- 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
$31
Average price
$31
Fastest journey
4 h 15 m
Average duration
4 h 23 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
237 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Norfolk, VA 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 Norfolk, VA to Washington, DC will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 2 buses that leave Norfolk, VA for Washington, DC on Wed, Jun 10, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 10 the direct buses cover the 237 km distance in an average of 4 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 15 m .
On Wed, Jun 10 the slowest buses will take 4 h 30 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.
6130 AMTRAK
6132 AMTRAK
6132 AMTRAK
6130 AMTRAKOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Norfolk, VA 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 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $30, and a flight costs an average of $145.
Distance: 147 miles (237 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$39 Average price Cheapest | $66 Average price | $335 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 5m Average total duration 4h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Norfolk, VA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $27 (€22) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Norfolk, VA to Washington, DC costing on average $66 (€54).
A bus is $296 (€241) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Norfolk, VA to Washington, DC costing on average $335 (€273).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 35m.
Train takes on average 4h 36m.
Tickets start at around $39 (€32) compared to roughly $40 (€33) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $1 (€0.96). The journey takes 4h 35m versus 3h 12m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Greyhound.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:50PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
The table below shows live departures for Norfolk, VA to Washington, DC buses for today, Tuesday, June 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6130 AMTRAK | 6:15 AM Norfolk Station, Norfolk, VA | 4h30 | 10:45 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:05 AM Norfolk, Poplar Hall Dr (CVS/pharmacy), VA | 5h15 | 4:20 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
6132 AMTRAK | 4:30 PM Norfolk Station, Norfolk, VA | 4h15 | 8:45 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:50 PM Norfolk, Poplar Hall Dr (CVS/pharmacy), VA | 4h35 | 12:25 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Norfolk, VA to Washington, DC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $30 (€24) but you can travel from only $29 (€24) by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:00, the last at 21:45. The fastest bus covers the 147 miles (237 km) distance in 4h 15m.
Distance 147 miles (237 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€24) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 15m |
First bus 2:00 AM |
Last bus 9:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 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 Norfolk, VA 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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