Cheap bus tickets from New York, NY to Washington, D.C.

Travel Guide: NYC to Washington D.C. via FlixBus 

Looking for a convenient, affordable way to travel between New York City and Washington D.C.? FlixBus offers an excellent option, with daily departures, comfortable onboard amenities, and wallet-friendly fares, FlixBus makes your journey both easy and enjoyable. 

Travel Time and Frequency 

The trip from NYC to Washington D.C. takes approximately 4 hours. With more than 30 departures per day, you’ll have plenty of flexibility to choose a time that best fits your schedule. Weekend travelers can easily plan a trip arriving on Friday and departing on Sunday, making it an ideal option for a quick escape to the nation’s capital. 

Departing from New York City 

FlixBus has several convenient departure points throughout New York City, ensuring you can start your journey from a location that’s easy for you to reach. Popular departure spots include: 

• Port Authority Bus Terminal 
• Chinatown 
• Midtown 

To make sure your trip begins smoothly, plan to arrive at your departure point at least 15 minutes before your bus is scheduled to leave. 

How to Reach Your FlixBus Departure Point in NYC 

New York City’s extensive transportation network offers several options to get you to your FlixBus stop efficiently. 

The Subway System 

The New York City subway is the fastest and most efficient way to navigate the city, operating 24/7 with extensive coverage across all five boroughs. Given the subway’s vast network, it’s typically the quickest option for reaching your FlixBus stop, especially during peak traffic hours. Be sure to check for any service changes or delays, particularly late at night or on weekends. 

The Bus System 

NYC’s bus network is another convenient way to reach your FlixBus departure point, particularly if you prefer to stay above ground. Buses are a good option for shorter distances. Just be sure to allow extra time for potential traffic, especially in Manhattan, where congestion is common. 

Taxis 

Taxis are a straightforward option if you’re in a hurry or have a lot of baggage. Taxis are readily available throughout New York City—just look for a cab with its rooftop light on, indicating it’s available. Although taxis can be slower than the subway during peak hours, they offer the convenience of door-to-door service, which is especially helpful if you're traveling from a location far from the subway. 

Ride-Sharing Services 

Ride-sharing services like Uber, Lyft, and others are widely available in NYC, offering a convenient alternative to traditional taxis. These services allow you to book a ride directly from your phone, making them particularly useful if you’re traveling with a group or have a specific pickup point in mind. 

Arriving in Washington D.C. 

When you arrive in Washington D.C. via FlixBus, you'll find convenient stops throughout the capital city and nearby areas. Popular drop-off points include Washington D.C. Union Station, Bethesda, Rockville, and Arlington. Navigating the D.C. area is made easy by the extensive transportation options managed by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). 

WMATA Transportation Options 

WMATA, founded in 1967, provides comprehensive transit services for residents, commuters, and visitors nearly all day, seven days a week. WMATA operates three main systems: Metrorail, Metrobus, and the DC Circulator. 

Metrobus 

Metrobus runs hundreds of routes across D.C. and the surrounding areas, with over 1,400 eco-friendly buses in its fleet, making them a sustainable transportation choice. 

Metrorail 

Metrorail offers a safe, clean, and reliable transit service throughout the Washington, D.C. area. As the second busiest metro system in the United States, Metrorail serves 98 stations across Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, making it an essential part of the region's transportation network. 

The system features six color-coded rail lines: Red, Orange, Silver, Blue, Yellow, and Green. This intuitive layout ensures that you can travel between any two stations with no more than a single transfer, making it a convenient option for navigating the D.C. area. Whether you're commuting, sightseeing, or visiting friends, Metrorail provides a fast and efficient way to reach your destination. 

DC Circulator 

The DC Circulator is a favorite among residents and visitors alike. This bus service is very affordable and operates on six specific routes designed for easy access to key points of interest throughout the city. Payment options include exact change, SmarTrip card, or a 7-day WMATA regional bus pass. The Circulator connects you to popular neighborhoods like Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Woodley Park, U Street, and Capitol Hill. It even offers a dedicated National Mall route, providing easy access to D.C.’s iconic monuments and memorials. Buses run every 10 minutes, and schedules for all routes are readily available. 

