- Must visit
The National WWII Museum
World-class museum covering the American experience in World War II with immersive exhibits, artifacts, and restored aircraft. One of the city's most important cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$162
Average price
$215
Fastest journey
1 d 2 h 20 m
Average duration
1 d 7 h 46 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
1552 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC to New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA will cost around $215 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $162.
Of the 4 buses that leave Washington, DC for New Orleans, LA on Fri, Jul 10, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 10 the direct buses cover the 1552 km distance in an average of 1 d 7 h 46 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 2 h 20 m .
On Fri, Jul 10 the slowest buses will take 1 d 18 h 10 m 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $96. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $96, and a train costs an average of $174.
Distance: 964 miles (1552 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$191 Average price Cheapest | $280 Average price | $234 Average price | $216 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 39m Average total duration 25h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 27h 59m Average total duration 27h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 52m 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 New Orleans, LA:
A bus is $43 (€35) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to New Orleans, LA costing on average $234 (€193).
A bus is $89 (€73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to New Orleans, LA costing on average $280 (€230).
Other travel options to New Orleans, LA take longer:
Bus takes on average 25h 9m.
Train takes on average 27h 29m.
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 02:45AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 42h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 32h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $276 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45AM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 42h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 26h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $140 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 37h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 24h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 26h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $246 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 33h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $297 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 24h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $231 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 26h05 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 30h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 41h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $125 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to New Orleans, LA buses for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 3:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 26h40 | 5:30 AM New Orleans, LA | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 3:50 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 37h05 | 3:55 PM Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr) | 3 transfers | |
· · | 7:15 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 26h20 | 8:35 AM New Orleans, LA | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 3:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 26h05 | 4:50 PM New Orleans, LA | 1 transfer | |
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 New Orleans, LA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 25h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $96 (€79) but you can travel from only $77 (€63) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 02:40, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 964 miles (1552 km) distance in 24h 20m.
Distance 964 miles (1552 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $96 (€79) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 24h 20m |
First bus 2:40 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of New Orleans — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Orleans trip today.
World-class museum covering the American experience in World War II with immersive exhibits, artifacts, and restored aircraft. One of the city's most important cultural attractions.
The city's major fine arts museum in City Park, known for European, American, African, and contemporary works, plus access to the surrounding sculpture garden.
Leading museum dedicated to Southern art, featuring painting, photography, and contemporary works that explore the culture and history of the American South.
The city's best-known historic neighborhood, filled with balconies, live music, courtyards, and classic New Orleans street life. Essential for first-time visitors.
World-famous entertainment street known for nightlife, music, neon, and nonstop crowds. A major draw even for travelers who only visit briefly.
Popular music corridor in Faubourg Marigny known for live jazz clubs, night energy, and a strong local following. Frequently highlighted on social media.
A Rich Louisiana Stew Made With A Dark Roux, Aromatics, And Often Seafood Or Sausage. It Is One Of The City’s Signature Creole And Cajun Dishes.
A Spiced Rice Dish Cooked With Meat Or Seafood, Vegetables, And Stock. It Is A Staple Of New Orleans Cooking And Reflects Spanish And French Influences.
A Classic Louisiana Dish Of Crawfish Smothered In A Thick, Seasoned Sauce And Served Over Rice. It Is Especially Loved During Crawfish Season.
A Celebrated Garden District Restaurant Known For Refined Creole Cuisine, Elegant Service, And A Historic Dining Room.
A Long-Running Neighborhood Favorite Known For Traditional Po’ Boys, Especially Fried Seafood Versions, In A Relaxed Old-School Setting.
An Iconic Treme Restaurant Famous For Creole Soul Food, Gumbo, Fried Chicken, And Its Important Place In Local History.
Moderate by U.S. city standards. Food and drinks can add up in tourist areas, while casual meals stay fairly affordable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff.
Official public transport app
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, New Orleans -> Canal Street, New Orleans
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to New Orleans, LA 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 New Orleans, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to New Orleans, LA buses use the Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station to New Orleans, LA station pair, with some services arriving at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr). Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and New Orleans, LA 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