- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, famous for dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and major family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC
Showing times and prices for May 29
Cheapest price
$43
Average price
$45
Fastest journey
3 h 40 m
Average duration
3 h 50 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
293 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Metuchen, 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 Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
Fast buses
Of the 5 buses that leave Metuchen, NJ for Washington, DC on Fri, May 29, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct buses cover the 293 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest buses will take 4 h 22 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.
FlixBus8:00 AM3h50New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)11:50 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$431One-way0 transfers- FlixBus11:10 AM3h40New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)2:50 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$431One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus2:25 PM3h40New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)6:05 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$431One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus5:25 PM3h40New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)9:05 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$431One-way0 transfers
177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK10:38 PM4h22Metropark Station, Iselin, NJ3:00 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$511One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus11:10 AM3h40New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)2:50 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$431One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus2:25 PM3h40New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)6:05 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$431One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus5:25 PM3h40New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)9:05 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$431One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus8:00 AM3h50New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)11:50 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$431One-way0 transfers
- 177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK10:38 PM4h22Metropark Station, Iselin, NJ3:00 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$511One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $70.
Distance: 182 miles (293 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$37 Average price Cheapest | $66 Average price | $189 Average price | $41 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 15m Average total duration 2h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC is a bus with an average price of $37 (€30).
This is compared to other travel options from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC:
A bus is $29 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $66 (€54).
A bus is $152 (€123) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $189 (€153).
The fastest way to travel from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 26m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 45m.
Bus takes on average 4h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Metuchen, NJ and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Metuchen, NJ 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.
Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:38AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 4h22 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator NJ Transit | Departure Time 12:27PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 4h08 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator NJ Transit | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator NJ Transit | Departure Time 06:29PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 5h01 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator NJ Transit | Departure Time 06:33PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 4h57 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:38PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 4h22 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Live departures
Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC bus times
The table below shows live departures for Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC buses for today, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 8:00 AM New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) | 3h50 | 11:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 11:10 AM New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) | 3h40 | 2:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 5:25 PM New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) | 3h40 | 9:05 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK | 10:38 PM Metropark Station, Iselin, NJ | 4h22 | 3:00 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Metuchen, NJ 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 Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Buses from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by train.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:10, the last at 19:50. The fastest bus covers the 182 miles (293 km) distance in 3h 40m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $20 (€16)
Distance 182 miles (293 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 2:10 AM |
Last bus 7:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 5 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $20 (€16)
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 Gallery of Art
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to modern times, plus a celebrated sculpture garden and strong temporary exhibitions.
- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
Iconic Smithsonian museum covering aviation and space exploration, with historic aircraft and spacecraft that make it a top draw in the city.
- Must visit
National Mall
Washington’s signature civic landscape lined with museums and monuments, ideal for walking and the city’s top first-time visitor area.
- Must visit
Georgetown
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for cobblestone streets, rowhouses, shopping, and scenic walks along the canal and river.
- Must visit
Tidal Basin
Scenic walking area around the water framed by major memorials, especially famous during cherry blossom season.
Half-Smoke
Washington’s signature sausage, usually a coarse smoked pork-and-beef link 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, slightly spicy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly served with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local condiment.
- Vegetarian
Jumbo Slice Pizza
An oversized late-night pizza slice popular in nightlife areas of Washington, especially Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable local fast-food tradition.
Old Ebbitt Grill
An established, upscale-casual saloon near the White House known for oysters, crab cakes, and other classic Washington and Mid-Atlantic dishes.
Rasika
Acclaimed Indian restaurant known for refined cooking and a polished dining room. A standout for one of Washington’s most celebrated restaurant experiences.
Le Diplomate
One of Washington’s best-known restaurants, offering classic French bistro fare in an elegant, energetic space that is popular with locals and visitors.
United States Dollar
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 80+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
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 -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Tap a contactless card or mobile wallet at Metrorail faregates and on Metrobus; SmarTrip also works across the system.
- Metrorail fares vary by time and distance, while Metrobus has a flat fare; use the official WMATA app for live arrivals and service alerts.
FAQs: Bus from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Metuchen, 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC can start from as little as $30 (€24) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC is $37 (€30) ; 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 Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC is 3h 40m to travel the 182 miles (293 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 Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC leaves at 2:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC leaves at 7:50 PM.
A trip to Washington, DC from Metuchen, NJ is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Metuchen, NJ and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
No, the bus from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Metuchen, NJ 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 Metuchen, NJ 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 Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC.
No, luggage for the bus from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC.
Since neither Metuchen, NJ 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Metuchen, NJ 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 Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC
Metuchen
Washington
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, Stadium-Armory Station + Bus Bay F
information
More options for your journey from Metuchen, NJ to Washington, DC
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Most popular buses to and from Washington, DC and Metuchen, NJ
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