- 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
$38
Average price
$38
Fastest journey
5 h 55 m
Average duration
5 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
311 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Elizabeth, NJ 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 Elizabeth, NJ to Washington, DC will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Of the 1 buses that leave Elizabeth, NJ for Washington, DC on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 311 km distance in an average of 5 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 55 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 5 h 55 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 train as it is the most popular option from Elizabeth, NJ to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $82.
Distance: 193 miles (311 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$38 Average price Cheapest | $59 Average price | $186 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 39m Average total duration 4h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration 3h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 38m 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 Elizabeth, NJ to Washington, DC:
A bus is $21 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Elizabeth, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $59 (€48).
A bus is $148 (€121) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Elizabeth, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $186 (€152).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 17m.
Bus takes on average 4h 9m.
Tickets start at around $38 (€31) compared to roughly $62 (€50) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $24 (€20). The journey takes 4h 9m versus 3h 38m 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, FlixBus.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:22AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 4h38 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:38AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 4h22 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
The table below shows live departures for Elizabeth, NJ to Washington, DC buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:20 PM Elizabeth, NJ | 5h55 | 1:15 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:20 PM Elizabeth, NJ | 5h55 | 2:15 AM 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 Elizabeth, NJ to Washington, DC run on average 21 times per day, taking around 4h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by train.
There are 14 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 193 miles (311 km) distance in 4h 10m.
Distance 193 miles (311 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 21 |
Direct buses 14 |
Fastest bus 4h 10m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 4 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 Elizabeth, NJ 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need