- 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.
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
5 h 15 m
Average duration
6 h 17 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
362 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Durham, NC 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 Durham, NC to Washington, DC will cost around $59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 5 buses that leave Durham, NC for Washington, DC on Wed, Jul 08, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 08 the direct buses cover the 362 km distance in an average of 6 h 17 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .
On Wed, Jul 08 the slowest buses will take 7 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Durham, NC to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a flight costs an average of $105.
Distance: 224 miles (362 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$62 Average price Cheapest | $99 Average price | $330 Average price | $52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 32m Average total duration 6h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 32m Average total duration 7h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.2kg 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 Durham, NC to Washington, DC:
A bus is $37 (€31) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Durham, NC to Washington, DC costing on average $99 (€81).
A bus is $268 (€220) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Durham, NC to Washington, DC costing on average $330 (€271).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 2m.
Train takes on average 7h 2m.
You'll arrive about -2h -59m sooner (6h 2m by bus vs 4h 3m by car) and save roughly $-10.02 (€-8.24) compared to fuel and tolls ($62 (€51) vs $52 (€43)). 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 FlixBus, Greyhound.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 07:05AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $64 |
The table below shows live departures for Durham, NC to Washington, DC buses for today, Tuesday, July 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 9:15 PM Durham Station | 5h50 | 3:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 8 | |||||
![]() | 1:15 AM Durham, NC | 5h50 | 7:05 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:15 AM Durham, NC | 5h50 | 8:05 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:40 AM Durham, NC | 5h15 | 11:55 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:10 PM Durham, NC | 7h15 | 8:25 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:10 PM Durham, NC | 7h15 | 9:25 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Durham, NC to Washington, DC run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 224 miles (362 km) distance in 5h 10m.
Distance 224 miles (362 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 10m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 49 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 Durham, NC 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 Durham, NC to Washington, DC buses use the Durham, W Pettigrew St (Greyhound Bus Station) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Durham, NC 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