- Must visit
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
Cornell’s main art museum features global collections from ancient to contemporary works. A top cultural stop with changing exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$57
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$68
Fastest journey on Sep 19
9 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
10 h 32 m
Buses on Sep 19
8
Distance
397 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC to Ithaca, NY 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 Ithaca, NY will cost around $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 8 buses from Washington, DC to Ithaca, NY, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 397 km distance in an average of 10 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 30 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 12 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 · FlixBus
· +
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
Gunther Charters Inc #110308 MC-128577
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Ithaca, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $93 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $93, while a flight costs an average of $459.
Distance: 246 miles (397 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$93 Average price Cheapest | $459 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 13m Average total duration 9h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Ithaca, NY:
A bus is $367 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Ithaca, NY costing on average $459.
Other travel options to Ithaca, NY take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 43m.
Tickets start at around $93 compared to roughly $62 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-30.86. The journey takes 9h 43m versus 5h 42m 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 Flixbus USA | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Peter Pan Bus Lines | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $171 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35AM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 14h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator OurBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 05:00AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Ithaca, NY buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 10h25 | 6:25 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 1 transfer | |
Gunther Charters Inc #110308 MC-128577 | 11:00 AM Washington, 19th St SE (Stadium-Armory Station) | 11h00 | 10:00 PM Ithaca, E Seneca St (Starbucks) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:00 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 9h45 | 9:45 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 7:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 9h30 | 5:00 AM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 2 transfers | |
· + FlixBus | 11:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 14h40 | 2:10 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 2 transfers | |
· + FlixBus | 2:10 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 12h00 | 2:10 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Ithaca, NY run on average 6 times per day, taking around 9h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $57 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 246 miles (397 km) distance in 8h 30m.
Distance 246 miles (397 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 30m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Ithaca, NY — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ithaca, NY trip today.
Cornell’s main art museum features global collections from ancient to contemporary works. A top cultural stop with changing exhibitions.
Hands-on science museum downtown with interactive exhibits for families and curious adults. It highlights local ecology, engineering, and play.
Educational center focused on local natural history, birds, and regional habitats. Trails and exhibits make it a strong family outing.
Downtown pedestrian-friendly district with shops, events, public art, and historic buildings. It is Ithaca’s central place to stroll and people-watch.
Signature gorge park near downtown with dramatic waterfalls, stone trails, and bridges. One of Ithaca’s classic outdoor experiences.
Large state park with famed gorge rim views, swimming area, and accessible paths. A regional highlight for scenery and easy walks.
Chicken riggies is upstate New York comfort food: spicy tomato-cream pasta with chicken and peppers, common on regional menus and loved for its rich, warming flavor.
Salt potatoes are small potatoes boiled in heavily salted water until creamy, a Central New York picnic staple tied to the region's historic salt industry.
Cornell chicken is a local classic from Cornell University: chicken marinated in an egg-and-vinegar sauce, then grilled for tangy flavor and crisp skin.
Beloved casual spot known for inventive fries, burgers, sandwiches, and local ingredients in a relaxed downtown setting.
Established New American bistro with seasonal dishes, strong local sourcing, and a polished but comfortable atmosphere on Restaurant Row.
Long-running Ithaca institution famous for creative vegetarian cuisine, global flavors, and a colorful, welcoming downtown vibe.
Moderate for a small U.S. college town: hotels can be pricey on peak weekends, dining is mid-range, and local transit is low cost.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Ithaca, NY 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 Ithaca, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Ithaca, NY buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station to Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca) station pair, with some services arriving at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center). Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Ithaca, NY 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.
Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple restaurants in the vicinity.
Available within nearby cafes. ATMs are available within nearby bank branches.
Ticket office support is available at Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca).
Available at Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca): Wheelchair accessible sidewalks and entrances.
Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center) is 2 km from Ithaca city centre. Public transport options include:
Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center). ATMs are available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center).
Ticket office support is available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center).
Available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center): Wheelchair accessible entrance available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need