 (€65) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 394 miles (635 km) distance in 12h 35m.
Distance 394 miles (635 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 (€65) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 12h 35m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 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 most visited museums in the city, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and major natural science collections.
Flagship museum for aviation and space exploration, featuring iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.
Powerful museum covering African American history, culture, and achievements through immersive exhibitions.
The city’s central ceremonial landscape, lined with major museums, memorials, and classic Washington views.
Historic neighborhood of cobbled streets, waterfront paths, and Federal-era architecture, ideal for walking and photos.
Scenic waterfront loop famous for cherry blossoms and close-up access to several major memorials.
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 strongly associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly paired with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local flavor locals recognize immediately.
Regional blue crab from nearby Chesapeake waters, often served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington dining.
An established downtown institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic American seafood near the White House, with an elegant old-school atmosphere.
Busy, established French brasserie in Logan Circle known for polished service, a classic dining room, and consistently popular bistro dishes.
Historic casual landmark on U Street, famous for half-smokes, chili dogs, and classic Washington comfort food in a lively, nostalgic setting.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near central areas and major attractions.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Taxis: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Tips are expected for table service.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Union Station, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI to Washington, DC buses use the Detroit, Greyhound Terminal 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 Detroit, MI 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