- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, famous for dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and major family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Essex, MD to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $7, and a bus costs an average of $16.
Distance: 41 miles (67 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$18 Average price | $9 Average price Cheapest | $10 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 37m Average total duration 1h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 16m Average total duration Fastest 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Essex, MD to Washington, DC:
A train is $9 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Essex, MD to Washington, DC costing on average $18 (€14).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 7m.
You'll arrive about 1m sooner (1h 7m by bus vs 1h 8m by car). Tickets start at around $18 (€14) compared to roughly $10 (€8) in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 07:35PM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
The table below shows live departures for Essex, MD to Washington, DC buses for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:25 PM Essex, MD | 1h10 | 7:35 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Essex, MD to Washington, DC run on average 43 times per day, taking around 1h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) but you can travel from only $7 (€5) by train.
There are 43 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:25, the last at 18:25. The fastest bus covers the 41 miles (67 km) distance in 1h 5m.
Distance 41 miles (67 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 43 |
Direct buses 43 |
Fastest bus 1h 5m |
First bus 1:25 AM |
Last bus 6:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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, famous for dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and major family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to modern times, plus a celebrated sculpture garden and strong temporary exhibitions.
Iconic Smithsonian museum covering aviation and space exploration, with historic aircraft and spacecraft that make it a top draw in the city.
Washington’s signature civic landscape lined with museums and monuments, ideal for walking and the city’s top first-time visitor area.
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for cobblestone streets, rowhouses, shopping, and scenic walks along the canal and river.
Scenic walking area around the water framed by major memorials, especially famous during cherry blossom season.
Washington’s signature sausage, usually a coarse smoked pork-and-beef link served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet, tangy, slightly spicy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly served with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local condiment.
An oversized late-night pizza slice popular in nightlife areas of Washington, especially Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable local fast-food tradition.
An established, upscale-casual saloon near the White House known for oysters, crab cakes, and other classic Washington and Mid-Atlantic dishes.
Acclaimed Indian restaurant known for refined cooking and a polished dining room. A standout for one of Washington’s most celebrated restaurant experiences.
One of Washington’s best-known restaurants, offering classic French bistro fare in an elegant, energetic space that is popular with locals and visitors.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Essex, MD 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.

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