- 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 broad family-friendly exhibits.
Cheapest price
$17
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
1 h 50 m
Average duration
1 h 52 m
Buses per day
22
Distance
154 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA to Washington, DC will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $17.
Of the 22 buses that leave Richmond, VA for Washington, DC on Fri, Jul 10, 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 10 the direct buses cover the 154 km distance in an average of 1 h 52 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .
On Fri, Jul 10 the slowest buses will take 1 h 55 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.
4174 AMTRAK
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus


FlixBus
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Richmond, VA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a flight costs an average of $146.
Distance: 95 miles (154 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$27 Average price Cheapest | $33 Average price | $407 Average price | $22 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 57m Average total duration 2h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 43m Average total duration 2h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 1h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 0.9kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Richmond, VA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Richmond, VA to Washington, DC costing on average $33 (€27).
A bus is $380 (€312) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Richmond, VA to Washington, DC costing on average $407 (€334).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 27m.
Flight takes on average 2h 43m.
You'll arrive about -1h -26m sooner (2h 14m by bus vs 1h 48m by car) and save roughly $-4.98 (€-4.09) compared to fuel and tolls ($27 (€22) vs $22 (€18)). 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 FlixBus, Greyhound, Infobus.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 06:55AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 2h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 2h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $26 |
The table below shows live departures for Richmond, VA to Washington, DC buses for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 2:10 PM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 2h20 | 4:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:10 PM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 2h15 | 4:25 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:30 PM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 2h30 | 6:00 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:10 PM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 2h25 | 6:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:30 PM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 1h55 | 7:25 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:45 PM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 2h05 | 8:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:15 PM Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride), VA | 2h00 | 10:15 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:10 PM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 1h55 | 11:05 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:50 PM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 2h05 | 11:55 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 10 | |||||
![]() | 12:05 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 1h50 | 1:55 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:10 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 1h55 | 3:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:45 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 1h50 | 5:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:55 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 2h00 | 6:55 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:30 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 1h55 | 7:25 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:15 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 2h00 | 8:15 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:00 AM Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride), VA | 2h10 | 9:10 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
4174 AMTRAK | 7:00 AM Staples Mill Road Station, Richmond, VA | 2h20 | 9:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:05 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 2h15 | 9:20 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:45 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 1h50 | 10:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:10 AM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 2h20 | 12:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 10:40 AM Richmond, VA | 2h20 | 1:00 PM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Richmond, VA to Washington, DC run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.
There are 18 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 95 miles (154 km) distance in 1h 50m.
Distance 95 miles (154 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Buses per day 18 |
Direct buses 18 |
Fastest bus 1h 50m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 56 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 world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Flagship Smithsonian museum covering aviation and spaceflight, with iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and major interactive exhibits.
Premier art museum with strong collections from the Middle Ages to modern art, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s grand ceremonial park lined with Smithsonian museums, memorials, and iconic government buildings.
Historic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, waterfront walks, rowhouses, and some of Washington’s most photogenic corners.
Scenic waterside loop famous for cherry blossoms and views of major memorials, especially popular for sunrise and spring visits.
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 closely associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken wings and fries. It is a local comfort-food staple.
Steamed or picked blue crab from the nearby Chesapeake region is deeply tied to local food traditions. It is especially popular in warmer months.
Celebrated upscale restaurant with creative small plates and a warm, energetic atmosphere. It is one of Washington’s best-known modern dining destinations.
A classic, long-running Washington institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and traditional American fare in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Bustling brasserie known for polished French classics, strong brunch, and a stylish dining room that is popular with both locals and visitors.
Prices are high for hotels and dining, especially downtown. Free museums help balance daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Richmond, VA 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need