- 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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The cheapest and fastest buses from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC
Showing times and prices for Jul 13
Cheapest price
$113
Average price
$113
Fastest journey
1 d 2 h 10 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 10 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
733 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ottawa, ON 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 Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC will cost around $113 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $113.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Ottawa, ON for Washington, DC on Mon, Jul 13, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 13 the direct buses cover the 733 km distance in an average of 1 d 2 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 2 h 10 m .
On Mon, Jul 13 the slowest buses will take 1 d 2 h 10 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.
10:00 AM26h10Ottawa, ON12:10 PMWashington, DC$1131One-way0 transfers
- 10:00 AM26h10Ottawa, ON12:10 PMWashington, DC$1131One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $97. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $97, and a train costs an average of $512.
Distance: 455 miles (733 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$138 Average price Cheapest | $408 Average price | $512 Average price | $141 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 15m Average total duration 22h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 24h 42m Average total duration 24h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC is a bus with an average price of $138 (€114).
This is compared to other travel options from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC:
A bus is $270 (€222) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC costing on average $408 (€336).
A bus is $373 (€307) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC costing on average $512 (€421).
The fastest way to travel from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 27m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 45m.
Train takes on average 24h 12m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Ottawa, ON and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Ottawa, ON 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.
Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 24h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $214 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 27h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $170 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 26h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 25h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $167 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 17h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $229 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 16h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $232 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 22h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $205 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 25h10 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 24h20 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 24h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 23h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 28h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $166 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 22h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $202 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 31h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $234 |
Live departures
Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC bus times
The table below shows live departures for Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC buses for today, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 FlixBus+ · | 7:40 AM Ottawa, Gloucester Centre, ON | 27h55 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:40 AM Ottawa, Gloucester Centre, ON | 25h10 | 12:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3 transfers | |
| FlixBus+ | 1:45 PM Ottawa, VIA Rail, ON | 17h05 | 6:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus+ | 2:10 PM Ottawa, Hudson's Bay (Bayshore Shopping Centre), ON | 16h40 | 6:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:30 PM Ottawa, VIA Rail, ON | 22h50 | 2:20 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 4:30 PM Ottawa, VIA Rail, ON | 24h45 | 5:15 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 5:05 PM Ottawa, Hudson's Bay (Bayshore Shopping Centre), ON | 24h10 | 5:15 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3 transfers | |
| FlixBus+ · | 8:10 PM Ottawa, Gloucester Centre, ON | 28h35 | 12:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:40 PM Ottawa, Gloucester Centre, ON | 31h20 | 6:00 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ottawa, ON 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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Why should you book Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Tour Express offer buses services from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Tour Express to find the best option for your trip from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC.
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC
Canada
USA
Buses from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC run on average 8 times per day, taking around 22h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $97 (€80) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 455 miles (733 km) distance in 22h 55m.
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 455 miles (733 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $97 (€80) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 22h 55m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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: FlixBus, Tour Express from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DCYou can travel by bus between Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC with FlixBus, Tour Express for as low as $97 (€80). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
22h 55m
Cheapest Price
$103 (€85)
FlixBus frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Tour Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
15h 35m
Cheapest Price
$186 (€153)
Tour Express frequency
2 a day
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 Smithsonian museum covering aviation and spaceflight, with iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and major interactive exhibits.
- Must visit
National Gallery of Art
Premier art museum with strong collections from the Middle Ages to modern art, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
- Must visit
National Mall
The city’s grand ceremonial park lined with Smithsonian museums, memorials, and iconic government buildings.
- Must visit
Georgetown
Historic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, waterfront walks, rowhouses, and some of Washington’s most photogenic corners.
- Must visit
Tidal Basin
Scenic waterside loop famous for cherry blossoms and views of major memorials, especially popular for sunrise and spring visits.
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.
Mumbo Sauce With Fried Chicken Wings
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.
- Gluten-free
Chesapeake Blue Crab
Steamed or picked blue crab from the nearby Chesapeake region is deeply tied to local food traditions. It is especially popular in warmer months.
Rose's Luxury
Celebrated upscale restaurant with creative small plates and a warm, energetic atmosphere. It is one of Washington’s best-known modern dining destinations.
Old Ebbitt Grill
A classic, long-running Washington institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and traditional American fare in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Le Diplomate
Bustling brasserie known for polished French classics, strong brunch, and a stylish dining room that is popular with both locals and visitors.
United States Dollar
Prices are high for hotels and dining, especially downtown. Free museums help balance daily costs.
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 before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular coffee or latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
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
- 6 min
- Tap a contactless bank card or mobile wallet at Metrorail faregates and on Metrobus; SmarTrip is also accepted.
- Use the official WMATA tools to check weekend track work and service changes before traveling.
FAQs: Bus from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ottawa, ON 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 Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC can start from as little as $97 (€80) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC is $138 (€114) ; 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 Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC is 22h 55m to travel the 455 miles (733 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 Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC leaves at 12:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 8 buses a day from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC which require at least one change with FlixBus, Tour Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC, you can count on FlixBus, Tour Express for the best way to get you to Washington, DC. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Ottawa, ON and Washington, DC and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Washington, DC from Ottawa, ON is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 22h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Ottawa, ON and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC for bus company FlixBus.
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 Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
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 Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Ottawa, ON nor Washington, DC are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of Canada 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 Ottawa, ON 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 Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC
Most Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC buses use the 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 Ottawa, ON and Washington, DC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Ottawa
Arrival bus stations in Washington
Which Washington, DC station do buses from Ottawa, ON arrive at?
Buses from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC most often arrive at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station. Some services arrive at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Washington, DC arrival station.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station from Washington city centre
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
BusD30 · 15m · $4 · every ~10 min
281, 481, 483, 484, 486 · 19m · $2 · every ~1 min
SubwayR · 5m · $2 · every ~27 min
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station bus station facilities and services
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Shake Shack (in the station)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and food court.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW)
City-centre transport
Getting to Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) from Washington city centre
BusD70 · 11m · $4 · every ~7 min
SubwayR · 6m · $2 · every ~27 min
Most popular bus connections from Ottawa, ON
More options for your journey from Ottawa, ON to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Washington, DC and Ottawa, ON
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