- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
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 $6. 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 $6, and a bus costs an average of $16.
Distance: 41 miles (67 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 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 $17 (€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 $17 (€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 |
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 $6 (€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, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.
A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.
The National Mall is Washington's grand civic promenade, lined with museums, memorials, and classic views ideal for first-time visitors.
Georgetown charms with historic streets, rowhouses, waterfront paths, and independent shops that make it one of the city's best walking areas.
The Tidal Basin loop offers famous cherry blossoms, water views, and easy access to several of Washington's most iconic memorials.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is DC's signature street food, strongly tied to Ben's Chili Bowl.
Jumbo slice is an oversized late-night pizza slice popular in Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable DC nightlife food known for its huge foldable portions.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet tangy red sauce commonly served with fried chicken and wings at DC carryouts. It is a beloved local condiment with roots in Black DC food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and refined tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary dining room.
Polished seafood institution at the municipal fish market, best known for regional oysters, crab cakes, and classic Chesapeake flavors.
Historic casual landmark famous for half-smokes, chili, and a classic diner feel. A must for trying DC's best-known street food tradition.
DC is pricier than many US cities. Hotels and dining run high in central areas, but Metro and many free museums help balance daily travel costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.
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.

Most Essex, MD to Washington, DC buses use the Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal. Use this guide to compare Essex, MD 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.
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