- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the most visited museums in the city, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and major natural science collections.
Cheapest price
$146
Average price
$146
Fastest journey
7 h 20 m
Average duration
8 h 7 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
500 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Rensselaer, NY 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 Rensselaer, NY to Washington, DC will cost around $146 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $146.
It's difficult to get from Rensselaer, NY to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rensselaer, NY to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a flight costs an average of $153.
Distance: 310 miles (500 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$92 Average price Cheapest | $142 Average price | $329 Average price | $102 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 3m Average total duration 8h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration 5h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Rensselaer, NY to Washington, DC:
A bus is $50 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rensselaer, NY to Washington, DC costing on average $142 (€115).
A bus is $237 (€192) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rensselaer, NY to Washington, DC costing on average $329 (€267).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 47m.
Bus takes on average 8h 33m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Trailways | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator Trailways | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator Trailways | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 12:00AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Trailways | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator Trailways | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 10h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 16h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $94 |
The table below shows live departures for Rensselaer, NY to Washington, DC buses for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:20 PM Rensselaer, NY | 13h55 | 2:15 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:30 PM Rensselaer, NY | 13h00 | 3:30 AM Washington, DC | 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 Rensselaer, NY to Washington, DC run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $64 (€52) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 310 miles (500 km) distance in 8h 50m.
Distance 310 miles (500 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $64 (€52) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 8h 50m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
One of the most visited museums in the city, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and major natural science collections.
Flagship museum for aviation and space exploration, featuring iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.
Powerful museum covering African American history, culture, and achievements through immersive exhibitions.
The city’s central ceremonial landscape, lined with major museums, memorials, and classic Washington views.
Historic neighborhood of cobbled streets, waterfront paths, and Federal-era architecture, ideal for walking and photos.
Scenic waterfront loop famous for cherry blossoms and close-up access to several major memorials.
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.
A sweet-tangy sauce strongly associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly paired with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local flavor locals recognize immediately.
Regional blue crab from nearby Chesapeake waters, often served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington dining.
An established downtown institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic American seafood near the White House, with an elegant old-school atmosphere.
Busy, established French brasserie in Logan Circle known for polished service, a classic dining room, and consistently popular bistro dishes.
Historic casual landmark on U Street, famous for half-smokes, chili dogs, and classic Washington comfort food in a lively, nostalgic setting.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near central areas and major attractions.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Taxis: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Tips are expected for table service.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Union Station, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rensselaer, NY 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.

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