- 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 strong family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Jose, CA to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $254. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 11h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $254, and a train costs an average of $375.
Distance: 2415 miles (3888 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$357 Average price | $1120 Average price | $319 Average price Cheapest |
78h 28m Average total duration 77h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 71h 44m Average total duration 71h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 50m Average total duration Fastest 11h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC is a flight with an average price of $319 (€259).
This is compared to other travel options from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC:
A flight is $37 (€30) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC costing on average $357 (€290).
A flight is $800 (€650) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC costing on average $1120 (€909).
The fastest way to travel from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC is by flight with an average journey time of 11h 50m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 71h 14m.
Bus takes on average 77h 58m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Jose, CA 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 San Jose, CA to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
San Jose, CA to Washington, DC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 74h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $180 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 78h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $782 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 81h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $196 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 82h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $328 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 82h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $433 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 69h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $310 |
Compare prices and tickets San Jose, CA 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 San Jose, CA to Washington, DC buses with Omio?
Greyhound operates all buses services from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- 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 San Jose, CA to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Buses from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC run on average 5 times per day, taking around 77h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $310 (€252) but you can travel from only $254 (€206) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 2415 miles (3888 km) distance in 69h 55m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $254 (€206)
Distance 2415 miles (3888 km) |
Average bus duration 77h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $310 (€252) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 69h 55m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 5 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $254 (€206)
Bus providers: Greyhound from San Jose, CA to Washington, DCYou can travel by bus between San Jose, CA to Washington, DC with Greyhound for as low as $254 (€206). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
69h 55m
Cheapest Price
$310 (€252)
Greyhound frequency
4 a day
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.
Complete guide to Washington
Things to do in Washington
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
- Must visit
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Flagship Smithsonian museum exploring African American history, culture, and community through powerful permanent exhibitions and major national narratives.
- Must visit
National Gallery of Art
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to the modern era, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions in two landmark buildings.
- Must visit
National Mall
Washington’s essential civic promenade lined with museums and monuments, ideal for first-time visitors and the city’s top walking experience.
- Must visit
Georgetown
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for charming streets, rowhouses, shopping, and canal-side walks; a classic area for exploring on foot.
- Must visit
Tidal Basin
Scenic reservoir loop famous for memorials and cherry blossoms, especially photogenic at sunrise, sunset, and spring bloom season.
Half-Smoke
Washington’s signature sausage, typically smoky and spicy, served on a bun with mustard, onions, and chili. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
Mumbo Sauce With Fried Chicken And Wings
A sweet-tangy sauce strongly associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken or wings. It is a distinctive local comfort-food staple.
- Gluten-free
Chesapeake Blue Crab
Sweet blue crab from the Chesapeake region, commonly served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington.
Old Ebbitt Grill
A celebrated historic restaurant near the White House, known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic Washington political dining ambiance.
Rasika
Widely acclaimed Indian restaurant with a polished atmosphere, famous for refined cooking and one of Washington’s best-known dining rooms.
Le Diplomate
Well-known French brasserie in Logan Circle, valued for its classic menu, energetic scene, and stylish long-established popularity.
United States Dollar
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 80+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular café coffee.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants with table service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
DC Metro and Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- USD 2.25
- Day pass
- USD 13.00
To the city center
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Union Station, Washington, DC
- Distance
- 2.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- SmarTrip is the official fare system for Metrorail and Metrobus, and you can use a physical card or mobile wallet on supported phones.
- Metrobus accepts contactless card payment only on routes equipped with fareboxes that support SmarTrip, so paying with a bank card directly is generally not available.
FAQs: Bus from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, CA 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 San Jose, CA to Washington, DC can start from as little as $310 (€252) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Jose, CA to Washington, DC is $357 (€290) ; 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 San Jose, CA to Washington, DC is 69h 55m to travel the 2415 miles (3888 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 San Jose, CA to Washington, DC leaves at 12:55 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC which require at least one change with Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC, you can count on Greyhound for the best way to get you to Washington, DC. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Jose, CA and Washington, DC and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Washington, DC from San Jose, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 69h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Jose, CA and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC for bus company Greyhound.
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 San Jose, CA 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound.
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 San Jose, CA to Washington, DC.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Since neither San Jose, CA 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 San Jose, CA 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC
San Jose
Washington
The major bus station for departures in San Jose is San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) for your trip from San Jose to Washington.
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Washington is Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station for your trip to Washington from San Jose.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:00-23:00
Distance to city center
2 km
Car connection
Massachusetts Ave NEWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- McDonald's (in the station)
- Shake Shack (in the station)
Taxis
- Available outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station
- Bus: 96, 97, D6 Metro: Red Train: Amtrak, MARC, VRE
Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW)
information
Most popular bus connections from San Jose, CA
More options for your journey from San Jose, CA to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Washington, DC and San Jose, CA
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