- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$53
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$60
Fastest journey on Sep 19
8 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
9 h 47 m
Buses on Sep 19
3
Distance
526 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Wilmington, NC to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
It's difficult to get from Wilmington, NC to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus
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FlixBus
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· · Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Wilmington, NC to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $82 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $82, while a flight costs an average of $618.
Distance: 326 miles (526 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$82 Average price Cheapest | $618 Average price | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 51m Average total duration 8h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration Fastest 3h 38m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 43m 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 Washington, DC:
A bus is $536 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Wilmington, NC to Washington, DC costing on average $618.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 21m.
Tickets start at around $82 compared to roughly $74 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.76. The journey takes 8h 21m versus 5h 43m 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 06:35PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 06:55AM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $81 |
The table below shows live departures for Wilmington, NC to Washington, DC 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 | 9h25 | 6:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 6:20 PM Wilmington, Forden Station | 8h45 | 3:05 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 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 Wilmington, NC to Washington, DC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $53 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:35, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 326 miles (526 km) distance in 7h 30m.
Distance 326 miles (526 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 7h 30m |
First bus 1:35 AM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.
A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.
The National Mall is Washington's grand civic promenade, lined with museums, memorials, and classic views ideal for first-time visitors.
Georgetown charms with historic streets, rowhouses, waterfront paths, and independent shops that make it one of the city's best walking areas.
The Tidal Basin loop offers famous cherry blossoms, water views, and easy access to several of Washington's most iconic memorials.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is DC's signature street food, strongly tied to Ben's Chili Bowl.
Jumbo slice is an oversized late-night pizza slice popular in Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable DC nightlife food known for its huge foldable portions.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet tangy red sauce commonly served with fried chicken and wings at DC carryouts. It is a beloved local condiment with roots in Black DC food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and refined tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary dining room.
Polished seafood institution at the municipal fish market, best known for regional oysters, crab cakes, and classic Chesapeake flavors.
Historic casual landmark famous for half-smokes, chili, and a classic diner feel. A must for trying DC's best-known street food tradition.
DC is pricier than many US cities. Hotels and dining run high in central areas, but Metro and many free museums help balance daily travel costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Wilmington, NC to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Wilmington, NC to Washington, DC buses use the Wilmington, Forden Station to Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Wilmington, NC and Washington, DC 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.
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