Cheap bus tickets from Portland, ME to Washington, DC
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Bus from Portland, ME to Washington DC: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Portland, ME to Washington DC. Traveling by bus from Portland, ME to Washington DC usually takes around 14 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 12 hours and 51 minutes.
| Distance | 481 mi (774 km) |
| Shortest duration | 12h 51m |
| Cheapest price | $70.46 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Portland to Washington Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Portland to Washington?
There are usually 16 daily train trips available from Portland, ME to Washington, DC.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$131.02Cheaper | Avg. Price$250.09 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips16 |
Duration | Duration14h 13m | Duration13h 36mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from Portland to Washington:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Portland, ME to Washington DC?
Bus tickets for a trip from Portland, ME to Washington DC cost $80.80 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 Portland, ME to Washington DC by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Portland, ME to Washington DC in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $54 to $152. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 1, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Washington DC this week, bus tickets are available starting at $78.
Average bus ticket prices from Portland, ME to Washington DC by month
Taking the bus from Portland, ME to Washington DC is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $74. If you're planning to take the bus from Portland, ME to Washington DC during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $115. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
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 27 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $82.51 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Portland to Washington?
There are multiple buses that travel from Portland to Washington, including FlixBus US, Greyhound. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 14h 50m | $123.39 |
| Greyhound | 1 | 13h 45m | $136.69 |
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 Portland, ME to Washington, DC, and the average ticket for this route costs only $123.39.
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 1 bus trips from Portland, ME to Washington, DC every day, with the average journey taking around 13 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Washington, DC usually start from $61.46.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Portland to Washington
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Portland, ME to Washington DC. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Portland, ME to Washington DC; ticket prices start at $76.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 14 hours and 13 minutes to cover the 481 miles from Portland, ME to Washington DC. However, the fastest bus only takes 12 hours and 51 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)
481
DISTANCE (KM)
774
The first bus leaves at 1:45pm and the last bus leaves at 11:59pm. To see the times for all buses from Portland, ME to Washington DC, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
1:45pm
LATEST BUS
11:59pm
Because many passengers travel from Portland, ME to Washington DC at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Portland, ME
Portland is Maine's largest city and, because of that, the main transportation hub in the state. From Portland, travelers can easily reach destinations such as Boston, Albany, and even Gainesville, Texas, by a combination of buses, trains, and ferries. And there’s plenty to do in the city, even if you’re traveling solo.
Since its foundation in 1786, Portland has recovered from no less than four major fires, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The dedicated Arts District around upper Congress Street has a smattering of important museum collections, including the Portland Museum of Art, the state's oldest public art institution.
The West End hosts the majority of Portland's historic buildings, creating an olde worlde feel. However, the presence of several well-regarded schools and colleges ensures Portland remains one of the most vibrant small cities in the U.S.
After several years of hardship, the Old Port district has once again become the center of the action. Its attractive cobblestone streets and 19th-century red-brick warehouses now contain a selection of on-trend cafes, bars, and boutique stores. At the same time, it's still possible to watch the time-honored tradition of fishermen unloading their lobster pots onto the foreshore.
East of the downtown area, you'll find Munjoy Hill. It's a district with strong Irish and Italian roots, making it one of the best places in Portland to enjoy the authentic cuisine of Italy. It’s no wonder we named Portland one of our top vacation destinations in Maine.
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 Portland?
Main departure station: City of Portland
Greyhound and FlixBus routes to Portland arrive at a Park & Ride lot off I-295 in the East Bayside area of the city. The Park & Ride lot has 200 free parking spaces but no station building. So make sure to use the restroom before heading to the bus stop, and pack any snacks you'll want on the ride. Luckily, there are a handful of coffee shops and bars in the area around the Park & Ride, so you can enjoy a beverage of your choice if you are waiting a while for your bus.
All bus stations in Portland:
- City of Portland
Where does the bus arrive in Washington?
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.
All bus stations in Washington:
- Union Station
- Dupont Cir CT Ave
Need a return trip from Washington to Portland?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
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Continue by bus from Washington
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