- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$46
Fastest journey
3 h 40 m
Average duration
3 h 42 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
260 km
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 $46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
Of the 7 buses that leave Princeton, NJ for Washington, DC on Fri, Jul 31, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 31 the direct buses cover the 260 km distance in an average of 3 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 40 m .
On Fri, Jul 31 the slowest buses will take 3 h 50 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 AMTRAK
177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio 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)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$35 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price | $181 Average price | $47 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC:
A bus is $12 (€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 $146 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $181 (€148).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 41m.
Bus takes on average 3h 56m.
Tickets start at around $35 (€29) compared to roughly $47 (€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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50AM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:03AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 3h57 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:01AM | Arrival Time 07:00AM | Duration 3h59 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:01AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 3h59 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:01PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 3h59 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:09PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 3h51 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $46 |
The table below shows live departures for Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC buses for today, Thursday, July 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 5:25 PM New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) | 3h40 | 9:05 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:00 PM New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) | 3h40 | 11:40 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK | 11:01 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 3h59 | 3:00 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK | 11:09 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 3h51 | 3:00 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 8:00 AM New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) | 3h50 | 11:50 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 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.
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.
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 |
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.
A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.
The National Mall is Washington's grand civic promenade, lined with museums, memorials, and classic views ideal for first-time visitors.
Georgetown charms with historic streets, rowhouses, waterfront paths, and independent shops that make it one of the city's best walking areas.
The Tidal Basin loop offers famous cherry blossoms, water views, and easy access to several of Washington's most iconic memorials.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is DC's signature street food, strongly tied to Ben's Chili Bowl.
Jumbo slice is an oversized late-night pizza slice popular in Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable DC nightlife food known for its huge foldable portions.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet tangy red sauce commonly served with fried chicken and wings at DC carryouts. It is a beloved local condiment with roots in Black DC food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and refined tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary dining room.
Polished seafood institution at the municipal fish market, best known for regional oysters, crab cakes, and classic Chesapeake flavors.
Historic casual landmark famous for half-smokes, chili, and a classic diner feel. A must for trying DC's best-known street food tradition.
DC is pricier than many US cities. Hotels and dining run high in central areas, but Metro and many free museums help balance daily travel costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.
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.

Most Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC buses use the New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, Stadium-Armory Station + Bus Bay F. Use this guide to compare Princeton, NJ 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