- Must visit
Strawbery Banke Museum
Outdoor history museum with preserved homes, gardens, and exhibits that interpret centuries of life in Portsmouth.
Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
4 h 15 m
Average duration
4 h 36 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
238 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC to Portsmouth, VA 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 Portsmouth, VA will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Of the 5 buses that leave Washington, DC for Portsmouth, VA on Sun, Jun 07, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 07 the direct buses cover the 238 km distance in an average of 4 h 36 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 15 m .
On Sun, Jun 07 the slowest buses will take 4 h 55 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.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Portsmouth, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $26, and a flight costs an average of $173.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$43 Average price Cheapest | $68 Average price | $324 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 52m Average total duration 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration 4h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 9m Average total duration Fastest 4h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Portsmouth, VA:
A bus is $25 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Portsmouth, VA costing on average $68 (€55).
A bus is $281 (€229) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Portsmouth, VA costing on average $324 (€264).
Other travel options to Portsmouth, VA take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 22m.
Train takes on average 4h 44m.
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 05:05AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:15PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $61 |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Portsmouth, VA buses for today, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:15 PM Washington, DC | 4h45 | 9:00 PM Portsmouth, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:15 PM Washington, DC | 4h45 | 10:00 PM Portsmouth, VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 7 | |||||
FlixBus | 5:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 4h55 | 10:00 AM Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Blvd (Circle D Food Mart), VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 4h35 | 9:40 AM Norfolk, Poplar Hall Dr (CVS/pharmacy), VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:25 AM Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn), VA | 4h15 | 9:40 AM Norfolk, Poplar Hall Dr (CVS/pharmacy), VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:25 AM Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn), VA | 4h35 | 10:00 AM Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Blvd (Circle D Food Mart), VA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Portsmouth, VA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 4h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:00, the last at 19:50. The fastest bus covers the 147 miles (238 km) distance in 4h 40m.
Distance 147 miles (238 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 3:00 AM |
Last bus 7:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.
Outdoor history museum with preserved homes, gardens, and exhibits that interpret centuries of life in Portsmouth.
Historic performing arts venue offering tours that highlight architecture, restoration, and cultural history in downtown Portsmouth.
Historic house museum linked to Portsmouth's colonial era, with period furnishings and local historical interpretation.
Waterfront park with gardens, river views, and seasonal events, popular for walking and relaxing near downtown.
Lively historic square at the heart of Portsmouth, ideal for exploring nearby streets, shops, and architecture.
Self-guided walking route connecting many of the city's key historic sites, plaques, and scenic waterfront spots.
A New England classic of chilled lobster meat in a buttered, toasted split-top roll, especially popular on the New Hampshire Seacoast.
Creamy chowder with clams, potatoes, and onions, a staple across coastal New England and commonly served in Portsmouth.
Ipswich-style whole-belly clams, lightly breaded and fried, are a beloved regional seafood dish found at Seacoast seafood spots.
Popular bistro and bar known for creative small plates, excellent cocktails, and a lively but polished atmosphere.
Long-running Portsmouth favorite specializing in fresh seafood, raw bar offerings, and a bustling classic neighborhood feel.
Well-regarded seafood restaurant and oyster bar known for fresh shellfish, lobster rolls, and an upscale but relaxed setting.
Moderate for U.S. travelers. Casual dining and coffee are reasonable, but hotels and seafood spots can cost more in peak season.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 15-20% in bars. USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff, round up taxis, and tip delivery drivers 15-20%.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Portsmouth, VA 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 Portsmouth, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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