- Must visit
Columbus Museum of Art
Leading art museum known for American and European works, contemporary exhibitions, and a strong local cultural role downtown.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH
Showing times and prices for Jun 04
Cheapest price
$135
Average price
$164
Fastest journey
9 h 50 m
Average duration
12 h 1 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
526 km
Cheap tickets
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 $164 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $135.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus1:30 PM9h50Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station11:20 PMColumbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH$1351One-way1 transfer
· 5:35 PM11h00Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station4:35 AMColumbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH$1351One-way1 transfer- · · 10:55 AM12h50Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station11:45 PMColumbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH$1411One-way2 transfers
- · 1:50 AM12h05Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station1:55 PMColumbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH$1871One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus+11:35 PM14h20Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station1:55 PMColumbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH$2231One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus1:30 PM9h50Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station11:20 PMColumbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH$1351One-way1 transfer
- · 5:35 PM11h00Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station4:35 AMColumbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH$1351One-way1 transfer
- · 1:50 AM12h05Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station1:55 PMColumbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH$1871One-way1 transfer
- · · 10:55 AM12h50Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station11:45 PMColumbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH$1411One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus+11:35 PM14h20Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station1:55 PMColumbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH$2231One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Washington, DC to Columbus, OH
Omio 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 prices starting from $75. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $75, and a flight costs an average of $107.
Distance: 326 miles (526 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$137 Average price Cheapest | $295 Average price | $91 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 16m Average total duration 9h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 1h 38m Onboard + 3h 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH is a bus with an average price of $137 (€111).
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH:
A bus is $158 (€128) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH costing on average $295 (€239).
The fastest way to travel from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 38m.
Other travel options to Columbus, OH take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 46m.
Train takes on average 15h 33m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Washington, DC and Columbus, OH including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
Washington, DC to Columbus, OH Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 16h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 16h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $151 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 16h55 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 11:45PM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 12h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 03:20AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 04:35AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $147 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 16h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $195 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $79 |
Live departures
Washington, DC to Columbus, OH bus times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Columbus, OH buses for today, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| · | 5:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 11h00 | 4:35 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus+ | 11:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 14h20 | 1:55 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, June 4 | |||||
| · | 1:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 12h05 | 1:55 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 · FlixBus | 1:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 9h50 | 11:20 PM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to Columbus, OH by bus or flight
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.
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Jun 04
Jun 04
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Jun 10
Why should you book Washington, DC to Columbus, OH buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH.
- 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 bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH
USAUSA
Buses from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $75 (€61) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 326 miles (526 km) distance in 9h 25m.
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
Distance 326 miles (526 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€61) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 9h 25m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 4 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
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Washington, DC to Columbus, OHYou can travel by bus between Washington, DC to Columbus, OH with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $75 (€61). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 45m
Cheapest Price
$76 (€62)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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
9h 25m
Cheapest Price
$75 (€61)
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 Columbus
Things to do in Columbus
Discover the best of Columbus — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Columbus trip today.
- Must visit
COSI
Major science museum with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly hands-on experiences on the Scioto riverfront.
- Must visit
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Botanical conservatory with glasshouses, seasonal displays, and Chihuly glass artworks; popular for photos and relaxed visits.
- Must visit
Scioto Mile
Signature riverfront promenade with parks, fountains, bridges, and skyline views; ideal for walking and photos.
- Must visit
Short North Arts District
Trendy arts neighborhood known for galleries, murals, boutiques, and lively street life north of downtown.
- Must visit
German Village
Historic brick-lined neighborhood with preserved 19th-century charm, walkable streets, and one of the city's most loved atmospheres.
Johnny Marzetti
A baked casserole of pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese that originated in Columbus and remains a nostalgic local comfort food.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Buckeyes
A classic Ohio sweet made from peanut butter fudge partially dipped in chocolate to resemble the buckeye nut, strongly associated with Columbus and Ohio State pride.
Columbus-Style Pizza
A local pizza style known for a thin, crisp crust, edge-to-edge toppings, and square-cut slices, popular at long-running neighborhood pizzerias.
Lindey's
Established American restaurant in German Village offering polished service, steaks, seafood, and a refined brasserie feel.
The Thurman Cafe
Well-known casual spot in German Village famous for massive burgers, hearty pub food, and a classic Columbus neighborhood atmosphere.
North Market Downtown
Historic public market with many local food vendors, ideal for sampling Columbus specialties and a wide range of regional eats.
United States Dollar
Moderate by U.S. standards. Meals, coffee, and transport are fairly priced, while hotels rise during events and football weekends.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60-120+ per person before drinks.
- Coffee
- USD 3-6 for drip coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff USD 2-5, and round up for casual services.
FAQs: Bus from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH can start from as little as $75 (€61) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Washington, DC to Columbus, OH is $137 (€111) ; 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 Washington, DC to Columbus, OH is 9h 25m to travel the 326 miles (526 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 Washington, DC to Columbus, OH leaves at 12:40 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH which require at least one change with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Columbus, OH. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Washington, DC and Columbus, OH and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Columbus, OH from Washington, DC is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH is May.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Washington, DC and Columbus, OH including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Columbus, OH are:
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a renowned zoo featuring diverse animal exhibits and conservation programs
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a horticultural landmark with seasonal exhibitions and a stunning glasshouse
- Ohio Statehouse, a Greek Revival-style capitol building offering guided tours and historical insights
- Scioto Mile, a scenic urban oasis with parks, fountains, and trails along the Scioto River
- Wexner Center for the Arts, a contemporary art gallery showcasing innovative exhibitions and performances.
The best things to do in Columbus, OH include:
- COSI (Center of Science and Industry), an interactive science museum offering hands-on exhibits and educational programs
- Short North Arts District, a vibrant neighborhood known for its art galleries, boutiques, and dining options
- German Village, a historic area with charming brick streets, unique shops, and traditional German cuisine
- North Market, a bustling public market featuring diverse food vendors and local products
- Columbus Museum of Art, offering engaging exhibitions and a dynamic collection of American and European art.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
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 Washington, DC to Columbus, OH.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither Washington, DC nor Columbus, OH 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH 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 Columbus, OH, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular nightlife districts. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi services and fake ticket sellers for events. It's advisable to use authorized transportation options and stay in well-lit, populated areas to enhance safety.
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 Washington, DC to Columbus, OH
Washington
Columbus
The major bus station for departures 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 from Washington to Columbus.
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
The major bus station for arrivals in Columbus is Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station) for your trip to Columbus from Washington.
Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station)
information
Columbus, N Wilson Rd (Shell)
information
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Columbus, OH
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Columbus, OH and Washington, DC
Most popular bus connections to Columbus, OH
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