- Must visit
The Charleston Museum
America’s first museum with natural history, decorative arts, and Charleston stories across several historic sites.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$102
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$103
Fastest journey on Sep 20
14 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
17 h 23 m
Buses on Sep 20
5
Distance
729 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC to Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $102.
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $115 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 55m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $115, while a flight costs an average of $509.
Distance: 452 miles (729 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$115 Average price Cheapest | $231 Average price | $509 Average price | $104 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 2m Average total duration 13h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 14m Average total duration 9h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration Fastest 3h 55m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 54m 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 Washington, DC to Charleston, SC:
A bus is $117 (€95) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Charleston, SC costing on average $231 (€189).
A bus is $394 (€322) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Charleston, SC costing on average $509 (€416).
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 44m.
Bus takes on average 13h 32m.
Tickets start at around $115 (€94) compared to roughly $104 (€85) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-10.99 (€-8.98). The journey takes 13h 32m versus 7h 54m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 14h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 09:50PM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 24h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 18h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $73 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Charleston, SC buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · | 3:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 14h40 | 6:30 PM Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC | 2 transfers | |
· | 7:15 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 14h35 | 9:50 PM Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 9:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 24h05 | 9:10 AM Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 9:25 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 14h50 | 12:15 PM Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC | 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 Washington, DC to Charleston, SC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 13h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $73 (€60) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:35, the last at 22:10. The fastest bus covers the 452 miles (729 km) distance in 10h 35m.
Distance 452 miles (729 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $73 (€60) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 10h 35m |
First bus 1:35 AM |
Last bus 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Charleston, SC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleston, SC trip today.
America’s first museum with natural history, decorative arts, and Charleston stories across several historic sites.
Leading Southern museum for contemporary art, known for bold exhibitions and strong local creative connections.
Powerful museum on Gadsden’s Wharf interpreting the African American journey and Charleston’s global significance.
Legendary waterfront promenade lined with antebellum homes, harbor breezes, and some of Charleston’s best views.
Historic defensive seawall and walk beside White Point Garden, ideal for sunset, mansions, and harbor panoramas.
Lively pedestrian-friendly market district known for crafts, architecture, and easy access to major downtown sights.
A Lowcountry rice dish with shrimp, sausage, or chicken simmered in rich broth. It reflects Charleston's Gullah Geechee and coastal cooking traditions.
Stone-ground grits cooked creamy and topped with local shrimp, often with bacon or gravy. It is one of Charleston's signature brunch and supper dishes.
A rich soup of blue crab, crab roe, cream, and sherry. This classic Charleston dish is closely tied to the city's historic seafood culture.
Historic fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal Lowcountry cuisine. Known for polished Southern hospitality and dishes using regional ingredients.
Upscale seafood restaurant celebrated for local oysters and inventive Lowcountry dishes. Stylish, lively, and one of Charleston's best-known dining rooms.
Refined Southern restaurant in the Historic District, known for shrimp and grits, seafood, and polished service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a US coastal city; hotels and dining in the historic district run higher, while transit is limited and many visitors rely on walking, rideshare, or car hire.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip screens; small tips are appreciated but optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Charleston, SC buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station to Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Charleston, SC 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.
Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station) is 12 km from Charleston city centre. Public transport options include:
Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are available at Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need