- 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 strong family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Cheapest price
$109
Average price
$115
Fastest journey
14 h 25 m
Average duration
15 h 36 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
790 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis, IN to Washington, DC will cost around $115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $109.
It's difficult to get from Indianapolis, IN to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
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· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Indianapolis, IN to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $103. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $103, and a flight costs an average of $137.
Distance: 490 miles (790 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$188 Average price Cheapest | $239 Average price | $266 Average price | $127 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 51m Average total duration 16h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 15m Average total duration 18h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 56m 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 Indianapolis, IN to Washington, DC:
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Indianapolis, IN to Washington, DC costing on average $239 (€193).
A bus is $78 (€63) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Indianapolis, IN to Washington, DC costing on average $266 (€215).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 21m.
Train takes on average 18h 45m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
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 12:15AM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 25h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 23h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 15h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 14h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 26h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 25h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $117 |
The table below shows live departures for Indianapolis, IN to Washington, DC buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 9:10 AM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 17h15 | 2:25 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 3:35 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 15h10 | 6:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ · | 4:20 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 14h25 | 6:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:25 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 26h25 | 8:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 7:55 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 15h40 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ · | 11:30 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 26h55 | 2:25 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:15 AM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 25h25 | 1:40 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 12:15 AM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 15h30 | 3:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 3:15 AM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 23h10 | 2:25 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
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 Indianapolis, IN to Washington, DC run on average 9 times per day, taking around 16h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $103 (€83) but you can travel from only $98 (€79) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 490 miles (790 km) distance in 14h 25m.
Distance 490 miles (790 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $103 (€83) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 14h 25m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 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 strong family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Flagship Smithsonian museum exploring African American history, culture, and community through powerful permanent exhibitions and major national narratives.
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to the modern era, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions in two landmark buildings.
Washington’s essential civic promenade lined with museums and monuments, ideal for first-time visitors and the city’s top walking experience.
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for charming streets, rowhouses, shopping, and canal-side walks; a classic area for exploring on foot.
Scenic reservoir loop famous for memorials and cherry blossoms, especially photogenic at sunrise, sunset, and spring bloom season.
Washington’s signature sausage, typically smoky and spicy, served on a bun with mustard, onions, and chili. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet-tangy sauce strongly associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken or wings. It is a distinctive local comfort-food staple.
Sweet blue crab from the Chesapeake region, commonly served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington.
A celebrated historic restaurant near the White House, known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic Washington political dining ambiance.
Widely acclaimed Indian restaurant with a polished atmosphere, famous for refined cooking and one of Washington’s best-known dining rooms.
Well-known French brasserie in Logan Circle, valued for its classic menu, energetic scene, and stylish long-established popularity.
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 with table service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Union Station, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Indianapolis, IN 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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