- 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.
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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Irvine, CA to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $246. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $246, and a train costs an average of $322.
Distance: 2281 miles (3671 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$426 Average price Cheapest | $528 Average price | $621 Average price | $528 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
67h 38m Average total duration 67h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 26m Average total duration Fastest 8h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 81h 7m Average total duration 80h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 38h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC is a bus with an average price of $426 (€349).
This is compared to other travel options from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $102 (€84) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC costing on average $528 (€433).
A bus is $194 (€159) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC costing on average $621 (€508).
The fastest way to travel from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC is by flight with an average journey time of 8h 26m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 67h 8m.
Train takes on average 80h 37m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Irvine, CA and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
Irvine, CA to Washington, DC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 61h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $510 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 61h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $246 |
Operator OCTA | Departure Time 06:33AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 77h02 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $729 |
Operator OCTA | Departure Time 07:16AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 76h19 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $729 |
Operator OCTA | Departure Time 08:16AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 70h29 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $747 |
Operator OCTA | Departure Time 10:16AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 77h29 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $752 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 67h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $408 |
Operator OCTA | Departure Time 08:22PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 78h03 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $747 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 64h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $510 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 80h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $457 |
Live departures
Irvine, CA to Washington, DC bus times
The table below shows live departures for Irvine, CA to Washington, DC buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 6:33 AM Irvine, CA | 77h02 | 11:35 AM Washington, DC | 4 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Irvine, CA to Washington, DC by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Buses from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC run on average 5 times per day, taking around 67h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $246 (€201) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:35, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 2281 miles (3671 km) distance in 61h 45m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 2281 miles (3671 km) |
Average bus duration 67h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $246 (€201) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 61h 45m |
First bus 5:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: OCTA from Irvine, CA to Washington, DCYou can travel by bus between Irvine, CA to Washington, DC with OCTA for as low as $246 (€201). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
OCTA
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
70h 29m
Cheapest Price
$729 (€597)
OCTA frequency
3 a day
Complete guide to Washington
Things to do in Washington
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
Flagship museum for aviation and space exploration, featuring iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.
- Must visit
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Powerful museum covering African American history, culture, and achievements through immersive exhibitions.
- Must visit
National Mall
The city’s central ceremonial landscape, lined with major museums, memorials, and classic Washington views.
- Must visit
Georgetown
Historic neighborhood of cobbled streets, waterfront paths, and Federal-era architecture, ideal for walking and photos.
- Must visit
Tidal Basin
Scenic waterfront loop famous for cherry blossoms and close-up access to several major memorials.
Half-Smoke
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.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Mumbo Sauce
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.
- Gluten-free
Chesapeake Blue Crab
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.
Old Ebbitt Grill
An established downtown institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic American seafood near the White House, with an elegant old-school atmosphere.
Le Diplomate
Busy, established French brasserie in Logan Circle known for polished service, a classic dining room, and consistently popular bistro dishes.
Ben's Chili Bowl
Historic casual landmark on U Street, famous for half-smokes, chili dogs, and classic Washington comfort food in a lively, nostalgic setting.
United States Dollar
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near central areas and major attractions.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast casual or food trucks.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 80+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a latte or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
DC Metro and Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- USD 2.25
- Day pass
- USD 13.00
To the city center
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Union Station, Washington, DC
- Distance
- 2.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- SmarTrip is the official fare system for Metrorail and Metrobus, and you can use a physical card or mobile wallet on supported phones.
- Metrobus accepts contactless card payment only on routes equipped with fareboxes that support SmarTrip, so paying with a bank card directly is generally not available.
FAQs: Bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Irvine, CA 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC can start from as little as $246 (€201) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Irvine, CA to Washington, DC is $426 (€349) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC is 61h 45m to travel the 2281 miles (3671 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC leaves at 5:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC which require at least one change with OCTA. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC, you can count on OCTA for the best way to get you to Washington, DC. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Irvine, CA and Washington, DC and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Washington, DC from Irvine, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 61h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Irvine, CA and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
No, the bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Washington, DC are:
- The National Mall, a historic and iconic open-area national park featuring monuments and museums
- The White House, the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States
- The United States Capitol, the home of the United States Congress and a symbol of the American people and government
- The Smithsonian Institution, a group of museums and research institutions offering diverse exhibits and educational programs
- The Lincoln Memorial, a monument honoring the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
The best things to do in Washington, DC include:
- Discover the National Gallery of Art, featuring an extensive collection of European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present
- Stroll through Georgetown, a historic neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, upscale shops, and vibrant dining scene
- Visit the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, offering a vast collection of books, recordings, and exhibits
- Explore the vibrant Eastern Market, a historic public market offering fresh food, local arts, and crafts
- Enjoy a performance at the Kennedy Center, a premier venue for the performing arts, featuring theater, dance, and music.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC.
No, luggage for the bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC.
Since neither Irvine, CA nor Washington, DC are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Washington, DC, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the National Mall and Metro stations. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides and unofficial tour operators. It's advisable to use licensed transportation services and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night or in less busy neighborhoods.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC
Most Irvine, CA to Washington, DC buses use the Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW). Use this guide to compare Irvine, CA and Washington, DC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Irvine
Arrival bus stations in Washington
Which Washington, DC station do buses from Irvine, CA arrive at?
Buses from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC most often arrive at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station. Some services arrive at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Washington, DC arrival station.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station from Washington city centre
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
BusD30 · 15m · $4 · every ~10 min
281, 481, 483, 484, 486 · 19m · $2 · every ~1 min
SubwayR · 5m · $2 · every ~27 min
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station bus station facilities and services
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Shake Shack (in the station)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and food court.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW)
City-centre transport
Getting to Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) from Washington city centre
BusD70 · 11m · $4 · every ~7 min
SubwayR · 6m · $2 · every ~27 min
Most popular bus connections from Irvine, CA
More options for your journey from Irvine, CA to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Washington, DC and Irvine, CA
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