- 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 on Sep 14
$25
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$36
Fastest journey on Sep 14
3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
3 h 38 m
Buses on Sep 14
4
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 $25.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 4 buses from Washington, DC to Charlottesville, VA, including 4 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 158 km distance in an average of 3 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 5 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 4 h 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.

FlixBus
FlixBus
0
0
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio 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 an average ticket price of $40 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 58m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $40, while a flight costs an average of $796.
Distance: 98 miles (158 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$40 Average price Cheapest | $75 Average price | $796 Average price | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 56m Average total duration 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration 3h 39m Onboard + 2h 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 $35 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Charlottesville, VA costing on average $75.
A bus is $757 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Charlottesville, VA costing on average $796.
Other travel options to Charlottesville, VA take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 26m.
Flight takes on average 3h 39m.
Tickets start at around $40 compared to roughly $25 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-14.70. The journey takes 3h 26m versus 2h 19m 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 05:50AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Megabus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 3h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $35 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Charlottesville, VA buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 10:05 AM Washington, DC | 3h05 | 1:10 PM Charlottesville, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 3h30 | 9:20 AM Charlottesville, Union Station, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:30 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 4h00 | 2:30 PM Charlottesville, Alderman Road / Floyd Drive (Northbound), 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 2 times per day, taking around 3h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 but you can travel from only $18 by train.
There are 2 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 3h 5m.
Distance 98 miles (158 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 3h 5m |
First bus 5:50 AM |
Last bus 7:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 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, with some services arriving at Charlottesville. 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.
Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food courts and restaurants available inside.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the station. ATMs are aTM machines are located in the station.
Ticket office support is available at Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal.
Available at Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Washington, Union Station Bus Terminal: Wheelchair accessible ramps and restrooms.
Charlottesville, Union Station is 1 km from Charlottesville city centre. Public transport options include:
Charlottesville, Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Charlottesville, Union Station. ATMs are available at Charlottesville, Union Station.
Ticket office support is available at Charlottesville, Union Station.
Available at Charlottesville, Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charlottesville, Union Station: Ramps available for wheelchair access.
Charlottesville has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Charlottesville. ATMs are available at Charlottesville.
Ticket office support is available at Charlottesville.
Available at Charlottesville: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charlottesville: Wheelchair ramps available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need