- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the most visited museums in the city, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and major natural science collections.
Cheapest price
$80
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
8 h 10 m
Average duration
8 h 10 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
420 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Winston Salem, 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 Winston Salem, NC to Washington, DC will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
Of the 1 buses that leave Winston Salem, NC for Washington, DC on Tue, Jun 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct buses cover the 420 km distance in an average of 8 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 10 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest buses will take 8 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 Winston Salem, NC to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, and a flight costs an average of $118.
Distance: 260 miles (420 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$82 Average price Cheapest | $105 Average price | $320 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 55m Average total duration 9h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 31m Average total duration 8h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Winston Salem, NC to Washington, DC:
A bus is $24 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Winston Salem, NC to Washington, DC costing on average $105 (€85).
A bus is $238 (€193) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Winston Salem, NC to Washington, DC costing on average $320 (€259).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 1m.
Bus takes on average 9h 25m.
You'll arrive about -5h -9m sooner (9h 25m by bus vs 5h 16m by car) and save roughly $-20.10 (€-16.26) compared to fuel and tolls ($82 (€66) vs $62 (€50)). 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 Greyhound.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:55PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $82 |
The table below shows live departures for Winston Salem, NC to Washington, DC buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · | 5:55 PM Winston Salem, W 5th St (Greyhound Bus Station), NC | 11h40 | 5:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
![]() | 2:55 PM Winston Salem, NC | 8h10 | 11:05 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Winston Salem, NC to Washington, DC run on average 6 times per day, taking around 9h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 (€40) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:40, the last at 22:45. The fastest bus covers the 260 miles (420 km) distance in 8h 10m.
Distance 260 miles (420 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€40) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 8h 10m |
First bus 2:40 AM |
Last bus 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
One of the most visited museums in the city, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and major natural science collections.
Flagship museum for aviation and space exploration, featuring iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.
Powerful museum covering African American history, culture, and achievements through immersive exhibitions.
The city’s central ceremonial landscape, lined with major museums, memorials, and classic Washington views.
Historic neighborhood of cobbled streets, waterfront paths, and Federal-era architecture, ideal for walking and photos.
Scenic waterfront loop famous for cherry blossoms and close-up access to several major memorials.
Washington’s signature sausage, usually smoky and spicy, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet-tangy sauce strongly associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly paired with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local flavor locals recognize immediately.
Regional blue crab from nearby Chesapeake waters, often served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington dining.
An established downtown institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic American seafood near the White House, with an elegant old-school atmosphere.
Busy, established French brasserie in Logan Circle known for polished service, a classic dining room, and consistently popular bistro dishes.
Historic casual landmark on U Street, famous for half-smokes, chili dogs, and classic Washington comfort food in a lively, nostalgic setting.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near central areas and major attractions.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Taxis: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Tips are expected for table service.
Official public transport app
L'Enfant Plaza, Washington, DC -> Union Station, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Winston Salem, 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.

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