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Washington DC to Ottawa bus

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Washington DC - Ottawa Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 5 intercity buses per day from Washington DC to Ottawa. Traveling by bus from Washington DC to Ottawa usually takes around 26 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 23 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance455 mi (733 km)
Shortest duration23h 5m
Cheapest price€111.96
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

How much is a bus ticket from Washington DC to Ottawa?

Bus tickets for a trip from Washington DC to Ottawa cost €118.50 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Ottawa. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Monthly avg. prices

€233€187€140€93€47JJASONDJFMAM
Bus tickets from Washington DC to Ottawa are at their cheapest average price in May. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around €112. On the other hand, traveling on this route during July might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for July trips cost €222, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.

What bus companies travel from Washington DC to Ottawa?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Washington DC to Ottawa. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US51d 2h 55m€124.92
  • 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 5 trips per day from Washington to Ottawa, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 26 hours and 55 minutes to cover the 455 miles from Washington DC to Ottawa. However, the fastest bus only takes 23 hours and 5 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.

Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday 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 Washington DC to Ottawa, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Washington DC to Ottawa 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.

City Information

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.

Ottawa

If big cities such as Toronto or Montreal appear too crowded for your taste, consider Ottawa for a change. Boasting a small-town vibe with a vibrant art scene, the city will appeal to all kinds of travelers. Ottawa’s star attraction is the Rideau Canal, which meanders its way through the city center. In the summer months, the canal is full of boats and cyclists who wander about, and in the colder months of the year, it becomes the largest ice skating rink in the world. If you are a fan of architecture, don’t miss out on Parliament Hill, which features three amazing neo-Gothic structures. For those who seek to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, Gatineau Park, located just 15 minutes from Downtown, offers the reprieve you need.

Ottawa features a very diverse food scene that caters to everyone’s needs. If you just can’t get enough of French delicacies, head to Signatures Restaurant, which is housed in a Tudor Revival-style mansion. If you want to try out Canadian signatures, try Atelier instead.

The main intercity train station in town is Ottawa Station, which is served by VIA Rail. The city’s air services are handled by the Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, which is located 5.5 miles south of the city’s downtown.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main departure 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.

All bus stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

  • Dupont Cir CT Ave

Where does the bus arrive in Ottawa?

Main arrival station: 200 Commissioner St

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Ottawa.

All bus stations in Ottawa:

  • 200 Commissioner St

  • Kanata

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