- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Art
Major art museum with a broad collection, rotating exhibitions, and a large outdoor park with public art and trails.










Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
4h 40m
Average duration
5h 7m
Buses per day
11
Distance
371 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Raleigh, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, and a flight costs an average of $105.
Distance: 233 miles (375 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$57 Average price Cheapest | $93 Average price | $331 Average price | $53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 49m Average total duration 5h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 34m Average total duration 6h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Raleigh, NC:
A bus is $36 (€30) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Raleigh, NC costing on average $93 (€77).
A bus is $274 (€225) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Raleigh, NC costing on average $331 (€272).
Other travel options to Raleigh, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 19m.
Train takes on average 6h 4m.
You'll arrive about -2h -5m sooner (5h 19m by bus vs 4h 14m by car) and save roughly $-4.22 (€-3.47) compared to fuel and tolls ($57 (€47) vs $53 (€44)). 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 Greyhound, FlixBus.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 03:10AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Raleigh, NC buses for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 12:30 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 5h05 | 5:35 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:20 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 4h40 | 6:00 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:40 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 5h05 | 7:45 AM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 4h50 | 8:40 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:15 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 5h00 | 12:15 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:30 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 5h50 | 2:20 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 5h35 | 9:20 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:25 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 5h05 | 11:30 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 Raleigh, NC run on average 9 times per day, taking around 5h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $36 (€30) if you book in advance.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 233 miles (375 km) distance in 5h 0m.
Distance 233 miles (375 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€30) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 5h 0m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Raleigh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Raleigh trip today.
Major art museum with a broad collection, rotating exhibitions, and a large outdoor park with public art and trails.
The Southeast’s largest natural history museum, known for dinosaur exhibits, live animals, and family-friendly science displays.
State history museum covering North Carolina’s past through artifacts, military history, and changing exhibitions.
Beloved historic park with walking paths, lake views, rides, and broad appeal for families and casual visitors.
Large natural escape with wooded trails, lakes, and cycling routes just outside central Raleigh.
Expansive urban park popular for skyline views, open fields, seasonal events, and social-media-friendly sunsets.
Whole-hog pork barbecue chopped or pulled and dressed with a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce. It is one of the state’s most iconic regional foods and widely loved around Raleigh.
Pork shoulder barbecue served with a red slaw and a dip seasoned with vinegar and tomato. This Piedmont style is a classic North Carolina comparison point locals know well.
Sliced unripe tomatoes coated and fried until crisp, often served with remoulade or pimento cheese. A familiar Southern starter found on many Raleigh menus.
Celebrated Raleigh restaurant combining dim sum, creative plates, and a brewery in an elegant space with a distinctive atmosphere.
Established upscale diner by Ashley Christensen, known for seasonal Southern cooking, macaroni au gratin, and a polished yet relaxed atmosphere.
Popular downtown spot for fried chicken, biscuits, and Southern comfort food with a casual, stylish feel.
Moderate for U.S. travel. Hotels vary by season, while dining and coffee are usually reasonable by big-city standards.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for excellent service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis or add 10-15%, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Raleigh, NC buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station to Raleigh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon). Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Raleigh, NC 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need