- Must visit
New York State Museum
Major state museum covering New York's nature, history, and culture. Highlights include Adirondack, 9/11, and native history exhibits.
Cheapest price
$88
Average price
$117
Fastest journey
8 h 25 m
Average duration
8 h 45 m
Buses per day
15
Distance
501 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC to Albany, NY is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Washington, DC to Albany, NY will cost around $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to Albany, NY without transferring at least once.
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· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Albany, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 36m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a flight costs an average of $158.
Distance: 311 miles (501 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$89 Average price Cheapest | $147 Average price | $344 Average price |
8h 26m Average total duration 7h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 16m Average total duration 5h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
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 Washington, DC to Albany, NY:
A bus is $57 (€47) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Albany, NY costing on average $147 (€120).
A bus is $254 (€209) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Albany, NY costing on average $344 (€282).
Other travel options to Albany, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 46m.
Bus takes on average 7h 56m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $98 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Albany, NY buses for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 1:15 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 10h15 | 11:30 PM Albany, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
· | 4:40 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 10h00 | 2:40 AM Albany, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 10h15 | 9:45 AM Albany, Bus Terminal | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 10h35 | 10:05 AM Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles), NY | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 9h40 | 9:45 AM Albany, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 10h00 | 10:05 AM Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles), NY | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 11h10 | 1:20 PM Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles), NY | 2 transfers | |
· | 2:10 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 9h00 | 11:10 AM Albany, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
· | 6:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 8h50 | 2:55 PM Albany, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
· · | 7:10 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 9h30 | 4:40 PM Albany, Bus Terminal | 2 transfers | |
· | 8:30 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 8h45 | 5:15 PM Albany, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 9h10 | 6:40 PM Albany, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:30 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 9h25 | 6:55 PM Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles), NY | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 8h45 | 8:15 PM Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles), NY | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 8h25 | 7:55 PM Albany, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
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 Washington, DC to Albany, NY run on average 11 times per day, taking around 7h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€34) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 311 miles (501 km) distance in 8h 50m.
Distance 311 miles (501 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€34) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 8h 50m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Albany, NY — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Albany, NY trip today.
Major state museum covering New York's nature, history, and culture. Highlights include Adirondack, 9/11, and native history exhibits.
Historic townhouse museum interpreting Albany life from the 18th century onward. Period rooms and exhibits make local history engaging.
Contemporary art museum at the University at Albany featuring rotating exhibitions by regional and international artists in a modern setting.
Large urban park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. Visitors enjoy trails, lake views, gardens, and seasonal recreation near downtown.
Historic neighborhood known for ornate rowhouses and one of America's longest continuous residential streets of this style.
Broad ceremonial boulevard through Empire State Plaza. The reflecting pools and open vistas create one of Albany's best walking spaces.
A mini hot dog topped with meat sauce, mustard, and onions. A Capital Region staple tied to local hot dog stands and late-night eating.
Thin slices of spiced bologna, often grilled or fried and served on a roll. It is a nostalgic Upstate New York lunch-counter classic.
Melba sauce, a raspberry dipping sauce for fried mozzarella or wedges, was created in Albany and remains a signature local condiment.
Refined New American restaurant praised for seasonal dishes, polished service, and an elegant but approachable setting in downtown Albany.
Long-running Italian restaurant known for mozzarella sticks with melba sauce and classic red-sauce dishes in a busy family atmosphere.
Historic downtown tavern known for Albany comfort food, craft beer, and classic interiors. A reliable stop for local flavors and atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. state capitals. Hotels can be lower than NYC, dining is typical for the region, and local transit is limited so visitors often use taxis or rental cars.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, about 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if there is table service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Albany, NY 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 Albany, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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