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Journey Information
There are 8 intercity buses per day from Louisville to Washington DC. Traveling by bus from Louisville to Washington DC usually takes around 24 hours and 22 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 19 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 473 mi (761 km) |
| Shortest duration | 19h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $93.13 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Louisville to Washington DC?
$109.64 is the average price of a bus ticket from Louisville to Washington DC. While it’s on the pricier side for a bus ticket, taking the bus is still a cheaper alternative to flying. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Louisville to Washington DC is expected to range from $106 to $141. If you are looking to travel to Washington DC within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $115. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $106 and can be found on May 14, 2024.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in August. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just $135 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Louisville to Washington DC in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to $268 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 26 days in advance to save $244.79 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Louisville to Washington DC?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Louisville to Washington DC that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 8 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 1d 1h 4m | $195.80 |
| Greyhound | 8 | 1d 0h 23m | $148.32 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trips per day from Louisville to Washington, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 8 bus trips from Louisville to Washington every day, with the average journey taking around 24 hours and 23 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Washington usually start from $90.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 24 hours and 22 minutes to cover the 761 kilometers from Louisville to Washington DC. However, the fastest bus only takes 19 hours and 30 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Louisville to Washington DC, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Louisville to Washington DC every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Louisville to Washington DC; ticket prices start at $178.06.
City Information
Louisville
A mecca for fans of sports, Louisville holds the honor of being the birthplace of many sports legends. Even non-sports fans should not miss out on the Muhammad Ali Center, where tourists can learn more about the life and legacy of the legendary boxer. Aside from permanent galleries dedicated to the boxer himself, the museum also features temporary exhibitions on topics such as race and gender equality. Another top highlight from the city is Churchill Downs, where the famous Kentucky Derby is hosted. Contrary to what people might imagine, the racing track is actually quite idyllic, and if there is one place you must visit in Louisville, this is probably the one. If you are looking for a unique experience, head towards the Louisville Mega Cavern. This cavern system was created out of a 19th-century limestone quarry and it features the world’s only underground zip line course.
Three things dominate the food scene in Louisville: barbecue, bourbon, and mint juleps. Some local favorites are Mark’s Feed Store and Feast BBQ. If you are looking for the finest bourbon, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is certainly a good call.
The central bus station in Louisville is the Bus Terminal on W Muhammad Ali Blvd, connecting the city with near and far destinations such as Cincinnati, Chicago and Nashville. There are no train tracks that run through the city. However, the city is still a part of Amtrak’s network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Louisville International Airport fulfills air services for the city.
Washington DC
Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.
D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Louisville?
Main departure station: Louisville Bus Station
The Louisville Bus Terminal, located at 720 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, serves interstate Greyhound bus services. The station is equipped with restrooms, vending machines, and indoor seating. The station also has an adjoining cafeteria in case vending machine snacks aren't enough to satisfy your hunger. In addition, there is also a customer service and ticket kiosk where station staff can answer any questions you may have. The station is located in Downtown Louisville, only a short walk from the city's most exciting amenities and several nearby restaurants and convenience stores.
All bus stations in Louisville:
Louisville Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Washington DC?
Main arrival station: Union Station
Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.
Bus stations in Washington DC:
Union Station
Dupont Cir CT Ave
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