Navigating Surrounding Areas 

• Bethesda: Accessible by Metrobus, Metrorail, and Montgomery County Ride-On buses, Bethesda offers convenient transit options with more than a dozen routes passing through downtown. 
• Rockville: Located along two Metrorail stops on the Red Line, Rockville is well-connected to Washington D.C., with extensive bus routes and commuter options. 
• Arlington: This area boasts 11 Metro stations on the Orange, Silver, Blue, and Yellow lines, with easy connections to the Red Line, making it simple to reach Amtrak Washington D.C. Union Station. 

First Time in Washington D.C.? Here’s What You Need to Know 

Must-See Attractions 

1. The National Mall: Home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the United States, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the U.S. Capitol. Don’t miss the Smithsonian museums, which are free to enter and offer a deep dive into art, history, and science. 
2. The White House: Take a stroll by the White House, the official residence of the U.S. President. While tours are limited and require advance booking, viewing this historic building from the outside is a must. 
3. Capitol Hill: Visit the U.S. Capitol, where you can take guided tours of the building and learn about the legislative process. The nearby Library of Congress and Supreme Court are also worth a visit. 
4. Georgetown: This historic neighborhood is famous for its charming cobblestone streets, upscale shopping, and vibrant dining scene. It’s a great place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. 
5. Museums and Galleries: Beyond the Smithsonian, check out the National Gallery of Art, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Newseum for a diverse cultural experience. 

Tips for First-Timers 

• Plan Ahead: Many popular attractions, especially the museums and government buildings, can get crowded. It’s a good idea to book tickets in advance when possible. 
• Stay Hydrated: D.C. can get hot and humid, especially in the summer, so carry a water bottle and take breaks in the shade. 
• Safety: Like any major city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and after dark. The National Mall and downtown areas are generally safe and well-patrolled. 
• Getting around: In addition to its excellent public transit system, Washington D.C. is a pedestrian-friendly city with wide sidewalks and plenty of scenic routes. Exploring on foot is one of the best ways to experience the National Mall and its iconic monuments. For those who prefer biking, Capital Bikeshare offers over 350 stations, making it convenient to pick up and drop off bikes as you explore the city. 

Where to Stay and Eat in Washington D.C. 

Washington D.C. has a variety of neighborhoods, each offering a unique experience in terms of accommodations and dining. Here are a few top areas to consider during your stay: 

1. Dupont Circle 

Dupont Circle is a lively and central neighborhood, known for its vibrant atmosphere and historic charm. It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the action with plenty of accommodation options ranging from boutique hotels to larger chains. This area is a hub for diverse dining options, from casual cafés to upscale restaurants, offering something for every palate. 

2. Georgetown 

Georgetown offers a more picturesque and historic setting, with its charming cobblestone streets and waterfront views. This neighborhood is ideal for those looking for a quieter, more upscale stay. Georgetown boasts a mix of fine dining and cozy eateries, perfect for everything from a romantic dinner to a casual bite while exploring the area. 

3. Penn Quarter/Chinatown 

Penn Quarter is centrally located, making it convenient for visiting D.C.’s major attractions like the National Mall and museums. This area offers a range of accommodation options from modern hotels to budget-friendly stays. In Penn Quarter, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, from trendy spots to traditional eateries, with plenty of options for quick meals or leisurely dinners. 

Buses from New York to Washington

Find the cheapest buses from New York to Washington

It couldn't be easier to book your travel from New York to Washington with FlixBus - and when you book in advance, you can save money too! Make your journey even easier with the FlixBus app. All your information will be saved for the next time you travel.

What to expect onboard the FlixBus bus from New York to Washington

Traveling from New York to Washington is stess-free, clean and comfortable - and it couldn't be easier to book a ticket. You can book online via the website, on our app, in person at a FlixShops or at resellers.
We accept card payment as well as Paypal, Google Pay and Apple Pay, but there are many more payment options that you can choose from. The easiest way to book your ticket is using our app. You'll be able to make your reservation within seconds and there's no need to print and carry the ticket with you, as your phone will be your ticket.

Want to sit beside family or friends or keep the space beside you free? Need easy access to the toilet or a table to get on with some work whilst traveling? You can reserve a seat when you book on the app or website, and you can choose from a variety of seat options. Once you're settled in your seat, you can sit back and relax with plenty of onboard services to help you make the most of your trip. Most of our buses have onboard Wifi so you can catch up on your favorite shows, chat with your friends or listen to music and podcasts. We've also got toilets onboard, as well as power outlets.
What's more, you get a generous luggage allowance when you travel with FlixBus with one carry-on bag and one checked bag, so you can bring everything you need for your trip.