Cheap bus tickets from Raleigh to Wilmington

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Bus from Raleigh to Wilmington: Journey Information

There are 2 intercity buses per day from Raleigh to Wilmington. Traveling by bus from Raleigh to Wilmington usually takes around 3 hours and 5 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.

Distance
114 mi (184 km)
Shortest duration
3h 5m
Cheapest price
$25.48
Trips per day
2
Most frequent service
Greyhound
Bus lines
1

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Raleigh to Wilmington Bus Schedule

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Raleigh to Wilmington (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Abigail

August 13, 2025 - Visiting family

Greyhound
Pros: This was my first Greyhound trip and it went better than I expected. Ticket purchase was easy, online communication excellent. .boarding was by name, ride was smooth and arrival was 18 minutes early. Digital communication was excellent, Only thing I is the invoice charge did not match my credit card charge. Overall it was good. Cons: Maybe assistance with boarding for those who need it.

5.0

Heidi

July 10, 2019 - Visiting friends

Greyhound
Pros: Quite a pleasant trip
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How much is a bus ticket from Raleigh to Wilmington?

Bus tickets for a trip from Raleigh to Wilmington cost $27.23 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. 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 Raleigh to Wilmington by travel date

$60$40$20AugAug

If you're planning to travel by bus from Raleigh to Wilmington in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $23 to $49. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 17, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Wilmington this week, bus tickets are available starting at $27.

Average bus ticket prices from Raleigh to Wilmington by month

$50$40$30$20$10JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Raleigh to Wilmington is usually cheapest in May, when the average ticket price is only $28. If you're planning to take the bus from Raleigh to Wilmington during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $32. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$1001020

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 21 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $12.34 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Raleigh to Wilmington?

There are multiple buses that travel from Raleigh to Wilmington, including Greyhound. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Greyhound23h 5m$32.93
  • 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 Raleigh to Wilmington every day, with the average journey taking around 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Wilmington usually start from $23.48.

    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

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Raleigh to Wilmington

There are usually only 2 buses per day from Raleigh to Wilmington. Both of these are direct buses, meaning that you do not have to worry about transferring buses at any point during your trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Raleigh to Wilmington; ticket prices start at $88.

TRIPS PER DAY

2

DIRECT TRIPS

2

The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 5 minutes to cover the 114 miles from Raleigh to Wilmington. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. 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)

114

DISTANCE (KM)

184

The first bus leaves at 5:45am and the last bus leaves at 2:45pm. To see the times for all buses from Raleigh to Wilmington, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

5:45am

LATEST BUS

2:45pm

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Wilmington at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.

MOST CROWDED

Sunday

LEAST CROWDED

Monday

City Information

Raleigh

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As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travelers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.

Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.

Raleigh’s main bus station is located outside of the city center at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.

Wilmington

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A hidden jewel in the South, Wilmington has seen a steady increase in popularity in recent years, with some even going as far as calling it Hollywood East. To fully explore the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, take a stroll around the Historic District. Featuring not only quaint mansions but also interesting museums and superb eateries, the district offers a wealth of fascinating information about the city and its people. While walking around, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the Riverwalk. As one of the most romantic spots in the city, it offers plenty of chances to take the perfect Instagram shot. If military history is your thing, Battleship North Carolina, which has now been turned into a museum, will be a satisfying experience.

For eats, one of the most-loved establishments is Nippy’s Soul Food Restaurant, which offers a lovely mix of seafood and soul foods. Wine lovers should also not miss the chance to try a tasting session at the Noni Bacca Winery, a local favorite.

Wilmington transportation center is WAVE Forden Station Transit Center, which is located on Cando St. From the station, tourists can catch Greyhound buses. While there’s no rail service in and out of Wilmington, the city is part of the Amtrak network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Wilmington International Airport is the principal airport in the city.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Raleigh?

Main departure station: Bus Terminal - 2210 Capital Blvd

Bus Terminal - 2210 Capital Blvd - RGHGLI-0

The Bus Terminal on Capital Blvd connects Raleigh to other major cities via bus routes on Greyhound and Southeastern Stages. Popular routes from this station head to Atlanta, New York City, and Washington, DC. Restrooms and a snack bar are available within the station, along with a comfortable seating area. Although the bus terminal is about 2 miles northeast of downtown, local public transit stops right outside the station provide easy access to the rest of Raleigh.

All bus stations in Raleigh:

  • Bus Terminal - 2210 Capital Blvd

Where does the bus arrive in Wilmington?

Main arrival station: WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St

WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St  - WMNAMT-0

The Forden Station Transit Center is a hub for transportation services from Wilmington’s local Wave Transit buses as well as intercity bus service on Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway. The station was built in 1974 to improve public transportation in Wilmington and features aptly shaped wavy roofs atop sheltered sidewalks. Plenty of parking spots are available at the station, and if you’re up for a short walk, you can head to Costco around the corner for a $1.50 hot dog before your trip. The station is located a few miles north of downtown, about a 10-minute drive from Wilmington International Airport.

All bus stations in Wilmington:

  • WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St

Need a return trip from Wilmington to Raleigh?

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