- Must visit
Delaware Art Museum
Leading Delaware art museum with American illustration, Pre-Raphaelite works, sculpture gardens, and a scenic setting above Brandywine Creek.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, NC 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 Wilmington, NC will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
On Sun, Nov 01, we found 3 buses from Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, NC, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Nov 01 the direct buses cover the 183 km distance in an average of 5 h 36 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Sun, Nov 01 the slowest buses will take 10 h 37 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.

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80 Carolinian · 6189 Connecting Bus
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80 Carolinian · 6189 Connecting Bus
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Buses from Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, NC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 16:10. The fastest bus covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 3h 5m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 4:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, NC.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 08:50AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:13AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 10h37 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $28 |
The table below shows live departures for Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, NC buses for today, Saturday, October 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:45 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 3h05 | 5:50 PM Wilmington, Forden Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, November 1 | |||||
![]() | 5:45 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 3h05 | 8:50 AM Wilmington, Forden Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
80 Carolinian · 6189 Connecting Bus | 10:13 AM Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 10h37 | 8:50 PM Wilmington, NC | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Wilmington, NC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wilmington, NC trip today.
Leading Delaware art museum with American illustration, Pre-Raphaelite works, sculpture gardens, and a scenic setting above Brandywine Creek.
Historic prison turned museum interpreting crime, punishment, and justice in Delaware through preserved cells and guided tours.
Hands-on children's museum on the Riverfront with interactive science, math, and creativity exhibits designed for families and younger visitors.
Redeveloped waterfront district with river walks, parks, public art, and easy access to museums, dining, and seasonal events.
Major civic square framed by historic buildings, offices, and hotels, often used for public events and a good starting point downtown.
Large urban park with formal gardens, open lawns, trails, sports areas, and frequent community events near downtown neighborhoods.
Carolina-style pulled pork barbecue, slow-smoked and chopped or shredded, is a regional staple near Wilmington, often served with vinegar-forward sauce and slaw.
Fresh local shrimp lightly breaded and fried is a classic Cape Fear coast plate, reflecting Wilmington’s strong seafood tradition and nearby fisheries.
Stone-ground grits topped with local shrimp in a rich savory sauce are widely eaten in coastal North Carolina and common on Wilmington menus.
Refined downtown restaurant serving contemporary American plates with seafood, steaks, and polished service in a historic building.
Upscale riverfront dining focused on seafood and Southern-inspired dishes, with broad water views and a polished yet relaxed feel.
Popular casual spot for Carolina barbecue, brisket, ribs, and Southern sides with a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
Moderate for a US coastal city. Hotels and dining are mid-priced, while public transit is limited, so visitors often spend more on car travel or rideshares.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per bag for hotel staff, and 10-15% for taxis. Small tips are appreciated at cafes, but not always expected.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Wilmington, NC.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, NC 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 Wilmington, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Raleigh, NC to Wilmington, NC buses use the Raleigh, Bus Station to Wilmington, Forden Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Raleigh, Bus Station is 4 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Station is accessible via ramps.
Wilmington, Forden Station is 7 km from Wilmington city centre. Public transport options include:
Wilmington, Forden Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Wilmington, Forden Station. ATMs are available at Wilmington, Forden Station.
Ticket office support is available at Wilmington, Forden Station.
Available at Wilmington, Forden Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wilmington, Forden Station: Station is accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Check bus stations information for Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need