- 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
$102
Average price
$102
Fastest journey
5 h 45 m
Average duration
5 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
312 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Roanoke, 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 Roanoke, VA to Washington, DC will cost around $102 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $102.
Of the 1 buses that leave Roanoke, VA for Washington, DC on Thu, Jul 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 02 the direct buses cover the 312 km distance in an average of 5 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .
On Thu, Jul 02 the slowest buses will take 5 h 45 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Roanoke, VA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $133.
Distance: 193 miles (312 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$61 Average price | $51 Average price Cheapest | $331 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 39m 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 Roanoke, VA to Washington, DC:
A train is $10 (€8) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Roanoke, VA to Washington, DC costing on average $61 (€50).
A train is $280 (€231) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Roanoke, VA to Washington, DC costing on average $331 (€273).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 53m.
Train takes on average 5h 8m.
You'll arrive about -2h -14m sooner (4h 53m by bus vs 3h 39m by car) and save roughly $-15.80 (€-13.02) compared to fuel and tolls ($61 (€50) vs $45 (€37)). 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.
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 04:35AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
The table below shows live departures for Roanoke, VA to Washington, DC buses for tomorrow, Thursday, July 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:35 AM Roanoke, Third Street Station, VA | 5h45 | 10:20 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 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 Roanoke, VA to Washington, DC run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€35) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:40, the last at 20:10. The fastest bus covers the 193 miles (312 km) distance in 4h 10m.
Distance 193 miles (312 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€35) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 10m |
First bus 3:40 AM |
Last bus 8:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 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 Roanoke, 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.

Most Roanoke, VA to Washington, DC buses use the Roanoke, Third Street 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 Roanoke, VA 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