- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
World-class museum with Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Cheapest price
$81
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
13 h 50 m
Average duration
16 h 47 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
635 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC to Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $81.
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to Detroit, MI without transferring at least once.
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· Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Detroit, MI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $80. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $80, and a flight costs an average of $124.
Distance: 394 miles (635 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$136 Average price Cheapest | $193 Average price | $338 Average price | $159 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 52m Average total duration 14h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 8m Average total duration 15h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 24m Average total duration Fastest 2h 24m 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 Detroit, MI:
A bus is $57 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Detroit, MI costing on average $193.
A bus is $202 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Detroit, MI costing on average $338.
Other travel options to Detroit, MI take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 22m.
Train takes on average 15h 38m.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 15h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 21h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 20h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $150 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Detroit, MI buses for today, Monday, August 3. 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 | 15h20 | 9:10 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ · | 6:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 21h10 | 3:40 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
· | 1:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 13h50 | 3:40 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Washington, DC to Detroit, MI run on average 5 times per day, taking around 14h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $80 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 394 miles (635 km) distance in 13h 50m.
Distance 394 miles (635 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 13h 50m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Detroit, MI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit, MI trip today.
World-class museum with Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry murals and major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Immersive museum of African American history, culture, and achievement with strong regional and national storytelling.
Motown’s original Studio A preserves the sound and stories behind legendary recordings that shaped popular music worldwide.
Riverfront promenade with public art, plazas, and skyline views; one of the city’s best places for a scenic walk.
Large island park with gardens, trails, beaches, and major attractions, offering a nature escape minutes from downtown.
Revived public square at the city center, hosting events, seasonal programming, and easy access to downtown landmarks.
A square deep-dish pizza with a crisp, caramelized cheese edge and striped sauce. It is Detroit’s signature pie, born in blue steel auto pans.
A hot dog topped with chili, mustard, and diced onions on a steamed bun. It is a classic Detroit street food tied to Greek-American diners.
A layered sandwich of corned beef, swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on grilled rye. It is a beloved deli staple in metro Detroit.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal tasting menus and polished service. One of Detroit’s top special-occasion destinations.
Beloved Eastern Market bakery known for paczki, cakes, and old-school sweets. Expect a busy, nostalgic counter-service experience.
Historic downtown institution famous for Detroit-style square pizza in a lively, casual setting with old-school local character.
Moderate for US city breaks: hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is limited, and car or rideshare costs can raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or about 10% in cafes if there is table service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Detroit, MI 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 Detroit, MI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Detroit, MI buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station to Detroit, Greyhound Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Detroit, MI 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