Washington, DC, USA to Raleigh, NC, USA from $12: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Washington to Raleigh: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$12 by trainBest price
377 kmDistance
4h 18m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Washington to Raleigh with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Washington - Raleigh operators
Explore transport companies operating between Washington and Raleigh, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Washington Union Station to Richmond Bus Station
Average Duration
1h 45mEstimated price
$1-80Bus from Richmond Bus Station to Raleigh Bus Station
Average Duration
2h 40mEstimated price
$1-50Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Washington Union Station to Richmond Bus Station
Average Duration
2h 40mEstimated price
$1-45Bus from Richmond Bus Station to Raleigh Bus Station
Average Duration
2h 40mEstimated price
$1-88Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Washington Union Station to Raleigh Union Station
Average Duration
5h 53mEstimated price
$12-130Website
aa.com
Plane from Reagan Washington (DCA) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Average Duration
1h 19mEstimated price
$254-257Website
southwest.com
Plane from Baltimore (BWI) to Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
$255-256Contact phone
+1 919-485-7433Website
gotriangle.org
Other from GoTriangle Regional Transit Center to GoRaleigh Station
Average Duration
35mEstimated price
$1-4Contact phone
+1 202-637-7000Website
wmata.com
Other from Farragut West, Blue/Orange/Silver Line to Washington Dulles International Airport
Average Duration
49mEstimated price
$1-3Washington to Raleigh: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Washington and Raleigh offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Washington to Raleigh covering a distance of 263 miles. Enjoy the diverse landscapes along the journey, from bustling urban areas to serene countryside.
⛽️ Gas up and hit the road, as the drive typically takes around 4 hours and 37 minutes. Navigate through charming towns and picturesque highways as you make your way south towards the vibrant city of Raleigh.
💸 Expect the cost of the trip by car to range from $45 to $70, providing an affordable and flexible travel option. Take in the freedom of the open road and explore all that Raleigh has to offer upon your arrival.
Average price
$45 - $70
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Washington Union Station to Raleigh Union Station, with services departing twice daily and operating every day. The trip takes approximately 5 hours and 53 minutes, offering a comfortable and convenient way to travel between these two vibrant cities.
💸 Prices for the train ride from Washington to Raleigh range from $12 to $130, providing an affordable and efficient transportation option. Whether you're commuting for business or exploring for leisure, traveling by train offers a budget-friendly and environmentally-friendly way to reach your destination with ease.
Departure Point
Washington Union Station
Arrival Point
Raleigh Union Station
🛫 Flying from Washington to Raleigh is a convenient and quick journey, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes. Airlines like Delta and American Airlines operate flights between Reagan Washington Airport and Raleigh/Durham Airport.
Departure Point
Reagan Washington Airport
Arrival Point
Raleigh/Durham Airport
🚌 The total travel time from Washington to Raleigh by bus, including transfers, is approximately 5 hours and 25 minutes. Flixbus USA operates the service departing from Washington Union Station, while Greyhound USA arrives at Raleigh Bus Station.
🚌 Ticket prices for the bus trip between Raleigh and Washington typically range from $25 to $108, offering travelers a convenient and affordable transportation option for exploring the capitals of the US states of North Carolina and Virginia.
Departure Point
Washington Union Station
Arrival Point
Raleigh Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Plan to arrive early at Washington Union Station, as it is a busy transit hub with multiple operators such as Flixbus and Greyhound, and it's crucial to confirm your bus departure information before boarding.
• During your layover in Richmond, take advantage of the nearby dining options; there are delightful eateries like 'The Roosevelt' and 'Mama J's Kitchen' located within a short distance from the bus station where you can grab a bite or enjoy some local cuisine.
• Upon arrival at Raleigh Bus Station, head to the 'Customer Service' desk if you need assistance with ride shares or public transportation; you can easily connect to local buses or book a Lyft or Uber for a hassle-free journey to your final destination.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Washington to Raleigh.
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The distance between Washington and Raleigh is approximately 376.6 km or 234.1 miles by road. By train, it takes about 5 hours and 53 minutes to reach Raleigh from Washington. Alternatively, by taking a flight from Reagan Washington to Raleigh/Durham and then a line 100 bus, the travel time is approximately 4 hours and 54 minutes. Finally, by car, it takes around 4 hours and 37 minutes to drive from Raleigh to Washington, while by bus, the travel time is approximately 6 hours and 8 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Washington to Raleigh would be by driving. It takes approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes to reach Raleigh by car, and the cost ranges from $45 to $70 depending on gas prices and tolls. However, if you prefer not to drive, taking the train is also a viable option, with a travel time of 5 hours and 53 minutes, and costs ranging from $12 to $130.
The prices for train travel between Washington and Raleigh can range from $12 to $130, depending on factors such as the class of service and the time of booking. Similarly, bus prices for the Raleigh to Washington route can vary from $31 to $74.
To get from Washington to Raleigh without using public transportation, the best option would be to drive. The road distance is approximately 423.3 km, and it takes around 4 hours and 37 minutes to drive between the two cities. The cost of driving can vary depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls, but it typically ranges from $45 to $70.
To travel from Washington to Raleigh without a car, the best option is to take a train. The train journey takes approximately 5 hours and 53 minutes. Ticket prices for the train typically range from $12 to $130.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Washington and Raleigh. The Amtrak train service departs twice daily from Washington Union Station and arrives at Raleigh Union Station, with a travel time of approximately 5 hours and 53 minutes. However, there is no direct bus route between the two cities. Passengers would need to take a Greyhound bus from Washington Union Station to Raleigh Bus Station, with a journey time of approximately 6 hours and 8 minutes, including transfers.
The flight from Washington to Raleigh typically takes around 1 hour and 14 minutes on a direct flight.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Raleigh with over 265 hotels available. Prices start at $45 per night, offering a range of budget-friendly to luxury options. Some popular areas to stay include downtown Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park area.