- 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.
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Cheapest price
$155
Average price
$179
Fastest journey
18h 55m
Average duration
26h 18m
Buses per day
5
Distance
121 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Milwaukee, WI to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $89. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $89, and a flight costs an average of $138.
Distance: 634 miles (1021 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$179 Average price Cheapest | $240 Average price | $271 Average price | $263 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
22h 42m Average total duration 22h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 2m Average total duration 19h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 12m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Milwaukee, WI to Washington, DC:
A bus is $61 (€50) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Milwaukee, WI to Washington, DC costing on average $240 (€197).
A bus is $92 (€75) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Milwaukee, WI to Washington, DC costing on average $271 (€223).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 19h 32m.
Bus takes on average 22h 12m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 20h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 25h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 25h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 33h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $155 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 19h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 32h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $155 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 27h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $124 |
The table below shows live departures for Milwaukee, WI to Washington, DC buses for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:20 PM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 33h15 | 1:35 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 3:20 PM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 19h15 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:40 PM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 32h55 | 1:35 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 3:40 PM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 18h55 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 8:35 PM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 27h10 | 12:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3 transfers | |
· | 3:25 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 20h20 | 12:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 6:30 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 23h20 | 6:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 9:00 AM Milwaukee, Intermodal Station | 25h30 | 11:30 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 9:20 AM Milwaukee, General Mitchell International Airport (Wisconsin Coach ORD-MKE Bus Stop), WI | 25h10 | 11:30 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 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 Milwaukee, WI to Washington, DC run on average 7 times per day, taking around 22h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $89 (€73) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 634 miles (1021 km) distance in 18h 55m.
Distance 634 miles (1021 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 (€73) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 18h 55m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 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 Milwaukee, WI 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 Milwaukee, WI to Washington, DC buses use the Milwaukee, Intermodal 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 Milwaukee, WI 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