- 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
$44
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
3 h 40 m
Average duration
4 h 53 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
298 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Iselin, NJ 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 Iselin, NJ to Washington, DC will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 4 buses that leave Iselin, NJ for Washington, DC on Sat, Jun 20, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 298 km distance in an average of 4 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 6 h 15 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Iselin, NJ to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $71.
Distance: 185 miles (298 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$55 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price | $212 Average price |
4h 17m Average total duration 3h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions |
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 Iselin, NJ to Washington, DC:
A bus is $23 (€18) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Iselin, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $78 (€64).
A bus is $157 (€129) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Iselin, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $212 (€174).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 55m.
Bus takes on average 3h 47m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50AM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:38AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 4h22 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:40AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:38AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 4h22 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 01:15AM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:38PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 4h22 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $52 |
The table below shows live departures for Iselin, NJ to Washington, DC buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:50 AM Iselin, NJ | 3h40 | 4:30 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK | 10:38 PM Metropark Station, Iselin, NJ | 4h22 | 3:00 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
![]() | 10:05 AM Iselin, NJ | 6h15 | 4:20 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:20 PM Iselin, NJ | 5h55 | 1:15 AM Washington, DC | 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 Iselin, NJ to Washington, DC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) but you can travel from only $19 (€16) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 185 miles (298 km) distance in 3h 40m.
Distance 185 miles (298 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 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 Iselin, NJ 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 Iselin, NJ to Washington, DC buses use the New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal. Use this guide to compare Iselin, NJ 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need