- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Art
Premier art museum with global collections, major exhibitions, and a large sculpture park that makes it a top cultural stop.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$30
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$33
Fastest journey on Sep 19
2 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
2 h 55 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
Distance
183 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Wilmington, NC to Raleigh, NC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Wilmington, NC to Raleigh, NC will cost around $33 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 buses from Wilmington, NC to Raleigh, NC, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 183 km distance in an average of 2 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 2 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.




Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Wilmington, NC to Raleigh, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $34 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 3h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $34, while a flight costs an average of $602.
Distance: 113 miles (183 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$34 Average price Cheapest | $602 Average price | $27 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration 2h 44m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 1h 52m 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 Wilmington, NC to Raleigh, NC:
A bus is $568 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Wilmington, NC to Raleigh, NC costing on average $602.
Other travel options to Raleigh, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 11m.
Tickets start at around $34 compared to roughly $27 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.12. The journey takes 3h 11m versus 1h 52m 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 Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
The table below shows live departures for Wilmington, NC to Raleigh, NC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:10 AM Wilmington, Forden Station | 3h15 | 12:25 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:20 PM Wilmington, Forden Station | 2h55 | 9:15 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Wilmington, NC to Raleigh, NC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 21:15. The fastest bus covers the 113 miles (183 km) distance in 2h 55m.
Distance 113 miles (183 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 2h 55m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 9:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Raleigh, NC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Raleigh, NC trip today.
Premier art museum with global collections, major exhibitions, and a large sculpture park that makes it a top cultural stop.
One of the Southeast's best natural history museums, featuring dinosaurs, research labs, and family-friendly exhibits across two buildings.
Interactive museum covering North Carolina's military past with aircraft, artifacts, and stories spanning colonial times to today.
Lively warehouse district with murals, shops, event spaces, and nightlife. It is one of Raleigh's most popular modern walking areas.
Beloved city park with an antique carousel, train ride, and shaded paths. Ideal for families and a classic local outing.
Scenic art-and-nature trail linking museum grounds with outdoor sculptures, woods, and open fields for an easy cultural walk.
Eastern North Carolina chopped pork barbecue is smoked whole hog with a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce, a defining regional staple widely loved around Raleigh.
Barbecue hushpuppies are crisp fried cornmeal dumplings, a classic side with Carolina barbecue and seafood across the Raleigh area.
Fried green tomatoes are tart unripe tomato slices breaded and fried, a Southern favorite often served as an appetizer in Raleigh restaurants.
Long-running fine dining destination celebrated for upscale Southern cuisine, garden herbs, and a romantic historic setting.
Popular casual spot for biscuits, Southern breakfast plates, and local comfort food with a lively neighborhood feel.
Beloved local brewpub offering house beers and hearty pub food, reflecting Raleigh's strong craft beer culture.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are usually lower than NYC or DC, but car, rideshare, and limited transit can raise visitor costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is provided.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Wilmington, NC to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Wilmington, NC to Raleigh, NC buses use the Wilmington, Forden Station to Raleigh, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Wilmington, NC and Raleigh, NC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Wilmington, Forden Station is 7 km from Wilmington city centre. Public transport options include:
Wilmington, Forden Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Wilmington, Forden Station. ATMs are available at Wilmington, Forden Station.
Ticket office support is available at Wilmington, Forden Station.
Available at Wilmington, Forden Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wilmington, Forden Station: Station is accessible for people with reduced mobility.
Raleigh, Bus Station is 4 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Station is accessible via ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need