Cheap bus tickets from Washington, DC to Detroit, MI

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Bus from Washington DC to Detroit, MI: Journey Information

There are 4 intercity buses per day from Washington DC to Detroit, MI. Traveling by bus from Washington DC to Detroit, MI usually takes around 16 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 13 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance
394 mi (634 km)
Shortest duration
13h 50m
Cheapest price
$76.46
Trips per day
0
Most frequent service
Greyhound
Bus lines
2

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Washington to Detroit Bus Schedule

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How much is a bus ticket from Washington DC to Detroit, MI?

Bus tickets for a trip from Washington DC to Detroit, MI cost $76.47 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Average bus ticket prices from Washington DC to Detroit, MI by travel date

$135$90$45AugSep

If you're planning to travel by bus from Washington DC to Detroit, MI in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $75 to $130. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 19, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Detroit, MI this week, bus tickets are available starting at $86.

Average bus ticket prices from Washington DC to Detroit, MI by month

$150$120$90$60$30JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Washington DC to Detroit, MI is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $95. If you're planning to take the bus from Washington DC to Detroit, MI during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $133. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$200$160$120$80$4001020

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $103.31 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Washington to Detroit?

There are multiple buses that travel from Washington to Detroit, including Greyhound, FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Greyhound214h 56m$130.31
FlixBus US121h 40m$153.66
  • 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 2 bus trips from Washington, DC to Detroit, MI every day, with the average journey taking around 14 hours and 56 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Detroit, MI usually start from $74.97.

    Passengers boarding a Greyhound with their cheap bus tickets, ready for a comfortable and budget-friendly trip - WanderuA Greyhound bus parked, waiting for passengers with cheap bus tickets ready to travel - WanderuComfortable seating inside a Greyhound, perfect for those traveling with cheap bus tickets who want to make the most of their journey - WanderuA passenger using the power outlets available on Greyhound to access their affordable bus ticket digitally - WanderuA passenger uses Greyhound's onboard wifi to enjoy their intercity bus trip - WanderuA bus awaits passengers who have bought cheap Greyhound tickets - Wanderu
  • 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 Washington, DC to Detroit, MI, and the average ticket for this route costs only $153.66.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Washington to Detroit

There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Washington DC to Detroit, MI 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 Washington DC to Detroit, MI; ticket prices start at $142.

TRIPS PER DAY

4

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The bus takes an average of 16 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 394 miles from Washington DC to Detroit, MI. However, the fastest bus only takes 13 hours and 50 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.

DISTANCE (MI)

394

DISTANCE (KM)

634

The first bus leaves at 1:50am and the last bus leaves at 11:30pm. To see the times for all buses from Washington DC to Detroit, MI, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

1:50am

LATEST BUS

11:30pm

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Washington DC to Detroit, MI for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.

MOST CROWDED

Friday

LEAST CROWDED

Tuesday

City Information

Washington, DC

DCA-0DCA-1DCA-2

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.

Detroit, MI

DET-0DET-1DET-2

Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.

As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.

The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Washington?

Main departure station: Union Station

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

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:

  • Union Station
  • Dupont Cir CT Ave

Where does the bus arrive in Detroit?

Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St

Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St - DETGLI-0

Located near hip Corktown, the Detroit Greyhound Bus Station is minutes away from local breweries, diverse restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Besides Greyhound, many other bus carriers serve this station, including Indian Trails, Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Jefferson Lines. For travelers’ convenience, the station offers massive parking lots, clean restrooms, and lockers to rent. The station is a short walk from several local bus stops, and about a 15 minute walk from the closest light rail station to connect to neighborhoods throughout Detroit.

All bus stations in Detroit:

  • Bus Terminal - 1001 Howard St

Need a return trip from Detroit to Washington?

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