- Must visit
COSI
A major science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly programs that make science engaging for all ages.
Cheapest price on Sep 06
$104
Average ticket price on Sep 06
$109
Fastest journey on Sep 06
10 h
Average journey duration on Sep 06
12 h 25 m
Buses on Sep 06
6
Distance
526 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, OH will cost around $109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $104.
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH without transferring at least once.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $102 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 21m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $102, while a flight costs an average of $191.
Distance: 326 miles (526 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$102 Average price Cheapest | $191 Average price | $93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 7m Average total duration 9h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 2h 21m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH:
A bus is $89 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH costing on average $191.
Other travel options to Columbus, OH take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 37m.
Train takes on average 15h 33m.
Tickets start at around $102 compared to roughly $93 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-9.34. The journey takes 9h 37m versus 6h 21m 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 01:50AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 16h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 14h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $93 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Columbus, OH buses for today, Saturday, September 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 1:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 12h25 | 2:15 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
· · | 10:55 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 12h50 | 11:45 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 2 transfers | |
· + FlixBus | 10:55 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 12h25 | 11:20 PM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 2 transfers | |
· | 5:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 10h55 | 4:45 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 6:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 15h55 | 10:40 AM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 9:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 16h40 | 2:15 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Columbus, OH run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $76 but you can travel from only $62 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 326 miles (526 km) distance in 9h 50m.
Distance 326 miles (526 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 9h 50m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Columbus, OH — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Columbus, OH trip today.
A major science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly programs that make science engaging for all ages.
This leading art museum offers strong American and European collections, special exhibitions, and a notable sculpture garden.
Located on Ohio State's campus, this museum presents contemporary art and rotating exhibitions in an acclaimed modern building.
Columbus's best-known historic district has brick streets, restored homes, and a walkable atmosphere ideal for architecture lovers.
A scenic downtown riverfront park with fountains, trails, and skyline views, popular for walks, events, and photos.
This large botanical park is famous for seasonal displays, glasshouses, and the iconic Chihuly installation in the conservatory.
A tangy, tomato-based slaw served on hot dogs or sandwiches. It is a long-running Columbus comfort food linked to old local chili and diner culture.
A sweet, cinnamon-forward fried pastry sold at the Ohio State Fair since the early 1900s. It is one of central Ohio's most iconic fair treats.
A shredded chicken and cracker casserole common at Columbus-area potlucks and game days. It is a nostalgic Midwestern comfort dish in central Ohio.
Refined tasting-menu restaurant in the Short North with inventive seasonal cooking and one of the city's strongest fine dining reputations.
Acclaimed local brewery and gastropub serving creative beers and polished comfort food in a stylish but relaxed setting.
Beloved local pizzeria known for thin crust, square-cut Columbus-style pies in a casual neighborhood setting.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels, dining, and transit usually cost less than New York or Chicago, but more than smaller Midwest towns.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee at cafes if service is provided.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, OH, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Columbus, OH buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station to Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School) station pair, with some services arriving at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station). Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Columbus, OH 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.
Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School). ATMs are available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School).
Ticket office support is available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School).
Available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station).
Available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible bus platforms.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need