- 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
$36
Average price
$76
Fastest journey
3 h 15 m
Average duration
4 h 35 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
154 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Harrisburg, PA 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 Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC will cost around $76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Of the 2 buses that leave Harrisburg, PA for Washington, DC on Tue, Jun 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct buses cover the 154 km distance in an average of 4 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 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.

FlixBus+

FlixBus+
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $164.
Distance: 95 miles (154 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$40 Average price Cheapest | $89 Average price | $429 Average price | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 36m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 37m Average total duration 3h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $49 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC costing on average $89 (€72).
A bus is $389 (€315) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC costing on average $429 (€347).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 37m.
Train takes on average 3h 40m.
You'll arrive about -1h -55m sooner (3h 6m by bus vs 2h 11m by car) and save roughly $-16.52 (€-13.36) compared to fuel and tolls ($40 (€32) vs $24 (€19)). 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 Greyhound, FlixBus.
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 05:40AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
The table below shows live departures for Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+![]() | 5:40 AM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 5h55 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:30 PM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 3h15 | 3:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 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 Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 95 miles (154 km) distance in 3h 15m.
Distance 95 miles (154 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 15m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 56 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 Harrisburg, PA 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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