- 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 strong family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Cheapest price
$178
Average price
$190
Fastest journey
1 d 1 h 15 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 58 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
1552 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA to Washington, DC will cost around $190 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $178.
It's difficult to get from New Orleans, LA to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBus+
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FlixBus · FlixBus+
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New Orleans, LA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $107. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $107, and a flight costs an average of $117.
Distance: 964 miles (1552 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$216 Average price Cheapest | $277 Average price | $292 Average price | $218 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 4m Average total duration 24h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28h 44m Average total duration 28h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 51m 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 New Orleans, LA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $61 (€50) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New Orleans, LA to Washington, DC costing on average $277 (€226).
A bus is $76 (€62) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from New Orleans, LA to Washington, DC costing on average $292 (€238).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 24h 34m.
Train takes on average 28h 14m.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 24h25 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $193 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 24h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $248 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 03:15AM | Duration 24h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $220 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 31h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 27h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $190 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 31h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $189 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 25h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $236 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 25h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $171 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 26h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 26h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 26h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $265 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 24h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 25h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $164 |
The table below shows live departures for New Orleans, LA to Washington, DC buses for today, Sunday, June 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:10 AM New Orleans, LA | 24h05 | 3:15 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:15 AM New Orleans, LA | 31h40 | 11:55 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:15 AM New Orleans, LA | 31h40 | 12:55 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:10 AM New Orleans, LA | 26h55 | 1:05 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:10 AM New Orleans, LA | 27h00 | 2:10 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect |
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 New Orleans, LA to Washington, DC run on average 5 times per day, taking around 24h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $107 (€87) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 964 miles (1552 km) distance in 24h 5m.
Distance 964 miles (1552 km) |
Average bus duration 24h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $107 (€87) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 24h 5m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 6 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 strong family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Flagship Smithsonian museum exploring African American history, culture, and community through powerful permanent exhibitions and major national narratives.
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to the modern era, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions in two landmark buildings.
Washington’s essential civic promenade lined with museums and monuments, ideal for first-time visitors and the city’s top walking experience.
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for charming streets, rowhouses, shopping, and canal-side walks; a classic area for exploring on foot.
Scenic reservoir loop famous for memorials and cherry blossoms, especially photogenic at sunrise, sunset, and spring bloom season.
Washington’s signature sausage, typically smoky and spicy, served on a bun with mustard, onions, and chili. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet-tangy sauce strongly associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken or wings. It is a distinctive local comfort-food staple.
Sweet blue crab from the Chesapeake region, commonly served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington.
A celebrated historic restaurant near the White House, known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic Washington political dining ambiance.
Widely acclaimed Indian restaurant with a polished atmosphere, famous for refined cooking and one of Washington’s best-known dining rooms.
Well-known French brasserie in Logan Circle, valued for its classic menu, energetic scene, and stylish long-established popularity.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants with table service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New Orleans, LA 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.

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