- 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 broad family-friendly exhibits.
Cheapest price
$90
Average price
$105
Fastest journey
9 h 55 m
Average duration
13 h 51 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
397 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ithaca, NY 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 Ithaca, NY to Washington, DC will cost around $105 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $90.
It's difficult to get from Ithaca, NY to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Ithaca, NY to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a flight costs an average of $244.
Distance: 246 miles (397 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$98 Average price Cheapest | $376 Average price | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 11m Average total duration 9h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ithaca, NY to Washington, DC:
A bus is $278 (€229) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ithaca, NY to Washington, DC costing on average $376 (€309).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 41m.
You'll arrive about -5h -4m sooner (9h 41m by bus vs 5h 37m by car) and save roughly $-37.03 (€-30.46) compared to fuel and tolls ($98 (€80) vs $61 (€50)). 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 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 07:20AM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 18h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator OurBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 14h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 12h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $84 |
The table below shows live departures for Ithaca, NY to Washington, DC buses for today, Tuesday, July 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:15 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 10h45 | 6:00 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, July 8 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:20 AM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 18h20 | 1:40 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 7:20 AM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 9h55 | 5:15 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 4:35 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 14h15 | 6:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare flight and bus 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 Ithaca, NY to Washington, DC run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $64 (€52) 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 246 miles (397 km) distance in 10h 0m.
Distance 246 miles (397 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€52) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 10h 0m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Flagship Smithsonian museum covering aviation and spaceflight, with iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and major interactive exhibits.
Premier art museum with strong collections from the Middle Ages to modern art, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s grand ceremonial park lined with Smithsonian museums, memorials, and iconic government buildings.
Historic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, waterfront walks, rowhouses, and some of Washington’s most photogenic corners.
Scenic waterside loop famous for cherry blossoms and views of major memorials, especially popular for sunrise and spring visits.
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 closely associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken wings and fries. It is a local comfort-food staple.
Steamed or picked blue crab from the nearby Chesapeake region is deeply tied to local food traditions. It is especially popular in warmer months.
Celebrated upscale restaurant with creative small plates and a warm, energetic atmosphere. It is one of Washington’s best-known modern dining destinations.
A classic, long-running Washington institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and traditional American fare in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Bustling brasserie known for polished French classics, strong brunch, and a stylish dining room that is popular with both locals and visitors.
Prices are high for hotels and dining, especially downtown. Free museums help balance daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ithaca, NY 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 Ithaca, NY to Washington, DC buses use the Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, Stadium-Armory Station + Bus Bay F. Use this guide to compare Ithaca, NY 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