- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$130
Average price
$136
Fastest journey
20 h 15 m
Average duration
20 h 40 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
761 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Louisville, KY 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 Louisville, KY to Washington, DC will cost around $136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $130.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
3:35 AM23h30Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY3:05 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1301One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus7:30 PM30h10Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY1:40 AMWashington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW)$1311One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus+7:30 PM20h15Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY3:45 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1321One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus10:05 PM22h45Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY8:50 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1331One-way1 transfer
- · 1:55 PM20h25Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY10:20 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1331One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus+7:30 PM20h15Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY3:45 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1321One-way2 transfers
- · · 10:30 AM20h15Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY6:45 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1561One-way2 transfers
- · 1:55 PM20h25Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY10:20 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1331One-way1 transfer
- · · 3:05 PM20h30Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY11:35 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1441One-way2 transfers
- · · 2:50 AM21h55Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY12:45 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1341One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Louisville, KY to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $110. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $110, and a train costs an average of $213.
Distance: 472 miles (761 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$175 Average price Cheapest | $262 Average price | $292 Average price | $117 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 29m Average total duration 17h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 5m Average total duration 24h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC is a bus with an average price of $175 (€143).
This is compared to other travel options from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC:
A bus is $87 (€71) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC costing on average $262 (€214).
A bus is $117 (€96) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC costing on average $292 (€239).
The fastest way to travel from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 52m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 17h 59m.
Train takes on average 24h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Louisville, KY and Washington, DC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
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.
Louisville, KY to Washington, DC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 21h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 23h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $130 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 20h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 20h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $156 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 20h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 24h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 20h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $111 |
Live departures
Louisville, KY to Washington, DC bus times
The table below shows live departures for Louisville, KY 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| · · | 2:50 AM Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY | 21h55 | 12:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| +FlixBus | 3:35 AM Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY | 23h30 | 3:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
| · · | 10:10 AM Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY | 20h35 | 6:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| · | 1:55 PM Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY | 20h25 | 10:20 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
| · · | 3:05 PM Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY | 20h30 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:30 PM Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY | 30h10 | 1:40 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus+ | 7:30 PM Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY | 20h15 | 3:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:05 PM Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY | 22h45 | 8:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
| +FlixBus | 10:55 PM Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station), KY | 23h20 | 10:15 PM 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 prices and tickets Louisville, KY to Washington, DC by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Jun 27
Why should you book Louisville, KY to Washington, DC buses with Omio?
Greyhound operates all buses services from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Buses from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC run on average 9 times per day, taking around 17h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $110 (€90) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 472 miles (761 km) distance in 20h 15m.
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 472 miles (761 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $110 (€90) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 20h 15m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 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: Greyhound from Louisville, KY to Washington, DCYou can travel by bus between Louisville, KY to Washington, DC with Greyhound for as low as $110 (€90). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
20h 15m
Cheapest Price
$115 (€94)
Greyhound frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
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 Louisville, KY to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Louisville, KY 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 Louisville, KY to Washington, DC can start from as little as $110 (€90) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Louisville, KY to Washington, DC is $175 (€143) ; 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 Louisville, KY to Washington, DC is 20h 15m to travel the 472 miles (761 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 Louisville, KY to Washington, DC leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC which require at least one change with Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC, you can count on Greyhound for the best way to get you to Washington, DC. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Louisville, KY and Washington, DC and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Washington, DC from Louisville, KY is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 20h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Louisville, KY and Washington, DC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC for bus company Greyhound.
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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Since neither Louisville, KY 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.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
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 Louisville, KY to Washington, DC
Louisville
Washington
The major bus station for departures in Louisville is Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station) for your trip from Louisville to Washington.
Louisville, W Broadway (Greyhound Bus Station)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Washington is Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station for your trip to Washington from Louisville.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:00-23:00
Distance to city center
2 km
Car connection
Massachusetts Ave NEWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- McDonald's (in the station)
- Shake Shack (in the station)
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station
Public transit options for Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station
- Bus: 96, 97, D6 Metro: Red Train: Amtrak, MARC, VRE
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW)
information
Most popular bus connections from Louisville, KY
More options for your journey from Louisville, KY to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Washington, DC and Louisville, KY
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
