- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC
Showing times and prices for Jul 16
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$66
Fastest journey
4 h 35 m
Average duration
4 h 43 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
375 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC will cost around $66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Fast buses
Of the 11 buses that leave Raleigh, NC for Washington, DC on Thu, Jul 16, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 16 the direct buses cover the 375 km distance in an average of 4 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 35 m .
On Thu, Jul 16 the slowest buses will take 4 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.
FlixBus2:50 AM5h25Raleigh, Bus Station8:15 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$511One-way0 transfers
6:15 PM4h50Raleigh, Bus Station11:05 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$561One-way0 transfers- 5:50 AM4h45Raleigh, Bus Station10:35 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$561One-way0 transfers
- 2:40 PM4h45Raleigh, Bus Station7:25 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$571One-way0 transfers
- 12:55 AM4h40Raleigh, Bus Station5:35 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$631One-way0 transfers
- 9:20 PM4h35Raleigh, Bus Station1:55 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$681One-way0 transfers
- 12:55 AM4h40Raleigh, Bus Station5:35 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$631One-way0 transfers
- 5:50 AM4h45Raleigh, Bus Station10:35 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$561One-way0 transfers
- 2:40 PM4h45Raleigh, Bus Station7:25 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$571One-way0 transfers
- 6:15 PM4h50Raleigh, Bus Station11:05 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$561One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a flight costs an average of $104.
Distance: 233 miles (375 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$60 Average price Cheapest | $92 Average price | $349 Average price | $53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 56m Average total duration 5h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration Fastest 1h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.3kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC is a bus with an average price of $60 (€50).
This is compared to other travel options from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC:
A bus is $31 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC costing on average $92 (€75).
A bus is $288 (€237) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC costing on average $349 (€287).
The fastest way to travel from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 16m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 26m.
Train takes on average 6h 8m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Raleigh, NC and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Raleigh, NC 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 -2h -4m sooner (5h 26m by bus vs 4h 22m by car) and save roughly $-7.50 (€-6.16) compared to fuel and tolls ($60 (€50) vs $53 (€43)). 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 Greyhound, FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40AM | Arrival Time 06:55AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $41 |
Live departures
Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC bus times
The table below shows live departures for Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC buses for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:45 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 5h40 | 4:25 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:00 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 5h35 | 6:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:40 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 4h45 | 7:25 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 3:15 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 5h35 | 8:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:15 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 4h50 | 11:05 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:20 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 4h35 | 1:55 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 9:55 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 5h10 | 3:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, July 16 | |||||
| 12:55 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 4h40 | 5:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 1:40 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 5h15 | 6:55 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 2:50 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 5h25 | 8:15 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:50 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 4h45 | 10:35 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 prices and tickets Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus or GoRaleigh offer buses services from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or GoRaleigh to find the best option for your trip from Raleigh, NC 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 Greyhound with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or GoRaleigh to find the best option for your trip from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Buses from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) if you book in advance.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 233 miles (375 km) distance in 4h 35m.
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 233 miles (375 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 4h 35m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 49 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: Greyhound, FlixBus, GoRaleigh from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DCYou can travel by bus between Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC with Greyhound, FlixBus, GoRaleigh for as low as $38 (€31). 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
5h 10m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€31)
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.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 35m
Cheapest Price
$49 (€40)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
GoRaleigh
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
$50 (€41)
GoRaleigh frequency
6 a day
Complete guide to Washington, DC
Things to do in Washington, DC
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.
- Must visit
National Museum of African American History and Culture
A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.
- Must visit
National Mall
The National Mall is Washington's grand civic promenade, lined with museums, memorials, and classic views ideal for first-time visitors.
- Must visit
Georgetown
Georgetown charms with historic streets, rowhouses, waterfront paths, and independent shops that make it one of the city's best walking areas.
- Must visit
Tidal Basin
The Tidal Basin loop offers famous cherry blossoms, water views, and easy access to several of Washington's most iconic memorials.
Half-Smoke
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.
- Vegetarian
Jumbo Slice Pizza
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 With Fried Chicken
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.
Rose's Luxury
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and refined tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary dining room.
The Salt Line
Polished seafood institution at the municipal fish market, best known for regional oysters, crab cakes, and classic Chesapeake flavors.
Ben's Chili Bowl
Historic casual landmark famous for half-smokes, chili, and a classic diner feel. A must for trying DC's best-known street food tradition.
US dollar ($)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- $80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.
FAQs: Bus from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC can start from as little as $38 (€31) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC is $60 (€50) ; 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 Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC is 4h 35m to travel the 233 miles (375 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 Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC leaves at 12:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC leaves at 10:45 PM.
Yes, there are 9 direct buses a day from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus, GoRaleigh for the best way to get you to Washington, DC. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Raleigh, NC and Washington, DC and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Washington, DC from Raleigh, NC is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Raleigh, NC and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC for bus company Greyhound, 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 Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- 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 Greyhound, 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 Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- 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 Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC 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.
More options for your journey from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Washington, DC and Raleigh, NC
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