- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Cheapest price
$34
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
5 h 15 m
Average duration
5 h 28 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
245 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA to Washington, DC will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Of the 3 buses that leave Virginia Beach, VA for Washington, DC on Sat, Aug 01, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct buses cover the 245 km distance in an average of 5 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest buses will take 5 h 35 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 Virginia Beach, VA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $159.
Distance: 152 miles (245 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$50 Average price Cheapest | $90 Average price | $326 Average price | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration 5h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.5kg 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 Virginia Beach, VA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $40 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Virginia Beach, VA to Washington, DC costing on average $90.
A bus is $276 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Virginia Beach, VA to Washington, DC costing on average $326.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 8m.
Train takes on average 5h 23m.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 10:45PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
The table below shows live departures for Virginia Beach, VA to Washington, DC buses for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:45 PM Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Blvd (Circle D Food Mart), VA | 9h55 | 12:40 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
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 Virginia Beach, VA to Washington, DC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:00, the last at 19:50. The fastest bus covers the 152 miles (245 km) distance in 4h 9m.
Distance 152 miles (245 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 4h 9m |
First bus 3:00 AM |
Last bus 7:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.
A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.
The National Mall is Washington's grand civic promenade, lined with museums, memorials, and classic views ideal for first-time visitors.
Georgetown charms with historic streets, rowhouses, waterfront paths, and independent shops that make it one of the city's best walking areas.
The Tidal Basin loop offers famous cherry blossoms, water views, and easy access to several of Washington's most iconic memorials.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is DC's signature street food, strongly tied to Ben's Chili Bowl.
Jumbo slice is an oversized late-night pizza slice popular in Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable DC nightlife food known for its huge foldable portions.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet tangy red sauce commonly served with fried chicken and wings at DC carryouts. It is a beloved local condiment with roots in Black DC food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and refined tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary dining room.
Polished seafood institution at the municipal fish market, best known for regional oysters, crab cakes, and classic Chesapeake flavors.
Historic casual landmark famous for half-smokes, chili, and a classic diner feel. A must for trying DC's best-known street food tradition.
DC is pricier than many US cities. Hotels and dining run high in central areas, but Metro and many free museums help balance daily travel costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach, VA to Washington, DC buses use the Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Blvd (Circle D Food Mart) to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW). Use this guide to compare Virginia Beach, 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