In this article, we compare several options to travel from New York City to Washington, DC and back. We found that the bus is this most economic options for this route, especially for last-minute bookings. We compare and rank the best bus companies.
Other means of transportation
A flight from New York to DC takes about 1:30 hours. Including the additional time for check-in and security, the total time needed for the journey is similar to the train which takes about 3:30 hours. Both means of transportation are faster than the bus, but also more expensive. The train is roughly 2x more expensive than the bus. Going by plane is usually 4x the cost of the bus. However, when planned in advance, both traveling by train and by plane can be affordable.
Bus travel time
On days with less traffic, the commute by bus takes as little as 4 hours. On busier days it takes about 5 hours. On days with very heavy traffic e.g. Friday afternoon, the commute can take up to 6 hours, in some situations even more. The length of the commute also depends on how many stops the bus makes between the two cities. Some buses stop in both Philadelphia and Baltimore.
This is our bus ranking
1. BestBus
When booking last-minute, BestBus offers the best deal. The bus stops are at Midtown west (NYC), Union Station (DC), and Dupont Circle (DC).
+ New buses, and very good experience
+ Power outlets working
+ Fast: No stops in other cities, only 10min rest stop
+ Free water bottle
+ Wi-Fi slow, but available
+ Bus stops are located very conveniently
– Doesn’t operate during the nighttime
2. Flixbus
When booked far enough in advance, Flixbus offers the best deal because of their dynamic pricing model. Depending on what time of the day, the Flixbus stops in either Baltimore, Philadelphia, both, or goes non-stop.
+ Cheap when booked in advance
– Only a few power outlets functional
3. Megabus
Similar to BestBus, Megabus also offers good last-minute deals.
+ Power outlets working
+ 2 decks with moonroof
+ Operates during nighttime
– Usually stops in Philadelphia and Baltimore
4. Wanda Coach
Wanda Coach offers cheap last-minute deals even on very busy weekends, when other buses are sold out. However, the riding experience is not the best. The bus stops at a rest area and in Baltimore, but not in Philadelphia.
+ Power outlets available
+ Cheap last-minute option when other buses sold out
– Bus stops at incontinent places
– Driver doesn’t speak English
5. Peter Pan
Peter Pan offers an average experience for an average price. The bus usually stops in Baltimore.
+ Good travel experience
– Not all power outlets working
All in all, BestBus offers the best experience when booking a journey from New York City to Washington, DC or vice versa last-minute. BestBus shows that they really care about their customers by providing new buses and offering extra services such as free water bottles.