- Must visit
Princeton University Art Museum
Princeton's premier art museum is nationally respected for global collections and thoughtful exhibitions on a major Ivy League campus.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
Showing times and prices for Aug 25
Cheapest price
€21
Average price
€43
Fastest journey
3 h 5 m
Average duration
3 h 29 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
260 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ 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 Princeton, NJ will cost around €43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €21.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Washington, DC for Princeton, NJ on Tue, Aug 25, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct buses cover the 260 km distance in an average of 3 h 29 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest buses will take 3 h 40 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.
7:20 AM3h05Washington, DC10:25 AMPrinceton, NJ€211One-way0 transfers
5:30 PM3h35Washington, DC9:05 PMPrinceton, NJ€271One-way0 transfers- 4:30 PM3h35Washington, DC8:05 PMPrinceton, NJ€351One-way0 transfers
- 3:15 PM3h40Washington, DC6:55 PMPrinceton, NJ€891One-way0 transfers
- 7:20 AM3h05Washington, DC10:25 AMPrinceton, NJ€211One-way0 transfers
- 5:30 PM3h35Washington, DC9:05 PMPrinceton, NJ€271One-way0 transfers
- 4:30 PM3h35Washington, DC8:05 PMPrinceton, NJ€351One-way0 transfers
- 3:15 PM3h40Washington, DC6:55 PMPrinceton, NJ€891One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 19m. 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 train costs an average of €10, and a flight costs an average of €68.
Distance: 161 miles (260 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€28 Average price | €24 Average price Cheapest | €122 Average price | €43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 9m Average total duration 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 53m Average total duration 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ is a train with an average price of €24.
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ:
A train is €4 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ costing on average €28.
A train is €98 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ costing on average €122.
The fastest way to travel from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 19m.
Other travel options to Princeton, NJ take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 23m.
Bus takes on average 3h 39m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €28 compared to roughly €43 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €15. The journey takes 3h 39m versus 3h 11m 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.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
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.
Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 07:27AM | Duration 4h07 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price €27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €33 |
Live departures
Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ bus times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ buses for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 10:15 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3h40 | 1:55 PM New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 4:55 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3h40 | 8:35 PM New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 25 | |||||
| 7:20 AM Washington, DC | 3h05 | 10:25 AM Princeton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ by bus, train, or flight
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.
Tue
Aug 25
Aug 25
Wed
Aug 26
Aug 26
Thu
Aug 27
Aug 27
Fri
Aug 28
Aug 28
Sat
Aug 29
Aug 29
Sun
Aug 30
Aug 30
Mon
Aug 31
Aug 31
Why should you book Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
USAUSA
Buses from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €20 but you can travel from only €10 by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 161 miles (260 km) distance in 3h 5m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €10
Distance 161 miles (260 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price €20 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 2 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from €10
Bus providers: FlixBus from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJYou can travel by bus between Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ with FlixBus for as low as €10. 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
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
€21
FlixBus frequency
2 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.
Complete guide to Princeton, NJ
Things to do in Princeton, NJ
Discover the best of Princeton, NJ — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Princeton, NJ trip today.
- Must visit
Morven Museum & Garden
This historic mansion museum presents New Jersey history, decorative arts, and changing exhibitions in elegant garden surroundings.
- Recommended
Princeton Historical Society Museum at Updike Farmstead
A compact local history museum with engaging exhibits on Princeton's people, neighborhoods, and role in the American Revolution.
- Must visit
Nassau Street
This lively main street anchors downtown with historic architecture, university atmosphere, shops, and easy access to major sights.
- Must visit
Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park
A scenic towpath along the historic canal popular for walking, cycling, birding, and peaceful waterside views near town.
- Must visit
Princeton Battlefield State Park
This broad parkland preserves the 1777 battlefield and offers trails, open lawns, and one of Princeton's most meaningful landscapes.
Pork Roll Sandwich
A New Jersey classic often found around Princeton: thin-sliced pork roll grilled on a breakfast sandwich, prized as a local comfort food with deep regional loyalty.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Jersey Sweet Corn
Fresh Jersey corn is a summer staple in Central New Jersey, valued for its sweetness and strong farm-to-table link to the Princeton area.
- Vegetarian
Tomato Pie
Tomato pie is a regional favorite in nearby New Jersey and Philadelphia style: a thin crust topped with bright tomato sauce, often served at room temperature.
Conte's Pizza
Long-running Italian restaurant celebrated for tomato pies, pasta, and classic red-sauce dishes in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
The Perch At Peacock Inn
Refined fine-dining destination at The Peacock Inn serving contemporary American cuisine with an elegant, intimate atmosphere.
Triumph Brewing Company
Lively Princeton favorite known for upscale comfort food, craft beer, and a bustling bar scene in a polished but relaxed setting.
U.S. Dollar ($)
Moderate for U.S. college towns. Hotels and dining run above small-town averages, but local transit is limited and many everyday food options remain reasonably priced.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $20-40 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- $60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $3-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually get 10-15%. Cafes often use tip jars or card prompts; $1-2 is common.
NJ TRANSIT Mobile App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- $2.90
- Day pass
- $8.80
To the city center
Princeton Station -> Palmer Square, Princeton, NJ
- Distance
- 1.6 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- NJ Transit buses and the Princeton Branch train accept tickets in the NJ TRANSIT Mobile App; buy before boarding where possible.
- Contactless bank card tap-to-pay is not generally available on NJ Transit buses or the Princeton Branch, so use the app or a paper ticket.
FAQs: Bus from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ 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 Princeton, NJ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ can start from as little as €20 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ is €31 ; 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 Princeton, NJ is 3h 5m to travel the 161 miles (260 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 Princeton, NJ leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ leaves at 11:55 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Princeton, NJ. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Washington, DC , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station, Bethesda, Waverly Street / Montgomery Ave, MD, New Carrollton, Garden City Dr (Train Station), Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station), Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn), VA . When arriving in Princeton, NJ , you can end your journey in bus stations like New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station), Windsor, N Main St (Akshardham Temple Robbinsville) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station, which is located around 1 miles (2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Princeton, NJ from Washington, DC is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
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 Princeton, NJ.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ:
- 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 Princeton, NJ:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ. 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 Princeton, NJ with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Washington, DC nor Princeton, NJ 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ 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 Princeton, NJ, travelers should be aware of typical urban safety concerns such as pickpocketing in crowded areas and parking scams, especially near popular attractions and the university campus. It’s advisable to use official transportation services and avoid unlicensed taxis. Staying alert in busy spots and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
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 Princeton, NJ
Most Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station to New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Washington
Arrival bus stations in Princeton
Which Washington, DC station do buses to Princeton, NJ leave from?
Buses from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ leave from Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Washington, DC city centre at 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA.
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station from Washington city centre
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
BusD30 · 15m · €3 · every ~10 min
281, 481, 483, 484, 486 · 19m · €2 · every ~1 min
SubwayR · 5m · €2 · every ~27 min
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station bus station facilities and services
Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: McDonald's (in the station), Shake Shack (in the station)
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance and food court.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station)Stadium-Armory, 192 19th St SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) from Washington city centre
Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) is 5 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
BusD24 · 28m · €3 · every ~5 min
D24 · 32m · €3 · every ~5 min
SubwayB, O, S · 13m · €2 · every ~34 min
O, B, S · 14m · €2 · every ~34 min
O, B, S · 16m · €2 · every ~34 min
Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) bus station facilities and services
Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station). ATMs are available at Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station): Wheelchair accessible entry and exits.
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Princeton, NJ and Washington, DC
Most popular bus connections to Princeton, NJ
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
