- Must visit
Cincinnati Art Museum
A major art museum with broad global collections, strong Cincinnati ties, and free admission, set in scenic Eden Park.
Cheapest price
$176
Average price
$196
Fastest journey
15 h 40 m
Average duration
17 h 36 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
646 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC to Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati, OH will cost around $196 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $176.
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to Cincinnati, OH without transferring at least 2 times.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Cincinnati, OH among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $81. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $81, and a flight costs an average of $85.
Distance: 401 miles (646 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$175 Average price Cheapest | $238 Average price | $311 Average price | $111 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 10m Average total duration 15h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 2m Average total duration 14h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration Fastest 1h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Cincinnati, OH:
A bus is $62 (€51) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Cincinnati, OH costing on average $238 (€196).
A bus is $135 (€111) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Cincinnati, OH costing on average $311 (€256).
Other travel options to Cincinnati, OH take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 32m.
Bus takes on average 15h 40m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 27h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $133 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Cincinnati, OH buses for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · | 5:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 15h40 | 9:30 AM Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH | 2 transfers | |
· · | 5:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 16h30 | 10:20 AM Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station), OH | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 6:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 18h50 | 1:20 PM Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati), OH | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, and train 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 Cincinnati, OH run on average 3 times per day, taking around 15h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $81 (€67) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 401 miles (646 km) distance in 15h 55m.
Distance 401 miles (646 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $81 (€67) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 15h 55m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Cincinnati, OH — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cincinnati, OH trip today.
A major art museum with broad global collections, strong Cincinnati ties, and free admission, set in scenic Eden Park.
A family-focused museum inside Union Terminal featuring Cincinnati history, natural history, and rotating science and culture exhibits.
A nationally significant museum preserving Underground Railroad history through immersive exhibits on freedom and civil rights.
The city’s signature riverfront park offers fountains, swings, events, and excellent skyline views along the Ohio River.
A lively historic district known for preserved 19th-century architecture, murals, shops, and one of the best urban walks in Cincinnati.
A civic square lined with historic buildings and event spaces, central to downtown festivals, markets, and everyday city life.
Cincinnati chili is a spiced meat sauce served over spaghetti or hot dogs, then topped with cheese. It is the city's most iconic comfort food.
Goetta is a German-American loaf of pork, beef, oats, and spices, sliced and fried crisp. It reflects the city's strong German heritage.
A cheese coney is a small hot dog in a bun topped with Cincinnati chili, mustard, onions, and shredded cheddar. It is a beloved local quick meal.
Beloved local chain serving ice cream made by the French Pot method. A must for Cincinnati's signature black raspberry chocolate chip.
Refined Midwestern restaurant known for seasonal tasting menus, polished service, and one of Cincinnati's top fine dining experiences.
Historic chili parlor famed for Cincinnati chili, cheese coneys, and a classic local diner feel in the Camp Washington area.
Moderate for U.S. city breaks: hotels are often cheaper than larger metros, dining is mid-priced, and public transit is limited so rideshares or parking can add costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or cafe order if service is good.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Cincinnati, 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 Cincinnati, OH, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Cincinnati, OH buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station to Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Cincinnati, OH 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