- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
Showing times and prices for Jun 15
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$34
Fastest journey
3 h 40 m
Average duration
3 h 48 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
260 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Princeton, 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 Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
Fast buses
Of the 5 buses that leave Princeton, NJ for Washington, DC on Mon, Jun 15, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 15 the direct buses cover the 260 km distance in an average of 3 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .
On Mon, Jun 15 the slowest buses will take 3 h 59 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.
177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK11:09 PM3h51Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ3:00 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$261One-way1 transfer- 177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK11:01 PM3h59Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ3:00 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$261One-way1 transfer
FlixBus5:25 PM3h40New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)9:05 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$381One-way0 transfers- FlixBus11:10 AM3h40New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)2:50 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$391One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus8:00 AM3h50New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)11:50 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$411One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus11:10 AM3h40New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)2:50 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$391One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus5:25 PM3h40New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)9:05 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$381One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus8:00 AM3h50New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station)11:50 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$411One-way0 transfers
- 177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK11:09 PM3h51Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ3:00 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$261One-way1 transfer
- 177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK11:01 PM3h59Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ3:00 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$261One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. 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 $25, and a flight costs an average of $68.
Distance: 161 miles (260 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$35 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price | $182 Average price | $48 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 26m Average total duration 3h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is a bus with an average price of $35 (€29).
This is compared to other travel options from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC:
A bus is $13 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $48 (€39).
A bus is $147 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $182 (€148).
The fastest way to travel from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 30m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 41m.
Bus takes on average 3h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Princeton, NJ and Washington, DC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $35 (€29) compared to roughly $48 (€39) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $12 (€10). The journey takes 3h 56m versus 3h 19m 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.
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.
Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50AM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:01AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 3h59 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:03AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 3h57 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:09AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 3h51 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:01AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 3h59 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:01PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 3h59 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:09PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 3h51 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Live departures
Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC bus times
The table below shows live departures for Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC buses for today, Sunday, June 14. 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 | 2:25 PM New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) | 3h40 | 6:05 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 | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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 Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Buses from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 161 miles (260 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 $12 (€10)
Distance 161 miles (260 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 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 $12 (€10)
Bus providers: FlixBus from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DCYou can travel by bus between Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC with FlixBus for as low as $12 (€10). 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
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
$30 (€24)
FlixBus frequency
4 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.
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 Museum of African American History and Culture
Flagship Smithsonian museum exploring African American history, culture, and community through powerful permanent exhibitions and major national narratives.
- Must visit
National Gallery of Art
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to the modern era, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions in two landmark buildings.
- Must visit
National Mall
Washington’s essential civic promenade lined with museums and monuments, ideal for first-time visitors and the city’s top walking experience.
- Must visit
Georgetown
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for charming streets, rowhouses, shopping, and canal-side walks; a classic area for exploring on foot.
- Must visit
Tidal Basin
Scenic reservoir loop famous for memorials and cherry blossoms, especially photogenic at sunrise, sunset, and spring bloom season.
Half-Smoke
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.
Mumbo Sauce With Fried Chicken And Wings
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.
- Gluten-free
Chesapeake Blue Crab
Sweet blue crab from the Chesapeake region, commonly served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington.
Old Ebbitt Grill
A celebrated historic restaurant near the White House, known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic Washington political dining ambiance.
Rasika
Widely acclaimed Indian restaurant with a polished atmosphere, famous for refined cooking and one of Washington’s best-known dining rooms.
Le Diplomate
Well-known French brasserie in Logan Circle, valued for its classic menu, energetic scene, and stylish long-established popularity.
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 before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular café coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
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 -> Union Station, Washington, DC
- Distance
- 2.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- SmarTrip is the official fare system for Metrorail and Metrobus, and you can use a physical card or mobile wallet on supported phones.
- Metrobus accepts contactless card payment only on routes equipped with fareboxes that support SmarTrip, so paying with a bank card directly is generally not available.
FAQs: Bus from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Princeton, 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 Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC can start from as little as $25 (€20) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is $35 (€29) ; 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 Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is 3h 40m to travel the 161 miles (260 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 Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Washington, DC. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Princeton, NJ and Washington, DC and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Washington, DC from Princeton, 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 Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Princeton, NJ and Washington, DC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Princeton, NJ 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 Princeton, NJ 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 Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Princeton, NJ 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 Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Princeton, NJ 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 Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Princeton, 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 Princeton, 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 Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
Princeton
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
Most popular bus connections from Princeton, NJ
More options for your journey from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ
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