- Must visit
Monticello Visitor Center and Exhibition Galleries
Museum at Monticello presenting Jefferson, slavery, and plantation history through artifacts and exhibitions on the mountain estate.
Cheapest price
$29
Average price
$36
Fastest journey
3 h 5 m
Average duration
3 h 23 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
158 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC to Charlottesville, VA 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 Charlottesville, VA will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $29.
Of the 2 buses that leave Washington, DC for Charlottesville, VA on Thu, Jul 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 23 the direct buses cover the 158 km distance in an average of 3 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Thu, Jul 23 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.

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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Charlottesville, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $198.
Distance: 98 miles (158 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$26 Average price Cheapest | $30 Average price | $380 Average price | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 36m Average total duration 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m Average total duration 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration Fastest 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 0.9kg 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 Charlottesville, VA:
A bus is $4 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Charlottesville, VA costing on average $30 (€30).
A bus is $354 (€354) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Charlottesville, VA costing on average $380 (€380).
Other travel options to Charlottesville, VA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 29m.
Bus takes on average 3h 6m.
You'll arrive about -1h -47m sooner (3h 6m by bus vs 2h 19m by car) and save roughly $-5.80 (€-5.80) compared to fuel and tolls ($26 (€26) vs $20 (€20)). 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 Infobus, Greyhound.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Charlottesville, VA buses for tomorrow, Thursday, July 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3h40 | 9:30 AM Charlottesville, Union Station, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
0 | 10:05 AM Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal, DC | 3h05 | 1:10 PM Charlottesville, VA | 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 Charlottesville, VA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 3h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€16) but you can travel from only $14 (€14) by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:50, the last at 19:01. The fastest bus covers the 98 miles (158 km) distance in 2h 29m.
Distance 98 miles (158 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€16) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 29m |
First bus 5:50 AM |
Last bus 7:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Charlottesville, VA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charlottesville, VA trip today.
Museum at Monticello presenting Jefferson, slavery, and plantation history through artifacts and exhibitions on the mountain estate.
Leading university art museum with global collections from antiquity to today. Strong African art and rotating scholarly exhibitions.
Museum devoted to Kluge-Ruhe's major collection of Australian Aboriginal art. A distinctive cultural stop rare in the United States.
Eight-block pedestrian main street lined with shops, theaters, and public art. It is Charlottesville's most popular place to stroll.
Historic UNESCO-listed lawn framed by pavilions and student rooms. A walk here reveals Jefferson's influential campus vision.
Large city park with trails, sports fields, and wooded creek scenery. A local favorite for relaxing and outdoor recreation.
Virginia Ham is salt-cured and aged, often served in biscuits. It reflects central Virginia’s long pork-curing tradition and regional flavor.
Peanut Soup is a creamy, savory soup linked to Virginia’s historic peanut-growing culture, especially popular in traditional inns and regional dining rooms.
Brunswick Stew is a hearty tomato-based stew with chicken and vegetables, widely associated with Virginia gatherings, tailgates, and community meals.
Upscale farm-to-table restaurant on West Main serving refined New American dishes with local ingredients in an elegant setting.
Popular artisanal bakery and café for breads, pastries, sandwiches, and coffee in a busy, casual neighborhood setting.
Beloved casual spot for Virginia barbecue, smoked meats, and classic Southern sides with a relaxed local feel.
Moderate for U.S. college towns: hotels can rise on event weekends, dining is mid-priced, and most visitors need a car or rideshares.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip screens; small tips are optional for counter service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Charlottesville, VA 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 Charlottesville, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Charlottesville, VA buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station to Charlottesville, Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Charlottesville, VA 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