- Must visit
Detroit Institute of Arts
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Cheapest price
$162
Average price
$183
Fastest journey
13 h 50 m
Average duration
16 h 45 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 $183 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $162.
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 $123.
Distance: 394 miles (635 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$135 Average price Cheapest | $192 Average price | $336 Average price | $158 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 (€47) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Detroit, MI costing on average $192 (€157).
A bus is $201 (€165) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Detroit, MI costing on average $336 (€275).
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 $76 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $95 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Detroit, MI buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 5:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 15h35 | 9:10 AM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 1 transfer | |
· + FlixBus+![]() | 6:50 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 20h50 | 3:40 PM Detroit, Greyhound Terminal | 3 transfers | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
· | 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 (€65) 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 (€65) |
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 — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Detroit trip today.
Major fine arts museum known for its encyclopedic collection and Diego Rivera’s Detroit Industry Murals.
Large museum in the Detroit area showcasing transportation, industry, design, and iconic American artifacts.
Historic Hitsville U.S.A. museum preserving the story of Motown Records and its legendary artists.
Popular waterfront promenade with skyline views, public art, and easy walking between downtown and riverfront parks.
Island park with gardens, trails, water views, and several cultural attractions, popular with locals and visitors.
Historic market district famous for murals, weekend markets, and one of Detroit’s strongest local atmospheres.
A rectangular, deep-pan pizza with a thick yet airy crust, caramelized cheese edges, and sauce layered on top. It is one of Detroit’s most iconic local foods.
A hot dog in a bun topped with chili, mustard, and chopped onions. The Detroit coney is a classic local fast-food staple tied to the city’s Greek-American diner tradition.
A traditional Detroit float made with Vernors ginger ale and vanilla ice cream. Despite the name, it is a distinctly Detroit dessert drink.
A long-running Hamtramck favorite for hearty Polish dishes in a warm, traditional basement setting near Detroit.
A respected modern Detroit restaurant known for seasonal small plates, strong cocktails, and an upscale but relaxed atmosphere.
A polished downtown dining room in the Detroit Foundation Hotel, known for contemporary American cooking and stylish surroundings.
Moderate for U.S. city travel. Hotels vary widely, while casual dining, coffee, and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants before tax. Bartenders: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 1-5. Not usually expected for counter service, but appreciated.
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.

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